bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Academic reading as a social practice in higher education
Authors: Afdal Hilde W. , Spernes Kari , Hoff-Jenssen Reidun
Published: July 2022

In this study, an undergraduate teacher education course is used to explore whether and how academic reading seminars reflect the theoretical notion of academic literacies and provide a learning environment for developing academic and professional learning and engagement. The data analyzed in this article are transcribed recordings of small group activities where students discuss scientific articles based on a template. First, our empirical analysis shows that the use of the template facilitated dialogical discussions and the development of a cognitive skillset and disciplinary categories when used in a social setting. Second, we found that the most challenging part of designing a reading practice related to the academic literacies tradition was fostering a dialogical environment for discussing the validity of findings across different contexts and provide for discussions encompassing complexity, nuances, and meaning making. We found traces of such discussions in all the transcripts; however, many examples were in a premature stage. The paper concludes with a discussion on, and some suggestions for, further development of the template used in the reading seminars.
Agency of Subjects and Eye Movements in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Barattieri di San Pietro Chiara , de Girolamo Giovanni , Luzzatti Claudio , Marelli Marco
Published: July 2022

People with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) show anomalies in language processing with respect to “who is doing what” in an action. This linguistic behavior is suggestive of an atypical representation of the formal concepts of “Agent” in the lexical representation of a verb, i.e., its thematic grid. To test this hypothesis, we administered a silent-reading task with sentences including a semantic violation of the animacy trait of the grammatical subject to 30 people with SSD and 30 healthy control participants (HCs). When the anomalous grammatical subject was the Agent of the event, a significant increase of Gaze Duration was observed in HCs, but not in SSDs. Conversely, when the anomalous subject was a Theme, SSDs displayed an increased probability of go-back movements, unlike HCs. These results are suggestive of a higher tolerability for anomalous Agents in SSD compared to the normal population. The fact that SSD participants did not show a similar tolerability for anomalous Themes rules out the issue of an attention deficit. We suggest that general communication abilities in SSD might benefit from explicit training on deep linguistic structures.
Myosin assembly of smooth muscle: from ribbons and side polarity to a row polar helical model
Authors: Sobieszek Isabel J. , Sobieszek Apolinary
Published: July 2022

After decades of debate over the structure of smooth muscle myosin filaments, it is still unclear whether they are helical, as in all other muscle types, or square in shape. In both cases bipolar building units are proposed, but the deduced cross-bridge arrangements are fundamentally different. The opposite polarity of the adjusting longitudinal rows is proposed for the helical structure, while in the case of square filaments, or myosin ribbons, only their two faces are appositively polarized. Analysis of our unpublished archival data on light meromyosin (LMM) paracrystals and myosin rod assemblies as well as the filaments themselves indicated that the rods were assembled with a 6°–7° tilt angle from the rods’ longitudinal axis, in contrast to the lack of tilt in LMM, both exhibiting a 14.3 nm myosin periodicity. Optical diffraction analysis of EM images of the rod assemblies and those of intact myosin confirmed their helical architecture characterized by 28 nm residue translations, 172 nm repeats and 516 nm pitch. A detailed helical model of these filaments was elucidated with bipolar tetramer building units made of two polar trimers. The filaments elongate at their two ends in a head-to-head manner, enabling targeted cross-bridge polarity of the adjacent rows, in the form of a unique Boerdijk–Coxeter type helix, similar to that of collagen or desmin fibers, with the covalent links replaced by a head-to-head clasp.
Rotation on the digital plane
Authors: Hannusch Carolin , Pethő Attila
Published: July 2022

Let $$A_{\varphi }$$

A
φ

denote the matrix of rotation with angle $$\varphi $$
φ
of the Euclidean plane, FLOOR the function which rounds a real point to the nearest lattice point down on the left and ROUND the function for rounding off a vector to the nearest node of the lattice. We prove under the natural assumption $$\varphi \not = k\frac{\pi }{2}$$

φ
≠
k

π
2

that the functions $${{\,\mathrm{FLOOR}\,}}\circ A_{\varphi }$$

FLOOR

∘

A
φ

and $${{\,\mathrm{ROUND}\,}}\circ A_{\varphi }$$

ROUND

∘

A
φ

are neither surjective nor injective. More precisely we prove lower and upper estimates for the size of the sets of lattice points, which are the image of two lattice points as well as of lattice points, which have no preimages. It turns out that the densities of those sets are positive.
An efficient medical image encryption scheme for (WBAN) based on adaptive DNA and modern multi chaotic map
Authors: Abdelfatah Roayat Ismail , Saqr Hager Mohamed , Nasr Mohamed E.
Published: July 2022

A Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) is a network of wireless sensor nodes that can be installed inside or outside of the human body. This network is crucial in medical problems. Due to storage, battery power, and computational resource limitations, the security of medical information such as medical photographs or other information is a major concern in (WBAN). This work proposes an image encryption approach that addresses these constraints by utilizing adaptive DNA code bases and a new multi chaotic map architecture. DNA coding is used to enhances computing efficiency and gives great data transfer capabilities and the new multi chaotic map was formed by Combining Henon, Gaussian and Logistic map (HGL) To generate more chaotic pseudo-random sequences. Numerous analyses were conducted to test the proposed scheme, such as brute force, statistical, differential assaults and noise added analysis. Results indicated that this scheme has a strong level of security.
Comparative Study of Influence of Experimental Configuration on Densities of Active Species in the Early Afterglows of N2/(0–2.5%)H2 HF Flowing Plasmas
Authors: Abdeladim M. , Sarrette J. P. , Amorim J. , Ricard A.
Published: July 2022

