bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some are More Equal than Others? Dignity, Difference and Vilification
Authors: Arnold Bruce Baer , Bonython Wendy
Published: August 2024

Vilification is expression that objectifies a group and serves to harm, most saliently through reducing the participation in public life by members of that group. This article critiques the Australian anti-vilification regime, arguing that it is both appropriate and feasible for governments to foster individual and collective flourishing through coherent restrictions on hate speech. The article suggests that such restriction are founded on a respect for human dignity rather than merely a concern for public order. This respect invokes both statements by politicians that signal the community’s disdain for vilification on the basis of gender and sexual orientation rather than merely traditional restrictions regarding vilification in relation to ethnicity and religious affiliation. Australia can develop a progressive and coherent regime that provides consistency across jurisdictions whilst accommodating concerns regarding free speech.
Do We Care About What We Share? A Proposal for Dealing With the Proliferation of False Information by Creating a Public Platform
Authors: Harper Tauel
Published: August 2024

Meaningful engagement with public space is a fundamental part of how we determine truth. The use of social media as a replacement for public space has exacerbated a crisis in public confidence in shared truths. This article advocates for the establishment of a truly public network or digital platform for ‘truth telling’, as a counterpoint for this growing public incredulity. Because ‘truth’ is an expression of power, such a platform would need to operate as an inclusive public, creating a space for valorising earnest public contributions and recognising the inherent contingency of truthfulness and authority. Such a forum would act as an important counterbalance to the proliferation of misinformation on social media but more importantly, it could help form a more collaborative and constructive shared public space.
Law and Litigation for the Conservation of Forest Communities
Authors: Schuijers Laura , Godden Lee
Published: August 2024

Australia’s natural environment is in decline and under increasing threat. The extent and severity of biodiversity loss is highlighted by the second independent, 10-yearly review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (‘EPBC Act’). The Review points to climate change as a critical compounding danger — one to which Australia and its unique flora and fauna are highly vulnerable. In this article, we discuss the role of law in protecting and extending the public interest in nature conservation, with special focus on the forest context. The term ‘public interest,’ while complex in meaning, typically refers to public or community values, as opposed to private interests such as those of property rights holders. We consider the recent judgments in Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum Inc v VicForests (No 4) [2020] FCA 704 (‘Leadbeater’s Possum’) and Bob Brown Foundation Inc v Commonwealth of Australia [2021] FCAFC 5 (‘Great Forest’) with respect to the ongoing function of the Regional Forest Agreements (‘RFAs’) in exempting the operation of the EPBC Act. In light of the Review’s comment that Australia’s federal environmental law is not fit for purpose, as well as the gaps and limitations in the law revealed by the two court cases, we conclude that legal reform is needed. Without legal reform, there can be no guarantee that cumulative threats to forest biodiversity will be adequately managed because although the relevant legislation appears to embody principles of ecologically sustainable development on its face, it also prevents key decision-makers and operators from being held to account. The inescapable dependency of humans on nature means the insufficiency of environmental laws fundamentally concern us all.
The Analysis Study of Effects of Metformin on Ovarian Cancer : A Comprehensive Systematic Review
Authors: Fetana Innesti Nur , Yoebel Faisal
Published: August 2024

Background: Ovarian cancer is one of the 10 most common cancers in women, with an estimated 295,414 new cases and 184,799 deaths worldwide in 2018. Metformin also activates the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase pathway via liver kinase B1, which is a key gate pathway related to inhibition of subsequent tumor growth biomarkers, insulin signaling cascade, and cell cycle regulatory pathways. The aim: The aim of this study to show about effects of metformin on ovarian cancer. Methods: By the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020, this study was able to show that it met all of the requirements. Result: Eight publications were found to be directly related to our ongoing systematic examination after a rigorous three-level screening approach. Subsequently, a comprehensive analysis of the complete text was conducted, and additional scrutiny was given to these articles. Conclusion: Long-term metformin use reduced all-cause mortality, but not cancer-specific survival (CSS) in ovarian cancer. Whether metformin itself reduces deaths because of ovarian cancer requires further investigation.
Application of the concept of growing degree days to determine the optimal mango harvest schedule in Situbondo
Authors: Pramudia Aris , Affandi  , Marta Nini
Published: August 2024

Determining the optimal harvest time for an agricultural commodity can be achieved by applying the concept of growing degree days (GDD). The purpose of this research is to determine the potential time of flowering to harvest, especially in developing Arumanis 143 mango cultivation off-season. The study was conducted at the Arumanis 143 mango plantation, owned by PT. Trigatra Rajasa, in Ketowan Village, Arjasa District, Situbondo Regency. The simulation method used in this research was calculating the cumulative GDD using daily average temperature data and the base temperature of mango at 10 °C. The simulation assumed a cumulative value of 543ºC at the beginning of the flowering phase, a value of 945ºC at the beginning of the fruiting phase, and a value of 2,942ºC at the harvest time for export quality. The simulation results indicated that during on-season conditions, mango flowers usually appeared between the third 10 days of May to the third 10 days of June (May III-June III), originating from shoots that emerged between April III to May III. The fruit emergence was estimated to occur around June II-July II, and harvest time around October II-November II. In off-season conditions, the initial emergence of shoots, flowers, fruit, and mango harvest was estimated to occur sequentially around March I-III, April I-III, April III-May II, and August III-September II. The simulation results suggested that the duration of fruiting is longer (20-30 days) compared to existing conditions, resulting in a delay of 20-30 days in fruit harvesting. This research emphasizes the importance of identifying the correct harvest time based on the growth phenology of Arumanis 143 mango plants.
Keywords: fruiting duration, growing degree days, harvest time, mango
Vegetative Performance of a crossed-shallot (Allium fistulosum L. x Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum) applied with dark septate endophyte
Authors: Azmi Chotimatul , Saadah Imas Rita , Pinilih Joko , Faoji Noor , Ahmadi Noor Roufiq , Surono Surono , Karjadi Asih Kartasih , Soedomo Prasodjo
Published: August 2024

