bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal denervation reduces atrial remodeling in hypertensive rats with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Selejan Simina-Ramona , Linz Dominik , Mauz Muriel , Hohl Mathias , Huynh Anh Khoa Dennis , Speer Thimoteus , Wintrich Jan , Kazakov Andrey , Werner Christian , Mahfoud Felix , Böhm Michael
Published: July 2022

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is highly prevalent in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome and is related to inflammation and activation of the sympathoadrenergic system. The multi-ligand Receptor-for-Advanced-Glycation-End-products (RAGE) activates inflammation-associated tissue remodeling and is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system. Its counterpart, soluble RAGE (sRAGE), serves as anti-inflammatory decoy receptor with protective properties. We investigated the effect of sympathetic modulation by renal denervation (RDN) on atrial remodeling, RAGE/sRAGE and RAGE ligands in metabolic syndrome. RDN was performed in spontaneously hypertensive obese rats (SHRob) with metabolic syndrome compared with lean spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and with normotensive non-obese control rats. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured by telemetry. The animals were killed 12 weeks after RDN. Left atrial (LA) and right atrial (RA) remodeling was assessed by histological analysis and collagen types. Sympathetic innervation was measured by tyrosine hydroxylase staining of atrial nerve fibers, RAGE/sRAGE, RAGE ligands, cytokine expressions and inflammatory infiltrates were analyzed by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. LA sympathetic nerve fiber density was higher in SHRob (+44%) versus controls and reduced after RDN (-64% versus SHRob). RAGE was increased (+718%) and sRAGE decreased (− 62%) in SHRob as compared with controls. RDN reduced RAGE expression (− 61% versus SHRob), significantly increased sRAGE levels (+162%) and induced a significant decrease in RAGE ligand levels in SHRob (− 57% CML and − 51% HMGB1) with reduced pro-inflammatory NFkB activation (− 96%), IL-6 production (− 55%) and reduced inflammatory infiltrates. This led to a reduction in atrial fibrosis (− 33%), collagen type I content (− 72%), accompanied by reduced LA myocyte hypertrophy (− 21%). Transfection experiments on H9C2 cardiomyoblasts demonstrated that RAGE is directly involved in fibrosis formation by influencing cellular production of collagen type I. In conclusion, suppression of renal sympathetic nerve activity by RDN prevents atrial remodeling in metabolic syndrome by reducing atrial sympathetic innervation and by modulating RAGE/sRAGE balance and reducing pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic RAGE ligands, which provides a potential therapeutic mechanism to reduce the development of AF.
The impact of multiple gender dimensions on health-related quality of life in persons with Parkinson’s disease: an exploratory study
Authors: Göttgens Irene , Darweesh Sirwan K. L. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Oertelt-Prigione Sabine
Published: July 2022

Background

There is a growing recognition that sex characteristics and gender-related aspects can have a substantial impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Gender is a multidimensional construct, including dynamic social norms and relations that influence health and impact quality of life. Even when gender is investigated in the field of PD, it is frequently conceptualized as gender identity while other dimensions, such as roles or relations, are generally ignored. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of several gender dimensions on HRQoL among people with PD.

Methods

We performed a survey-based, cross-sectional study in the Netherlands to explore the impact of several gender dimensions, namely; gender identity, gender roles and gender relations on HRQoL (PDQ-39) of people with PD.

Results

In our study population (N = 307), including 127 (41%) women, we did not observe an association between gender identity and overall HRQoL. In contrast, an androgynous gender role and higher engagement in household tasks were associated with better overall HRQoL among people with PD.

Conclusions

This study offers the first detailed description of the impact of different gender dimensions on the HRQoL of people with PD and highlights the need for more precise gender-measures to inform actionable gender-sensitive health interventions for people with PD.
Risk factors and postnatal biomarkers for acute placental inflammatory lesions and intrauterine infections in preterm infants
Authors: Liu Die , Liu Jing , Ye Fang , Su Yunchao , Cheng Jiaoying , Zhang Qi
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study is to explore risk factors of acute placental inflammatory lesions and the potential postnatal serum biomarkers for predicting the severity of intrauterine infection in preterm infants. We performed a retrospective analysis of premature infants with or without acute placental inflammatory lesions and their mothers by chart review for clinical data and placental histopathology. The preterm infants with acute placental inflammatory lesions had a higher rate of premature rupture of membranes (PROM), a longer duration of PROM, and a higher level of serum sialic acid (SIA) than those of the non-inflammation group (all p < 0.001). According to the different inflammatory histological structures, preterm infants with funisitis had a dominant longer duration of PROM than others (p < 0.05), and their gestational age was youngest among all the infants (p < 0.05). Furthermore, they had the highest content of serum SIA above other groups. The preterm infants in the acute histological chorioamnionitis group showed a similar trend of clinical manifestation and laboratory parameters with the funisitis group. Moreover, the closer the placental lesions were to the fetus, the lower the gestational age of preterm infants was, and the higher the serum SIA content was.

