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AbstractAlveolar macrophages (AMs), the first line against the invasion of foreign invaders, play a predominant role in the pathogenesis of silicosis. Studies have shown that inhaled silica dust is recognized and engulfed by AMs, resulting in the production of large amounts of silica-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), including particle-derived ROS and macrophage-derived ROS. These ROS change the microenvironment of the AMs where the macrophage phenotype is stimulated to swift from M0 to M1 and/or M2, and ultimately emerge as the M2 phenotype to trigger silicosis. This is a complex process accompanied by various molecular biological events. Unfortunately, the detailed processes and mechanisms have not been systematically described. In this review, we first systematically introduce the process of ROS induced by silica in AMs. Then, describe the role and molecular mechanism of M2-type macrophage polarization caused by silica-induced ROS. Finally, we review the mechanism of pulmonary fibrosis induced by M2 polarized AMs. We conclude that silica-induced ROS initiate the fibrotic process of silicosis by inducing macrophage into M2 phenotype, and that targeted intervention of silica-induced ROS in AMs can reprogram the macrophage polarization and ameliorate the pathogenesis of silicosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, Ukraine find itself in a very difficult situation, on the one hand, the already unstable economy has just begun to recover after the coronavirus crisis; on the other hand, it is suffering colossal losses from Russian aggression. The article examines the current economic and ecological state of Ukraine, considering the influence of such drastic external factors as a military invasion with the aim of determining the prerequisites for the formation of an effective social and environmental policy and developing approaches to the improvement and stabilization of the national economy. To achieve the goals of the article, have been used intersectoral balance and in particular economic impact analysis (EIA), which was conducted on the example of the Ukrainian agricultural sector, because it is one of the three driving forces of its economy. The results of the study showed the scenarios of possible changes and their consequences for the economy of the state as a whole, and in the future can be used for study in order to develop new and improve existing methods of solving socio-economic problems at the national level and preserving natural capital, as one of the key elements on path to sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Civic engagement during crisis response not only addresses immediate challenges but also acts as a catalyst for democratic development. In a diverse society facing collective threats, such as a military invasion, people learn to manage and respond to crises cooperatively, searching for effective instruments of self-organizing and responding. Technology plays a crucial role in empowering civic actors, enabling them to acquire both interpersonal and political power for effective co-action. Recognizing that their actions take place within socio-technical arrangements where technology, institutions, and societies are interconnected and mutually influential is essential. Although, technology use entails certain risks, this interconnectivity enhances inclusivity, providing benefits to individuals of all genders, particularly those who encounter barriers to physical participation. It amplifies the voices of women and LGBTIQ+ individuals, thereby increasing the efficiency and convenience of engaging in efforts to address socially significant issues. This paper delves into the nuanced, gendered role that technology plays in the democratic development of a society at war through its civic engagement in the collective response to threats, highlighting the transformative potential of technological inclusivity in fostering democratic resilience against external threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Acetobacter genus is primarily known for its significance in acetic acid production and its application in various industrial processes. This study aimed to shed light on the prevalence, diversity, and functional implications of CRISPRCas systems in the Acetobacter genus using a genome mining approach. The investigation analyzed the CRISPR-Cas architectures and components of 34 Acetobacter species, as well as the evolutionary strategies employed by these bacteria in response to phage invasion and foreign DNA. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis based on CAS1 protein sequences was performed to gain insights into the evolutionary relationships among Acetobacter strains, with an emphasis on the potential of this protein for genotyping purposes. The results showed that 15 species had orphan, while20 species had complete CRISPR-Cas systems, resulting in an occurrence rate of 38% for complete systems in Acetobacter strains. The predicted complete CRISPR-Cas systems were categorized into I-C, I-F, I-E, and II-C subtypes, with subtype I-E being the most prevalent in Acetobacter. Additionally, spacer homology analysis revealed against such the dynamic interaction between Acetobacter strains and foreign invasive DNAs, emphasizing the pivotal role of CRISPR-Cas systems in defending against such invasions. Furthermore, the investigation of the secondary structures of CRISPR arrays revealed the conserved patterns within subtypes despite variations in repeat sequences. The exploration of protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs) identified distinct recognition motifs in the flanking regions of protospacers. In conclusion, this research not only contributes to the growing body of knowledge on CRISPR-Cas systems but also establishes a foundation for future studies on the adaptive defense mechanisms of Acetobacter. The findings provide valuable insights into the intricate interplay between bacteria and phages, with implications for industrial applications and potential biotechnological advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social contracts have recently re-emerged as a field of research. They can stabilize the relationship between state and society by establishing some predictability about the mutual deliverables between actors - especially if they are flexible for modifications to take account of changes in the framework conditions, the positions and preferences of their parties, and prevailing norms, values and ideologies. The question is, thus, when, why and how social contracts change. We argue that they change more continuously in countries with institutionalized mechanisms of renegotiation, such as parliamentary debates, open public discourse and interest group lobbying. These are more often democratic countries even if changes in democratic countries can also happen suddenly and unexpectedly. Autocratic countries, though, tend to be more resistant to regular change because they lack the procedures and mechanisms. This includes most countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Here, significant changes usually only take place if something unforeseen happens, such as a price shock, a pandemic, an earthquake or an invasion by a foreign country. At these ‘critical junctures’, at least one key actor in a country – often but not always the government – must react. This actor can, but does not have to, change its previous course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In March 1969, the Sino-Soviet military clash on Zhenbao Island marked a critical juncture in the development of the US-China rapprochement. Despite Mao's solid grip on power and the opportune momentum for policy change after the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, a formidable anti-US sentiment had taken shape since the founding of the People's