bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable thermoresponsive whey protein‐ and chitosan‐based oil‐in‐water emulsions for cosmetic applications
Authors: Speer Sarah , Amin Samiul
Published: November 2021

Objective

In this study, the biopolymers whey protein and chitosan were used to create a thermoresponsive emulsion. The impact of the inclusion of chitosan and inclusion of specific oils on the rheological properties and response to temperature were investigated by a stepwise build‐up from simple solutions to oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions. Whey protein (WP) concentration and chitosan concentration were varied. The results may help develop strategies for incorporating thermoresponsive materials in stable and high‐performing formulations for use in cosmetics.

Methods

Solutions of whey protein concentrate (WPC) by itself, chitosan by itself and the combination of the two at various concentrations were tested with flow sweeps, temperature sweeps and frequency sweeps. Then, three different oils of jojoba, avocado and silicone were included to form emulsions and the tests were repeated to determine flow behaviour, response to temperature and structure.

Results

By comparing 15 wt. % and 20 wt. % WP solutions, it was found that 15 wt. % WP could provide good viscosities and modulus at a lower amount of material used. The solution composed of 15 wt. % WP, and 0.5 wt. % chitosan was found to have the greatest structural response to temperature compared to solutions with 1.0 wt. % and 1.5 wt. % chitosan. Compared to the addition of 10 wt. % silicone and 10 wt. % avocado oil to form emulsions, the addition of 10 wt. % jojoba oil further strengthened the gel network the most. The final emulsion with pigment added had improved viscosity and thermoresponsive behaviour. The WP and chitosan emulsions were shear thinning, elastically dominated and behaved as classical gels. The behaviour of the emulsions was dependent upon the hydrophobic interactions between the protein and the oil and the electrostatic interactions between the protein and the chitosan.

Conclusion

An emulsion composed of 15 wt. % WP, 10 wt. % jojoba oil and 0.5 wt. % chitosan solution was found to have the greatest structural response to temperature. This study of an O/W emulsion containing whey protein concentrate and chitosan demonstrated that different oils and conditions can be used to tune thermoresponsive and rheological behaviour.
Clinicopathological characteristics and clinical morbidity in high‐risk head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma patients in Western Australia
Authors: Grover Piyush , Flukes Stephanie , Jacques Angela , Leedman Samuel , Lindsay Andrew , White Rohen , Friedland Peter , Gurfinkel Reuven , Lim Annette M.
Published: November 2021

Background

There is no registry data on morbidity and mortality of high‐risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in Australia.

Aim

To examine the clinicopathological features, mortality and morbidity in high‐risk cSCC patients in Western Australia (WA).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted through hospital record review on cSCC patients discussed at multidisciplinary meetings at the two largest WA hospitals between March 2015 and December 2016.

Results

Of 141 patients, 129 were evaluable, with median follow up of 43.9 (range 3.0–53.2) months. Patients were predominantly older males (84%) with significant comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) ≥5; 76%) and history of previous nonmelanoma skin cancer (57%) with advanced disease (57% stage IV without distant metastasis; American Joint Committee on Cancer, 7th edition). Pathological high‐risk features were common including nodal extracapsular extension (47%) and cranial nerve involvement (16%). Clinical morbidity was significant with a median of 2 (range 0–13) excisions and 2 (range 0–21) cSCC‐related hospitalisations for any cSCC event following the index case discussion. Recurrences of the primary index lesion occurred in 60% of patients and 20% had ≥2 recurrences. Median overall survival for patients with nonmetastatic disease was 39.8 (range 25.9–53.7) months and 16.1 (range 0.2–32.0) months for metastatic disease. CCI ≥5, advanced nodal stage and ≥2 recurrences were significantly associated with mortality on multivariable analyses (P < 0.05). Nodal extracapsular extension and any recurrences were identified as significant risk factors for disease‐specific mortality on multivariable analyses (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

High‐risk cSCC patients have significant health needs represented by high‐baseline comorbidities, multiplicity of cSCC events and the number of healthcare‐associated interventions. There is an unmet need for robust cancer data collection.
Validity of the new ‘Top End Sleepiness Scale’ against the STOP‐Bang tool in predicting obstructive sleep apnoea among Indigenous Australian adults
Authors: Heraganahally Subash S. , Howarth Timothy P. , Wirth Hugh , Short Teagan , Benn Edmund
Published: November 2021

Background

The validity of the newly developed sleepiness assessment tool, the ‘Top End Sleepiness Scale’ (TESS), against other established obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) screening tools has not been evaluated.

Aims

To compare the utility and validity of the culturally safe and clinically relevant subjective daytime sleepiness assessment tool, the ‘TESS’ was used among Indigenous Australians against STOP‐Bang screening tool for predicting OSA in a regional and remote Indigenous Australian cohort.

Methods

The TESS questionnaire, consisting of pictorial representations of six items representing daily activities that would induce daytime sleepiness specific for Indigenous Australians, was assessed for its correlation in predicting moderate to severe OSA according to Apnoea–Hypopnoea Index (AHI, ≥15) against the STOP‐Bang screening tool.