Afterglows of mixed gas of N2 and H2(0–2.5%) flowing microwave discharges in a 5 mm diameter tube connected to a 5 L reactor via a tube of 1.8 cm diameter and 50 cm long, have been studied using optical emission spectroscopy. The obtained results at the entrance of the afterglow tube of 1.8 cm diameter: Short time afterglow (SA), (10–3 s) and inside the 5 L reactor: Long time afterglow (LA), (10–2 s) were then compared. It was found that, in N2 at 2 Torr, 0.5 slpm, the active specie density ratios had a constant value of 10–2 for N/N2, but decreased respectively from 10–3 to 10–4 for N2 (X,v > 13)/N2 and from 10–6 to 10–8 for N+2 /N2. By directly connecting the discharge tube inside the 5 L reactor, the density increases by 10 for N2 (X,v > 13) and by 102 for N2+ by changing the afterglow from LA(10−2 s) to a SA(10–3 s). Moreover and by adding 1% of H2 to N2, the N/N2 and H/H2 ratios had constant values of 1% and 0.2% respectively. The SA(10–3 s) appeared to be more efficient for surface treatments than the LA (10–2 s).
Barriers and enablers to switching from a solid to a liquid formulation of Parkinson’s medication: a theory-based mixed methods investigation
Authors: Atkins Bethany , Bhattacharya Debi , Smith Caroline , Scott Sion
Published: July 2022

Background

Swallowing tablets/capsules can become difficult and dangerous for People with Parkinson’s (PwP) who develop oropharyngeal dysphagia. Switching to a liquid delays the need for progressing to last line patches/injections. However, liquids are rarely used therefore a change in prescribing practice is warranted but, as with any change in behaviour, may be met with resistance.

Aim

To characterise PwPs and carers’ barriers and enablers (determinants) of switching from solid to liquid Parkinson’s medication formulations.

Method

Underpinned by the Theoretical Domains Framework, focus groups with PwPs and carers were convened to identify determinants of switching, which were then used to develop a questionnaire distributed across the UK. Determinants were prioritised if ≥ 50% of respondents agreed/strongly agreed that they were important to their decision to switch to a liquid formulation. Percentage precisions were reported as 95% confidence intervals.

Results

From three focus groups and 131 questionnaires responses, PwPs and carers prioritised nine determinants. Three enablers had almost unanimous agreement: liquids’ flexibility for incremental dosing (72% ± 8); decline in Parkinson’s control (72% ± 8); prescriber’s endorsement to switch (70% ± 8). The barriers: perception that tablets/capsules are easier to dose than liquids (72% ± 8); and prescriber’s opposition to switching (70% ± 8), attracted similarly high agreement.

Conclusion

There is a desire to switch to liquids when Parkinson’s progresses and for their use beyond this to offer flexibility in dosing, a previously unrecognised indication for switching. The only notable resistance to switching may be addressed by innovations from the pharmaceutical industry to make liquids easier to measure.
Embodying the Face: The Intersubjectivity of Portraits and Self-portraits
Authors: Gallese Vittorio
Published: July 2022

The topic of the human face is addressed from a biocultural perspective, focusing on the empirical investigation of how the face is represented, perceived, and evaluated in artistic portraits and self-portraits from the XVth to the XVIIth century. To do so, the crucial role played by the human face in social cognition is introduced, starting from development, showing that neonatal facial imitation and face-to-face dyadic interactions provide the grounding elements for the construction of intersubjective bonds. The neuroscience of face perception is concisely presented and discussed, together with the psychophysics of face perception and gaze exploration, introducing the notions of the left visual field advantage (LVFA) and the left gaze bias (LGB). The results of experiments on the perception and the emotional and aesthetic rating of artistic portraits and self-portraits are reported, showing that despite participants’ inability to tell self-portraits and portraits apart, greater emotional, communicative-social, and aesthetic ratings were attributed to self-portraits. It is concluded that neuroscience and experimental aesthetics can contribute to better understand the human face, hence to better understand ourselves.
Reminiscence therapy-based care program serves as an optional nursing modality in alleviating anxiety and depression, improving quality of life in surgical prostate cancer patients
Authors: Huang Ting , Su Hongmei , Zhang Shi , Huang Yawen
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Reminiscence therapy is reported to attenuate the psychological disorders in cancer patients, such as colorectal and lung cancer patients. However, relevant report on surgical prostate cancer patients is scarce. This study put forward a reminiscence therapy-based care program (RTCP + UC) combing reminiscence therapy with usual care (UC), and aimed to evaluate the impact of RTCP + UC on anxiety, depression, quality of life and survival in surgical prostate cancer patients.