Republic of China, especially during the Cultural Revolution, which provided insufficient opportunities to change the diplomatic course. Eventually, Mao directly ordered an ambush on Zhenbao to persuade the public by heightening tensions with Moscow. When the Soviet threat had surpassed that of the United States and the justification for a conciliatory approach toward Washington was prepared, Mao resumed a restrained strategic move toward Sino-American rapprochement. The Zhenbao incident was Mao's version of "manufacturing consent", as he laid the foundation for the trilateral relationship's transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores those emotions conditioning the EU's response to Russia's 24 February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. We argue that the invasion resulted in an unbottling of some member states' previously pent-up emotions, impacting the range of policy responses available to the EU in its Russia relations. We examine this unbottling to understand what this means for EU foreign policy, generally, and the EU's Russia policy. We focus on anger and fear as identifiable emotions in the EU response to Russia's norm violations in Ukraine; and on sympathy and solidarity as corresponding emotions directed towards Ukraine. Exploration of Eurobarometer surveys and European Parliamentary debates in the 2022–2024 period allows us to identify different intensity of feelings towards Russia, resulting from unequal exposure to Russia's past and present aggression. Managing these competing emotions offers a complex challenge for the EU when decisions are made regarding its potential constitutional and institutional transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the common microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus and is the main cause of visual impairment in diabetic patients. The pathogenesis of DR is still unclear. The complement system, as an important component of the innate immune system in addition to defending against the invasion of foreign microorganisms, is involved in the occurrence and development of DR through 3 widely recognized complement activation pathways, the complement regulatory system, and many other pathways. Molecules such as C3a, C5a, and membrane attacking complex, as important molecules of the complement system, are involved in the pathologenesus of DR, either through direct damaging effects or by activating cells (microglia, macroglia, etc.) in the retinal microenvironment to contribute to the pathological damage of DR indirectly. We review the integral association of the complement system and DR to further understand the pathogenesis of DR and possibly provide a new strategy for itstreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological impact of non‐native species arises from their establishment in local assemblages. However, the rates of non‐native spread in new regions and their determinants have not been comprehensively studied. Here, we combined global databases documenting the occurrence of non‐native species and residence of non‐native birds, mammals, and vascular plants at regional and local scales to describe how the likelihood of non‐native occurrence and their proportion in local assemblages relate with their residence time and levels of human usage in different ecosystems. Our findings reveal that local non‐native occurrence generally increases with residence time. Colonization is most rapid in croplands and urban areas, while it is slower and variable in natural or semi‐natural ecosystems. Notably, non‐native occurrence continues to rise even 200 years after introduction, especially for birds and vascular plants, and in other land‐use types rather than croplands and urban areas. The impact of residence time on non‐native proportions is significant only for mammals. We conclude that the continental exchange of biotas requires considerable time for effects to manifest at the local scale across taxa and land‐use types. The unpredictability of future impacts, implied by the slow spread of non‐native species, strengthens the call for stronger regulations on the exchange of non‐native species to reduce the long‐lasting invasion debt looming on ecosystems' future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human landscape-transforming activities contribute to the global change in vegetation in different forms. Hunting is one of the most ancient human landscape-shaping activities. Feeders for hunting are particularly disruptive to vegetation. In the present study, we conducted a vegetation survey in these highly disturbed places. We investigated the vegetation dynamics over several years in the turkey oak–sessile oak zone, in two areas with different moisture and shade conditions (forest and clearing). Important background factors are the changes in precipitation and temperature. Our results confirm that weed infestation is detectable at bait sites over a long period. The seasonal changes in field weed vegetation, as well as the increase in the number and coverage of weed species at the end of summer, resulting from lifestyle characteristics, were generally detectable in all years and locations, especially in the case of open and more strongly degraded clearings. Meteorological factors played a role in the degree of weed infestation in each year. Degradation was more significant in drought years, while regeneration was also observed in wetter periods. At baits located in the clearing, we showed a positive correlation between the amount of summer precipitation and the total coverage of weed species, as well as between the average spring temperature and the coverage of certain weed species. With the drying of the climate, the disturbed areas are constantly losing their natural value, but wetter weather is not an automatic solution either. Considering that there are approx. 30,000 bait sites in the country, and they are used regularly and very intensively, they can serve as major infection hotspots for alien species in a network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines how European regionalization influences Ukrainian public universities by exploring the Ukrainian education strategy and institutional internationalization and marketing policies. The study outlines specific historical and geopolitical conditions that have determined the development of the higher education system in Ukraine. Using a case study, the author analyses university development policies within regional, national, and local environments and examines challenges to and supports for the implementation of these policies. The analysis shows how the combined conflicting influences of the Bologna Process and Soviet legacies have affected Ukrainian universities. The article relies on the study results obtained before the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It also offers an analysis of higher education internationalization reforms during the recent events of Russia's war against Ukraine. The study contributes to the understanding of internationalization efforts in an East European country under multiple, sometimes contradictory, influences of the Bologna Process and the Soviet past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In theory, economic inequality should have a negative impact on trust in institutions. However, empirical studies report mixed findings. This article investigates the proposition that the effect of economic inequality on trust in public institutions is non-linear. Design/methodology/approach: The study employs several OLS models to test hypotheses regarding the influence of economic inequality, the level of income at the individual level, and general trust on trust in public institutions in Ukraine before the full-scale military invasion. The data for Ukraine from the World Values Survey, Wave 7, was used to obtain individuallevel variables. Trust in public institutions was measured as the average level of confidence the respondent had in police, justice system/courts, civil servants, government and parliament. The indicator of regional economic inequality was calculated on the basis of government statistics for territories not occupied by Russia in 2014. Findings: The research points to the