Dark septate endophyte (DSE) application on shallot is still quite uncommon. This study investigated DSE application on crossed-shallot (Allium fistulosum L. x Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum) in the highlands of Lembang, West Java, Indonesia. Four treatments (Dendrothyrium sp. strain CPP 1.1.44, Curvularia sp. strain TKC 22, and Cladosporium sp. strain KSP.1 and control) with four replications on crossed shallot were investigated. Fresh weight, number of bulbs, number of pseudo-stems, number of leaves, plant height, pseudo-stem diameter, and leaf diameter were measured at 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13 weeks after planting (WAP). All treatments were freshly picked and weighed at 16 WAP. The results showed that crossed-shallots have different responses among treatments. However, all treatments showed the same response for maximum growth time. The highest values for the number of pseudo-stems, number of leaves, plant height, pseudo-stem diameter, and leaves diameter were reached at 13, 11, 9, 9, and 9 WAP, respectively. All treatments were harvested at 16 WAP, 3–8 weeks longer than shallot parental plants (A. cepa L. var. aggregatum). Applying three DSEs was likely to reduce the number of pseudo-stems from crossing lines of shallots and bunching onions. DSE KSP.1 treatment demonstrated an increase in plant height and the number of bulbs. Meanwhile, TKC 22 treatment showed to increase plant height, pseudo-stem, leaf diameter, and fresh weight.
Keywords: dark septate endophyte, shallot, harvest time, pseudo-stem
Síndrome Antifosfolípide (SAF): um relato de caso
Authors: Carvalho Barros Bezerra Davi , Dos Santos Rocha Diogo , Mota de Queiroz Teixeira Gustavo Luiz , Sotero Magalhães Filho José Wilson , Rocha Santana da Silva Lucas , Rocha Santana da Silva Luiza , Cardoso Bezerra Marcelo , Moreira Rocha Thiago Erick
Published: August 2024

O presente artigo tem o objetivo de relatar um caso de paciente com suspeita diagnóstica de Síndrome Antifosfolípide (SAF) Obstétrica em terapia anticoagulante com acompanhamento de assistência ao cuidado pré-natal realizado pelo Ambulatório de Obstetrícia da Universidade de Gurupi - TO. Os dados contidos no estudo foram obtidos pela anamnese, exame físico, exames complementares anteriores, revisão de prontuário, revisão da caderneta da gestante e carteira de vacinação. Paciente, 25 anos, multigesta, histórico de 3 abortos nos últimos três anos, com durações que variavam entre 7 e 11 semanas de idade gestacional, DUM 25/08/2023, com 35 semanas e 3 dias de idade gestacional. Devido a gestante estar na quarta gestação e ter sofrido de três abortos consecutivos em períodos menores ou próximos a 10 semanas de idade gestacional, a principal hipótese diagnóstica é a síndrome antifosfolípide obstétrica. Em consequência de tal evento, durante as primeiras consultas de pré-natal, a conduta terapêutica consistiu em administrar a Clexane® (enoxaparina 40 mg/dia) por via subcutânea até o término da gestação. Neste caso, o uso do anticoagulante tem o objetivo de diminuir o risco de desenvolvimento de uma trombose venosa profunda e demais consequências. Conclui-se, portanto, que a terapia anticoagulante adaptada surge como uma estratégia crucial para mitigar complicações e melhorar os resultados obstétricos.
A influência da microbiota intestinal e probióticos na obesidade: uma revisão narrativa sobre mecanismos biológicos e potencial terapêutico
Authors: Gomes Machado de Souza Felipe , Silveira Alves Vinícius Tadeu , Rezende Ferreira Franciane Mara , Tamara Alves Carretta Lucca , Rodrigues Teixeira Pedro , Damazio Domingos Gustavo Henrique , Khouri Carlos Eduardo , Costa Cruz Artur , Miari Naves Luciano , Da Silva Marques Elias Letícia , Moreira de Carvalho Lilian , Corrêa Torres Raíssa
Published: August 2024