Methods

Totally, 108 prostate cancer patients receiving surgical resection were enrolled, who were subsequently randomized and allocated to the RTCP + UC group (N = 55) and UC group (N = 53) at a 1:1 ratio. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and QLQ-C30 were assessed at month M0, M3, M6, M9 and M12 during the intervention period. After intervention, patients were followed up for another 24 months to calculate disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

RTCP + UC decreased HADS-anxiety score at M9 and M12, declined HADS-depression score at M6, M9 and M12, reduced depression rate and the severity level of depression at M12, while did not affect these issues at other time points. Meanwhile, RTCP + UC enhanced the QLQ-C30 global health status score at M3, M6, M9 and M12, but did not influence the QLQ-C30 function score and QLQ-C30 symptom score at any time points. Meanwhile, RTCP + UC had no effect on the accumulating DFS and OS of surgical prostate cancer patients.

Conclusion

RTCP + UC serves as an optional nursing modality in alleviating anxiety and depression, improving quality of life in surgical prostate cancer patients.
Prävention des plötzlichen Kindstods
Authors: Singh H. , Jeßberger J. , Zeeb H.
Published: July 2022

Hintergrund

Der plötzliche Kindstod (SIDS, „sudden infant death syndrome“) ist dank vieler Präventionsmaßnahmen heute deutlich seltener als noch vor ca. 30 Jahren. Wir führten einen schnellen systematischen Review zu effektiven Interventionsmaßnahmen durch und evaluierten ein mehrjähriges Präventionsprojekt in Hamm.

Methodik

Für den Review wurde eine systematische Recherche in der Datenbank PubMed durchgeführt. Eingeschlossen wurden alle ab 2004 (auf Deutsch oder Englisch) veröffentlichten Ergebnisberichte von Interventionen zur SIDS-Prävention (n = 17 Artikel). Für die Evaluationsstudie wurden im Praxisbetrieb erhobene Befragungsdaten von Eltern Neugeborener der Jahre 2011–2018 ausgewertet. Direkt nach der Geburt und ca. 3 Monate später wurden die Eltern mündlich und schriftlich über SIDS-Präventionsmaßnahmen aufgeklärt und zur geplanten und umgesetzten Schlafsituation befragt. Die Ergebnisse wurden deskriptiv ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Ergebnisse des Reviews bestätigen die gute Umsetzbarkeit der Rückenlage als Schlafposition. Weniger häufig werden der Literatur zufolge Verhaltensempfehlungen zur Schlafumgebung des Säuglings und zum Rauchverhalten im Haushalt umgesetzt. Beim Projekt SIDS Hamm wurde eine empfohlene Schlafumgebung bei 46 % und die Rückenlage bei 90 % der Säuglinge angegeben. Empfehlungen zur Schlafposition (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1,33; 95 %-Konfidenzintervall [KI]: 1,03–1,72) und zur Schlafumgebung (OR: 1,42; KI: 1,16–1,74) wurden eher eingehalten, wenn eine ärztliche SIDS-Aufklärung erfolgte.

Diskussion

In der internationalen Literatur werden Defizite bei Umsetzung der empfohlenen Schlafumgebung und beim Rauchverhalten in der SIDS-Prävention beschrieben. Das Präventionsprojekt in Hamm konnte durch unterschiedliche Ansätze der Wissensvermittlung dazu beitragen, dass viele Eltern SIDS-präventive Maßnahmen umsetzten und so das Risiko des plötzlichen Kindstods weiter verringern.
Lagena—an overlooked oomycete genus with a wide range of hosts
Authors: Thines Marco , Buaya Anthony T.
Published: July 2022

Lagena has so far only been known from the scarcely reported but widespread species Lagena radicicola, which is a parasite of root epidermal cells. While it was mostly reported from a wide range of cereals and other grasses, it has been shown to affect some dicot species under, e.g. tobacco and sugar beet. Due to the wide host spectrum under laboratory conditions, there were no attempts to subdivide the genus into several species, even though some morphological differentiation was reported and the species had been found in several continents. During a survey of diatoms, we came across some parasitoids that would have previously been assumed to be members of the genus Lagenidium. The species exhibited rather narrow host specificity in nature. One species was brought into dual culture with host diatoms of the genus Ulnaria, but could not be transferred to other host genera. Surprisingly, phylogenetic analyses revealed that Lagena radicicola was in a sister clade to that formed by the diatom parasitoids, suggesting a versatile pathogenicity of the genus. Interestingly, several phylogenetic lineages only known from environmental sequencing were clustered with the species found in this study, hinting an undiscovered diversity in the genus Lagena.
What do spatial data from Sibhudu tell us about life in the Middle Stone Age?
Authors: Conard Nicholas J. , Brenner Mareike , Bretzke Knut , Will Manuel
Published: July 2022

