bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-nucleotide polymorphisms and the effectiveness of taxane-based chemotherapy in premenopausal breast cancer: a population-based cohort study in Denmark
Authors: Hjorth Cathrine F. , Damkier Per , Stage Tore B. , Feddersen Søren , Hamilton-Dutoit Stephen , Rørth Mikael , Ejlertsen Bent , Lash Timothy L. , Ahern Thomas P. , Sørensen Henrik T. , Cronin-Fenton Deirdre
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Taxane-based chemotherapy is the primary treatment for premenopausal breast cancer. Although being inconsistent, research suggests that variant alleles alter pharmacokinetics through reduced function of OATP transporters (limiting hepatic uptake), CYP-450 enzymes (hampering drug metabolism), and ABC transporters (decreasing clearance). Reduced function of DNA repair enzymes may hamper effectiveness through dose-limiting toxicities. We investigated whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with breast cancer recurrence or mortality in premenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Methods

We conducted a population-based cohort study of premenopausal women diagnosed with non-distant metastatic breast cancer in Denmark during 2007‒2011, when guidelines recommended adjuvant combination chemotherapy (taxanes, anthracyclines, and cyclophosphamide). Using archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded primary tumor tissue, we genotyped 26 SNPs using TaqMan assays. Danish health registries provided data on breast cancer recurrence (through September 25, 2017) and death (through December 31, 2019). We fit Cox regression models to calculate crude hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for recurrence and mortality across genotypes.

Results

Among 2,262 women, 249 experienced recurrence (cumulative incidence: 13%) and 259 died (cumulative incidence: 16%) during follow-up (median 7.0 and 10.1 years, respectively). Mortality was increased in variant carriers of GSTP1 rs1138272 (HR: 1.30, 95% CI 0.95–1.78) and CYP3A rs10273424 (HR: 1.33, 95% CI 0.98–1.81). SLCO1B1 rs2306283 (encoding OATP1B1) variant carriers had decreased recurrence (HR: 0.82, 95% CI 0.64–1.07) and mortality (HR: 0.77, 95% CI 0.60–0.98).

Conclusion

Docetaxel effectiveness was influenced by SNPs in GSTP1, CYP3A, and SLCO1B1 in premenopausal women with non-distant metastatic breast cancer, likely related to altered docetaxel pharmacokinetics. These SNPs may help determine individual benefit from taxane-based chemotherapy.
BBoxDB streams: scalable processing of multi-dimensional data streams
Authors: Nidzwetzki Jan Kristof , Güting Ralf Hartmut
Published: May 2022

BBoxDB Streams is a distributed stream processing system, which allows the handling of multi-dimensional data. Multi-dimensional streams consist of n-dimensional elements, such as position data (e.g., two-dimensional positions of cars or three-dimensional positions of aircraft). The software is an enhancement of BBoxDB, a distributed key-bounding-box-value store that allows the handling of n-dimensional big data. BBoxDB Streams supports continuous range queries and continuous spatial joins; n-dimensional point and non-point data are supported. Operations in BBoxDB Streams are performed primarily on the bounding boxes of the data. With user-defined filters (UDFs), custom data formats can be decoded, and the bounding box-based operations are refined (e.g., a UDF decodes and performs intersection tests on the real geometries of WKT encoded stream elements). A unique feature of BBoxDB Streams is the ability to perform continuous spatial joins between stream elements and previously stored multi-dimensional big data. For example, the dynamic position of a car can be efficiently joined with the static spatial data of a street network.
A bibliometric analysis of circular economy in the fields of business and economics: towards more action-oriented research
Authors: Dominko Miha , Primc Kaja , Slabe-Erker Renata , Kalar Barbara
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we reveal and systemize development trends in the scientific field of the circular economy (CE). Our results imply that academic research on the CE focuses heavily on theoretical conceptualizations and technological solutions. However, these advancements alone are unlikely to help prevent from ecological collapse. With this observation in mind, we explore the potential held by a more relational, action-based approach to support a faster and more efficient transition from the linear economy to the CE. A useful combination of several bibliometric techniques gave us valuable references for re-focusing this area of science to adopt action-oriented research where a group of stakeholders collaborates and co-creates solutions. An analysis of valuable action-oriented CE studies reveals that scholars focus on the techno-economic aspect, where they develop ways to create optimal circular material and energy flows and co-design processes for products/services, as well as the organizational aspect, where they study self-sustainable community networks and participatory governance. We identify three research streams that would benefit from such action-oriented research for a faster practical implementation: sustainable supply chains, waste management, and business model innovation. A practice-based agenda is proposed to stimulate the scientific community to conduct future research on a CE that better supports companies.
Consequences of COVID-19 on the Reindeer Husbandry in Norway: a Pilot Study Among Management Staff and Herders
Authors: Fisktjønmo Guro Lovise Hole , Næss Marius Warg
Published: May 2022