How does a leader's childhood exposure to war influence their propensity to initiate conflicts? While much research explains leaders' national security policies using their combat and rebel experiences, few scholars have examined the effects of childhood wartime violence. I develop and test two competing arguments about the effects of childhood war trauma on future conflict behavior. One argument expects that leaders exposed to war at a young age will be less likely to initiate conflict because they fear its consequences. An alternative perspective expects that these leaders are more likely to initiate conflict out of anger and a desire for revenge. I test my hypotheses using an original dataset and a research design that reduces inference barriers. Leveraging variations in the level of violence experienced during wartime, I only compare leaders who were exposed to foreign military invasions as children. I find that those who experienced severe war trauma, such as family deaths, injuries, or displacement, are less likely to initiate interstate conflicts than those who did not experience such traumatic events. These effects are substantial, particularly when political constraints are weak. My results suggest that childhood war trauma has a long-term impact on leaders' conservatism about using force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: This study examined the inhibitory effect of peiminine on the human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line SW480 and explored the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: SW480 and human normal colonic epithelial CCD-841CoN cells were treated with different concentrations of peiminine and subjected to the CCK-8 assay to select the optimal treatment time and concentration of the compound. SW480 cell migration and invasion were evaluated by the wound-healing and Transwell assays. Cell cycle progression was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression levels of cell cycle-related proteins were examined by Western blot. SW480 xenograft tumor model was established in nude mice to examine the effect of peiminine on tumor growth and the expression of cell cycle-related proteins in vivo. RESULTS: Peiminine (110 mg/L) significantly inhibited the proliferation of SW480 cells compared with the control group (P<0.01), caused cell cycle arrest at G, phase, and significantly downregulated the expression of cyclin dependent kinase 2(CDK2), DK4, CDK6, cyclin D1, p-Rb/Rb, E2F1, E2F3, and E2F4 (P<0. 05). Peiminine inhibited SW480 xenograft tumor growth, prolonged the survival of model mice, and affected the expression of CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, and cyclin D1 in tumor tissues. CONCLUSION: Peiminine promotes G1 phase arrest by down-regulating the expression of CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, and cyclin D1, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of SW480 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To explore the effect and mechanism of the interfering Gal-1 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration and proliferation in MDA-MB-231 cells via transforming growth factor-p (TGF-p) pathway. METHODS: The stable cell lines (shGal-1) which Gal-1 expression were inhibited completely and their control cell lines were used as experimental cells. Western blot assay was used to detect the effects of shGal-1 on EMT process of MDA-MB-231 cells after TGF-p treatment; The effect of shGal-1 on cell migration and invasion after TGF-p treatment was verified by cell scratch and transwell test; The effect of shGal-1 on the TGF-p pathway related proteins were detected by western blot; Finally, the effect of shGal-1 on cell proliferation was detected by MTT and western blot. RESULTS : shGal-1 inhibited TGF- p -mediated EMT in MDA-MB-231 cells and regulated phosphorylation of pathway signaling molecules (ERIK, AIKT and GSIK3p) ; shGal-1 could inhibit the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells. CONCLUSION: shGal-1 can inhibit the TGF-p-mediated EMT, migration and proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 shattered numerous assumptions about the drivers of Russian foreign policy, posing a fundamental challenge to the Russia studies community. Against this backdrop, the article centers on the imperative to reflect how we think and examine Russian foreign policy amid considerable transformations in the country's international as well as domestic realities. This contribution does so by reviewing and critically reassessing past accomplishments and shortcomings within the field of Russian foreign policy research, evaluating their pertinence in a post-2022 context. Focusing on the scholarly work done with regard to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the study demonstrates that the literature suffers from the inertial tendency of offering old answers to new questions, suggesting potential avenues for further scholarly work on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Images of military conquest on Sennacherib's palace walls often featured his siege camps. By comparing the visual and textual references to these camps with the surroundings of the cities he besieged (on site and via aerial and satellite imagery, archaeological and historical data, and early maps and surveys), likely locations are proposed for Sennacherib's royal camps. These sites are found to have all had the same name on early maps, Mudawwara , which, in Arabic in the Middle Ages, denoted the enormous tent that housed the sultan on military expeditions. (At times, this name was prefaced with Khirbet al , indicating the ancient stone ruins thereof.) Examining all occurrences of this toponym within Judah and Philistia reveals a distribution consistent with what is known of Sennacherib's invasion route and of the cities besieged. It also resolves some long-standing questions and contributes to identifying the locations of the cities of Libnah and Nob. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthodox scholarship claims the CIA-MI6 covert actions in Albania and Ukraine in the early Cold War exemplified a singular effort to rollback Soviet power in Europe. Using recently declassified files, this article presents a case study of Operation BGFiend/Valuable and Aerodynamic to challenge the existence of an aggressive rollback programme. These were limited, diverse and strategically dynamic projects that did not seek regime change in either territory. The west subverted Hoxha's Albanian regime, focusing on intelligence collection and propaganda. In Ukraine, emphasis was on gathering intelligence, particularly to provide early warning of an anticipated Soviet invasion of Western Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of this study was the digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises under martial law. The problem being solved was to overcome obstacles that slow down the introduction of digital technologies into the business processes of small and medium-sized enterprises during periods of conflict or war. During the period of martial law, the consequences for small and medium-sized enterprises are instability, material losses, resource limitations, and security threats. Despite the reduction in the number of small and medium-sized enterprises in Ukraine during the military invasion by 29.39 %, most of them continued to function, adapting to the new conditions of the crisis situation. However, neither the crisis conditions nor the increase in Internet users prompted these enterprises to make significant changes