Results

Eighty Indigenous Australian patients (51% male; mean age 45.1 ± 11.5 years) were included in this study with the majority (n = 70; 88%) having OSA, of which 65 (93%) had an AHI ≥ 15. Area under the curve statistics for overall scores showed no significant difference between TESS or STOP‐Bang in the prediction of OSA (P = 0.16). A moderate risk score of TESS (≥3) was superior to STOP‐Bang (score 3–4) in sensitivity (84% vs 33%) and specificity (39% vs 30%). The sensitivity for a high‐risk score for the STOP‐Bang (≥5) was superior to the TESS (≥8; 60% vs 33%), although specificity was comparable (83% vs 91% respectively).

Conclusions

The TESS screening tool could be a useful standalone or could be adopted alongside the STOP‐Bang OSA screening tools in the clinical assessment of sleep disorders among Indigenous Australians.
Vicarious trauma and nursing: An integrative review
Authors: Isobel Sophie , Thomas Margaret
Published: November 2021

Nursing requires empathic engagement, within therapeutic relationships, to ensure the delivery of compassionate care. Empathic engagement with people who have experienced trauma is known to potentially lead to experiences of vicarious trauma occurring in the caregiver. However, relatively little is known about the implications of vicarious trauma for nurses. This integrative review aimed to explore what is known about vicarious trauma and consider its implications for nursing. Twenty‐two articles were included in the review, with findings considering how vicarious trauma is conceptualized and applied to nursing in the literature, what implications of vicarious trauma, specific to nursing, are identified in the literature, and what vicarious trauma interventions are identified to apply to nursing. The findings highlight clear articulation of the concept of vicarious trauma and its relevance to nursing, including its pervasive and significant personal and professional effects. Vicarious trauma was identified to be a workplace hazard for nurses working across settings, which also impacts upon organizations. The review highlighted that at individual, team, organizational, and social levels, awareness and preventative approaches are recommended. These approaches require systemic supports that foster individual coping mechanisms, self‐care and support networks for nurses, education about vicarious trauma, screening for vicarious trauma, and formalized access to clinical supervision and peer support for all nurses. With increasing awareness of trauma across health care settings, and a move towards the delivery of ‘trauma informed care’, recognition of vicarious trauma amongst nurses as a likely ‘cost’ of the delivery of compassionate care to trauma survivors, is essential.
Flexural stress effect on mechanical and mechanochemical properties of soda lime silicate glass surface
Authors: Liu Hongshen , He Hongtu , Chen Zhe , Kim Seong H.
Published: November 2021

As a means to elucidate the mechanical stress effect on the durability of soda lime silicate (SLS) float glass, a thin glass plate under flexural stress was investigated with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), specular reflectance infrared (SR‐IR) spectroscopy, nanoindentation, and tribo‐testing. A lab‐built four‐point bending rig was employed to create compressive or tensile stress (around 40 MPa) on the air‐side surface of SLS glass. XPS analysis showed that electric field‐induced sodium ion migration is greatly enhanced in both compressive and tensile stress surfaces. The SR‐IR analysis of the Si‐O‐Si stretch mode revealed that the structural distortion of the silicate network appears to be larger under compressive stress than tensile stress. The elastic and plastic responses of the SLS surface to nanoindentation were significantly altered under the flexural stress conditions even though the magnitude of the flexural stress was less than 0.7% of the applied indentation stress. Compared to the stress‐free surface, the resistance to mechanochemical wear at 90% relative humidity deteriorated under the compressive stress condition, while it just became more scattered under the tensile stress condition. Even though the applied flexural stress was very small, its impact on chemical and structural properties could be surprisingly large. Combining all results in this study and previously published works suggested that the changes observed in nanoindentation and mechanochemical wear behaviors may be associated with the strain in the Si‐O bonds of the silicate network.
Bacillus sp. and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi consortia enhance wheat nutrient and yield in the second-year field trial: Superior performance in comparison with chemical fertilizers
Authors: Yadav Radheshyam , Ror Pankaj , Beniwal Rahul , Kumar Sanjeev , Ramakrishna Wusirika
Published: November 2021

Aims

The aim of the study is to analyse the effect of microbial consortia for wheat biofortification, growth, yield and soil fertility as part of a 2-year field study and compare it with the use of chemical fertilizers.

Methods and Results

A field trial (second year) was conducted with various combinations of plant growth–promoting bacteria (PGPB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) treatments, ranging from a single inoculant to multiple combinations. The microbial consortia used were Bacillus sp. and AMF based on first-year field trial results. The consortia based on native (CP4) and non-native (AHP3) PGPB (Bacillus sp.) and AMF performed better in terms of nutrients content in wheat grain tissue and yield-related traits compared with chemical fertilizer treated and untreated control. Dual treatment of PGPB (CP4+AHP3) combined with AMF resulted in a significant increase in antioxidants. The spatial colonization of AMF in roots indicated that both the isolates CP4 and AHP3 were able to enhance the AMF colonization in root tissue. Furthermore, soil enzymes’ activities were higher with the PGPB and AMF combination giving the best results. A positive correlation was recorded between plant growth, grain yield and soil physicochemical parameters.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm that the combined treatment of CP4 and AHP3 and AMF functions as an effective microbial consortium with excellent application prospects for wheat biofortification, grain yield and soil fertility compared with chemical fertilizers.