The outbreak of COVID-19 has had an enormous impact on most of society. The most effective measure to prevent the spread has been reducing mobility, which is especially problematic for pastoralists relying on mobility to follow the movement of their livestock. We investigated to what degree Norwegian reindeer husbandry and the reindeer husbandry management system are affected by COVID-19 and government restrictions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. For reindeer herders, our main finding was that the COVID-19 had little to no impact on their daily work. However, impacts varied by domain, with work in corrals, income, and slaughter being negatively affected. For employees in the management system, communication/contact with herders and visits/control of corrals/slaughter have been negatively affected. Employees in the management system were satisfied with how information concerning COVID-19 and prevention measures have been communicated by the central government, while the herders were mainly dissatisfied.
Chlorophyta microalgae as dietary protein supplement: a comparative analysis of productivity related to photosynthesis
Authors: Baldisserotto Costanza , Sabia Alessandra , Giovanardi Martina , Ferroni Lorenzo , Maglie Michele , Pancaldi Simonetta
Published: May 2022

Microalgae are studied as innovative sources of a wide range of highly valuable products, including proteins for the food/feed sectors. However, protein content varies depending on algal species, culture conditions and harvesting period. The Phylum Chlorophyta includes most of the described species of green algae. Due to their remarkable peculiarities, four Chlorophyta species belonging to two distinct classes were selected for the research: Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella protothecoides as Trebouxiophyceae, and Neochloris oleoabundans and Scenedesmus acutus as Chlorophyceae. The algae were studied to obtain comparative results about their growth performance, and total protein content and profile under the same culture conditions. Since photosynthetic process directly influences biomass production, photosynthetic pigment, PSII maximum quantum yield and thylakoid protein content and profile were analysed. SDS-PAGE and 2D BN/SDS-PAGE were performed to expand information on the organization and assembly of the resolved thylakoid complexes of samples. Despite the algal species showed similar growth rates and photosynthetic efficiency, S. acutus showed the highest capability to accumulate proteins and photosynthetic pigments. Regarding the thylakoid protein profile, the two Trebouxiophyceae showed very similar pattern, whereas different amounts of LHCII occurred within the two Chlorophyceae. Finally, the separation of thylakoid protein complexes in 2D BN/SDS-PAGE revealed a more complex pattern in S. acutus as compared to the other species. Overall, it is suggested that a higher stability of the photosynthetic membranes can result in higher biomass and protein production. Altogether, results have highlighted the metabolic uniqueness of each strain, resulting in a non-obvious comparison with the other species.
Mammalian cumulus-oocyte complex communication: a dialog through long and short distance messaging
Authors: Marchais Mathilde , Gilbert Isabelle , Bastien Alexandre , Macaulay Angus , Robert Claude
Published: May 2022

Communications are crucial to ovarian follicle development and to ovulation, and while both folliculogenesis and oogenesis are distinct processes, they share highly interdependent signaling pathways. Signals from distant organs such as the brain must be processed and compartments within the follicle have to be synchronized. The hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis relies on long-distance signalling analogous to wireless communication by which data is disseminated in the environment and cells equipped with the appropriate receptors receive and interpret the messages. In contrast, direct cell-to-cell transfer of molecules is a very targeted, short distance messaging system. Numerous signalling pathways have been identified and proven to be essential for the production of a developmentally competent egg. The development of the cumulus-oocyte complex relies largely on short distance communications or direct transfer type via extensions of corona radiata cells through the zona pellucida. The type of information transmitted through these transzonal projections is still largely uncharacterized. This review provides an overview of current understanding of the mechanisms by which the gamete receives and transmits information within the follicle. Moreover, it highlights the fact that in addition to the well-known systemic long-distance based communications from the HPG axis, these mechanisms acting more locally should also be considered as important targets for controlling/optimizing oocyte quality.
Applications of Order Trees in Infinite Graphs
Authors: Pitz Max
Published: May 2022

Traditionally, the trees studied in infinite graphs are trees of height at most ω, with each node adjacent to its parent and its children (and every branch of the tree inducing a path or a ray). However, there is also a method, systematically introduced by Brochet and Diestel, of turning arbitrary well-founded order trees T into graphs, in a way such that every T-branch induces a generalised path in the sense of Rado. This article contains an introduction to this method and then surveys four recent applications of order trees to infinite graphs, with relevance for well-quasi orderings, Hadwiger’s conjecture, normal spanning trees and end-structure, the last two addressing long-standing open problems by Halin.
Psychiatric Comorbidities of Substance Use Disorders: Does Dual Diagnosis Predict Inpatient Detoxification Treatment Outcomes?
Authors: Davis Adrian , McMaster Patrick , Christie Daniel C. , Yang Anes , Kruk Jeffrey S. , Fisher Karen A.
Published: May 2022

Comorbidity of substance use and psychiatric disorders, particularly depressive disorders, are well established. The impact of comorbidity on treatment outcomes, particularly following short-term inpatient detoxification and medical management units, has yet to be fully explored. This study reviewed 456 records of patients voluntarily presenting for medical management of substance misuse in Sydney, Australia. Documented psychiatric comorbidities and primary substance of misuse were extracted and used to predict length of stay, discharge against medical advice and number of readmissions. Our results showed that psychiatric comorbidity did not significantly predict treatment outcomes, although depression was reported in more than half our cohort, along with elevated rates of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety disorders and bipolar affective disorders. Medication non-compliance and primary substance of misuse significantly predicted length of stay and discharge against medical advice. Further research into how specific substances interact and affect specific psychiatric disorders is needed to guide optimal treatment options.
Development and Application of Landsat-Based Wetland Vegetation Cover and UnVegetated-Vegetated Marsh Ratio (UVVR) for the Conterminous United States
Authors: Ganju Neil K. , Couvillion Brady R. , Defne Zafer , Ackerman Katherine V.
Published: May 2022

