bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Guanfacine inhibits interictal epileptiform events and sodium currents in prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons
Authors: Pasierski Michał , Kołba Weronika , Szulczyk Bartłomiej 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Guanfacine (an alpha-2A receptor agonist) is a commonly used drug with recognized efficacy in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to assess the effects of guanfacine on short-lasting (interictal) epileptiform discharges in cortical neurons. Moreover, we assessed the effects of guanfacine on voltage-gated sodium currents.

Methods
We conducted patch-clamp recordings in prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons obtained from young rats. Interictal epileptiform events were evoked in cortical slices in a zero magnesium proepileptic extracellular solution with an elevated concentration of potassium ions.

Results
Interictal epileptiform discharges were spontaneous depolarisations, which triggered action potentials. Guanfacine (10 and 100 µM) inhibited the frequency of epileptiform discharges. The effect of guanfacine on interictal events persisted in the presence of alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist idazoxan. The tested drug inhibited neuronal excitability. Tonic NMDA currents were not influenced by guanfacine. Recordings from dispersed neurons showed that the tested drug (10 and 100 µM) inhibited persistent and fast inactivating voltage-gated sodium currents.

Conclusions
This study shows that guanfacine inhibits interictal discharges in cortical neurons independently of alpha-2A adrenergic receptors. This effect may be mediated by voltage-gated sodium currents. Inhibition of interictal activity by guanfacine may be of clinical importance because interictal events often occur in patients with ADHD and may contribute to symptoms of this disease.

Graphical abstract
A Circular Economy Approach to Food Security and Poverty: a Case Study in Food Rescue in Sri Lanka
Authors: Aloysius Nimeshika , Ananda Jayanath 
Published: February 2023

AbstractFood rescue has been identified as a sustainable approach in preventing wastage of surplus food and achieving food security. Although food insecurity is widely prevalent in developing countries, there is a paucity of research investigating food donations and rescue operations in these countries. This study focuses on surplus food redistribution activities from a developing country perspective. Specifically, the study analyses the structure, motivations, and limitations of the existing food rescue system in Colombo, Sri Lanka, by conducting a series of structured interviews with twenty food donors and redistributors. The food rescue system in Sri Lanka characterises a sporadic redistribution, and food donors and rescuers are mainly driven by humanitarian motives. The findings also reveal missing institutions — facilitator organisations and back-line organisations — in the surplus food rescue system. Food redistributors identified that inadequate food logistics and establishing formal partnerships as major challenges in food rescue operations. Establishing intermediary organisations such as food banks to provide the required food logistics, imposing food safety parameters and minimum quality standards required for surplus food redistribution, and community awareness programmes on food redistribution can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of food rescue operations. There is an urgent need to embed food rescue as a strategy to reduce food wastage and to enhance food security in existing policies.
Squeezing for cosmic symphony
Authors: Wang Mengyao , Zhang Fan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWe briefly review the status of applying quantum squeezing to aid the search for gravitational waves with km-scale laser interferometers operating in the audio frequency band. The target audience is quantum optics professionals who are interested in an easily accessible introduction to the gravitational wave detector, both as an application of squeezing and as a platform for developing other quantum techniques.
Impact of different solvents on extraction yield, phenolic composition, in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of deseeded Opuntia stricta fruit
Authors: El Mannoubi Ines 
Published: February 2023