Significance and Impact of Study

The extensive application of chemical fertilizers on low-yielding field sites is a severe concern for cereal crops, especially wheat in the Asian continent. This study serves as a primer for implementing site-specific sustainable agricultural-management practices using a green technology leading to significant gains in agriculture.
Citrus flavonoids against Fusarium verticillioides in post-harvest maize: Minimization of fumonisins and alteration of fungal ultrastructure
Authors: Pok Paula Sol , García Londoño Víctor Alonso , Vicente Sebastián , Pacin Ana , Alzamora Stella Maris , Resnik Silvia Liliana
Published: November 2021

Aims

To minimize fumonisins (FBs) accumulation by Fusarium verticillioides in post-harvest maize, using flavonoids obtained from citrus residues: naringin (NAR), neohesperidin (NEO), quercetin (QUER), and its mixtures.

Methods and Results

Response surface methodology with Box-Behnken design was applied in maize at 0.98 and 0.95 aw. The optimal mixture found, composed of 0.40 mmol kg−1 NAR, 0.16 mmol kg−1 NEO and 0.37 mmol kg−1 QUER, reduced the accumulation of FBs B1, B2, and B3 by 88 ± 6%, 90 ± 6% and 85 ± 5%, respectively, when applied to maize at 0.98 aw. The mentioned mixture led to a 54 ± 9% reduction of fumonisin B1 accumulation in maize adjusted to 0.95 aw. These flavonoids applied individually and as a mixture, affected the structure of both the cell wall and the cytoplasm of F. verticillioides. The cell wall lost rigidity and the cells appeared highly deformed, with ruptured plasmalemma and disrupted endomembranes.

Conclusions

It was possible to diminish the accumulation of FBs in maize by a highly toxigenic Fusarium strain, producing severe damage to its ultrastructure.

Significance and Impact of Study

The results indicate the possible use of flavonoids from citrus industry residues as natural and environmentally friendly antifungal agents to restrain the accumulation of FBs in stored maize.
Wheat endophytes and their potential role in managing abiotic stress under changing climate
Authors: Ahlawat Om Parkash , Yadav Dhinu , Kashyap Prem Lal , Khippal Anil , Singh Gyanendra
Published: November 2021

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivation differs considerably in respect of soil type, temperature, pH, organic matter, moisture regime, etc. Among these, rising atmospheric temperature due to global warming is most important as it affects grain yield drastically. Studies have shown that for every 1°C rise in temperature above wheat's optimal growing temperature range of 20–25°C, there is a decrease in 2.8 days and 1.5 mg in the grain filling period and kernel weight, respectively, resulting in wheat yield reduction by 4–6 quintal per hectare. Growing demand for food and multidimensional issues of global warming may further push wheat crop to heat stress environments that can substantially affect heading duration, percent grain setting, maturity duration, grain growth rate and ultimately total grain yield. Considerable genetic variation exists in wheat gene pool with respect to various attributes associated with high temperature and stress tolerance; however, only about 15% of the genetic variability could be incorporated into cultivated wheat so far. Thus, alternative strategies have to be explored and implemented for sustainable, more productive and environment friendly agriculture. One of the feasible and environment friendly option is to look at micro-organisms that reside inside the plant without adversely affecting its growth, known as ‘endophytes’, and these colonize virtually all plant organs such as roots, stems, leaves, flowers and grains. The relationship between plant and endophytes is vital to the plant health, productivity and overall survival under abiotic stress conditions. Thus, it becomes imperative to enlist the endophytes (bacterial and fungal) isolated till date from wheat cultivars, their mechanism of ingression and establishment inside plant organs, genes involved in ingression, the survival advantages they confer to the plant under abiotic stress conditions and the potential benefits of their use in sustainable wheat cultivation.
Motivating prosocial behavior by leveraging positive self‐regard through values affirmation
Authors: Schneider Claudia R. , Weber Elke U.
Published: November 2021

Prosocial behavior is critical to address global social, environmental, and economic challenges. Yet humans often do not act with the benefit of others in mind, especially when those others are distant and unknown. We suggest that a failure to act prosocially may stem in part from cognitive and emotional capacity limitations. Hence an intervention that reduces worry about the self and thereby increases available resources may foster prosociality. Starting from self‐affirmation theory which posits that affirming the self can establish self‐integrity, we propose that a values affirmation intervention can motivate prosociality through fostering positive self‐regard. Across two studies we find that, compared to control participants, affirmed participants display greater willingness to volunteer time and exhibit increased actual prosocial behavior by completing an unpaid study and donating real money to charity. As hypothesized, increases in positive self‐regard mediate the effect of values affirmation on prosocial behavioral intentions as well as behavior.
Influence of maternal and additive genetic effects on lamb survival in Harnali sheep
Authors: Gaur Parth , Malik Zile S. , Bangar Yogesh C. , Magotra Ankit , Chauhan Ashish , Yadav Devesh Kumar
Published: November 2021