Effective management and restoration of salt marshes and other vegetated intertidal habitats require objective and spatially integrated metrics of geomorphic status and vulnerability. The unvegetated-vegetated marsh ratio (UVVR), a recently developed metric, can be used to establish present-day vegetative cover, identify stability thresholds, and quantify vulnerability to open-water conversion over a range of spatial scales. We developed a Landsat-based approach to quantify the within-pixel vegetated fraction and UVVR for coastal wetlands of the conterminous United States, at 30-m resolution for 2014–2018. Here we present the methodology used to generate the UVVR from spectral indices, along with calibration, validation, and spatial autocorrelation assessments. We then demonstrate multiple applications of the data across varying spatial scales: first, we aggregate the UVVR across individual states and estuaries to quantify total vegetated wetland area for the nation. On the state level, Louisiana and Florida account for over 50% of the nation’s total, while on the estuarine level, the Chesapeake Bay Estuary and selected Louisiana coastal areas each account for over 6% of the nation’s total vegetated wetland area. Second, we present cases where this dataset can be used to track wetland change (e.g., expansion due to restoration and loss due to stressors). Lastly, we propose a classification methodology that delineates areas vulnerable to open-water expansion based on the 5-year mean and standard deviation of the UVVR. Calculating the UVVR for the period-of-record back to 1985, as well as regular updating, will fill a critical gap for tracking national status of salt marshes and other vegetated habitats through time and space.
Migrationsbeiräte und demokratische Regression? Akteure, Konflikte und Repräsentation im Vergleich
Authors: Kersting Norbert , Budnik Maria , Haase Annegret , Hedtke Christoph , Krahmer Alexander
Published: May 2022

Hessen und Nordrhein-Westfalen nahmen nach langen Auseinandersetzungen in vielen Kommunen in den 1990ern die Ausländerbeiräte bzw. Integrationsräte als Repräsentationsgremium der Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund in ihre Gemeindeordnungen auf. Diese fokussierten auf Selbstbestimmung und relativ unabhängige Beiratsstrukturen mit einer Urwahl der migrantischen Mitglieder. Weiterführende Rechte wie z. B. Anhörungsrechte, Antragsrechte und höhere Budgets waren umstritten – aber die Gremien waren in der Bürgerschaft wie bei den Gemeinderatsmitgliedern akzeptiert. Diese demokratischen Innovationen in beiden Ländern wurden am Ende der 2010er teilweise zurückgenommen und die Migrationsräte als Kommissionen zum Teil der Lokalverwaltung untergeordnet. Im sächsischen Leipzig wurde dem Migrationsrat weitreichende Rechte übertragen – aber die Urwahl erst 2020 implementiert. Die vergleichenden Untersuchungen greifen den Konflikt um Anerkennung dieser Rechte in Gelsenkirchen, Leipzig und in der hessischen Kleinstadt Bebra auf. Der Beitrag beschreibt den divergierenden rechtlichen Rahmen, die politische Kultur, die historischen Auseinandersetzungen bei der Einführung der Migrationsräte, Konflikte bei der Ausweitung der Rechte und der Ressourcen wie auch die Probleme der Migrationsräte. Dabei spielen als Akteure externe Advokatoren, wie die Wohlfahrtsverbände, Kirchen, politische Parteien und die kommunalen Verwaltungen eine zentrale Rolle.
Genetic insights into an Apennine population of the Italian red deer
Authors: Giovannelli Francesca , Mori Emiliano , Zaccaroni Marco , Dessì-Fulgheri Francesco , Baratti Mariella
Published: May 2022

The red deer Cervus elephus has been a common species in Italy until the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, when its distribution range started to considerably decrease, due to gradual deforestation and hunting pressure. Afterwards, the red deer has been reintroduced to many regions of the world, including Italy. In the Italian Apennines, the Acquerino-Cantagallo Natural Reserve (ACQUERINO) hosts one of the largest peninsular red deer populations, originated from a series of successful reintroductions. In this study, we meant to detect the level of genetic variability of Acquerino-Cantagallo Natural Reserve deer population and to investigate the genetic relationships with the other Italian and European populations. We identified five mitochondrial DNA control region (D-loop) haplotypes, four falling in lineage A and one falling in lineage C, derived from at least two maternal lineages, confirming that ACQUERINO population should be the result of multiple reintroductions. Haplotype diversity (H = 0.50) and nucleotide (π = 0.004) diversity were low, but included into the deer range values. ACQUERINO population showed low levels of genetic diversity when compared to other European and Mediterranean populations, confirming that this expanding population may have been generated from a low number of founders.
Artemyrianosins A–J, cytotoxic germacrane-type sesquiterpene lactones from Artemisia myriantha
Authors: Zhang Xin , Ma Yun-Bao , He Xiao-Feng , Li Tian-Ze , Geng Chang-An , Su Li-Hua , Tang Shuang , Gao Zhen , Chen Ji-Jun
Published: May 2022

Ten new germacrane-type sesquiterpenoids, artemyrianosins A–J (1–10), were isolated from the aerial parts of Artemisia myriantha. Their structures were elucidated by spectral analyses including UV, IR, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, ECD and the absolute configurations of compounds 1 and 7–9 were characterized using X-ray crystallography. All isolates were tested their cytotoxicity against three human hepatoma cell lines (HepG2, Huh7, and SK-Hep-1), and compounds 1–3, 7, and 10 showed cytotoxicity with IC50 values ranging from 43.7 to 89.3 μM. Among them, the most active compound 3 exhibited activity against three human hepatoma cell lines with IC50 values of 43.7 μM (HepG2), 47.9 μM (Huh7), and 44.9 μM (SK-Hep-1).