Objetivo: Esta revisão narrativa explora a influência da microbiota intestinal e dos probióticos na obesidade, analisando mecanismos biológicos, efeitos clínicos e potencial terapêutico. Métodos: Foram realizadas buscas no PubMed e SciELO, selecionando estudos clínicos randomizados, meta-análises e revisões sistemáticas sobre microbiota intestinal e probióticos em adultos obesos. A seleção envolveu triagem de títulos e resumos, seguida da revisão completa dos textos. Dados sobre intervenções, desfechos e resultados foram extraídos e sintetizados narrativamente. Discussão: A modulação da microbiota intestinal mostrou impactos significativos na composição corporal e inflamação. Estudos revelaram que probióticos e simbióticos podem reduzir marcadores inflamatórios e melhorar parâmetros metabólicos. A transferência de microbiota fecal também apresentou resultados promissores na adolescência. A relação causal entre microbiota e adipocinas circulantes reforça o papel da microbiota na homeostase metabólica. Conclusão: A modulação da microbiota intestinal é uma abordagem promissora para o tratamento da obesidade, destacando a importância de estratégias personalizadas na medicina preventiva e terapêutica.
Transtorno de ansiedade social: Compreendendo os impactos e estratégias de tratamento
Authors: Gabrielly Jack Frizon  , Júlia Gabriela Rossi Pelegrini  , João Vitor Santin Cavalcante  , Flávia Battistuz  , Ana Aparecida Adeodato de Souza  , Jamisson Francisco da Silva  , Victor Gustavo Soares Nava  , Nicolas Fraga Pinheiro  , Thiago Cassio Fuzatti dos Santos  , Artur Kiesqui Zattar  , Diherdre de Sá Barreto Diaz Gino  , Ana Flávia da Silva Rodrigues Alves Ramos  , Maria Fernanda Siqueira Bertin  , Jonathan França Vargas  , Ana Luiza Sari Sampaio  , André Felipe Nunes Ost  , Maysa Gomes Xavier Beserra  , Thiago Paulo Soares  , Rosimere Aparecida Nascimento Ribeiro  , Marieli de Almeida Melo  , Lucas Gabriel Girardi  , Tawa do Nascimento Fontes
Published: August 2024

O Transtorno de Ansiedade Social (TAS) é uma condição psicológica comum e debilitante, caracterizada por um medo intenso e persistente de situações sociais ou de desempenho, onde o indivíduo teme ser julgado ou avaliado negativamente pelos outros. Esse medo pode levar a uma evitação significativa de interações sociais e a um impacto negativo nas esferas pessoal, acadêmica e profissional. O TAS frequentemente começa na adolescência e pode persistir na vida adulta se não for tratado adequadamente. Compreender suas causas, sintomas e tratamentos é crucial para ajudar os indivíduos afetados a melhorar sua qualidade de vida e funcionalidade social. Essa revisão de literatura foi realizada por meio de publicações científicas encontradas nos seguintes bancos de dados: Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS), Public Medline (PubMed), Portal de Periódicos CAPES e Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), sem restrição de período. Foram também consultados os sites oficiais do Ministério da Saúde e a literatura cinzenta. O Transtorno de Ansiedade Social (TAS) é uma condição que afeta profundamente a vida dos indivíduos, causando um medo debilitante de interações sociais e prejudicando o funcionamento diário. Compreender suas causas multifatoriais e os impactos negativos é essencial para desenvolver intervenções eficazes. Tratamentos como a terapia cognitivo-comportamental e medicações apropriadas podem proporcionar alívio significativo dos sintomas. Promover a conscientização e reduzir o estigma associado ao TAS são passos fundamentais para encorajar a busca por ajuda profissional. Investir em pesquisas contínuas e apoio adequado pode melhorar significativamente a qualidade de vida daqueles que sofrem desse transtorno.
Reabilitação de pacientes após acidentes vasculares cerebrais: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Rodrigues de Lima Freire Ellen Vitoria , De Brito Melo Victória , Oliveira Verás Saul Felipe , Pinheiro Borges Neta Beatriz , Ferreira da Silva Natália , Cavalcante de Moura Anna Clara , Salmem Rodrigues Maria Eduarda , Ferreira Nunes Mateus Augusto , Ramos Pimentel Santana Leonardo , Souza dos Santos Thayse , Da Silva Gomes Wilianne
Published: August 2024

A reabilitação pós-AVC é crucial para minimizar as sequelas e maximizar a recuperação funcional, enfrentando os desafios das incapacidades neurológicas frequentemente causadas pelo AVC. Além dos métodos tradicionais, como terapia física, novas tecnologias como realidade virtual estão sendo incorporadas, destacando a importância de iniciar a reabilitação precocemente e de forma intensiva. Este estudo envolveu uma revisão integrativa da literatura com várias etapas para garantir a qualidade e relevância dos estudos incluídos. A pesquisa foi estruturada a partir da questão de pesquisa formulada pelo acrônimo PICo, focando em pacientes com AVC e estratégias de reabilitação. A pesquisa ocorreu em bases de dados como PubMed e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, com descritores específicos e critérios rigorosos de inclusão para garantir a relevância dos estudos selecionados. Foram identificadas estratégias multidisciplinares eficazes para a reabilitação funcional e cognitiva de pacientes, envolvendo técnicas de estimulação, exercícios específicos, e reabilitação intensiva personalizada. Estudos destacaram a eficácia de terapias combinadas, como estimulação transcraniana e do nervo vago, bem como o uso de terapias de espelho e de onda de choque extracorpórea. Também foram explorados métodos alternativos como acupuntura e treinamento aeróbico, destacando a importância de abordagens personalizadas baseadas nas necessidades e capacidades dos pacientes.
Ezrin defines TSC complex activation at endosomal compartments through EGFR–AKT signaling
Authors: Giamundo Giuliana , Intartaglia Daniela , Del Prete Eugenio , Polishchuk Elena , Andreone Fabrizio , Ognibene Marzia , Buonocore Sara , Hay Mele Bruno , Salierno Francesco Giuseppe , Monfregola Jlenia , Antonini Dario , Grumati Paolo , Eva Alessandra , De Cegli Rossella , Conte Ivan
Published: August 2024