Lamb survival is a critical aspect in the sheep industry as it increases the chances of economic gain in the flock. The objective of the current study was to assess the incidence of lamb mortality in Harnali sheep and to estimate maternal and additive genetic effects of lamb survival using the data of 2057 lambs born to 134 sires and 623 dams for the period of 20 years (2001–2020). The genetic evaluation was carried out using threshold animal models comprising direct and maternal effects using THRGIBBS1F90 and POSTGIBBSF90 programs. Cumulative mortality (95% CI (confidence interval)) for the S1 (lambs which died up to weaning age), S2 (lambs which died from birth to 6 months of age) and S3 (lambs which died from birth to 12 months of birth) groups was 8.41 (7.21–9.61), 14.10 (12.59–15.60) and 17.70 (16.05–19.34) %, respectively. The logistic regression analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) influences of non‐genetic factors and indicated that the female lambs, heavier dam and higher birth weight of lamb were associated with better survival as compared to their counterparts. The estimates of direct additive heritability for S1, S2 and S3 were 0.04 ± 0.01, 0.07 ± 0.03 and 0.11 ± 0.04, respectively. In addition to this, significant influences of the maternal permanent environmental effects were observed for lamb survival up to weaning as well as six months of age. Thus, the present findings suggest that lamb survival could be improved through better management practices but consideration of maternal permanent environmental effects is important for initial survival of the lamb.
Maternal reactivity of ewes at lambing is genetically linked to their behavioural reactivity in an arena test
Authors: Hazard Dominique , Kempeneers Amandine , Delval Eric , Bouix Jacques , Foulquié Didier , Boissy Alain
Published: November 2021

In sheep, the bond between the dam and her lambs is established during the first hours of a lamb's life. Genetic variability for behavioural reactivity of ewes assessed in an arena test performed 24 hr after lambing has already been reported. However, there is no evidence that this reactivity represents the ewe's maternal reactivity at lambing in outdoor conditions. The objective of this study was to investigate whether or not the behavioural reactivity of ewes in the arena test is genetically related to their maternal reactivity measured at lambing. A total of 935 Romane ewes were studied. The maternal reactivity of ewes at the outdoor lambing site was recorded in response to a human approach and to the handling of the lambs. Their behavioural reactivity was also recorded 24 hr post‐lambing in the arena test that involved a separation from the litter and a human presence. Flight distance, aggressive reaction, time to restore contact with the litter, maternal behaviour scores and vocalizations recorded at the lambing site were heritable (0.12–0.34). All of these behaviours were genetically correlated with the behavioural reactivity in the arena test. The highest genetic correlations (from 0.60 to 0.90) were found amongst maternal behavioural scores, flight distance and high‐pitched bleats. In conclusion, behavioural reactivity in the arena test can be used to assess early maternal reactivity in standardized conditions. Phenotyping of ewes’ behavioural reactivity with a simplified arena test can be performed for genetic improvement in maternal behaviour in sheep.
The effects of blood pressure on post stroke cognitive impairment: BP and PSCI
Authors: Wang Yue , Li Shiping , Pan Yuesong , Wang Mengxing , Liao Xiaoling , Shi Jiong , Wang Yongjun
Published: November 2021

Cognitive function following acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is critical to prognosis and quality of life. Hypertension is a risk factor for stroke and is associated with post stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). However, the optimal blood pressure parameters after AIS is unknown. This is a sub‐study of the Impairment of CognitiON and Sleep after acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack in Chinese patients (ICONS) study conducted between August 2015 and March 2018. Cognition was assessed at two‐week (2w), three‐month (3 m), and twelve‐month (12 m) by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). A total of 682 participants who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. The primary outcome was cognitive changes after 3 and 12 months post stroke. Among 682 participants, the mean age was 59.35 ± 10.40 years and 72.29% were men. PSCI patients with high systolic blood pressure (SBP ≥140 mm Hg) at 3 m not only had worse cognition as evidenced by MoCA scores at 3 m but also predicted worse scores at 12 m. When participants were stratified into cognitively stable/improved (MoCA score ≥0, 2w vs. 12 m) and cognitively impaired (MoCA score ≤‐2, 2w vs. 12 m), those with high SBP were more likely to be cognitively impaired (OR 2.17, 95%CI 1.12–4.21, p < .05) and less likely to be cognitively stable/improved (OR 0.66, 95%CI 0.44–0.99, p < .05). SBP more than 140 mm Hg is associated with worse cognitive performance after ischemic stroke. Patients with SBP lower than 140 mm Hg have better cognitive outcome at 3‐month and 1 year after stroke.
miR‐4431 targets TRIP10/PRKD1 and impairs glucose metabolism
Authors: Pan Chongge , Li Menghuan , Wang Jingzhou , Chu Xiaolong , Xiong Jianyu , Yang Xin , Tang Yihan , Ma Dingling , Yuan Chenggang , Zhu Jiaojiao , Chang Yongsheng , Zhang Jun , Wang Cuizhe
Published: November 2021

Aim/Introduction

Obesity is considered an important risk factor for many metabolic disorders, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus, and microRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate the role of miR‐4431 in the obesity‐associated pathobiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and methods

Subjects were divided into normal control (n = 36), obese (n = 36), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 12) groups, and serum miR‐4431 levels were analyzed. Adenovirus‐vectored miR‐4431 mimic or sponge was intraperitoneally injected into the normal diet group and the high‐fat diet group (HFD) mice to investigate glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and lipid levels. The downstream target genes of miR‐4431 were predicted using bioinformatics, and they were verified in vitro.