Graphical Abstract
Hepatocyte Mitochondrial Dynamics and Bioenergetics in Obesity-Related Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Legaki Aigli-Ioanna , Moustakas Ioannis I. , Sikorska Michalina , Papadopoulos Grigorios , Velliou Rallia-Iliana , Chatzigeorgiou Antonios
Published: May 2022

Purpose of the Review

Mitochondrial dysfunction has long been proposed to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of a considerable number of disorders, such as neurodegeneration, cancer, cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders, including obesity-related insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that undergo functional and structural adaptations to meet the metabolic requirements of the cell. Alterations in nutrient availability or cellular energy needs can modify their formation through biogenesis and the opposite processes of fission and fusion, the fragmentation, and connection of mitochondrial network areas respectively. Herein, we review and discuss the current literature on the significance of mitochondrial adaptations in obesity and metabolic dysregulation, emphasizing on the role of hepatocyte mitochondrial flexibility in obesity and NAFLD.

Recent Findings

Accumulating evidence suggests the involvement of mitochondrial morphology and bioenergetics dysregulations to the emergence of NAFLD and its progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Summary

Most relevant data suggests that changes in liver mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics hold a key role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. During obesity and NAFLD, oxidative stress occurs due to the excessive production of ROS, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. As a result, mitochondria become incompetent and uncoupled from respiratory chain activities, further promoting hepatic fat accumulation, while leading to liver inflammation, insulin resistance, and disease’s deterioration. Elucidation of the mechanisms leading to dysfunctional mitochondrial activity of the hepatocytes during NAFLD is of predominant importance for the development of novel therapeutic approaches towards the treatment of this metabolic disorder.
Clinical Considerations of Ultra-processed Food Addiction Across Weight Classes: an Eating Disorder Treatment and Care Perspective
Authors: Wiss David
Published: May 2022

Purpose of Review

To examine the prevalence rates of ultra-processed food addiction across different weight classes and offer guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. Clinicians are provided with practical considerations in the assessment of ultra-processed food addiction beyond the use of validated instruments.

Recent Findings

The weighted mean prevalence of ultra-processed food addiction is approximately 20% worldwide and varies widely based on the sample. At first glance, there appears a linear relationship between ultra-processed food addiction and BMI class. Further investigation indicates a J-shaped curve with heightened prevalence among the underweight. These findings highlight the need to assess for additional factors that may increase objective or subjective food addiction symptoms including eating disorders, dietary restraint, and other mental health diagnoses.

While clinical considerations across different weight classes vary, overemphasis on weight status may detract from the clinical utility of the ultra-processed food addiction construct. Considering weight status in conjunction with other psychiatric symptoms helps to better understand the various biopsychosocial mechanisms that influence eating behavior and can inform individualized treatment strategies.
Geochemical signatures of potassium metasomatism in anthracite from the Himalayan fold-thrust belts of Sikkim, India
Authors: Ghosh Santanu , Ojha Anwita , Varma Atul Kumar
Published: May 2022

The present study focuses on the inorganic geochemical features of the bituminous coal samples from the Raniganj and the Jharia Basins, as well as the anthracite samples from the Himalayan fold-thrust belts of Sikkim, India. The SiO2 content (48.05 wt% to 65.09 wt% and 35.92 wt% to 50.11 wt% in the bituminous and anthracite samples, respectively) and the ratio of Al2O3/TiO2 (6.97 to 17.03 in the bituminous coal samples and 10.34 to 20.07 in the anthracite samples) reveal the intermediate igneous source rock composition of the minerals. The ratio of the K2O/Al2O3 in the ash yield of the bituminous coal samples (0.03 to 0.09) may suggest the presence of kaolinite mixed with montmorillonite, while its range in the ash yield of the anthracite samples (0.16 to 0.27) may imply the presence of illite mixed with kaolinite. The chemical index of alteration values may suggest the moderate to strong chemical weathering of the source rock under sub-humid to humid climatic conditions. The plot of the bituminous coal samples in the A–CN–K diagram depicts the traditional weathering trend of parent rocks, but the anthracite samples plot near the illite field and are a bit offset from the weathering trend. This may imply the plausible influences of the potassium-metasomatism at post coalification stages, which is further supported by high K2O/Na2O ratio (29.88–80.13). The Fourier transform infrared spectra further reveal the hydroxyl stretching intensity of illite in the anthracite samples substantiating the effect of the epigenetic potassium-metasomatism. The decrease in total kaolinite intensity/compound intensity of quartz and feldspar may provide additional evidence towards this epigenetic event.
Wettable TiB2 Cathode for Aluminum Electrolysis: A Review
Authors: Padamata Sai Krishna , Singh Kamaljeet , Haarberg Geir Martin , Saevarsdottir Gudrun
Published: May 2022