For the last 10 years, we have been carefully excavating rich, well-stratified Middle Stone Age (MSA) horizons from Sibhudu in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This work has provided a great abundance of numerous classes of cultural material from well-controlled contexts dating to between > 90 and 36 ka that is relevant for documenting the Late Pleistocene cultural evolution of Homo sapiens in Africa. In this paper, we look more closely at intra-site spatial relationships between the finds and critically examine their context to determine what has been learned through such careful excavation. The effort is justified because through excavation we destroy sites, necessitating the recovery of as much relevant information as is possible and practicable, for ourselves and for future generations. This paper focuses on the high-resolution Sibhudan sequence at Sibhudu (~ 58 ka) which features high sedimentation rates and abundant finds, with people performing multiple activities in different parts of the site over time. The analyses present examples of how quantitative, 3D spatial data and statistical analyses open new paths of inquiry that advance our understanding of the lifeways of MSA peoples on spatial and temporal scales that have yet to attract much attention by researchers in Africa. Our analyses find intra-site patterning both within and across layers that is indicative of structured spatial use even in small areas of excavation. We identify potential knapping and dumping areas that change their position through time and connect these observations with rich techno-typological and techno-functional information. This work points to future directions, such as refitting and related contextual studies that are rarely used in Late Pleistocene archaeology of southern Africa, but will ultimately provide new insights into MSA lifeways.
Raising an Indigenous academic community: a strength-based approach to Indigenous early career mentoring in higher education
Authors: Povey Rhonda , Trudgett Michelle , Page Susan , Locke Michelle Lea , Harry Matilda
Published: July 2022

This paper reports on Indigenous early career researchers’ experiences of mentoring in Australian higher education, with data drawn from a longitudinal qualitative study. Interviews were conducted with 30 Indigenous participants. A consistent theme in the findings and contemporary critical literature has been a reaction against institutionalised and hierarchical cloning and investment models of mentoring that reinforce the accumulation of White cultural capital, in favour of strength-based relational models tailored to build Indigenous cultural wealth in parallel with career development. We write from an equity-based standpoint addressing mentoring as a complex and raced space where individual Indigenous ECRs articulate a desire and will to develop a successful and meaningful career, rich in cultural wealth and with their identity intact. It is our intent that these findings will also have global significance and support the more sustainable and ethical career development of First Nation early career academics in relationally like colonised contexts.
Lessons to learn, discourses to change, relationships to build: How Decolonising Race Theory can articulate the interface between school leadership and Aboriginal students’ schooling experiences
Authors: Burgess Cathie , Fricker Aleryk , Weuffen Sara
Published: July 2022

When conversations about Aboriginal student educational success emerge, they are usually focussed on the high levels of underachievement and disengagement. School leadership is seen as critical to contributing to student outcomes. For Aboriginal students, creating inclusive learning environments that support culture and identity, and building trusting relationships with families and community members are also critical goals. As part of the Aboriginal Voices project, this paper uses Decolonising Race Theory (Moodie, 2018) to analyse interviews with four Principals in urban, regional, and rural locations to understand their perceptions and experiences of leading Aboriginal education in schools. From the interviews, three key themes emerged: leading culture, identity and school–community relationships, leading curriculum, pedagogy and teacher development, and leading student participation and achievement. Decolonising Race Theory (Moodie, 2018) is applied as an analytical tool to view these themes through a critical Indigenous lens to understand the Principals’ discourses around Aboriginal student experiences at school and their role in improving outcomes. This revealed contradictory positionings within and between Principal comments, from blaming students and their families for their underachievement, to implementing cultural programmes to build confidence to become self-determining adults. This data provides new ways of thinking through discourses about Aboriginal students and their families, communities, schools, teachers and Principals, and challenges some of the ‘regimes of truth’ that position these groups in particular ways.
Modelling the regional effect of transmittance loss on photovoltaic systems due to dust
Authors: Almufarrej Abdulrahman , Erfani Tohid
Published: July 2022

The regional differences and environmental challenges are key factors in measuring the efficiency of renewable systems. The loss of transmittance due to weather events, such as dust, clouds/rain, extreme heat, and humidity, is one of the main factors causing reduction in energy generation from photovoltaic (PV) systems’ ideal energy production potentials. Existing literature analysed the impact of transmittance loss due to dust on PV systems’ performances, recommending frequent system cleaning to maintain the highest energy production level. In this paper we build a mathematical model to quantify the effect of dust accumulation on the transmittance losses. The model predicts the transmittance losses of PVs at tilts between 0° and 90°, exposed to Kuwait’s climate with and without cleaning. We use the model to analyse the performance of recommended tilts for optimum energy production (overall and seasonal) based on Kuwait’s geographical location. The results demonstrate that the recommended regional optimum tilt (30°) for maximum energy generation is applicable only if the system is cleaned at least once a week. Tilts of 50° and higher can perform better when the frequency of cleaning is once every two weeks or less. This is an important observation that can guide the design, installation, and maintenance (frequency of cleaning) of the PV systems.
Acrylamide-based hydrogels with distinct osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potential
Authors: Younus Z. M. , Roach P. , Forsyth N. R.
Published: July 2022