Results

Serum miR‐4431 levels were significantly high in obese and type 2 diabetes mellitus individuals, and positively correlated with the body mass index and fasting plasma glucose levels. In HFD mice, miR‐4431 levels in the serum, white adipose tissue, and liver were significantly increased. Moreover, miR‐4431 impaired glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and lipid metabolism in mice. Bioinformatic prediction suggested that TRIP10 and PRKD1 could be the downstream target genes of miR‐4431. The HFD mice showed a remarkable reduction in the mRNA levels of TRIP10 and PRKD1 in the liver, which were countered by blocking miR‐4431. In HepG2 and L02 cells, miR‐4431 could downregulate TRIP10 and PRKD1 while blocking glucose uptake. The luciferase reporter assay showed that miR‐4431 could bind TRIP10 and PRKD1 3′‐UTR.

Conclusion

miR‐4431 targets TRIP10/PRKD1 and impairs glucose metabolism.
The effects of short‐term heat stress on functional response ofNeoseiulus barkeritoTetranychus urticae
Authors: Li Wei‐Zhen , Zhu Tong , Li Hao‐Long , Shang Su‐Qin
Published: November 2021

The predatory miteNeoseiulus barkeri(Acari: Phytoseiidae) is typically used for biocontrol ofTetranychus urticaeon strawberries. However, its biological characteristics are greatly affected by temperature in hot summer days. In this study, the influence of different short‐term heat stresses on the functional response and prey consumption of unmated female ofN. barkerion three stages (egg, protonymph and adult) ofT. urticaewas evaluated. Three temperatures (38, 40 and 42°C), three short‐term heat duration (2, 4 and 6 hr), eight prey densities (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 individuals), (85 ± 5) % RH and a 16‐hr: 8‐hr (L:D) photoperiod were used during a 24‐hr period in functional response experiments. The results showed that the eggs ofN. barkericould not hatch at 42°C and the type II functional response was determined for adult females ofN. barkeriat all treatments by using the logistic regression analysis. TheN. barkerihad the highest attack rate of 1.029, 2.044 and 0.913 hr‐1for three stages ofT. urticaeat 25°C and the lowest value of 0.585, 0.973 and 0.498 hr‐1at 40°C, 6 hr. On the contrary, the handling time of the predator prolonged when the temperature increased from 25°C to 40°C and the maximum level was observed at 40°C, 6 hr (0.126, 0.153 and 0.172 hr). Our study indicated that the effects of short‐term heat stress were negative on the predation ability ofN. barkeriand heat stress should be avoided as much as possible to achieve the best predation and control effect ofN. barkeriin indoor rearing and field release.
Does Gross or Net Debt Matter More for Emerging Market Spreads?
Authors: HADZI‐VASKOV METODIJ , RICCI LUCA ANTONIO
Published: November 2021

Does gross or net debt matter for long‐term sovereign spreads in emerging markets? The topic is important for understanding the borrowing cost implications of public asset–liability management decisions (e.g., using assets to lower debt). We investigate this question using data on emerging market economies (EMEs) over the period 1998–2014. We find that both gross debt and assets have a significant impact on long‐term sovereign bond spreads in emerging markets, with effects roughly offsetting each other (coefficients of opposite sign and similar magnitude). Hence, net debt seems more appropriate than gross debt when evaluating the impact of indebtedness on spreads. The empirical results suggest that an increase in net debt by 10 percentage points of GDP implies an increase in the spread by 100–120 basis points, and the effect is larger during periods of domestic distress. The key results from this empirical study are quite robust to alternative specifications and subgroups of EMEs.
How are Competing Logics Combined in Managerial Teams? The Impact of Branch Founding Team Hybridity on the Growth of Islamic Bank Branches in Turkey, 2002–19
Authors: Boone Christophe , Özcan Serden , Li Jia
Published: November 2021

Hybrid staffing – i.e., composing a workforce with individuals with oppositional institutional logics – is a strategy organizations can use to navigate through complex institutional environments. We propose that hybrid teams led by individuals with the legitimate logic from the perspective of the target audiences (conformist‐led hybrids) will outperform all‐conformist, non‐hybrid teams, and that hybrid teams led by individuals with the contested logic (alien‐led hybrids) will underperform non‐hybrid teams. Moreover, the performance advantage of conformist‐led hybrids will be attenuated by ideological polarization and demographic stability of the embedding community, and the performance disadvantage of alien‐led hybrids will be exacerbated by these two community characteristics. We tested our multilevel contingency model with the newly founded Islamic bank branches in Turkey in 2002–19. We found that the conformist‐led hybrids had a growth advantage over non‐hybrids, and alien‐led hybrids had a growth disadvantage, especially when the embedding communities were ideologically polarized. Theoretical implications are discussed.
Persistence of seaweed forests in the anthropocene will depend on warming and marine heatwave profiles
Authors: Straub Sandra C. , Wernberg Thomas , Marzinelli Ezequiel M. , Vergés Adriana , Kelaher Brendan P. , Coleman Melinda A.
Published: November 2021