Titanium diboride (TiB2) is considered a promising material for wettable cathodes in aluminum electrolysis. The demand for wettable cathodes is associated with the development of inert anode technologies to eliminate CO2 emissions caused by the conventional aluminum reduction process. Titanium diboride has been given special attention due to its superior properties, such as high wettability, good electrical conductivity, wear resistance, and excellent chemical stability. In this paper, we discuss different synthesis techniques used for the preparation of TiB2 cathode material. The main methods are sintering, electrodeposition, and plasma spraying. Electrodeposition is considered to be the most reliable low-cost method for TiB2 preparation. The vertical anode–cathode distance can be reduced by introducing wetted TiB2 cathodes, through which specific energy consumption can be reduced significantly. For a longer lifetime, the TiB2 cathodes should be resistant to electrolyte penetration. Further research should be conducted to understand the electrochemical behavior of TiB2 in low-temperature electrolytes.

Graphical Abstract
Vertebrate ichnofauna from Sierra de las Cabras tracksite (Late Miocene, Jumilla, SE Spain). Mammalian ichnofauna
Authors: Herrero Cayetano , Herrero Emilio , Martín-Chivelet Javier , Pérez-Lorente Félix
Published: May 2022

Upper Miocene sedimentary deposits of Sierra de las Cabras in the Prebetic Ranges (Jumilla, Región de Murcia, Spain) yield a exceptional fossil site of diverse vertebrate ichnofauna, including mammals and birds. This paper presents a detailed study of those ichnites of that site which correspond to mammals. The footprints are located in stratigraphic surfaces found in a thin marly limestone succession that can be assigned to the latest Tortonian to earliest Messinian. The mammalian record consists of 324 footprints (included in trackways, pairs, groups and isolated ichnites) of diverse vertebrates, including:Hippipeda, Rhynoceripeda,Canipeda,Felipeda, Ursipeda, Rodentipeda, as well possibleSuipeda. The ichnites were imprinted on wet and cohesive marly carbonate mud, deposited in a semi-arid wetland with relevant freshwater influx. The fossil site, cleaned and protected some years ago but herein studied by the first time, add together the nearby Hoya de la Sima site (Hippipeda,Pecoripeda, BestiopedaandParacamelichnium,and probably proboscidean ichnites) to conform an exceptional record of Late Miocene ichnofauna in southern Iberia.
Systematic literature review on smart contracts in the construction industry: Potentials, benefits, and challenges
Authors: Ye Xuling , Zeng Ningshuang , König Markus
Published: May 2022

The development of digital transformation in the construction industry has led to the increasing adoption of smart contracts. As programmable applications to automatically write, verify, and enforce transaction conditions, smart contracts can be used in different areas mainly to improve automation level, information security, and built digital environment enhancement. However, the smart contract is commonly mentioned as a blockchain appendage, while its unique connotation and value in the construction industry have not been recognized. Therefore, this study carries out a systematic review based on 81 research articles published from 2014 to 2021 on smart contract applications in construction to explore and highlight their potentials under domain-specific requirements. Results are analyzed according to research type categorization and domain codification. Eight research domains are identified, where the three most highly explored domains are contract and payment, supply chain and logistics, and information management. The integration of smart contracts with other innovative concepts and advanced technologies is analyzed. The applicability, benefits, and challenges of smart contract applications regarding different research domains are discussed.
Integrative Soil Application of Humic Acid and Foliar Plant Growth Stimulants Improves Soil Properties and Wheat Yield and Quality in Nutrient-Poor Sandy Soil of a Semiarid Region
Authors: Tahoun Ayman M. M. Abou , El-Enin Moamen M. Abou , Mancy Ahmed G. , Sheta Mohamed H. , Shaaban Ahmed
Published: May 2022

Sandy soils (containing > 50% sand) are widely distributed worldwide and are characterized by their poor structure, low organic matter, weak hydraulic and nutritional properties, and low crop productivity. Using a 2-year pot experiment, in this study, we investigated the effects of humic acid (HA) as a soil amendment and study two plant growth stimulants (PGSs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), and L-tryptophan (L-TRP), as a foliar application on wheat grown in nutrient-poor sandy soil. Three HA rates (0 (HA0), 0.2 (HA0.2), and 0.4 (HA0.4) g kg−1 soil) and five PGS levels [control, 50 mg l−1 (ZnONPs50), 100 mg l−1 (ZnONPs100), 0.25 mmol l−1 (L-TRP0.25), and 0.5 mmol l−1 (L-TRP0.5)] were used. The soil hydro-physico-chemical properties, morpho-physiological responses, yield, and quality were measured. HA addition amended the soil structure by allowing rapid macroaggregate formation, decreasing bulk density and pH, and increasing porosity and electrical conductivity, thereby improving soil hydraulic properties. HA0.2 and HA0.4 additions improved growth, yield components, and grain minerals, resulting in higher grain yield by 28.3–54.4%, grain protein by 10.2–13.4%, wet gluten by 18.2–23.3%, and dry gluten by 23.5–29.5%, respectively, than HA0. Foliar application of ZnONPs or L-TRP, especially at higher concentrations compared to the control, noticeably recorded the same positive results as HA treatments. The best results were achieved through the integration of HA0.4 + ZnONPs100 or L-TRP0.5 to the tested nutrient-poor sandy soil. The interactive application of HA0.4 + ZnONPs100 or L-TRP0.5 and the use of mineral fertilizer, which is considered a surplus point in permaculture, can be recommended for sustainable wheat production in nutrient-poor sandy soil.
Pathways of integrins in the endo-lysosomal system
Authors: Molnár Márton , Sőth Ármin , Simon-Vecsei Zsófia
Published: May 2022