AbstractOpuntia stricta the shrubby plant is naturally occurring in all parts of the world used as popular ornamental and is known to have medicinal properties due to its phytochemical compositions. In this study, the effect of solvents (80% ethanol, 80% methanol and 80% acetone (v/v) in water) on the extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity of Opuntia stricta fruit were investigated. For the antioxidant activity assay, three different in-vitro methods DPPH, ABTS and FRAP were followed. The One-way ANOVA calculations showed that the extraction solvents influenced greatly and significantly the TPC, TFC and antioxidant capacity. Overall, 80% ethanol showed highest percentage of extraction yield while 80% acetone extract showed the lowest extraction yield but the highest TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity of Opuntia stricta fruit. In addition, Pearson’s correlation analysis proved a strong correlation between TPC, TFC and all antioxidant methods used. The antibacterial tests demonstrated that 80% methanol and 80% acetone extracts exhibited the highest zones of inhibition (11.66 and 11.33 mm respectively, p > 0.05) against Salmonella thyphimurium. Likewise, the 80% acetone extract revealed the best inhibitory effect contra Escherichia coli (p > 0.05) with an inhibition zone of 11 cm. Unfortunately, it was observed that gram-positive bacteria were less sensitive to all Opuntia stricta extracts compared to the gram-negative bacteria.
Gas Flaring in Nigeria: A Multi-level Governance and Policy Coherence Analysis
Authors: Aigbe Godwin O. , Stringer Lindsay C. , Cotton Matthew 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe unnecessary flaring of natural gas impacts public and environmental health, contributes to climate change and wastes fuel resources. Though reducing flaring is an emergent global environmental governance priority, progress has been slow. We assess gas flaring policy in the critical case of Nigeria through multi-level governance (MLG) structure. Our analysis assesses policy coherence (leading to progress in reaching shared goals) and divergence (creating tension and undermining progress) amongst sectors and institutional structures across the supranational, federal, state and local government scales. A combined dataset of documents, stakeholder interviews and expert surveys is analysed using Qualitative Document Analysis (QDA) and content analysis. We identify the principal actors involved, examine the extent of gas flaring awareness and policy coherence across multiple sectors/policy domains, and assess progress towards Nigeria’s national intended contribution and national policy on climate change mitigation. We find that policy coherence around gas flaring, including efforts towards climate change mitigation, has been slowed by political partisanship, poor governance, lack of regulatory compliance, and policy conflict between environmental protection and economic development priorities. Nigeria urgently requires inclusive involvement of stakeholder voices across multiple sectors and scales of local/regional government, the strengthening of federal institutions, a revaluation of economic aspirations through revenue diversification, and leadership that can temper the power of International Oil Companies (IOCs) to exploit the complexity of the MLG structure. These actions would help the government in improving environmental justice outcomes for flaring-affected communities.
Forest carbon stock and biomass estimation in West Central India using two allometric models
Authors: Salunkhe Onkar Ramesh , Valvi Gouri Ramesh , Singh Sarnam , Rane Gauri Milind , Khan M. L. , Saxena Vasudha , Khare P. K. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe west central Indian forest ecosystems strongly contribute to livelihood of local human communities as well as climate change mitigation. However, due to the lack of accurate biomass equations and predictive tools, the contribution of these forests towards carbon stock and sequestration remains poorly recognized. At present due to some developmental and mining activities these forests face huge anthropogenic pressure.Therefore, the objective of the present study was to estimate the biomass and carbon stock of forest tree species of west central India to provide baseline information. It will also be useful for measuring the changes after the intervention as well as for future management and conservation.The non-destructive allometric equation approach was adopted to estimate the biomass, carbon stock and carbon dioxide equivalent from total 28 plots of 0.1 ha at seven sites of dry deciduous forests of west central India. In the present study, the results of biomass and carbon stock were calculated by employing two different allometric models.The model with tree diameter and wood specific gravity gave higher estimations of total plant biomass (123.39 – 65.86 Mg ha−1) and carbon stock (58.61—31.28 Mg ha−1) as compared with model having only tree diameter (108.84 – 55.91 Mg ha−1) and (51.70 -26.55 Mg ha−1), respectively.We conclude that the allometric model with tree diameter and wood specific gravity was found best suited for these forests. The results also showed the positive relation between tree diversity, basal area and aboveground biomass and carbon stock.
How clinicians can support posttraumatic growth following psychosis: a perspective piece
Authors: Jordan Gerald , Ng Fiona , Thomas Robyn 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Psychosis is often a traumatic experience that can lead to significant suffering. However, people may also experience posttraumatic growth following psychosis. Posttraumatic growth refers to the positive changes that people experience following a struggle with an adversarial event and has been shown to occur in at least five domains, including a greater appreciation for life; improved relationships with others; greater personal strengths; new life possibilities and spiritual/existential growth. Studies have shown that mental health services can play a key role in facilitating posttraumatic growth. However, there are no recommendations that clinicians can follow to best support posttraumatic growth following psychosis specifically. Without guidance, clinicians risk invalidating people’s experiences of, or providing improper support for, posttraumatic growth. To address this knowledge gap, we reflect on current research and clinical guidelines to recommend ways that clinicians can support posttraumatic growth following psychosis.
The Domestic Political Economy of Japan's New Geoeconomic Strategy
Authors: Takeuchi Hiroki , McNeme Keely 
Published: February 2023