Endosomes have emerged as major signaling hubs where different internalized ligand–receptor complexes are integrated and the outcome of signaling pathways are organized to regulate the strength and specificity of signal transduction events. Ezrin, a major membrane–actin linker that assembles and coordinates macromolecular signaling complexes at membranes, has emerged recently as an important regulator of lysosomal function. Here, we report that endosomal-localized EGFR/Ezrin complex interacts with and triggers the inhibition of the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC complex) in response to EGF stimuli. This is regulated through activation of the AKT signaling pathway. Loss of Ezrin was not sufficient to repress TSC complex by EGF and culminated in translocation of TSC complex to lysosomes triggering suppression of mTORC1 signaling. Overexpression of constitutively active EZRINT567D is sufficient to relocalize TSC complex to the endosomes and reactivate mTORC1. Our findings identify EZRIN as a critical regulator of autophagy via TSC complex in response to EGF stimuli and establish the central role of early endosomal signaling in the regulation of mTORC1. Consistently, Medaka fish deficient for Ezrin exhibit defective endo-lysosomal pathway, attributable to the compromised EGFR/AKT signaling, ultimately leading to retinal degeneration. Our data identify a pivotal mechanism of endo-lysosomal signaling involving Ezrin and its associated EGFR/TSC complex, which are essential for retinal function.
JAK inhibition decreases the autoimmune burden in Down syndrome
Authors: Rachubinski Angela L , Wallace Elizabeth , Gurnee Emily , Enriquez-Estrada Belinda A , Worek Kayleigh R , Smith Keith P , Araya Paula , Waugh Katherine A , Granrath Ross E , Britton Eleanor , Lyford Hannah R , Donovan Micah G , Eduthan Neetha Paul , Hill Amanda A , Martin Barry , Sullivan Kelly D , Patel Lina , Fidler Deborah J , Galbraith Matthew D , Dunnick Cory A , Norris David A , Espinosa Joaquín M
Published: August 2024

Background:

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS), the genetic condition caused by trisomy 21 (T21), display clear signs of immune dysregulation, including high rates of autoimmunity and severe complications from infections. Although it is well established that T21 causes increased interferon responses and JAK/STAT signaling, elevated autoantibodies, global immune remodeling, and hypercytokinemia, the interplay between these processes, the clinical manifestations of DS, and potential therapeutic interventions remain ill defined.

Methods:

We report a comprehensive analysis of immune dysregulation at the clinical, cellular, and molecular level in hundreds of individuals with DS, including autoantibody profiling, cytokine analysis, and deep immune mapping. We also report the interim analysis of a Phase II clinical trial investigating the safety and efficacy of the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib through multiple clinical and molecular endpoints.

Results:

We demonstrate multi-organ autoimmunity of pediatric onset concurrent with unexpected autoantibody-phenotype associations in DS. Importantly, constitutive immune remodeling and hypercytokinemia occur from an early age prior to autoimmune diagnoses or autoantibody production. Analysis of the first 10 participants to complete 16 weeks of tofacitinib treatment shows a good safety profile and no serious adverse events. Treatment reduced skin pathology in alopecia areata, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis, while decreasing interferon scores, cytokine scores, and levels of pathogenic autoantibodies without overt immune suppression.

Conclusions:

JAK inhibition is a valid strategy to treat autoimmune conditions in DS. Additional research is needed to define the effects of JAK inhibition on the broader developmental and clinical hallmarks of DS.

Funding:

NIAMS, Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

Clinical trial number:

NCT04246372.
Towards unified reporting of genome sequencing results in clinical microbiology
Authors: Mutschler Eugenio , Roloff Tim , Neves Aitana , Vangstein Aamot Hege , Rodriguez-Sanchez Belén , Ramirez Mario , Rossen John , Couto Natacha , Novais Ângela , Howden Benjamin P. , Brisse Sylvain , Reuter Sandra , Nolte Oliver , Egli Adrian , Seth-Smith Helena M. B. ,   the ESCMID Study Group for Epidemiological Markers (ESGEM), and ESCMID Study Group for Genomic and Molecular Diagnostics (ESGMD)
Published: August 2024

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has become a vital tool in clinical microbiology, playing an important role in outbreak investigations, molecular surveillance, and identification of bacterial species, resistance mechanisms and virulence factors. However, the complexity of WGS data presents challenges in interpretation and reporting, requiring tailored strategies to enhance efficiency and impact. This study explores the diverse needs of key stakeholders in healthcare, including clinical management, laboratory work, public surveillance and epidemiology, infection prevention and control, and academic research, regarding WGS-based reporting of clinically relevant bacterial species. In order to determine preferences regarding WGS reports, human-centered design approach was employed, involving an online survey and a subsequent workshop with stakeholders. The survey gathered responses from 64 participants representing the above mentioned healthcare sectors across geographical regions. Key findings include the identification of barriers related to data accessibility, integration with patient records, and the complexity of interpreting WGS results. As the participants designed their ideal report using nine pre-defined sections of a typical WGS report, differences in needs regarding report structure and content across stakeholders became evident. The workshop discussions further highlighted the need to feature critical findings and quality metrics prominently in reports, as well as the demand for flexible report designs. Commonalities were observed across stakeholder-specific reporting templates, such as the uniform ranking of certain report sections, but preferences regarding the depth of content within these sections varied. Using these findings, we suggest stakeholder-specific structures which should be considered when designing customized reporting templates. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of tailoring WGS-based reports of clinically relevant bacteria to meet the distinct needs of diverse healthcare stakeholders. The evolving landscape of digital reporting increases the opportunities with respect to WGS reporting and its utility in managing infectious diseases and public health surveillance.
The clinical value of KL-6 for predicting the occurrence and severity of connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease is not affected by CTD type or treatment
Authors: Xing Huifang , Liang Hongping
Published: August 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the potential values of Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune inflammation (SII), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in the diagnosis and evaluation of the severity of connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD).