in the use of digital technologies. This was due to a number of barriers, including the following. The lack of liquidity and financing, the forced nature of implementation, the need to constantly adapt business processes to external changes are more related to the crisis situation. Inappropriate digital tools, lack of package solutions, lack of sufficient knowledge and skills, low trust in the state, small size of the enterprise, lack of understanding of the need or direction of reformatting business processes do not depend on the state of war. Overcoming the barriers to digitization of small and medium-sized enterprises under martial law is envisaged through interaction and partnership with other stakeholders. Cooperation and partnership are based on financial and informational support, training, platform model, and shared use of resources. The necessity and possibility of applying the developed proposals to overcome the barriers of digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises under the conditions of martial law predetermines the practical significance of reported results [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite fierce politicization in arms-exporting democracies, we lack systematic research on mass public preferences on arms transfers. We propose that citizens either apply a deontologist (rejecting transfers categorically) or consequentialist (trading-off economic, strategic and normative aspects) calculus of preference formation. Conducting population-representative survey experiments (N = 6617) in Germany and France, two global top-five major arms exporters, we find that 10–15 per cent of respondents follow deontologist considerations, a preference structure potentially relevant for all foreign policies involving the use of military force. Still, a majority shows differentiated preferences, giving largest weight to normative considerations, with assessments affected by moderating features (e.g., scenarios of just war). Principled rejection of arms trade and a large consequentialist weight for normative factors are more pronounced in Germany compared to France, indicating that public opinion might pose a stronger constraint for government policy in this country. Respondents’ preferences match opinion polls on post-Russian invasion Ukraine armament, indicating high external validity of our experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why did the Kremlin fail to rely on the 'soft power' to secure its interests in Ukraine and instead opt for the military invasion? At the same time, why did the Kremlin believe that Russia could achieve its goals with relatively limited forces in the course of a rapid regime-change 'special operation'? These questions pose a puzzle for the two main arguments that dominate the vast literature on Ukrainian regionalism, which either present a largely symmetrical 'East/West' regional cleavage or question the salience and even the existence of any such cleavage in favor of a more fluid local diversity that the ascendant Ukrainian civic identity has ultimately encompassed. Instead, the article argues that Ukraine's 'regional' cleavage could be understood as a nationally specific articulation of the class conflict common to many post-Soviet countries in the context of hegemony crisis. This perspective can better explain the disparate capacity of Ukraine's 'pro-Western' and 'pro-Russian' political camps to universalize the particular class interests standing behind them and support them through civic mobilization, the rationale behind the original plan of the Russian invasion, and the reactions of supposedly 'pro-Russian' Ukrainian elites and regular citizens to its failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small oceanic islands, such as São Miguel Island in the Azores (Portugal), face heightened susceptibility to the adverse impacts of climate change, biological invasions, and land cover changes, posing threats to biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services. Over the years, persistent conservation endeavors, notably those supported by the EU LIFE Programme since 2003, have played a pivotal role in alleviating biodiversity decline, particularly in the eastern region of São Miguel Island. This study advocates the application of remote sensing data and techniques to support the management and effective monitoring of LIFE Nature projects with land cover impacts. A land cover change detection approach utilizing Rao's Q diversity index identified and assessed changes from 2002 to 2021 in intervention areas. The study analyzed the changes in LIFE project areas using ASTER, Landsat 8, and Sentinel 2 data through Google Earth Engine on Google Colab (with Python). This methodological approach identified and assessed land cover changes in project intervention areas within defined timelines. This technological integration enhances the potential of remote sensing for near-real-time monitoring of conservation projects, making it possible to assess their land cover impacts and intervention achievements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 and draws lessons relevant to a potential future invasion to capture Taiwan. An overview of Operation Iceberg outlines the massive assault by U.S. forces to seize Okinawa from entrenched Japanese defenders over 91 days of combat. Three key lessons emerge: (1) ground forces are paramount, requiring full naval and air support until objectives are secured; (2) airpower dominance decides the offshore battle for surface supremacy; (3) nearby land bases are essential for staging, sustaining, and reinforcing the invasion. While not a replay of past battles, a hypothetical Taiwan campaign would likely feature similar operational challenges as Okinawa involving complex joint operations, need for air supremacy, undersea warfare, and disputes over vital offshore islands and bases. As a seminal Pacific battle, Okinawa's harsh lessons merit thorough analysis by modern planners and strategists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of the study appears through the importance of the topic it deals with . The study aimed to clarify and explain the reasons for the Crusader and Zionist invasions of Palestine and to show the aspects and similarities between the Crusader invasion and the Zionist invasion of Palestine.. The research was divided into an introduction two sections and a conclusion. The introduction included the research objectives its importance its problem the methodology used in it and the research structure and divisions. The first section was titled: The concept and objectives of the Crusader-Zionist invasion while the second section was titled: Images of similarities between the Crusader invasion the Zionist invasion of Palestine. The conclusion included the most important findings of the research and the was appended with a list of the most important research sources and references. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to analyze the Ukrainian experience of the introduction of innovative, information digital technologies in the educational process of elementary school in the conditions of Russia's large-scale military invasion. The study was conducted based on an experiment in which it was possible to prove the effectiveness of the use of innovative, information, digital technologies in the use in the elementary school. The results substantiated the benefits of using these technologies under martial law. It was proved that the productivity of learning in the experimental group increased by 15%, that is, thanks to the measurements of assessments it was possible to confirm the effectiveness of the appeal to innovative teaching methods. The conclusions note that the formation of these skills as the Russian invasion continues will be a relevant problem for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing scholarship has developed six main explanations to account for the success of the Chinese Revolution, which has been anomalous for major paradigms derived from cross-national comparisons. Methodologically, we use a social geographical approach to test these existing explanations systematically by constructing and analyzing a unique dataset of Communist growth in 93 counties in the three most contested provinces during its most pivotal period of ascendence. Theoretically, we advance and test an alternative perspective, based on the groundwork of Tocqueville and Fei Xiaotong, that integrates the state-centric theory, elite theory, and cultural analysis. Our perspective emphasizes the interplay between state centralization and local elite structure, which leads to intensified state extraction and local elite fracturing, thus creating favorable conditions for revolution. The quantitative analysis strongly supports the importance of the Japanese invasion but provides limited support for many other conventional explanations. The analysis largely confirms the Tocqueville-Fei perspective on state centralization, elite fracturing, cultural change, and revolution. The findings are buttressed by a detailed case study of Lianshui County. The study unveils a common structural challenge that a modernizing state faces in an agrarian status society, to recreate its political legitimacy while disrupting local elite structure. It also sheds historical light on the evolution of state-society relationship through the Chinese Revolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an overview of the Russo-Ukrainian war and its impact on intelligence operations. It discusses the use of traditional intelligence methods, as well as the role of social media and open source intelligence. The article examines the effectiveness of intelligence in predicting the invasion, noting variations in western intelligence assessments. It also explores how the US and UK have used intelligence to counter Russian disinformation. The article presents different perspectives on the war and emphasizes the importance of intelligence in decision-making. It concludes by highlighting the ongoing nature of the conflict and the evolving role of intelligence. [Extracted from the article]

Long before twentieth-century scholars developed the language to describe 'settler colonialism', nineteenth-century Māori writers, composers, and storytellers critiqued British imperialism and theorized colonial violence. In mōteatea, letters, and kōrero heke iho (narratives passed down), tūpuna Māori asked what British colonial settlement would mean for te ao Māori, the Māori world. As they reflected on the changes wrought by imperialism, tūpuna offered guidance for future uri (descendants). This is an article about the ways that one wahine Māori critiqued colonization and imagined Māori futures in the context of mid-nineteenth-century colonial invasion. More specifically, it is an article about how Rihi Puhiwahine, a renowned composer, guided her descendants through a world disfigured by British imperialism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a rare systematic analysis of political attitudes in societies experiencing massive military invasions using statistical analysis of two original surveys conducted by the Ukraine National Academy of Sciences Institute of Sociology—a panel survey tracking the same respondents in three waves (N=329, November 2021, June-July 2022, and June 2023) and an additional larger survey (N=869, June 2023). Despite devastating suffering, Ukrainians’ support for democracy as a political system and for freedom of speech have stayed remarkably resilient over this time period. Cross-sectional (multiple ordinary least squares regression) and longitudinal (linear mixed-effects model regression) tests, as well as supplementary focus group conversations in all of Ukraine’s macro-regions, show that this democratic resilience is grounded in the victory-in-freedom synergy—a widespread sense of shared sacrifice that drives determination to win the war and restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity. In particular, we found a clearer understanding of the importance of political freedoms and fighting for victory among individuals who experienced loss and trauma and a strong appreciation across Ukraine’s society that victory is vital to preserve democracy. Survey data also demonstrates that democracy support has become more intrinsic to Ukrainian national identity and that the initial surge of democracy support among Ukrainians in the face of Russia’s invasion has been more than a short-term rallying-round-the-flag. In combination, these factors explain the Ukrainians’ sustained, spirited resilience in the face Russia’s mass savage invasion over more than a two-year period. Moreover, support for democratic ideals doesn’t mean Ukrainians write a blank check of trust to their government. Longitudinal analysis indicates that as the war progressed, and hardship persisted respondents held their democratic institutions accountable. At the same time, the results of our study indicate that sustaining this resilience would require not only battlefield successes, but also accountable governance, countering Russia’s media impacts, and sustaining family incomes. Our findings contribute to the literature on war and democracy by showing the importance of considering both the external context (war duration and impacts and the aggressor state type) and the mobilization of national identity in the face of aggression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The full-scale military invasion of the Russian Federation on the territory of sovereign Ukraine has led to the emergence of a number of destabilizing factors in the development of the Ukrainian economy. Moreover, it has caused the increase of macroeconomic instability and problems of a social - economic nature, which requires an immediate solution and development of forecasts of economic and social development. The purpose of the research is to forecast macroeconomic indicators of the economy development of Ukraine during the war (2022--2023). The forecasting results give evidence of the critical and threatening values of the analysed macroeconomic indicators of the Ukrainian economy development in war conditions. This causes a decrease in the life quality of the population and the sustainable competitiveness of the country and requires the formation and implementation of an effective macroeconomic policy. The substantiated influence of macroeconomic indicators on the level of life quality of the population indicates a strong interrelationship between the analysed indicators (R=0,933). The budget deficit in 2024 is forecast at the level of -2,7%; the GDP volume will decrease to 5,8%; the poverty level will increase to 62%, and the unemployment rate will increase to 33%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the main problems and socio-cultural and political challenges related to the attitude of the professional community, state bodies and society as a whole to cultural and artistic monuments. The issues of restoration/revitalization/reconstruction or elimination of cultural heritage were largely actualized as a result of the direct military invasion of the Russian invaders on the territory of Ukraine in order to destroy the country, Ukrainian self-identification and us as a separate, independent nation. The paper provides examples of complex discussion aspects in relation to artefacts of architecture and art of different political eras, different ideological orientation, practical significance, material value and the degree of destruction / preservation in the context of the transformation of society's attitude to them and the prospects for future post-war reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction to a special issue on military conflict and internationalization of higher education is presented.