Conclusion: We utilized a simple and precise anatomically category method of placental inflammatory histopathology for pediatricians to distinguish the extent of fetal inflammatory response for representing early-onset infectious diseases of preterm infants. SIA might be one of the potential early-stage serum biomarkers to reflect the severe intrauterine infections and could guide the postnatal anti-infection treatment.

What is Known:• Acute placental inflammatory lesion contributes to preterm birth and a series of complications in preterm infants.• C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in neonatal blood can be used as biomarkers for potential early-onset sepsis, but they are influenced by the postnatal physiological changes of preterm infants.

What is New:• The value of serum sialic acids of preterm infants within 1-hour afterbirth may be one of the rapid postnatal biomarkers for evaluating the severity of intra-amniotic infection.• The closer the placental lesions are to the fetus, the higher the content of serum sialic acid is.
Monotone Circuit Lower Bounds from Robust Sunflowers
Authors: Cavalar Bruno Pasqualotto , Kumar Mrinal , Rossman Benjamin
Published: July 2022

Robust sunflowers are a generalization of combinatorial sunflowers that have applications in monotone circuit complexity Rossman (SIAM J. Comput. 43:256–279, 2014), DNF sparsification Gopalan et al. (Comput. Complex. 22:275–310 2013), randomness extractors Li et al. (In: APPROX-RANDOM, LIPIcs 116:51:1–13, 2018), and recent advances on the Erdős-Rado sunflower conjecture Alweiss et al. (In: Proceedings of the 52nd Annual ACM SIGACT Symposium on Theory of Computing, STOC. Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, USA, 2020) Lovett et al. (From dnf compression to sunflower theorems via regularity, 2019) Rao (Discrete Anal. 8,2020). The recent breakthrough of Alweiss, Lovett, Wu and Zhang Alweiss et al. (In: Proceedings of the 52nd Annual ACM SIGACT Symposium on Theory of Computing, STOC. Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, USA, 2020) gives an improved bound on the maximum size of a w-set system that excludes a robust sunflower. In this paper, we use this result to obtain an $$\exp (n^{1/2-o(1)})$$

exp
(

n

1
/
2
-
o
(
1
)

)

lower bound on the monotone circuit size of an explicit n-variate monotone function, improving the previous best known $$\exp (n^{1/3-o(1)})$$

exp
(

n

1
/
3
-
o
(
1
)

)

due to Andreev (Algebra and Logic, 26:1–18, 1987) and Harnik and Raz (In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Second Annual ACM Symposium on Theory of Computing, ACM, New York, 2000). We also show an $$\exp (\varOmega (n))$$

exp
(
Ω
(
n
)
)

lower bound on the monotone arithmetic circuit size of a related polynomial via a very simple proof. Finally, we introduce a notion of robust clique-sunflowers and use this to prove an $$n^{\varOmega (k)}$$

n

Ω
(
k
)

lower bound on the monotone circuit size of the CLIQUE function for all $$k \leqslant n^{1/3-o(1)}$$

k
⩽

n

1
/
3
-
o
(
1
)

, strengthening the bound of Alon and Boppana (Combinatorica, 7:1–22, 1987).
On the origin of amphi-enterobactin fragments produced by Vibrio campbellii species
Authors: Jelowicki Aneta M. , Butler Alison
Published: July 2022

Amphi-enterobactin is an amphiphilic siderophore isolated from a variety of microbial Vibrio species. Like enterobactin, amphi-enterobactin is a triscatecholate siderophore; however, it is framed on an expanded tetralactone core comprised of four l-Ser residues, of which one l-Ser is appended by a fatty acid and the remaining l-Ser residues are appended by 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate (DHB). Fragments of amphi-enterobactin composed of 2-Ser-1-DHB-FA and 3-Ser-2-DHB-FA have been identified in the supernatant of Vibrio campbellii species. The origin of these fragments has not been determined, although two distinct isomers could exist for 2-Ser-1-DHB-FA and three distinct isomers could exist for 3-Ser-2-DHB-FA. The fragments of amphi-enterobactin could originate from hydrolysis of the amphi-enterobactin macrolactone, or from premature release due to an inefficient biosynthetic pathway. Unique masses in the tandem MS analysis establish that certain fragments isolated from the culture supernatant must originate from hydrolysis of the amphi-enterobactin macrolactone, while others cannot be distinguished from premature release during biosynthesis or hydrolysis of amphi-enterobactin.