Methods

A total of 140 connective tissue disease (CTD) patients and 85 CTD-ILD patients were recruited for this study at Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital from May 2022 to May 2023. Patients were divided into subgroups based on medication history and CTD subtypes to compare and analyze the clinical data and laboratory parameters of CTD-ILD patients and CTD patients. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of KL-6, NLR, SII, PLR, MLR, and RDW in identifying CTD-ILD patients from CTD patients. A Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to elucidate the correlations between these markers and the lung function parameters of forced vital capacity (FVC, %), forced expired volume in one second (FEV1, %), and diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO, %). Finally, binary logistic regression analysis was applied to discern the independent risk factors for CTD-ILD.

Results

NLR, SII, MLR, RDW, and KL-6 displayed significant statistical differences in the experimental groups. In both untreated and treated subgroups, KL-6 displayed higher values for CTD-ILD than CTD among all CTD subtypes. In untreated subgroups, there were significant differences in MLR levels between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and RA-ILD patients and in NLR levels between Sjögren syndrome (SjS) and SjS-ILD patients. There were also significant differences in RDW-SD between the “other CTD” and “other CTD-ILD” groups. In treated subgroups, there were significant differences in both RDW-SD and RDW-CV between RA and RA-ILD patients and in NLR, SII, MLR, PLR, and RDW-SD between “other CTD” and “other CTD-ILD” groups. ROC revealed that KL-6 emerged as the most effective predictor for CTD-ILD in both treated and untreated groups. The multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that both KL-6 and age were independent risk factors for CTD-ILD. NLR, SII, and PLR were negatively correlated with DLCO (%) in the untreated CTD-ILD group, and KL-6 was negatively correlated with various lung function parameters in both treated and untreated CTD-ILD groups.

Conclusion

KL-6 emerged as the most promising biomarker for diagnosing CTD-ILD and assessing its severity. The diagnostic value of KL-6 was unaffected by medication interference and surpassed the value of other parameters, such as NLR, SII, MLR, and RDW. The diagnostic value of RDW-SD was higher than that of RDW-CV in CTD-ILD patients. NLR, SII, MLR, and PLR have potential value in diagnosing the different types of CTD-ILD.
Testing intra-species variation in allocation to growth and defense in rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis)
Authors: Rungwattana Kanin , Kasemsap Poonpipope , Phumichai Thitaporn , Rattanawong Ratchanee , Hietz Peter
Published: August 2024

Background

Plants allocate resources to growth, defense, and stress resistance, and resource availability can affect the balance between these allocations. Allocation patterns are well-known to differ among species, but what controls possible intra-specific trade-offs and if variation in growth vs. defense potentially evolves in adaptation to resource availability.

Methods

We measured growth and defense in a provenance trial of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) with clones originating from the Amazon basin. To test hypotheses on the allocation to growth vs. defense, we relate biomass growth and latex production to wood and leaf traits, to climate and soil variables from the location of origin, and to the genetic relatedness of the Hevea clones.

Results

Contrary to expectations, there was no trade-off between growth and defense, but latex yield and biomass growth were positively correlated, and both increased with tree size. The absence of a trade-off may be attributed to the high resource availability in a plantation, allowing trees to allocate resources to both growth and defense. Growth was weakly correlated with leaf traits, such as leaf mass per area, intrinsic water use efficiency, and leaf nitrogen content, but the relative investment in growth vs. defense was not associated with specific traits or environmental variables. Wood and leaf traits showed clinal correlations to the rainfall and soil variables of the places of origin. These traits exhibited strong phylogenetic signals, highlighting the role of genetic factors in trait variation and adaptation. The study provides insights into the interplay between resource allocation, environmental adaptations, and genetic factors in trees. However, the underlying drivers for the high variation of latex production in one of the commercially most important tree species remains unexplained.
The Impact of Earnings Management, Tax Avoidance, and Leverage on Firm Financial Performance: The Moderating Role of Good Corporate Governance
Authors: Surjandari Dwi Asih , Minanari Minanari , Wati Lela Nurlaela
Published: August 2024

Aims: To test and analyses  the effect of Earning Management, Tax Avoidance and Leverage on Financial Performance: The moderating role of by Good Corporate Governance. This research involves finance and accounting science.
Study Design: The type of this research is an explanatory quantitative causality that relies on secondary data collection from the Indonesian Stock Exchange.
Place and Duration of Study: Manufacturing Companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2015 to 2019. 
Methodology: The research uses purposive sampling method and found 52 companies that meet the required criteria during the observation period, 260 observed data. The data analysis using multiple regression models assisted by E-Views version 12.0 program.
Results: It shows that Earning Management, Tax Avoidance and Leverage have no significant effect on Firm’s Financial Performance, while GCG only moderates the effect of Leverage on Firm’s Financial Performance, and not for Earning Management and Tax Avoidance.
The implication of the research is that companies suggested to consider Good Corporate Governance moderating role on the impact of Leverage to Financial Performance and future research recommended to re-examine the effect of Earning Management, Tax Avoidance and Leverage to Financial Performance and the role of GCG in moderating the effect of Earning Management and Tax Avoidance on Financial Performance.
Influence of Soil Sulfur Content and Other Edaphic Factors on Sulfur Levels in Calophyllum inophyllum L. Biodiesel
Authors: Kousalya V. , Prasanna K. T.
Published: August 2024