Definition: Peptidergic systems show promise as targets for fighting tumors. While some peptides encourage the growth and spread of tumor cells and angiogenic mechanisms, others display antitumor properties. As such, peptide ligands and receptor antagonists could be used as antitumor agents alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Peptide receptor antagonists can counteract the oncogenic effects of specific peptides by inducing apoptosis in various types of tumor cells, hindering cancer cell migration and inhibiting angiogenesis. Peptides and peptide receptor antagonists are not currently used in clinical practice as antitumor agents. Still, aprepitant, a neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist, is a promising candidate due to its ability to promote apoptosis in many cancer cells. However, to utilize aprepitant as an anticancer agent, the dosage must be increased and administered for a more extended period. Moving beyond current protocols for aprepitant's use as an antiemetic is essential. Additionally, a common anticancer strategy with aprepitant is possible regardless of cancer cell type. Finally, combining aprepitant with chemotherapy or radiotherapy is encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Myrtus communis is an invasive plant, particularly in South Africa. • Seed are killed by fire but plants persist through resprouting. • Fire interval, elevated atmospheric CO 2 , and successful genetic adaptation likely explain its success. • We consider M. communis to be a Category-E invasive under increased CO2 levels. • We recommend early detection and a swift response to outbreaks and the exploration of effective control treatments. A survey of recovering fynbos vegetation on the Cape Peninsula, Western Cape, South Africa, after a wildfire in April 2021, led to the discovery of a large naturalised population of the shrub Myrtus communis. This species, native to the Mediterranean Basin and Western Asia, is commonly used as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world, including Australia, Europe, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States. It is not recognized in major world invasive databases as being a problematic invasive species. We documented the recovery of this naturalised population and evaluated other records of naturalised occurrences in the Cape Town metropolitan area. We assessed the known characteristics of the species in terms of its fire tolerance, water relations, shade preference, seed set, dispersal and germination. We propose that fire constitutes a useful tool to expose this species for eradication through herbicide application. We argue that there is a limited window-period for eradication of this species locally before it spreads further and potentially exerts impacts on ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To investigate the effect of doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) on the biological properties of gastric cancer stem cells, and to explore its possible mechanism. METHODS: Serum-free suspension culture of gastric cancer stem cells and targeted inhibition of DCLK1 activity in gastric cancer stem cells with DCLK1 inhibitor DCLK1-IN-1 were performed. The expression levels of DCLK1, stemness-related proteins (SOX2 and OCT4), proliferation-related proteins (cyclin D1 and c-MYC), drug resistance-related proteins (ABCG2 and TOP2A), epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related proteins (E-cadherin, vimentin and Snail), and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway-related proteins in gastric cancer stem cells were examined by Western blot. The effects of DCLK1 on viability and drug resistance of gastric cancer stem cells were determined by CCK-8 assay, and the effects of DCLK1 on self-renewal of gastric cancer stem cells were determined by methylcellulose spheroid-forming assay. Wound-healing and Transwell assays were performed to assess the effect of DCLK1 on the migration and invasion of gastric cancer stem cells. RESULTS: The expression levels of DCLK1 and stemness-related proteins SOX2 and OCT4 in gastric cancer stem cells were significantly higher than those in parental cells (P<0. 01). The proliferation, drug resistance, migration and invasion of gastric cancer stem cells in DCLK1 inhibition group were significantly lower than those in Sphere cell group (P<0. 01). The expression levels of proliferation-related proteins (c-MYC and cyclin D1) and drug resistance-related proteins (TOP2A and ABCG2) were down-regulated, the expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin was up-regulated, the expression of mesenchymal markers vimentin and Snail was down-regulated, and the expression levels of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway-related proteins and their phosphorylation levels were reduced in DCLK1 inhibition group (P<0. 05). CONCLUSION: DCLK1 is highly expressed in gastric cancer stem cells, which may be involved in the proliferation, drug resistance and invasion of gastric cancer stem cells by regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. It suggests that DCLK1 can be used as a potential target for gastric cancer stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To explore the mechanism of ATP synthase mitochondrial F0 complex H+ transporting, sub-unit F6 (ATP5J) in affecting the metastasis of hepatoma carcinoma cells by regulating mitochondrial function-mediated cy-toskeletal remodeling. METHODS : Hepatocellular carcinoma cells Li-7 were used to construct the ATP5J overexpression and knockdown models. JC-1 staining was used to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential in each group, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were examined by DCHF-DA, and mitochondrial ATP fluorescence probe was used to assess mito-chondrial function. Cytoskeletal remodeling was detected with a microfilament green fluorescent probe (Actin-Tracker Green-488). Transwell assay was used to assess cell invasion ability. The expression levels of ATP5J and translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (T0MM20) were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Overexpression of ATP5J up-regulated mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial ATP fluorescence intensity, induced cytoskeletal remodeling, promoted cell invasion and T0MM20 expression, and inhibited ROS production (P<0. 01). On the contrary, knockdown of ATP5J significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial ATP fluorescence intensity, significantly decreased cell invasion ability and TOMM20 expression, promoted ROS production and blocked cytoskeletal remodeling (P<0. 01). CONCLUSION: ATP5J regulates mitochondrial energy transformation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, and affects metastasis of hepatoma carcinoma cells by regulating mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial ATP production-mediated cytoskeletal remodeling through TOMM20. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine took most experts by surprise, but before the war, there were numerous voices in the Russian public debate calling for much tougher policies towards Ukraine and the West than the ones pursued by the government. This article challenges explanations that prioritize external factors or focus solely on President Putin and shows that examining opposition, state media and government discourses is necessary to understand Russia's foreign policy properly. The article contends that the concept of managed pluralism (defined by Harley Balzer in 2003), which has not yet been used in the analysis of Moscow's international behaviour, is a useful tool that can address the gap in the literature and shed light on important mechanisms behind Russia's foreign policy-making. Consequently, the article reveals mechanisms that, by allowing certain voices while eliminating others, steer Russia's foreign policy in a specific direction, which in this case made the invasion of Ukraine possible. Finally, it indicates that observing actors admitted to the public debate and their propositions may be a clue to the direction of Russia's future foreign policy. More broadly, this article points to policy implications and theoretical benefits of managed pluralism for our understanding of other states' foreign policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NATO has for 75 years been a remarkably resilient organization because it has been able to change when the world changed. NATO's longevity is in large part due to a dual structure, which has enabled the alliance to oscillate between a role as a military alliance and as a community of value. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and global geopolitical shifts such as the rise of China prompted NATO to prioritize its role as a military alliance and to add a new political focus on China. However, this article demonstrates that NATO's reading of the geopolitical transformation is incomplete. NATO should recognize the new global ordering architecture as a multi-order one, which requires NATO to distinguish clearly between the 'unbounded' global rules-based order in which several international orders now exist and the 'bounded' liberal international order of which NATO is a key institution. NATO needs to develop its policies accordingly—policies governing relations within the liberal international order must be clearly anchored in liberal values and designed to defend liberal international order, while policies governing relations between international orders cannot be anchored in liberal values, but must seek rules-based cooperation in areas of shared interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Foreign Policy Journal (CFPJ) is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Applying an interaction framework, we examined whether climate change and combined land use and disturbance changes were synergistic, antagonistic, or neutral for forest issues of wildfires, tree growth, tree species distributions, species invasions and outbreaks, and deer herbivory, focused on the eastern United States generally since the 1800s and the development of instrumental records (1895). Climate largely has not warmed during 1981–2020 compared to 1895–1980, but precipitation has increased. Increased precipitation and land use (encompassing fire exclusion and forestation, with coarse fuel accumulation due to increased tree densities) have interacted synergistically to dampen wildfire frequency in the humid eastern U.S. For overall tree growth, increased precipitation, carbon fertilization, and land use (i.e., young, fast-growing dense stands) likely have been positive, generating a synergistic interaction. Human activities created conditions for expanding native tree species distributions, non-native species invasions, and damaging native species outbreaks. No strong evidence appears to exist for recent climate change or land use influences on deer populations and associated herbivory levels. In the future, a warmer and effectively drier climate may reverse synergistic and neutral interactions with land use, although effects of climate interactions with land use will vary by species. Management can help correct non-climate stressors due to land use and support resilient structures and species against climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to clarify the long-term changes in mangroves in the Beibu Gulf of Guangxi and the carbon storage changes after the invasion of Spartina alterniflora (S. alterniflora) in the Dandou Sea area, the Continuous Change Detection and Classification (CCDC) algorithm combined with feature indices was first used to track the changes. Subsequently, the random forest algorithm was applied to classify each change segment, and then sampling was conducted based on the distribution of S. alterniflora in different invasion years. The results showed that the Kappa coefficient of the classification result of the latest change segment was 0.78. The rapid expansion of S. alterniflora, aquaculture pond construction, and land reclamation activities have led to changes in mangroves, causing a decrease in the area of the mangrove region. A total of 814.57 hectares of mangroves has been converted into other land-cover types, with most pixels undergoing one to two changes, and many of these changes were expected to continue until 2022. An analysis of the distribution characteristics and influencing factors of soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil organic carbon storage (SOCS) at different invasion stages revealed that SOC and SOCS were mainly influenced by soil bulk density, soil moisture content, and electrical conductivity. It was found that S. alterniflora had higher SOC content compared to the mudflats. With the increase in invasion years, S. alterniflora continuously increased the SOC and SOCS content in coastal wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Anbar University for Law & Political Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 ignited propaganda efforts from the U.S. executive branch of government and the U.S. media, as the country tried to position itself towards the war not just in the eyes of its citizens but of the entire world as part of its geopolitical power position. A comparative quantitative and qualitative analysis of official U.S. communications and U.S. partisan media coverage in the first week of the invasion aims to uncover how the U.S. government set the agenda and framed the events, and to what extent the media copied or diverged from this agenda-setting and framing. The results suggest a narrow focus and distinct framing on the part of the U.S. government, partly taken over by partisan media. The latter also touched on other topics that fit media logic and provided some counter-frames in line with their ideological positions, yet overall confirmed the dominant framing of the war as unjust, unprovoked and premeditated, as Putin's choice, and the position of the U.S. as the leader of the free world and defender of democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