Regeneration solutions for the osteochondral interface depth are limited, where multi-material implants have the potential to delaminate affecting the regeneration process and impacting the final integrity of tissue interface. Here we explore regionally mixed hydrogel networks, presenting distinct chemical features to determine their compatibility in supporting osteogenic or chondrogenic cell behaviour and differentiation. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) and poly(N-tert-butylacrylamide) (pNTBAM) hydrogels were assessed in terms of their chemical differences, mechanical strength, internal architecture, porosity and capacity to support cell viability, migration, and differentiation. pNTBAM polymerized with a Young’s modulus of up to 371 ± 31 kPa compared to the more flexible pNIPAM, 16.5 ± 0.6 kPa. Viability testing revealed biocompatibility of both hydrogels with significantly increased cell numbers observed in pNTBAM (500 ± 95 viable cells/mm2) than in pNIPAM (60 ± 3 viable cells/mm2) (P ≤ 0.05). Mineralization determined through alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium ion and annexin A2 markers of mineralization) and osteogenic behaviour (collagen I expression) were supported in both hydrogels, but to a greater extent in pNTBAM. pNTBAM supported significantly elevated levels of chondrogenic markers as evidenced by collagen II and glycosaminoglycan expression in comparison to little or no evidence in pNIPAM (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, structurally similar, chemically distinct, acrylamide hydrogels display variable capacities in supporting osteochondral cell behaviours. These systems demonstrate spatial control of cell interaction through simple changes in monomer chemistry. Fine control over chemical presentation during the fabrication of biomaterial implants could lead to greater efficacy and targeted regeneration of semi-complex tissues.
Improving Potato Yield, Water Productivity and Nitrogen Use Efficiency by Managing Irrigation Based on Potato Root Distribution
Authors: Wu Lan , Li Li , Ma Zhong , Fan Mingshou
Published: July 2022

Potato is a typical shallow-root crop and a good understanding of its root distribution is critical in potato water management, which is especially important for potato production in areas such as Inner Mongolia where water resource is limited. We conducted field experiments to investigate the dynamic distribution of potato root in the soil, then used this as a basis to design a new irrigation method for potato production in the region; effects of the improved irrigation and conventional method were analyzed as well by measuring plant growth, yield, water productivity and nitrogen use efficiency. The results showed that large difference existed in root distribution of potato plants at different growth stages in Inner Mongolia, suggesting the present water management strategy of uniform irrigation during potato production is inefficient and has great potential for improvement. Adjusting irrigation amount so that the wet soil zone depth covered 80% of root distribution during potato growth significantly increased water productivity, decreased N leaching, improved N absorption, nitrogen use efficiency and plant growth, leading to increased tuber yield. Therefore, the improved water management method can be used extensively.
The Global Epidemiological Transition in Cardiovascular Diseases: Unrecognised Impact of Endemic Infections on Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Agius Paul A. , Cutts Julia C. , Song Peige , Rudan Igor , Rudan Diana , Aboyans Victor , McDermott Mary M. , Criqui Michael H. , Fowkes F. Gerald R. , Fowkes Freya J. I.
Published: July 2022

An epidemiological transition in the prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is taking place especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where an ageing population and adoption of western lifestyles are associated with an increase in PAD. We discuss the limited evidence which suggests that infection, potentially mediated by inflammation, may be a risk factor for PAD, and show by means of an ecological analysis that country-level prevalence of the major endemic infections of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria are associated with the prevalence of PAD. While further research is required, we propose that scientists and health authorities pay more attention to the interplay between communicable and non-communicable diseases, and we suggest that limiting the occurrence of endemic infections might have some effect on slowing the epidemiological transition in PAD.
The Integrative Action of the Autonomic Nervous System
Authors: Jänig Wilfrid
Published: July 2022

Almost all bodily functions are dependent on activity of the autonomic nervous system – from the cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal tract, the evacuative and sexual organs, to the regulation of temperature, metabolism and tissue defence. Balanced functioning of each aspect of this system is an important basis of our life and well-being. In this long-awaited second edition, the author, a leading figure in this field, provides an up-to-date and detailed description of the cellular and integrative organization of the autonomic nervous system, covering both peripheral and central aspects. The book exposes modern neurobiological concepts that allow us to understand why this system normally runs so smoothly and why its deterioration has such disastrous consequences. This broad overview will appeal to researchers and advanced undergraduate students of the various biological and medical sciences studying how the autonomic nervous system works and to clinicians and physical therapists whose practice involves systems dependent on autonomic functions.
Correspondence with Lady Bradshaigh and Lady Echlin
Authors: Richardson Samuel
Published: July 2022

Samuel Richardson (1689–1761), renowned English novelist and master printer, was also a prolific letter writer. The Cambridge Edition of the Correspondence of Samuel Richardson is the first complete edition of his letters. These three volumes contain his correspondence, much of it published for the first time, with two fascinating women: Dorothy, Lady Bradshaigh (1705–85) and her sister Elizabeth, Lady Echlin (1704–82). Lady Bradshaigh was Richardson's most prolific and important correspondent, challenging him about a range of issues, literary and otherwise, including his intentions for Clarissa and Sir Charles Grandison, in an iconoclastic style. Lady Echlin lived in Ireland for much of her life and provided Richardson with information on Irish issues, including the Dublin editions of his novels. The scholarly apparatus in this volume furnishes a wealth of material about these women's lives and their milieu, affording many insights into eighteenth-century English and Irish social and literary history.
Re-using Manuscripts in Late Medieval England
Authors: Ryley Hannah
Published: July 2022

A fresh appraisal of late medieval manuscript culture in England, examining the ways in which people sustained older books, exploring the practices and processes by which manuscripts were crafted, mended, protected, marked, gifted and shared.
Competing Catholicisms
Authors: Enyegue, SJ Jean Luc
Published: July 2022

Explores the impact of Jesuit missions on the development of Christianity in postcolonial French Africa, which found itself at the centre of major shifts and struggles within global Christianity and world politics.
Pokot Pastoralism
Authors: Vehrs Hauke-Peter
Published: July 2022