Aims: This study investigates the sulfur content in biodiesel produced from Calophyllum inophyllum L. seeds collected from various regions in Southern Karnataka.
Place and Duration of Study: The study area selected was Southern Karnataka region viz., Bengaluru (Plateau), Hassan (Plain) and Udupi (Coast).
Methodology: Calophylum kernels collected at four different places in each district were subjected to the oil extraction process and an acid-base catalyzed transesterification process produced biodiesel due to the high acid value in oil. NaOH was used as a catalyst, and methanol served as the analytical solvent for transesterification reaction. During the process, a 1: 6 oil to methanol ratio was used at 60ºC reaction temperature. The sulfur content in soil, oil and biodiesel was analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) through the CaCl2  extractant method(turbidimetry).
Results: The study revealed better biodiesel quality was observed in the Udupi region, followed by Bengaluru and Hassan, as Udupi (coast) is native to this species and rainfall determines the growth performance. Also, biodiesel produced in these three regions met ASTM D6751 and BIS (ISO 15607) standards. The sulphur content in CIME was 7 ppm, 46 ppm and 46 ppm in Bengaluru, Hassan, and Udupi regions, respectively. The soil samples reveal that the total sulfur in the study area ranged from 10.31 ppm to 53.47 ppm. The samples collected from the Udupi region have shown higher sulfur content (42.49 to 53.47 ppm). The higher concentration of sulfur in biodiesel is due to the influence of edaphic factors.
Conclusion: Calophyllum is found to be a suitable feedstock for biodiesel production by developing methods for purifying the elements that hinder its quality. The study highlights regional differences in sulfur content, which could impact biodiesel quality standards. These predictions, however, need further work to validate reliability.
Assessment of Yield Losses due to Major Insect Pests of Groundnut in Karnataka, India
Authors: Bharghavi Kolli , Sugandi Rohini , Yenagi Basavaraj. S. , Channakeshava R. , Madhuri Burjikindi
Published: August 2024

Aims: Groundnut is a major crop used for oil seed in India. Significant productivity losses were caused by major pest infestations. Looking toward the economic significance of the crop, the current study was conducted to determine the influence of key pests on yield loss.
Study Design: Paired T test.
Place and Duration of Study: AICRP on Groundnut, Main Agricultural Research Station and Department of Agricultural Entomology, Dharwad during kharif 2021 between July to October.
Methodology: The experimental crop was set up with three replications, two distinct protected and unprotected, and two treatments (V1: JL-24 and V2: Dh-256). Chemical protection at 25 DAS with thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 0.25g/l and 50 DAS with flubendiamide 20 WG @ 0.5g/l was used in both treatments of protected plots. Before and after the application of pesticides for 7 and 14 days on ten plants in each plot, observations were made regarding the population of pests. At harvest, the pod and haulm yield from every plot were noted, along with an estimate of the yield losses.
Results: The crop that was chemically protected showed lower infestations of thrips, leafhoppers, Spodoptera litura, Thysanoplusia orichalcea, and Maruca vitrata when compared to the crop that was not treated. Under protected conditions, the greatest preventable yield loss of groundnut pod and fodder was 29.72% &17.57 and 35.51 & 22.59% in both kinds. Additionally, the pod yield ascended to 42.30 and 21.31% and the haulm yield to 55.07 and 29.18%.
Conclusion: The current study's findings suggest that groundnut pod and fodder production loss may be prevented by using an efficient pesticide to defend against the main insect pests.
Source and progression of a submarine landslide and tsunami: The 1964 Great Alaska earthquake at Valdez
Authors: Parsons Tom , Geist Eric L. , Ryan Holly F. , Lee Homa J. , Haeussler Peter J. , Lynett Patrick , Hart Patrick E. , Sliter Ray , Roland Emily
Published: October 2014

Like many subduction zone earthquakes, the deadliest aspects of the 1964 M = 9.2 Alaska earthquake were the tsunamis it caused. The worst of these were generated by local submarine landslides induced by the earthquake. These caused high runups, engulfing several coastal towns in Prince William Sound. In this paper, we study one of these cases in detail, the Port Valdez submarine landslide and tsunami. We combine eyewitness reports, preserved film, and careful posttsunami surveys with new geophysical data to inform numerical models for landslide tsunami generation. We review the series of events as recorded at Valdez old town and then determine the corresponding subsurface events that led to the tsunami. We build digital elevation models of part of the pretsunami and posttsunami fjord‐head delta. Comparing them reveals a ~1500 m long region that receded 150 m to the east, which we interpret as the primary delta landslide source. Multibeam imagery and high‐resolution seismic reflection data identify a ~400 m wide chute with hummocky deposits at its terminus, which may define the primary slide path. Using these elements we run hydrodynamic models of the landslide‐driven tsunamis that match observations of current direction, maximum inundation, and wave height at Valdez old town. We speculate that failure conditions at the delta front may have been influenced by manmade changes in drainage patterns as well as the fast retreat of Valdez and other glaciers during the past century.
One‐Pot Double Benzylation of 2‐Substituted Pyridines using Palladium‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Coupling of sp2 and sp3 Carbons
Authors: Wang Yaping , Li Xinjian , Leng Faqiang , Zhu Helong , Li Jingya , Zou Dapeng , Wu Yangjie , Wu Yusheng
Published: October 2014

An efficient and practical decarboxylative double benzylation method for various 2‐picolinic acids has been established by using a bimetallic catalytic system of palladium(II) chloride (PdCl2) and silver(I) oxide (Ag2O), which offered a variety of diarylmethane derivatives with moderate to good yields.