AbstractJapan has long strived to acquire a more influential voice in trade negotiations but failed because of the lack of decisiveness rooted in the resistance from those who have vested interests. However, a series of domestic reforms undertaken since the 1990s have made it possible for Japan to play a leadership role in the new rulemaking of international trade. After the Trump administration withdrew the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Japan took the initiative to conclude a new agreement called the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. How have domestic factors pushed Japan to step up as a new leader in the rulemaking of international trade? How have the economic rise of China and the relative decline of US hegemonic power impacted Japanese domestic politics and economics? What implications do Japan's new roles have for the security and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region? By exploring empirical evidence drawn from five new books, we argue that the commitment to domestic economic reforms has enabled Japan to play a leadership role in the rulemaking of the international economic order.
Crossing Levels: Meta-induction and the Problem of Induction
Authors: Henderson Leah 
Published: February 2023

AbstractGerhard Schurz claims to have a solution to Hume’s problem of induction based on results from machine learning concerning meta-induction. His argument has two steps. The first is to establish a justification for following a certain meta-inductive strategy based on its predictive optimality. The second step is to show how this justification can be transferred to object-induction. I unpack the second step and fail to find a convincing argument supporting the transfer of justification from meta-induction to object-induction. My conclusion is that the problem of induction has not yet been solved by appeal to meta-induction.
Against “Possibilist” Interpretations of Climate Models
Authors: Dethier Corey 
Published: February 2023

AbstractClimate scientists frequently employ heavily idealized models. How should these models be interpreted? Some philosophers have advanced a possibilist interpretation: climate models stand in for possible scenarios that could occur but do not provide information about how probable those scenarios are. This article argues that possibilism is (1) undermotivated, (2) incompatible with successful practices in the science, and (3) unable to correct for known biases. The upshot is that the models should be interpreted probabilistically in at least some cases.
On the (In?)Stability of Spacetime Inextendibility
Authors: Manchak JB 
Published: February 2023

AbstractLeibnizian metaphysics underpins the universally held view that spacetime must be inextendible—that it must be “as large as it can be” in a sense. But here we demonstrate a surprising fact within the context of general relativity: the property of inextendibility turns out to be unstable when attention is restricted to certain collections of “physically reasonable” spacetimes.
Survival of Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) larvae treated with 98% N2 and the life history of their next generation
Authors: Huang Yilin , Wang Dianxuan , Jian Fuji 
Published: February 2023