President George W. Bush required only symbolic British participation in the invasion of Iraq, so why did the Labour government deploy their maximum military effort when this was unnecessary and considerably increased the political risk to Prime Minister Tony Blair? The Chilcot Report (2016) provides considerable evidence of the military elite's role, in pursuit of their perceived organisational interests, not only lobbying but also manipulating the Labour government into a maximum military role. Shortly after the invasion, the military elite began to pursue their next war, again pressuring and manipulating the government into Britain's deployment to Helmand, Afghanistan, in 2006. While fighting wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan, the military elite were overstretched and in crisis, yet they successfully empowered themselves by deflecting responsibility onto the Labour government. Consequently, it is argued that the lack of democratic control over the military makes Britain particularly disposed to belligerence and fighting further unnecessary wars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During host cell invasion, microsporidian spores translocate their entire cytoplasmic content through a thin, hollow superstructure known as the polar tube. To achieve this, the polar tube transitions from a compact spring-like state inside the environmental spore to a long needle-like tube capable of long-range sporoplasm delivery. The unique mechanical properties of the building blocks of the polar tube allow for an explosive transition from compact to extended state and support the rapid cargo translocation process. The molecular and structural factors enabling this ultrafast process and the structural changes during cargo delivery are unknown. Here, we employ light microscopy and in situ cryo-electron tomography to visualize multiple ultrastructural states of the Vairimorpha necatrix polar tube, allowing us to evaluate the kinetics of its germination and characterize the underlying morphological transitions. We describe a cargo-filled state with a unique ordered arrangement of microsporidian ribosomes, which cluster along the thin tube wall, and an empty post-translocation state with a reduced diameter but a thicker wall. Together with a proteomic analysis of endogenously affinity-purified polar tubes, our work provides comprehensive data on the infection apparatus of microsporidia and uncovers new aspects of ribosome regulation and transport. Microsporidia utilize the polar tube to transport their infectious sporoplasm from the spore to the host for infection. These authors characterize the ultrastructure and composition of the polar tube to identify different states of the tube wall, visualize transported cargo, and discover uniquely arranged ribosomes along the thin tube wall providing new insights into ribosome regulation and transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, more than one hundred and thirty lithic artefacts rediscovered in several archaeological sites dating from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Middle Ages from Calabria (Southern Italy) were petroarchaeometrically characterised through minimally invasive techniques. In more detail, 110 specimens were found in the Grotta della Monaca site (Sant'Agata di Esaro), and the other 23 belong to a collection kept in the Museo Nazionale Preistorico ed Etnografico "Luigi Pigorini" (Roma), coming from several localities (Longobucco, Spezzano della Sila, Cicala, Gimigliano, Roccaforte del Greco, and Bova). For preservation needs, 2 small axes in polished stone and 2 obsidians collected from Grotta della Monaca were analysed by absolutely non-destructive techniques. Optical and electron microscopic investigations, sometimes integrated with wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction spectrometry, allowed us to ascertain that the source area of all the lithic tools was in Calabria, except for obsidians, which come from the island of Lipari (Messina, Southern Italy). For a small number of particularly favourable cases, it was possible to define with great precision the outcrop area of the used rocks given their textural and mineralogical features. The specific source area contained a pickaxe originating from Cetraro–Fuscaldo metabasalt (lawsonite–albite facies) outcrops and two small axes in polished stone, one derived from migmatitic metapelites from Palmi and the other from meta-ultramafic rocks from Curinga. The choice of the used lithologies, harder or softer, had to be linked to the use that humans had to make of the lithic artefacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To explore the expression of RhoC in oral squamous cell carcinoma （OSCC） and its effects on the malignant biological behavior of OSCC cells. METHODS: The UALCAN and K-M plotter databases, alongside tissue sample analyses, facilitated understanding RhoC expression in cancer and its links to clinicopathological traits. Two small interfering RNAs（ RhoC-siRNA） were constructed according to the RhoC gene sequence. The mRNA and protein ex-pression levels of RhoC in OSCC cells were determined. The protein levels of FAK, p-FAK, MAPK, p-MAPK, matrix metalloproteinase-2 （MMP-2） and MMP-9 were also examined by Western blot. Furthermore, the invasion and migration of OSCC cells were analyzed by Transwell assay and scratch test. Finally, the pulmonary metastasis model of nude mice was established. RESULTS: The results of the databases showed that RhoC was highly expressed in OSCC tissues, which was closely related to pathological stage, pathological grade and lymph node metastasis, but not significantly related to the survival rate of patients. Furthermore, compared with paracancer tissues, the mRNA and protein expression levels of RhoC were increased in OSCC tissues （P<0. 01）. Silencing of RhoC prominently reduced the migration and invasion of OSCC cells as well as the protein levels of p-FAK, p-MAPK, MMP2 and MMP9 （P<0. 05）. The protein levels of MAPK and FAK were unchanged （P>0. 05）. The fluorescence intensity of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group, and the results of HE staining showed that the number of lung nodules in the experimental group was significantly reduced （P<0. 05）. CONCLUSION: RhoC can effectively influence the migration and invasion of OSCC cells, and its potential mechanism may be related to FAK/MAPK/MMPs signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the aviation and space industries on the development of the world economy and economic development, industrial potential, competitiveness and position of various countries in the world is shown in the article. Global aviation and space market has been studied and an economic analysis of the aviation and space sector of the industry of the countries that are among ten world leaders in the industry was carried out. The main indicators of the development of the aviation and space industry of world countries-leaders and Ukraine have been systematized. The volumes of income of the leading companies of the industry producers, between which there is fierce competition, have been given. International competitiveness has been analyzed and ways of recovery and development of the aviation and space sector of Ukraine were proposed, taking into consideration the significant losses and damages caused by full-scale military invasion of aggressive neighbor on the territory of Ukraine. Scenarios of competitive behavior were considered and a strategy for the restoration of one of the largest enterprises in the world and single one in the aviation and space industry in Ukraine that has completed the cycle of engine production – Joint Stock Company Motor Sich has been made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]