Graphical abstract
Riemannian Optimization via Frank-Wolfe Methods
Authors: Weber Melanie , Sra Suvrit
Published: July 2022

We study projection-free methods for constrained Riemannian optimization. In particular, we propose a Riemannian Frank-Wolfe (RFW) method that handles constraints directly, in contrast to prior methods that rely on (potentially costly) projections. We analyze non-asymptotic convergence rates of RFW to an optimum for geodesically convex problems, and to a critical point for nonconvex objectives. We also present a practical setting under which RFW can attain a linear convergence rate. As a concrete example, we specialize RFW to the manifold of positive definite matrices and apply it to two tasks: (i) computing the matrix geometric mean (Riemannian centroid); and (ii) computing the Bures-Wasserstein barycenter. Both tasks involve geodesically convex interval constraints, for which we show that the Riemannian “linear” oracle required by RFW admits a closed form solution; this result may be of independent interest. We complement our theoretical results with an empirical comparison of RFW against state-of-the-art Riemannian optimization methods, and observe that RFW performs competitively on the task of computing Riemannian centroids.
Satellite laser ranging to GNSS-based Swarm orbits with handling of systematic errors
Authors: Strugarek Dariusz , Sośnica Krzysztof , Arnold Daniel , Jäggi Adrian , Zajdel Radosław , Bury Grzegorz
Published: July 2022

Satellite laser ranging (SLR) retroreflectors along with GNSS receivers are installed onboard numerous active low earth orbiters (LEOs) for the independent validation of GNSS-based precise orbit determination (POD) products. SLR validation results still contain many systematic errors that require special handling of various biases. For this purpose, we derive methods of reducing systematic effects affecting the SLR residuals to LEO Swarm satellites. We test solutions incorporating the estimation of range biases, station coordinate corrections, tropospheric biases, and horizontal gradients of the troposphere delays. When estimating range biases once per day, the standard deviation (STD) of Swarm-B SLR residuals is reduced from 10 to 8 mm for the group of high-performing SLR stations. The tropospheric biases estimated once per day, instead of range biases, further reduce the STD of residuals to the level of 6 mm. The systematic errors that manifest as dependencies of SLR residuals under different measurement conditions, e.g., elevation angle, are remarkably diminished. Furthermore, introducing troposphere biases allows for the comparison of the orbit quality between kinematic and reduced-dynamic orbits as the GPS-based orbit errors become more pronounced when SLR observations are freed from elevation-dependent errors. Applying tropospheric biases in SLR allows obtaining the consistency between the POD solution and SLR observations that are two times better than when neglecting to model of systematic effects and by 29% better when compared with solutions considering present methods of range bias handling.
Cowpea aphid resistance in cowpea line CB77 functions primarily through antibiosis and eliminates phytotoxic symptoms of aphid feeding
Authors: MacWilliams Jacob R. , Chesnais Quentin , Nabity Paul , Mauck Kerry , Kaloshian Isgouhi
Published: July 2022

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is one of the most important crops in semiarid areas of the world, where it thrives in hot, dry conditions. While cowpea is able to withstand abiotic stresses, it suffers serious losses from biotic antagonists, including infestation by the cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora). Cowpea aphid infestations are highly destructive, especially on young plants. However, it is unclear whether cowpea aphid damage is the result of aphids having phytotoxic effects on their hosts, or simple density effects. To better understand cowpea aphid damage and the potential for resistance traits to mitigate aphid impacts, we evaluated phenotypic changes in cowpea in response to variable aphid densities and systemic versus local infestations. Low aphid densities induced leaf distortions and pseudogalling, suggesting that cowpea aphids are phytotoxic to cowpea. Resistance to the cowpea aphid has been previously identified in an African cowpea germplasm, and near isogenic lines (NILs) containing resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) were generated in the California blackeye cultivar background. Using a series of performance assays, we determined that resistance conferred by the two QTL counteracts aphid phytotoxicity and severely limits aphid growth and fecundity. Using choice assays, a preference by cowpea aphids for the susceptible NIL was observed. Electrical penetration graph analysis revealed that the resistance phenotype includes weak surface level deterrence and strong phloem-based resistance that manifests during the sap ingestion phase. Our study provides evidence of phytotoxic traits in A. craccivora while identifying a viable means of counteracting aphid damage and reproductive potential through resistance.
Evaluation of a combined and portable light-ultrasound device with which to deter red deer
Authors: Laguna Eduardo , Palencia Pablo , Carpio Antonio J. , Mateos-Aparicio Julián , Herraiz Cesar , Notario Carlos , Vicente Joaquín , Montoro Vidal , Acevedo Pelayo
Published: July 2022