In this review, we present recent scientific advances about integrin trafficking in the endo-lysosomal system. In the last few years, plenty of new information has emerged about the endo-lysosomal system, integrins, and the mechanism, how exactly the intracellular trafficking of integrins is regulated. We review the internalization and recycling pathways of integrins, and we provide information about the possible ways of lysosomal degradation through the endosomal and autophagic system. The regulation of integrin internalization and recycling proved to be a complex process worth studying. Trafficking of integrins, together with the regulation of their gene expression, defines cellular adhesion and cellular migration through bidirectional signalization and ligand binding. Thus, any malfunction in this system can potentially (but not necessarily) lead to tumorigenesis or metastasis. Hence, extensive examinations of integrins in the endo-lysosomal system raise the possibility to identify potential new medical targets. Furthermore, this knowledge can also serve as a basis for further determination of integrin signaling- and adhesion-related processes.
How does the oxidation and reduction time affect the chemical looping epoxidation of ethylene?
Authors: Gebers Joseph C. , Harrison Alexander R. P. , Marek Ewa J.
Published: May 2022

The chemical looping epoxidation (CLE) of ethylene was performed over an Ag catalyst supported on strontium ferrite perovskite (SrFeO3-δ). CLE consists of a reduction step in ethylene where oxygen is transferred from the support to the Ag catalyst to form ethylene oxide (EO), and a separate regeneration step, in which the support is reoxidised in air. The effect of altering the reduction and oxidation times was investigated, analysing changes in the conversion of ethylene and selectivity to EO. Experiments were conducted at 270 °C in a packed bed of Ag(15 wt.%)/SrFeO3-δ with a gas hourly space velocity of 9600 h−1 and a total operation time > 40 h. When the time of the reduction step was increased from 1 to 3 min, selectivity to EO only decreased by 0.4%, demonstrating that CLE can run with prolonged reduction times while maintaining high selectivity. Increased duration of the reoxidation step resulted in both selectivity and conversion increasing, but when varying the oxidation time from 10 to 15 min, the overall improvement in the performance was minimal; thus, CLE can feasibly operate at shortened oxidation times. By increasing the pressure during the oxidation step to 2.5 bar, the duration of the reoxidation step was further shortened to 5 min without impacting the CLE performance. With 1.5 min reduction and 5 min reoxidation steps, a CLE installation producing EO in a pseudo-steady manner would require 4 packed bed reactors operating in parallel. The role of Ag2O in the CLE process was also investigated, demonstrating that the oxide was not selective towards EO.
Moral Repair: Toward a Two-Level Conceptualization
Authors: Vives-Gabriel Jordi , Van Lent Wim , Wettstein Florian
Published: May 2022

Moral repair is an important way for firms to heal moral relationships with stakeholders following a transgression. The concept is rooted in recognition theory, which is often used to develop normative perspectives and prescriptions, but the same theory has also propelled a view of moral repair as premised on negotiation between offender and victim(s), which involves the complex social construction of the transgression and the appropriate amends. The tension between normative principles and socioconstructivist implementation begs the question how offending firms should approach moral repair. Addressing this question, we develop a two-level conceptualization of moral repair, distinguishing between procedural and substantive levels of practice, which accommodate normativity and socioconstructivism, respectively. In so doing, we enrich the literature by 1) promoting conceptual clarity, 2) refining understanding of the moral repair process, and 3) suggesting the use of a unified, configurational approach to studying (nonlinear) relations between amends and moral outcomes.
High-PEEP Noninvasive Ventilation By Means of Mask as the Respiratory Support in COVID-19 ARDS Patients: Experience From General Hospital Slavonski Brod
Authors: Jurjević Matija , Mirković Ivan , Kopić Jasminka , Mrzljak Vučinić Natalija , Špehar Kokanović Marcela , Bujas Ćorluka Tonka
Published: May 2022

Objective:

Despite widespread use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in some coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hypoxemic patients, its clinical application is still subject of debate.

Methods:

This is a retrospective, observational study with data collected from 91 consecutive patients treated in COVID intensive care unit (ICU) in our institution between October 2020 and February 2021. Outcomes were represented as ventilation hours, ICU and hospital length of stay, and ICU and hospital mortality.

Results:

Patients’ mean age was 66 ± 11 y and severe COVID-19 pneumonia with mean paO2/FiO2 137 ± 57 was observed in 90% of the patients. High positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) NIV by means of total face mask was initially applied in 58 (64%) patients, high flow oxygen therapy (HFOT) in 25 (27%) patients, whilst invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) started at the moment of admission in 8 (9%) patients. NIV and high flow oxygen therapy (HFOT) have been kept on throughout ICU stay in 50 (55%) patients, while 41 (45%) patients were put on IMV. Overall ICU mortality was 41%, while ICU mortality of patients on NIV was 14%.