Examines how pastoral peoples imagine, or even design, their futures under the pressure of changing environments and large-scale government projects.
Coming of Age in the Afro-Latin American Novel
Authors: Wasserman Bonnie S.
Published: July 2022

This book explores the dimensions of the coming-of-age novel in the Spanish-speaking Caribbean and Brazil, focusing on works by eight major Afro-Latin American writers.
Toward Xenopolis
Authors: Czyżewski Krzysztof , Snyder Timothy
Published: July 2022

Essays by a founder of the Borderland Foundation in East-Central Europe explore the meanings of community in a fractured world.
Great Power Competition and the Path to Democracy
Authors: Burkadze Zarina
Published: July 2022

Using events in Georgia as a case study, this book shows how competition between great powers can subvert authoritarianism and empower democracy in newly formed transitional regimes.
The Silent Muse
Authors: Nielsen Asta
Published: July 2022

The memoirs of the pioneering Danish silent film star Asta Nielsen in English translation for the first time, with scholarly introduction and annotations.
Chronicle of Hainaut by Gilbert of Mons
Authors: Mons Gilbert of
Published: July 2022

The first full English translation of the twelfh century Chronicle of Hainaut, offering fascinating insights into European history of the time.
Shipwreck Hauntography
Authors: Rich Sara
Published: July 2022

Drawing on a broad theoretical range from speculative realism to feminist psychoanalysis and anti-colonialism, this book represents a radical departure from traditional scholarship on maritime archaeology. Shipwreck Hauntography asserts that nautical archaeology bears the legacy of Early Modern theological imperialism, most evident through the savior-scholar model that resurrects - physically or virtually - ships from wrecks. Instead of construing shipwrecks as dead, awaiting resurrection from the seafloor, they are presented as vibrant if not recalcitrant objects, having shaken off anthropogenesis through varying stages of ruination. Sara Rich illustrates this anarchic condition with 'hauntographs' of five Age of 'Discovery' shipwrecks, each of which elucidates the wonder of failure and finitude, alongside an intimate brush with the eerie, horrific, and uncanny.
World Heritage and Urban Politics in Melaka, Malaysia
Authors: De Giosa Pierpaolo
Published: July 2022

This book presents a tale of heritage politics in the Malaysian historical city par excellence. Already celebrated as the first Malay sultanate and an important colonial trading port, Melaka has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2008, on the strength of its multi-ethnic and multi-religious urban fabric. Yet, contrary to the expectations of heritage experts and aficionados, the global mission of safeguarding cultural heritage has become a tumultuous issue on the ground in Melaka. World Heritage and Urban Politics in Malaysia analyses how the World Heritage 'label' is being used by different actors- such as international organizations, nation states, and society at large- to generate new economic revenues and to attract investment for large-scale real estate development projects. In doing so, it reveals the complex and often contradictory stories behind heritage designations in urban milieus.
Catholic Social Networks in Early Modern England
Authors: Cogan Susan M.
Published: July 2022

Catholic Social Networks in Early Modern England: Kinship, Gender, and Coexistence explores the lived experience of Catholic women and men in the post-Reformation century. Set against the background of the gendered dynamics of English society, this book demonstrates that English Catholics were potent forces in the shaping of English culture, religious policy, and the emerging nation-state. Drawing on kinship and social relationships rooted in the medieval period, post-Reformation English Catholic women and men used kinship, social networks, gendered strategies, political actions, and cultural activities like architecture and gardening to remain connected to patrons and to ensure the survival of their families through a period of deep social and religious change. This book contributes to recent scholarship on religious persecution and coexistence in post-Reformation Europe by demonstrating how English Catholics shaped state policy and enforcement of religious minorities and helped to define the character of early models of citizenship formation.
Fundamentals of Chinese Culture
Authors: Shuming Liang
Published: July 2022

Chinese culture, to readers of English, is somewhat veiled in mystery. Fundamentals of Chinese Culture (in pinyin, Zhongguo wenhua yaoyi), a classic of great insight and profundity by noted Chinese thinker, educator and social reformist Liang Shuming, takes readers on an intellectual journey into the five-thousand-year-old culture of China, the world's oldest continuous civilization. With a set of "Chinese-style" cultural theories, the book well serves as a platform for Westerners' better understanding of the distinctive worldview of the Chinese people, who value family life, group-centered life and social stability, and for further mutual understanding and greater mutual consolidation among humanities scholars in different contexts, dismantling common misconceptions about China and bridging the gap between Chinese culture and Western culture. As a translation of Liang Shuming's original text, this book pulls back the curtain to reveal to Westerners a highly complex and nuanced picture of a fascinating people.
Roosters, S’mores, and #EmergencyCute: A Humor-in-Crisis How-To
Authors: Tripathy-Lang Alka
Published: July 2022

When natural hazards strike communities, we may not think science agencies should respond with humor. Researchers suggest that sometimes, however, humor can connect communities and bring smiles.
Asymmetric Impacts of Diurnal Warming on Vegetation Carbon Sequestration of Marshes in the Qinghai Tibet Plateau
Authors: Shen Xiangjin , Liu Yiwen , Zhang Jiaqi , Wang Yanji , Ma Rong , Liu Binhui , Lu Xianguo , Jiang Ming
Published: July 2022