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Efficient and Selective Synthesis of E‐Vinylamines via Tungsten(0)‐Catalyzed Hydroamination of Terminal Alkynes
Authors: Kocięcka Paulina , Czeluśniak Izabela , Szymańska‐Buzar Teresa
Published: October 2014

The hydroamination of terminal alkynes (RCCH=phenylacetylene, 4‐methylphenylacetylene, 4‐fluorophenylacetylene, 1‐hexyne, methyl 2‐propynyl ether, prop‐2‐yn‐1‐ol) with secondary amines (piperidine, pyrrolidine, morpholine, piperazine, methylpiperazine, 4‐methylpiperidine and 3‐methylpiperidine) was achieved in high yield (up to 99%), regioselectivity (only anti‐Markovnikov product) and stereoselectivity (only E‐isomers) within a maximum of 5 h in reactions catalyzed by the tungsten tetracarbonyl complex cis‐[W(CO)4(piperidine)2] at 90 °C without any additional solvent.

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Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross Addition of Terminal Alkynes to Aryl Ynamides: An Unusual trans‐Hydroalkynylation Reaction
Authors: Liu Ge , Kong Wei , Che Jianwei , Zhu Gangguo
Published: October 2014

A palladium‐catalyzed trans‐hydroalkynylation of N‐sulfonyl ynamides has been achieved for the first time, providing α‐alkynylation adducts in high yields with excellent regio‐ and stereoselectivity. The resulting enyne products can serve as the useful precursors for the elaboration of naphthalene derivatives via a platinum‐catalyzed cycloisomerization reaction.

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Pathogenic enterobacteria in lemurs associated with anthropogenic disturbance
Authors: Bublitz DeAnna C. , Wright Patricia C. , Rasambainarivo Fidisoa T. , Arrigo‐Nelson Summer J. , Bodager Jonathan R. , Gillespie Thomas R.
Published: October 2014

As human population density continues to increase exponentially, speeding the reduction and fragmentation of primate habitat, greater human‐primate contact is inevitable, making higher rates of pathogen transmission likely. Anthropogenic effects are particularly evident in Madagascar, where a diversity of endemic lemur species are threatened by rapid habitat loss. Despite these risks, knowledge of how anthropogenic activities affect lemur exposure to pathogens is limited. To improve our understanding of this interplay, we non‐invasively examined six species of wild lemurs in Ranomafana National Park for enteric bacterial pathogens commonly associated with diarrheal disease in human populations in Madagascar. Patterns of infection with Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella enterica, Vibrio cholerae, and Yersinia spp. (enterocolitica and pseudotuberculosis) were compared between lemurs inhabiting intact forest and lemurs inhabiting degraded habitat with frequent exposure to tourism and other human activity. Fecal samples acquired from humans, livestock, and rodents living near the degraded habitat were also screened for these bacteria. Remarkably, only lemurs living in disturbed areas of the park tested positive for these pathogens. Moreover, all of these pathogens were present in the human, livestock, and/or rodent populations. These data suggest that lemurs residing in forests altered or frequented by people, livestock, or peridomestic rodents, are at risk for infection by these diarrhea‐causing enterobacteria and other similarly transmitted pathogens. Am. J. Primatol. 77:330–337, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transitive inference in two lemur species (Eulemur macaco and Eulemur fulvus)
Authors: Tromp D. , Meunier H. , Roeder J.J.
Published: October 2014

When confronted with tasks involving reasoning instead of simple learning through trial and error, lemurs appeared to be less competent than simians. Our study aims to investigate lemurs' capability for transitive inference, a form of deductive reasoning in which the subject deduces logical conclusions from preliminary information. Transitive inference may have an adaptative function, especially in species living in large, complex social groups and is proposed to play a major role in rank estimation and establishment of dominance hierarchies. We proposed to test the capacities of reasoning using transitive inference in two species of lemurs, the brown lemur (Eulemur fulvus) and the black lemur (Eulemur macaco), both living in multimale–multifemale societies. For that purpose, we designed an original setup providing, for the first time in this kind of cognitive task, pictures of conspecifics' faces as stimuli. Subjects were trained to differentiate six photographs of unknown conspecifics named randomly from A to F to establish the order A > B > C > D > E > F and select consistently the highest‐ranking photograph in five adjacent pairs AB, BC, CD, DE, and EF. Then lemurs were presented with the same adjacent pairs and three new and non‐adjacent pairs BD, BE, CE. The results showed that all subjects correctly selected the highest‐ranking photograph in every non‐adjacent pair, reflecting lemurs' capacity for transitive inference. Our results are discussed in the context of the still debated current theories about the mechanisms underlying this specific capacity. Am. J. Primatol. 77:338–345, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rationally Designed Multifunctional Supramolecular Iminium Catalysis: Direct Vinylogous Michael Addition of Unmodified Linear Dienol Substrates
Authors: Gu Yun , Wang Yao , Yu Tian‐Yang , Liang Yong‐Min , Xu Peng‐Fei
Published: October 2014