Conclusions:

High PEEP NIV was convenient and safe as initial respiratory support and in some COVID-19 ARDS patients remained an optimal respiratory support throughout their disease.
Critical values for the -transformation with a hole at
Authors: ALLAART PIETER , KONG DERONG
Published: May 2022

Given
$\beta \in (1,2]$
, let
$T_{\beta }$
be the
$\beta $
-transformation on the unit circle
$[0,1)$
such that
$T_{\beta }(x)=\beta x\pmod 1$
. For each
$t\in [0,1)$
, let
$K_{\beta }(t)$
be the survivor set consisting of all
$x\in [0,1)$
whose orbit
$\{T^{n}_{\beta }(x): n\ge 0\}$
never hits the open interval
$(0,t)$
. Kalle et al [Ergod. Th. & Dynam. Sys.40(9) (2020) 2482–2514] proved that the Hausdorff dimension function
$t\mapsto \dim _{H} K_{\beta }(t)$
is a non-increasing Devil’s staircase. So there exists a critical value
$\tau (\beta )$
such that
$\dim _{H} K_{\beta }(t)>0$
if and only if
$t<\tau (\beta )$
. In this paper, we determine the critical value
$\tau (\beta )$
for all
$\beta \in (1,2]$
, answering a question of Kalle et al (2020). For example, we find that for the Komornik–Loreti constant
$\beta \approx 1.78723$
, we have
$\tau (\beta )=(2-\beta )/(\beta -1)$
. Furthermore, we show that (i) the function
$\tau : \beta \mapsto \tau (\beta )$
is left continuous on
$(1,2]$
with right-hand limits everywhere, but has countably infinitely many discontinuities; (ii)
$\tau $
has no downward jumps, with
$\tau (1+)=0$
and
$\tau (2)=1/2$
; and (iii) there exists an open set
$O\subset (1,2]$
, whose complement
$(1,2]\setminus O$
has zero Hausdorff dimension, such that
$\tau $
is real-analytic, convex, and strictly decreasing on each connected component of O. Consequently, the dimension
$\dim _{H} K_{\beta }(t)$
is not jointly continuous in
$\beta $
and t. Our strategy to find the critical value
$\tau (\beta )$
depends on certain substitutions of Farey words and a renormalization scheme from dynamical systems.
A counterexample to the HK-conjecture that is principal
Authors: DEELEY ROBIN J.
Published: May 2022

Scarparo has constructed counterexamples to Matui’s HK-conjecture. These counterexamples and other known counterexamples are essentially principal but not principal. In the present paper, a counterexample to the HK-conjecture that is principal is given. Like Scarparo’s original counterexample, our counterexample is the transformation groupoid associated to a particular odometer. However, the relevant group is the fundamental group of a flat manifold (and hence is torsion-free) and the associated odometer action is free. The examples discussed here do satisfy the rational version of the HK-conjecture.
Simplicity of the Lyapunov spectrum for classes of Anosov flows
Authors: MITSUTANI DANIEL
Published: May 2022

For
$k \geq 2$
, we prove that in a
$C^{1}$
-open and
$C^{k}$
-dense set of some classes of
$C^{k}$
-Anosov flows, all Lyapunov exponents have multiplicity one with respect to appropriate measures. The classes are geodesic flows with equilibrium states of Holder-continuous potentials, volume-preserving flows, and all fiber-bunched Anosov flows with equilibrium states of Holder-continuous potentials.
Amenability, proximality and higher-order syndeticity
Authors: Kennedy Matthew , Raum Sven , Salomon Guy
Published: May 2022

We show that the universal minimal proximal flow and the universal minimal strongly proximal flow of a discrete group can be realized as the Stone spaces of translation-invariant Boolean algebras of subsets of the group satisfying a higher-order notion of syndeticity. We establish algebraic, combinatorial and topological dynamical characterizations of these subsets that we use to obtain new necessary and sufficient conditions for strong amenability and amenability. We also characterize dense orbit sets, answering a question of Glasner, Tsankov, Weiss and Zucker.
Realness as Resistance: Queer Feminism, Neoliberalism, and Early Trans Critiques of Butler
Authors: Draz Marie
Published: May 2022

In this article, I argue that scholarship on the cultural impact of neoliberalism provides a vital framework with which to revisit early trans critiques of Butlerian queer feminism. Drawing on this scholarship, I reread the appeals to the real and realness in these critiques through the neoliberal transformation of social difference. I link the early argument that some trans figures were problematically used in queer feminism to represent the fluidity of identity with the more recent argument that the flexibility of identity has become a core part of neoliberal cultures. This context challenges the current dominant view of early trans critiques of Butler as misreadings and instead casts them as resistant to a superficial encouragement of individual flexibility. As a result, revisiting this debate demonstrates the need to rework theoretical frameworks that may continue to inadvertently lead to selective trans inclusion in queer feminism and points the way to trans-queer-feminist theory that is more attuned to shifting models of power.
Linguistic traits as heritable units? Spatial Bayesian clustering reveals Swiss German dialect regions
Authors: Romano Noemi , Ranacher Peter , Bachmann Sandro , Joost Stéphane
Published: May 2022