AbstractUnderstanding the development and reproduction of insects surviving controlled atmosphere treatment may help in developing sound pest management strategies. The developmental duration, survival percentage, and oviposition of Plodia interpunctella and its F1 generation were determined after the fifth instar larvae (the last-stage larvae) were exposed to 98% N2 for different exposure times. The survival percentage of the last-stage larvae treated with 98% N2 for 6, 4, 1.5, and 0 day was 70, 80, 91, and 100%, respectively when measured 24 h after treatment. The survival percentage of the last-stage larvae that developed to pupae was 37, 55, 73, and 96%, corresponding to the different exposure times. The developmental time needed to pass from pupa to adult emergence of specimens treated as the last-stage larvae were 8, 7, 6, and 6 days corresponding respectively to high N2 treatment after 6, 4, 1.5, and 0 day of exposure. The mean number of eggs laid by the subsequent females developed from the treated last-stage larvae was 35, 66, 81, and 123, respectively. The oviposition inhibition ratio of the F1 generation decreased by more than 33% compared with that of the parental generation. When the last-stage larvae were exposed to 98% N2 for longer than 4 days, the immature developmental time of surviving individuals in the F1 generation was delayed more than 6 days due to slower egg hatching and longer development of the first and second instar larvae stages. The population trend index of the F1 generation was lower when raised from the treated last-stage larvae than those from untreated controls.
Petrogenesis and geochemical characteristics of Plio-Quaternary alkali basalts from the Qorveh–Bijar volcanic belt, Kurdistan Province, NW Iran
Authors: Salehi Nafiseh , Torkian Ashraf , Furman Tanya , le Roux Petrus 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe Pliocene–Quaternary volcanic rocks which outcrop between Qorveh and Bijar are part of post-collisional within-plate volcanic activity in northern Iran. These mafic alkaline rocks form part of the northern arm of the Sanandaj–Sirjan (Hamedan–Tabriz) zone. Thermobarometry on equilibrium clinopyroxene – whole-rock pairs yields pressures and temperatures of 4–6 (±1.8) kbar and 1182–1213 (±27) °C, respectively; olivine – whole-rock (melt) equilibrium thermometry yields crystallization temperatures of 1212–1264 (±27) °C. Field relationships, including the presence of pyroxenitic xenoliths, and geochemical evidence (e.g. high FeO/MnO, and low CaO compared to lavas derived from peridotite sources) suggest a pyroxenitic mantle source for the studied rocks. Variation of trace elements and isotopic ratios (i.e. Ce/Pb, Ba/La, 87Sr/86Sr) indicate that this pyroxenite mantle source was generated by interaction between melted sediments of the subducted Neo-Tethys slab with ambient peridotitic lithospheric mantle. The resulting metasomatized lithosphere is denser and has a lower viscosity than the peridotitic mantle, and tectonic disturbance can cause it to fall into the depths of the mantle. The descending volatile-rich material starts to melt with increasing temperature. Modelling of rare earth element (REE) abundances suggests that <1 % partial melting of the descending pyroxenite could create the Plio-Quaternary alkali basaltic magma of the Qorveh–Bijar. The geochemical evidence for lithospheric foundering, and hence drip magmatism, in the Qorveh–Bijar volcanic belt is supported by seismographic studies indicating thinned lithosphere beneath the study area.
Distinct antibody response in susceptible and non-susceptible hosts of the carcinogenic liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini infection
Authors: Watakulsin Krongkarn , Surapaitoon Arpa , Ulag Lorina Handayani , Kaing Sunheng , Suyapoh Watcharapol , Saichua Prasert , Salao Kanin , Tangkawatana Sirikachorn , Suttiprapa Sutas 
Published: February 2023