The development of a direct vinylogous Michael addition of linear nucleophilic substrates is a long‐standing challenge because of the poor reactivity and the considerable difficulty in controlling regioselectivity. By employing a rationally designed multifunctional supramolecular iminium catalysis strategy, the first direct vinylogous Michael addition of unmodified linear substrates to α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes, to afford chiral 1,7‐dioxo compounds with good yields and excellent regio‐ as well as enantioselectivity, has been developed.
A cis‐Divacant Octahedral and Mononuclear Iron(IV) Imide
Authors: Searles Keith , Fortier Skye , Khusniyarov Marat M. , Carroll Patrick J. , Sutter Jörg , Meyer Karsten , Mindiola Daniel J. , Caulton Kenneth G.
Published: October 2014

A rare, low‐spin FeIV imide complex [(pyrr2py)FeNAd] (pyrr2py2−=bis(pyrrolyl)pyridine; Ad=1‐adamantyl) confined to a cis‐divacant octahedral geometry, was prepared by reduction of N3Ad by the FeII precursor [(pyrr2py)Fe(OEt2)]. The imide complex is low‐spin with temperature‐independent paramagnetism. In comparison to an authentic FeIII complex, such as [(pyrr2py)FeCl], the pyrr2py2− ligand is virtually redox innocent.
Orbital‐Like Motion of Hydride Ligands around Low‐Coordinate Metal Centers
Authors: Ortuño Manuel A. , Vidossich Pietro , Conejero Salvador , Lledós Agustí
Published: October 2014

Hydrogen atoms in the coordination sphere of a transition metal are highly mobile ligands. Here, a new type of dynamic process involving hydrides has been characterized by computational means. This dynamic event consists of an orbital‐like motion of hydride ligands around low‐coordinate metal centers containing N‐heterocyclic carbenes. The hydride movement around the carbene–metal–carbene axis is the lowest energy mode connecting energy equivalent isomers. This understanding provides crucial information for the interpretation of NMR spectra.
Efficient Coupling of Solar Energy to Catalytic Hydrogenation by Using Well‐Designed Palladium Nanostructures
Authors: Long Ran , Rao Zhoulv , Mao Keke , Li Yu , Zhang Chao , Liu Qiliang , Wang Chengming , Li Zhi‐Yuan , Wu Xiaojun , Xiong Yujie
Published: October 2014

A Ru3+‐mediated synthesis for the unique Pd concave nanostructures, which can directly harvest UV‐to‐visible light for styrene hydrogenation, is described. The catalytic efficiency under 100 mW cm−2 full‐spectrum irradiation at room temperature turns out to be comparable to that of thermally (70 °C) driven reactions. The yields obtained with other Pd nanocrystals, such as nanocubes and octahedrons, are lower. The nanostructures reported here have sufficient plasmonic cross‐sections for light harvesting in a broad spectral range owing to the reduced shape symmetry, which increases the solution temperature for the reaction by the photothermal effect. They possess a large quantity of atoms at corners and edges where local heat is more efficiently generated, thus providing active sites for the reaction. Taken together, these factors drastically enhance the hydrogenation reaction by light illumination.
Eine Dehydratase‐Domäne in der Ambruticin‐Biosynthese zeigt zusätzliche Aktivität als Pyran‐bildende Cyclase
Authors: Berkhan Gesche , Hahn Frank
Published: October 2014

Hydropyranringe sind ein häufig anzutreffendes Strukturmotiv in Polyketiden. Es gibt nur wenige Informationen über ihre biosynthetische Bildung, besonders was die Charakterisierung der verantwortlichen Enzyme angeht. Hier präsentieren wir unsere Befunde zur Dehydratase‐Domäne AmbDH3 aus dem Ambruticin‐Biosyntheseweg, für die wir durch In‐vitro‐Testung der rekombinanten Domäne mit präparativ hergestellten Substratsurrogaten nachweisen konnten, dass sie eine zweite katalytische Aktivität als Oxa‐Michael‐Additionen durchführende Cyclase aufweist. Die Umsetzung von AmbDH3 mit synthetischen Substratanaloga offenbarte eine hohe Stereoselektivität und Substrattoleranz in beiden enzymatischen Teilschritten. Es handelt sich um die erstmalige Charakterisierung einer Pyran‐bildenden Cyclase aus einem cis‐AT‐PKS‐System sowie den ersten Bericht über eine Polyketidsynthase‐Domäne mit dieser Art von dualer katalytischer Aktivität. Weiterhin zeigen wir, dass diese Domäne Potenzial für einen Einsatz in der chemoenzymatischen Synthese hat.
Highly Linear Selective Cobalt‐Catalyzed Addition of Aryl Imines to Styrenes: Reversing Intrinsic Regioselectivity by Ligand Elaboration
Authors: Xu Wengang , Yoshikai Naohiko
Published: October 2014

Highly linear selective, imine‐directed hydroarylation of styrene has been achieved with cobalt‐based catalytic systems featuring bis(2,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)(phenyl)phosphine and either 2‐methoxypyridine or DBU as a ligand and a Lewis base additive, respectively, thus affording a variety of 1,2‐diarylethanes (bibenzyls) in good yields under mild reaction conditions. The triarylphosphine controls the regioselectivity, while the Lewis base significantly accelerates the reaction. Ligand screening and deuterium‐labeling studies provide implications about the roles of the ligand and the Lewis base in the crucial CC reductive elimination step.