As the world's Third Pole, the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau has a large area of marshes, which plays an important role in global carbon cycle. The net primary productivity (NPP) of vegetation is a crucial index for measuring the carbon flux of marsh ecosystems. Understanding the change in marsh NPP and its response to climatic change is important for assessing carbon sequestration of marsh ecosystems. Based on MODIS NPP data and climate data from 2000 to 2020, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal change in marsh NPP and determined its relationship with climate factors on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. The results showed that the average annual NPP of marshes on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau increased significantly by 11.70 ± 1.07 g C·m−2/10a during 2000–2020, with an average value of about 184.37 ± 11.12 g C·m−2. Spatially, the annual marsh NPP showed obviously increasing trend in the northeast but decreasing trend in the southwest regions. Daytime maximum and nighttime minimum temperatures had asymmetric effects on marsh NPP, with a larger positive effect of minimum temperature. Warmed minimum temperatures in winter and spring significantly increased the annual marsh NPP on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. The increasing maximum and minimum temperatures in the summer obviously promoted the vegetation growth in marshes. Additionally, the increasing spring precipitation could significantly increase the marsh NPP. Our results highlight that the asymmetric impacts of daytime and nighttime temperatures on marsh vegetation should be adequately considered in predicting marsh carbon sequestration on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, especially in the context of global asymmetric diurnal warming.
Simultaneous Measurements of Dissolved Organic Carbon and Soil Respiration Reveal Reduced Soil Carbon Loss Under Nitrogen Addition in a Montane Forest
Authors: Wang Tao , Ao Jing , Liu Xinyu , Peng Yuanrui , Op de Beeck Michiel , Chang Ruiying
Published: July 2022

A major uncertainty in the estimation of soils acting as net carbon (C) sinks or sources stem from the effects of anthropogenic nitrogen (N) input on the balance between plant C input and soil C loss. In contrast to the generally observed increasing pattern of plant C input, the response of soil C loss to increased N deposition remains elusive, largely due to its large temporal variation. Here simultaneous measurements of two major soil C loss pathways, including dissolved organic carbon (DOC) leaching and soil respiration, were conducted for 5 and 3 yr, respectively, to assess the effects of N addition on soil C loss in an N‐limited montane forest. The effects were seasonal, depth and N level dependent and the two pathways responded asynchronously to N addition. Significant decreases in DOC concentrations and fluxes in leachates from the organic layer were observed during autumn/winter under a high N addition rate (40 kg N/ha/yr). No significant impact of N addition on DOC concentrations or fluxes was observed for leachates from the mineral soil horizon. Biodegradability was low for DOC from both soil layers and was not consistently influenced by N addition. Soil respiration was significantly decreased under high N addition. Annual soil C loss (estimated by summing DOC leaching from the mineral horizon and soil respiration) showed that N addition reduced soil C loss consistently over years, implying that the forest soil is likely a C sink under excess N deposition, which should be confirmed with longer term monitoring.
Flavonoid-attracted Aeromonas sp. from the Arabidopsis root microbiome enhances plant dehydration resistance
Authors: He Danxia , Singh Sunil K , Peng Li , Kaushal Richa , Vílchez Juan I , Shao Chuyang , Wu Xiaoxuan , Zheng Shuai , Morcillo Rafael J L , Paré Paul W , Zhang Huiming
Published: July 2022

Flavonoids are stress-inducible metabolites important for plant-microbe interactions. In contrast to their well-known function in initiating rhizobia nodulation in legumes, little is known about whether and how flavonoids may contribute to plant stress resistance through affecting non-nodulating bacteria. Here we show that flavonoids broadly contribute to the diversity of the Arabidopsis root microbiome and preferentially attract Aeromonadaceae, which included a cultivable Aeromonas sp. H1 that displayed flavonoid-induced chemotaxis with transcriptional enhancement of flagellum biogenesis and suppression of fumarate reduction for smooth swims. Strain H1 showed multiple plant-beneficial traits and enhanced plant dehydration resistance, which required flavonoids but not through a sudden “cry-for-help” upon stress. Strain H1 boosted dehydration-induced H2O2 accumulation in guard cells and stomatal closure, concomitant with synergistic induction of jasmonic acid-related regulators of plant dehydration resistance. These findings revealed a key role of flavonoids, and the underlying mechanism, in mediating plant-microbiome interactions including the bacteria-enhanced plant dehydration resistance.
Deficiency of PPP6C protects TNF-induced necroptosis through activation of TAK1
Authors: Zou Yonggang , Zheng Qi , Jiang Bin , Liu Yuning , Xu Yanhua , Ma Liang , Hu Zonghao , Wu Ming , Song Hai
Published: July 2022