Marine heatwaves (MHWs), discrete periods of extreme warm water temperatures superimposed onto persistent ocean warming, have increased in frequency and significantly disrupted marine ecosystems. While field observations on the ecological consequences of MHWs are growing, a mechanistic understanding of their direct effects is rare. We conducted an outdoor tank experiment testing how different thermal stressor profiles impacted the ecophysiological performance of three dominant forest‐forming seaweeds. Four thermal scenarios were tested: contemporary summer temperature (22°C), low persistent warming (24°C), a discrete MHW (22–27°C), and temperature variability followed by a MHW (22–24°C, 22–27°C). The physiological performance of seaweeds was strongly related to thermal profile and varied among species, with the highest temperature not always having the strongest effect. MHWs were highly detrimental for the fucoid Phyllospora comosa, whereas the laminarian kelp Ecklonia radiata showed sensitivity to extended thermal stress and demonstrated a cumulative temperature threshold. The fucoid Sargassum linearifolium showed resilience, albeit with signs of decline with bleached and degraded fronds, under all conditions, with stronger decline under stable control and warming conditions. The varying responses of these three co‐occurring forest‐forming seaweeds under different temperature scenarios suggests that the impact of ocean warming on near shore ecosystems may be complex and will depend on the specific thermal profile of rising water temperatures relative to the vulnerability of different species.
Evaluation by polymerase chain reaction assay of persistent shedding of pathogenic leptospires in the urine of dogs with leptospirosis
Authors: Hetrick Katie , Harkin Kenneth R. , Peddireddi Lalitha , Henningson Jamie
Published: November 2021

Background

Persistent leptospiruria in naturally infected dogs occurs despite appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine the frequency of persistent leptospiruria in naturally infected dogs and the association of persistent leptospiruria with different antibiotic treatments.

Animals

Thirty‐two dogs of varying age and breed diagnosed with leptospirosis via urine polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR).

Methods

A prospective observational study of dogs diagnosed with leptospirosis was undertaken to determine the frequency of persistent leptospiruria as determined by PCR. Clinical presentation of leptospirosis, antibiotic treatment, serum creatinine concentration, and outcome were recorded.

Results

Fifteen of 32 dogs had a negative urine PCR on the first submission in the study, 5 of 15 received only an aminopenicillin. The remaining 17 dogs had a negative urine PCR on the second (n = 6 dogs), third (n = 5), fourth (n = 5), and eighth (n = 1) submissions. Acute kidney injury was reported in 32/32 dogs. Two of 32 dogs developed chronic kidney disease.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Persistent leptospiruria is common despite treatment with antibiotics frequently recommended for treatment. Follow‐up urine PCR to confirm clearance of the organism is recommended in all dogs. In dogs with persistent leptospiruria, chronic kidney disease can develop after acute kidney injury.
Definition of “fairy circles” and how they differ from other common vegetation gaps and plant rings
Authors: Getzin Stephan , Yizhaq Hezi , Tschinkel Walter R.
Published: November 2021

Aims

The fairy circles along the Namib Desert in southern Africa are round grassland gaps that have puzzled scientists for about 50 years. With the discovery of fairy circles in Australia in 2016, the debate on the origin of the circles has been extended to a new continent. Research interest on the topic has since then risen strongly but so has the use of the term “fairy circle”. This term has become more imprecise and, by analogy, has been applied to circular vegetation gaps or plant rings that are largely unrelated to fairy circles. For this reason, we define the concept of fairy circles by identifying their three main characteristics based on in situ field observations and soil excavations to larger‐scale spatial patterns, and regional‐scale distribution.

Results

Following this approach, fairy circles are defined by: (a) being “empty gaps” in grassland without a central insect‐nest structure; (b) their ability to form spatially periodic patterns, which are regular hexagonal patterns with an extraordinary degree of spatial ordering; and (c) their strongly regional distribution confined within a narrow arid climatic envelope. In these combined traits, fairy circles differ from other common vegetation gaps which, for example, always have a central insect‐nest structure and may occur across broad climatic gradients on continents. Also plant rings have their own specific characteristics that largely differ from the combined attributes of genuine fairy circles.

Conclusions

There are many other vegetation‐gap patterns in arid lands but if such gaps cannot jointly show the three characteristics defining the fairy circles, they should be carefully discussed on their own, rather than mixing them up with fairy circles. Our synthesis provides a new etymology for the different types of vegetation gaps and rings, aiming to guide the reader through various classes of circular plant patterns.
Glycosylated 4‐methylumbelliferone as a targeted therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Weiz Gisela , Molejon Maria I. , Malvicini Mariana , Sukowati Caecilia H. C. , Tiribelli Claudio , Mazzolini Guillermo , Breccia Javier D.
Published: November 2021

Background & Aims

Reaching efficacious drug delivery to target cells/tissues represents a major obstacle in the current treatment of solid malignancies including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we developed a pipeline to selective add complex‐sugars to the aglycone 4‐methylumbelliferone (4MU) to help their bioavailability and tumour cell intake.