In the early 2000s, the SADS, an extensive linguistic atlas project, surveyed more than three thousand individuals across German-speaking Switzerland on over two hundred linguistic variants, capturing the morphosyntactic variation in Swiss German. In this paper, we applied TESS, a Bayesian clustering method from evolutionary biology to the SADS to infer population structure, building on parallels between biology and linguistics that have recently been illustrated theoretically and explored experimentally. We tested three clustering models with different spatial assumptions: a nonspatial model, a spatial trend model with a spatial gradient, and a spatial full-trend model with both a spatial gradient and spatial-autocorrelation. Results reveal five distinct morphosyntactic populations, four of which correspond to traditional Swiss German dialect regions and one of which corresponds to a base population. Moreover, the spatial trend model outperforms the nonspatial model, suggesting a gradual transition of morphosyntax and supporting the idea of a Swiss Germandialect continuum.
Indigenous entrepreneurial ecosystems: a comparison of Mapuche entrepreneurship in Chile and Māori entrepreneurship in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Mika Jason Paul , Felzensztein Christian , Tretiakov Alexei , Macpherson Wayne Gordon
Published: May 2022

Indigenous entrepreneurial ecosystem development is not addressed in research. We define and characterise Indigenous entrepreneurial ecosystems and their evolution based on a qualitative study comparing Indigenous entrepreneurship in Chile and in Aotearoa New Zealand. We draw on interviews with 10 Mapuche entrepreneurs in Araucanía and 10 Māori entrepreneurs in the Bay of Plenty, observation, and a literature review to address the question – how does an Indigenous entrepreneurial ecosystem develop along with the social, economic, and political development of mainstream society? We find that Indigenous entrepreneurial ecosystems evolve with the economic and social environments of their countries because of an internal imperative towards cultural continuity and the resilience of culture to change. We find that mature Indigenous entrepreneurial ecosystems are associated with higher states of development and support a broader range of business models. Implications for policy, practice, and research are discussed.
Direct measurement of optical properties of glacier ice using a photon-counting diffuse LiDAR
Authors: Allgaier Markus , Cooper Matthew G. , Carlson Anders E. , Cooley Sarah W. , Ryan Jonathan C. , Smith Brian J.
Published: May 2022

The production of meltwater from glacier ice, which is exposed at the margins of land ice during the summer, is responsible for a large proportion of glacier mass loss. The rate of meltwater production from glacier ice is especially sensitive to its physical structure and chemical composition which combine to determine the albedo of glacier ice. However, the optical properties of near-surface glacier ice are not well known since most prior work has focused on laboratory-grown ice or deep cores. Here, we demonstrate a measurement technique based on diffuse propagation of nanosecond-duration laser pulses in near-surface glacier ice that enables the independent measurement of the scattering and absorption coefficients, allowing for a complete description of the processes governing radiative transfer. We employ a photon-counting detector to overcome the high losses associated with diffuse optics. The instrument is highly portable and rugged, making it optimally suited for deployment in remote regions. A set of measurements taken on Crook and Collier Glaciers, Oregon, serves as a demonstration of the technique. These measurements provide insight into both physical structure and composition of near-surface glacier ice and open new avenues for the analysis of light-absorbing impurities and remote sensing of the cryosphere.
Turkish press climate crisis coverage (2018–2019): elements of disconnect in discourses and the representation of solutions
Authors: Baykal Fide Ece
Published: May 2022

Recent studies have shown that the media in developing countries recognizes the anthropogenic impact on climate change, while ignoring the mitigation and adaptation responsibilities of national political actors. This article addresses the discursive motives underlying the disconnect between the impact of climate change and the responsibility of those in positions of political power. This study analyzes Turkish news articles and columns on climate change published in three newspapers with different political orientations between June 2018 and January 2020, a period during which the school strike movement and other local uprisings and debates began. It claims that news related to national climate policy largely omits or obscures references to the anthropogenic causes of climate change, to the degree that the political responsibility of tackling it remains unaddressed and absolves readers and politicians from taking action. The article also aims to underline the impact of political parallelism in terms of the print media’s approach to the government’s neoliberal economic policy and its duty to tackle climate change. Finally, it argues that these approaches generate specific types of environmental discourses which are embodied in newspapers’ conceptions of nature, their solutions to climate change, and the actors of those solutions proposed by newspapers.
Survey Nonresponse and Mass Polarization: The Consequences of Declining Contact and Cooperation Rates
Authors: CAVARI AMNON , FREEDMAN GUY
Published: May 2022

Recent studies question whether declining response rates in survey data overstate the level of polarization of Americans. At issue are the sources of declining response rates—declining contact rates, associated mostly with random polling mechanisms, or declining cooperation rates, associated with personal preferences, knowledge, and interest in politics—and their differing effects on measures of polarization. Assessing 158 surveys (2004–2018), we show that declining cooperation is the primary source of declining response rates and that it leads to survey overrepresentation of people who are more engaged in politics. Analyzing individual responses to 1,223 policy questions in those surveys, we further show that, conditional on the policy area, this survey bias overestimates or underestimates the partisan divide among Americans. Our findings question the perceived strength of mass polarization and move forward the discussion about the effect of declining survey response on generalizations from survey data.