Necroptotic cell death is mediated by a super-molecular complex called necrosome which consists of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 and 3 (RIPK1, RIPK3) and mixed-lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL). The role of these kinases has been extensively investigated in the regulation of necroptosis. However, whether the protein phosphatase is involved in necroptosis is still largely unknown. Here, we identified protein phosphatase 6 catalytic subunit (PPP6C) promotes TNF-induced necroptosis by genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 library screening. We found that PPP6C deficiency protects cells from TNF-induced necroptosis in a phosphatase-activity-dependent manner. Mechanistically, PPP6C acts as a TGF-β activated kinase 1 (TAK1) phosphatase to inactivate its kinase activity. Deletion of PPP6C leads to hyperactivation of TAK1 and reduced RIPK1 kinase activity upon TNF stimulation. We further showed that heterozygous deletion of Ppp6c in mouse gastrointestinal tract alleviates necroptosis-related tissue injury and inflammation. Thus, our study identifies PPP6C as an important regulator of necroptosis and highlights a central role of phosphatase in the regulation of necroptosis-related diseases.
Estrogens revert neutrophil hyperplasia by inhibiting Hif1α-cMyb pathway in zebrafish myelodysplastic syndromes models
Authors: Li Xuexiao , Wang Luping , Qin Xun , Chen Xiaohui , Li Li , Huang Zhibin , Zhang Wenqing , Liu Wei
Published: July 2022

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are characterized by daunting genetic heterogeneity and a high risk of leukemic transformation, which presents great challenges for clinical treatment. To identify new chemicals for MDS, we screened a panel of FDA-approved drugs and verified the neutrophil hyperplasia inhibiting role of 17β-estradiol (E2, a natural estrogen) in several zebrafish MDS models (pu.1G242D/G242D, irf8Δ57Δ/57 and c-mybhyper). However, the protective mechanism of estrogen in the development of hematological malignancies remains to be explored. Here, analyzing the role of E2 in the development of each hematopoietic lineage, we found that E2 exhibited a specific neutrophil inhibiting function. This neutrophil inhibitory function of E2 is attributed to its down-regulation of c-myb, which leads to accelerated apoptosis and decreased proliferation of neutrophils. We further showed that knockdown of hif1α could mimic the neutrophil inhibiting role of E2, and hif1α overexpression could reverse the protective function of E2. Collectively, our findings highlight the protective role of E2 on MDS by inhibiting hif1α-c-myb pathway, suggesting that E2 is a promising and effective drug for hematopoietic tumors associated with abnormal neutrophil hyperplasia.
Platelet proteome reveals features of cell death, antiviral response and viral replication in covid-19
Authors: Trugilho Monique R. O. , Azevedo-Quintanilha Isaclaudia G. , Gesto João S. M. , Moraes Emilly Caroline S. , Mandacaru Samuel C. , Campos Mariana M. , Oliveira Douglas M. , Dias Suelen S. G. , Bastos Viviane A. , Santos Marlon D. M. , Carvalho Paulo C. , Valente Richard H. , Hottz Eugenio D. , Bozza Fernando A. , Souza Thiago Moreno L. , Perales Jonas , Bozza Patrícia T.
Published: July 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected over 400 million people worldwide, leading to 6 million deaths. Among the complex symptomatology of COVID-19, hypercoagulation and thrombosis have been described to directly contribute to lethality, pointing out platelets as an important SARS-CoV-2 target. In this work, we explored the platelet proteome of COVID-19 patients through a label-free shotgun proteomics approach to identify platelet responses to infection, as well as validation experiments in a larger patient cohort. Exclusively detected proteins (EPs) and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in the proteomic dataset and thus classified into biological processes to map pathways correlated with pathogenesis. Significant changes in the expression of proteins related to platelet activation, cell death, and antiviral response through interferon type-I were found in all patients. Since the outcome of COVID-19 varies highly among individuals, we also performed a cross-comparison of proteins found in survivors and nonsurvivors. Proteins belonging to the translation pathway were strongly highlighted in the nonsurvivor group. Moreover, the SARS-CoV-2 genome was fully sequenced in platelets from five patients, indicating viral internalization and preprocessing, with CD147 as a potential entry route. In summary, platelets play a significant role in COVID-19 pathogenesis via platelet activation, antiviral response, and disease severity.
Short-term progression of optic disc and macular changes in optic nerve head drusen
Authors: Pilat Anastasia V. , Proudlock Frank A. , Kumar Periyasamy , Gottlob Irene
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To quantify in patients with optic nerve head drusen (ONHD)changes after 1-year observation in: (i) optic disc and (ii) macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters and (iii) the effect of age at enrolment in the study.

Design

Prospective, cross-sectional observational study using Spectral Domain-OCT (Copernicus; OPTOPOL Technology S.A., Zawiercie, Poland) imaging was carried out in 35 patients with ONHD (age–42.8 ± 19.9 years; males = 15; females = 20) at baseline and after 12 months follow-up.

Results

Patients with ONHD had significant thinning of the surface nerve fibre layer in the central (p = 0.03), superior (p = 0.05) and inferior (p = 0.04) areas; mean ppRNFL thinning (p = 0.0 4) and ppRNFL thinning in the nasal segment (p = 0.028). Retinal thinning in the central (p = 0.001), inner (p = 0.01) and outer (p = 0.002) temporal, outer superior (p = 0.03) and inferior (p = 0.02) areas; borderline ganglion cell layer thinning (p = 0.051) and outer nuclear layer (p = 0.03) thinning in the central retina and outer segment layer thinning nasally (p = 0.01) between the first and the second visit in macula. Correlation of the difference in optic disc and macular parameters with the age at enrolment did not reveal any significance.

Conclusions

Statistically detectable thinning of the optic nerve and macula structures occurred already after 12 months. The proximity of optic nerve changes to the vascular arcades can possibly be explained by involvement of retinal vessels in the pathophysiology of ONHD.