Methods

The therapeutic efficacy of sugar‐modified rutinosyl‐4‐methylumbelliferone (4MUR) and 4MU were compared in vitro and in an orthotopic HCC model established in fibrotic livers. The mechanistic bases of its selective target to liver tumour cells were evaluated by the interaction with asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR), the mRNA expression of hyaluronan synthases (HAS2 or HAS3) and hyaluronan deposition.

Results

4MUR showed a significant antiproliferative effect on liver tumoural cells as compared to non‐tumoural cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Further analysis showed that 4MUR is incorporated mostly into HCC cells by interaction with ASGPR, a receptor commonly overexpressed in HCC cells. 4MUR‐treatment decreased the levels of HAS2 and HAS3 and the cytoplasmic deposition of hyaluronan. Moreover, 4MUR reduced CFSC‐2G activation, hence reducing the fibrosis. In vivo efficacy showed that 4MUR treatment displayed a greater tumour growth inhibition and increased survival in comparison to 4MU. 4MUR administration was associated with a significant reduction of liver fibrosis without any signs of tissue damage. Further, 60% of 4MUR treated mice did not present macroscopically tumour mass post‐treatment.

Conclusion

Our results provide evidence that 4MUR may be used as an effective HCC therapy, without damaging non‐tumoural cells or other organs, most probably due to the specific targeting.
Larger, more connected societies of ants have a higher prevalence of viruses
Authors: Brahma Anindita , Leon Raphael Gray , Hernandez Gabriel Luis , Wurm Yannick
Published: November 2021

The benefits of cooperative living for foraging, nesting, defence and buffering environmental challenges lead animals with the most highly social lifestyles to dominate many ecosystems. However, living in larger, more highly connected groups should also increase the risks of pathogen exposure and transmission. While over long timescales selective responses could buffer the impacts of potential higher pathogen prevalence, similar processes are unlikely over short timescales. The red fire ant Solenopsis invicta is ideal for measuring the effects of group size on pathogen prevalence because two types of society coexist in this species: smaller single‐nest single‐queen colonies that are highly aggressive to their neighbours and larger multiple‐queen colonies that exchange resources with neighbouring nests. We compare the presence of viruses between these two colony types using metagenomic sequence classification of RNA‐sequencing reads. We find that queens from multiple‐queen colonies have 8.3‐times higher viral load and 1.5‐times higher viral diversity than queens from single‐queen colonies. This finding characterizes a rarely considered cost of transitions to more highly social living. Furthermore, our results show that highly social invertebrates can harbour many viruses.
Turkish Foreign Policy in a Neorealist Framework: Bilateral Relations Since 2016
Authors: Yilmaz Eren Alper
Published: November 2021

In the last five years, Turkish foreign policy in the regional and international arenas has followed a neorealist approach, mostly defensive, by establishing either cooperation or conflict with its allies, based on the dynamics of its domestic politics and the structure of the international system. Due especially to the coup attempt in 2016 and rising tension in Syria sparked by the activities of illegal groups, Turkey has usually followed a security‐oriented foreign policy to ensure national security and strengthen its strategic position within the framework of agreements in the military operations at its southern borders and its uncompromising principles regarding migration. The objective of this study is to analyze why Turkish foreign policy has followed a neorealist policy, by evaluating the bilateral relations with Turkey's core allies, the United States, Russia, and the European Union—ties that have survived at the highest level, even after the coup attempt and the Syrian conflict.
Philosophy doesn’t need a concept of progress
Authors: Shan Yafeng
Published: November 2021

Philosophical progress is one of the most controversial topics in metaphilosophy. It has been widely debated whether philosophy makes any progress in history. This paper revisits the concept of philosophical progress. It first identifies two criteria of an ideal concept of philosophical progress. It then argues that our accounts of philosophical progress fail to provide such an ideal concept. Finally, it argues that not only do we not have a good concept of philosophical progress, we also do not need a concept of philosophical progress in order to arrive at a good understanding of the history of philosophy.
Tasmanian Aboriginal Material Culture, Compensation, Belonging
Authors: Berk Christopher D.
Published: November 2021

Abstract

The Tasmanian Aboriginal people have historically been defined by their visible lack of stereotypical “Aboriginal” characteristics and their supposed nonexistence. This article examines how Tasmanian Aboriginal individuals are bridging such gaps through material cultural production. In thinking about how communities mobilize the past to produce themselves in the present, I argue that canoes, kelp water carriers, and shell necklaces are vehicles through which alterity and distinction are rendered concrete. As such, these processes are best understood in relation to Bell and Geismar’s “materialization” and Ingold’s “meshworks.” Despite internal debates amongst practitioners over proper methodologies and styles, revitalized culture can be productively imagined as compensation for outward shortcomings and deficiencies. Efforts at revitalizing culture are willed connections to a deep ancestral past and represent the discursive enactment of a continuity that is often otherwise conspicuous by its absence. [material culture, cultural revitalization, Indigeneity, Tasmania, Australia]
“REFUGEE LOVE” IN A COLLEGE ART GALLERY: “Refugee Crafts” in the American Political Imaginary, 2017
Authors: Rodgers Susan
Published: November 2021