AbstractOpisthorchis viverrini is a carcinogenic parasite that can cause bile duct cancer called cholangiocarcinoma. A study of the immune response of this parasite in susceptible and non-susceptible hosts may provide a clue to develop vaccines and immunodiagnostic markers, which are currently not available. Here, we compared the antibody response in susceptible Golden Syrian hamsters and non-susceptible BALB/c mice infected by the liver fluke. In mice, the antibody was detected between 1 and 2 weeks post-infection, whereas it was positive between 2 and 4 weeks post-infection in hamsters. Immunolocalization revealed that the antibody from mice reacts strongly with the tegumental surface and gut epithelium of the worm, while hamster antibody showed a weak signal in the tegument and a comparable signal in the gut of the worm. Immunoblot of the tegumental proteins demonstrated that while hamster antibody showed a broad specificity, mice strongly reacted with a single protein band. Mass spectrometry revealed these immunogenic targets. Recombinant proteins of the reactive targets were produced in the bacterial expression system. The immunoblot of these recombinant proteins confirm the reactivity of their native form. In summary, there is a different antibody response against O. viverrini infection in susceptible and non-susceptible hosts. The non-susceptible host reacts quicker and stronger than the susceptible host.
Exit Duty Generator
Authors: Häyry Matti 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis article presents a revised version of negative utilitarianism. Previous versions have relied on a hedonistic theory of value and stated that suffering should be minimized. The traditional rebuttal is that the doctrine in this form morally requires us to end all sentient life. To avoid this, a need-based theory of value is introduced. The frustration of the needs not to suffer and not to have one’s autonomy dwarfed should,prima facie, be decreased. When decreasing the need frustration of some would increase the need frustration of others, the case is deferred and a fuller ethical analysis is conducted. The author’s perceptions on murder, extinction, the right to die, antinatalism, veganism, and abortion are used to reach a reflective equilibrium. The new theory is then applied to consumerism, material growth, and power relations. The main finding is that the burden of proof should be on those who promote thestatus quo.
Complex Interaction, Striations, and Periodicity of Deep Tremor Surrounding a Tremor Gap in the Central Nankai Subduction Zone, Japan
Authors: Ohta Kazuaki , Shiomi Katsuhiko , Matsuzawa Takanori 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe Nankai subduction zone is characterized by a belt of deep tremor extending from western Shikoku to the Tokai region and a tremor seismicity gap beneath the Kii Channel between Shikoku and the Kii Peninsula. Tremor activities near the gap are not well understood because of poor seismic network coverage. In this study, we conducted an observation campaign in eastern Shikoku to investigate the detailed tremor activity across the tremor gap. The new tremor catalog shows high detectability and resolution, with tremor clusters in both eastern Shikoku and the western Kii Peninsula having distinct shapes. We discovered characteristic time intervals between tremor activity on both sides of the gap, suggesting the occurrence of undetected slow slip events (SSEs) within the gap that propagated approximately 10 km/day. We also found a relationship between the tremor activities and a shallower long‐term SSE. Our examination of the detailed distribution of tremor events showed a distinct striation pattern that may be associated with the history of the subducting plate motion and the plate geometry, and our examination of their periodicity showed spatial variations in the dominant period of tremor activity that likely reflect the heterogeneous physical properties of the plate interface.
Wind‐Forced Upwelling Along the West Greenland Shelfbreak: Implications for Labrador Sea Water Formation
Authors: Pacini Astrid , Pickart Robert S. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractArctic‐origin and Greenland meltwaters circulate cyclonically in the boundary current system encircling the Labrador Sea. The ability of this freshwater to penetrate the interior basin has important consequences for dense water formation and the lower limb of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. However, the precise mechanisms by which the freshwater is transported offshore, and the magnitude of this flux, remain uncertain. Here, we investigate wind‐driven upwelling northwest of Cape Farewell using 4 years of high‐resolution data from the Overturning in the Subpolar North Atlantic Program west Greenland mooring array, deployed from September 2014–2018, along with Argo, shipboard, and atmospheric reanalysis data. A total of 49 upwelling events were identified corresponding to enhanced northwesterly winds, followed by reduced along‐stream flow of the boundary current and anomalously dense water present on the outer shelf. The events occur during the development stage of forward Greenland tip jets. During the storms, a cross‐stream Ekman cell develops that transports freshwater offshore in the surface layer and warm, saline, Atlantic‐origin waters onshore at depth. The net fluxes of heat and freshwater for a representative storm are computed. Using a one‐dimensional mixing model, it is shown that the freshwater input resulting from the locus of winter storms could significantly limit the wintertime development of the mixed layer and hence the production of Labrador Sea Water in the southeastern part of the basin.