abstract

Refugees are often mischaracterized as either “threats” to their new nations of resettlement or as remarkably virtuous, resilient “survivors” of harsh expulsions from their home countries and difficult years in refugee camps. Both imageries fall short of forced migrants’ actual lives and stories. Museums’ display practices and their interpretations of “refugee arts” can easily fall into stereotypes, especially sugary, positive ones. This case study delves into display practices that led well‐intentioned curators and their student collaborators to lodge a small exhibition’s vision of refugees and their art production at superficial levels. Many universities now encourage students to conduct community‐based research and display findings in campus museums. This study argues that even well‐motivated shows on forced migrants’ art production should be executed with subtlety, so as to avoid inaccurate classification schemes regarding “refugee art.”
Thinking rhizomatically and becoming successful with disabled students in the accommodations assemblage: Using storytelling as method
Authors: Epstein Iris , Rose Jarrett R. , Juergensen Linda , Mykitiuk Roxanne , MacEntee Katie , Stephens Lindsay
Published: November 2021

The number of disabled students enrolled in higher education institutions is increasing. Yet in disciplines such as nursing, where placements are an important part of student success, students' lived experiences, though an important and necessary aspect of promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion, has been ignored. In this paper, we respond to such issues by creating and utilizing a novel storytelling method that harnesses the antiessentialist philosophy of Deleuze and Guattari. Storytelling empowers students to both describe their experiences and inform institutions on how to better serve them, and we use concepts from Deleuze and Guattari to provide a framework for thinking about students and their pathways toward success as multiple. As we show, applying storytelling as a method through this lens offers an expansion of strategies to put students first and, therefore, promote equity at the administrative, research, educational, and practical levels. We describe how thinking rhizomatically opens new avenues of insight, allowing for the creation of institutional assemblages based on a diverse array of students' needs, enabling them to become successful in their own ways.
Genomic and GWAS analyses demonstrate phylogenomic relationships of Gossypium barbadense in China and selection for fibre length, lint percentage and Fusarium wilt resistance
Authors: Zhao Nan , Wang Weiran , Grover Corrinne E. , Jiang Kaiyun , Pan Zhuanxia , Guo Baosheng , Zhu Jiahui , Su Ying , Wang Meng , Nie Hushuai , Xiao Li , Guo Anhui , Yang Jing , Cheng Cheng , Ning Xinmin , Li Bin , Xu Haijiang , Adjibolosoo Daniel , Aierxi Alifu , Li Pengbo , Geng Junyi , Wendel Jonathan F. , Kong Jie , Hua Jinping
Published: November 2021

Sea Island cotton (Gossypium barbadense) is the source of the world’s finest fibre quality cotton, yet relatively little is understood about genetic variations among diverse germplasms, genes underlying important traits and the effects of pedigree selection. Here, we resequenced 336 G. barbadense accessions and identified 16 million SNPs. Phylogenetic and population structure analyses revealed two major gene pools and a third admixed subgroup derived from geographical dissemination and interbreeding. We conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of 15 traits including fibre quality, yield, disease resistance, maturity and plant architecture. The highest number of associated loci was for fibre quality, followed by disease resistance and yield. Using gene expression analyses and VIGS transgenic experiments, we confirmed the roles of five candidate genes regulating four key traits, that is disease resistance, fibre length, fibre strength and lint percentage. Geographical and temporal considerations demonstrated selection for the superior fibre quality (fibre length and fibre strength), and high lint percentage in improving G. barbadense in China. Pedigree selection breeding increased Fusarium wilt disease resistance and separately improved fibre quality and yield. Our work provides a foundation for understanding genomic variation and selective breeding of Sea Island cotton.
Genotype‐dependent contribution of CBF transcription factors to long‐term acclimation to high light and cool temperature
Authors: Baker Christopher R. , Stewart Jared J. , Amstutz Cynthia L. , Ching Lindsey G. , Johnson Jeffrey D. , Niyogi Krishna K. , Adams William W. , Demmig‐Adams Barbara
Published: November 2021

When grown under cool temperature, winter annuals upregulate photosynthetic capacity as well as freezing tolerance. Here, the role of three cold‐induced C‐repeat‐binding factor (CBF1–3) transcription factors in photosynthetic upregulation and freezing tolerance was examined in two Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes originating from Italy (IT) or Sweden (SW), and their corresponding CBF1–3‐deficient mutant lines it:cbf123 and sw:cbf123. Photosynthetic, morphological and freezing‐tolerance phenotypes, as well as gene expression profiles, were characterized in plants grown from the seedling stage under different combinations of light level and temperature. Under high light and cool (HLC) growth temperature, a greater role of CBF1–3 in IT versus SW was evident from both phenotypic and transcriptomic data, especially with respect to photosynthetic upregulation and freezing tolerance of whole plants. Overall, features of SW were consistent with a different approach to HLC acclimation than seen in IT, and an ability of SW to reach the new homeostasis through the involvement of transcriptional controls other than CBF1–3. These results provide tools and direction for further mechanistic analysis of the transcriptional control of approaches to cold acclimation suitable for either persistence through brief cold spells or for maximisation of productivity in environments with continuous low temperatures.