Human–wildlife conflicts are a growing problem in Northern Hemisphere where wild ungulates are one of the taxonomic groups most frequently involved. To mitigate these conflicts, it is essential to develop preventive actions able to avoid encounters between wildlife and human (activities). We here employed photo-trapping to evaluate the behaviour of red deer (Cervus elaphus) when confronted with dissuasive portable deterrents that function on the basis of changing patterns of light and ultrasound. This was done by following a before/after experimental design, with two phases: (i) a test phase, with active deterrents, and (ii) a control phase, without deterrents. When deterrents were activated they achieved a 48.96% reduction in the frequency of use by red deer (up to 66.64% when it was assessed on a thinner Sect. 10 m wide from the line of deterrents) and produced a reduction of 67.71% in the frequency of deterrent-line crossings. However, a habituation effect was detected since the use by red deer of the treatment area increased as time since treatment. These results indicate that these portable devices are effective as regards dissuading deer, mainly on short time scales. The deterrents tested here could be suitable for use at focal points for short periods or in combination with other methods to improve their effectiveness in vulnerability points. This device could potentially be used to mitigate conflicts caused by wildlife species and in response to relevant and timely situations, such as vehicle collisions and damage to crops, among others.
Dietary intake and physical activity of German university students
Authors: Nössler Carolin , Schneider Melanie , Schweter Antje , Lührmann Petra Maia
Published: July 2022

Aim

A balanced diet is important for health and well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate dietary intake and physical activity in German university students.

Subjects and methods

A cross-sectional nutrition study was conducted at the University of Education, Schwäbisch Gmünd (Germany). Food consumption (3-day estimated dietary record) and physical activity level (PAL, standardized questionnaire) were assessed in 329 female (f) (age 22.7±3.4 years) and 60 male (m) students (age 24.0±3.1 years) and compared with recommendations (one-sample t-test, α = 0.05).

Results

On average, students consumed less vegetables (f: 177±119, m: 152±163 g/day), fruit (f: 169±117, m: 146±158 g/day), and potatoes/grain products (f: 303±126, m: 362±163 g/day) than recommended. Meat consumption was too high in men (1155±651 g/week), but not in women (490±455 g/week). The consumption of milk/dairy products was slightly too low in women (190±129 g/day), but in the recommended range for men (279±253 g/day). Nutrient recommendations were almost achieved (exceptions: fiber, vitamin D and folate [f, m], fat, iron and vitamin E [f], carbohydrate [m]). Leisure time physical activity was 259±222 min/week (f) and 359±236 min/week (m), and PAL was 1.60±0.11 (f) and 1.65±0.12 (m).

Conclusions

Dietary intake and physical activity in university students is roughly equivalent to that in the average German population and needs to be improved.
Automated monitoring and positioning of single microparticle via ultrasound-driven microbubble streaming
Authors: Bakhtiari Amirabas , Kähler Christian J.
Published: July 2022

We present a novel technique that uses ultrasound-driven microbubble streaming for automated positioning of single microparticles of arbitrary size and physical properties in microchannels. We have developed algorithms for automatic detection, tracking, and precise positioning of target particles with arbitrary initial positions across the entire width of microchannels in a live mode that does not require additional structures to precondition the flow for particle positioning. This approach is universally applicable in all areas of microfluidics, regardless of particle size, shape, density, and compressibility. In this study, experiments were performed to position particles of different sizes (2, 5, 10, 15 $$\upmu$$
μ
m) in 5 lateral regions in a 500 $$\upmu$$
μ
m microchannel, resulting in valid positioning accuracy for single particles (up to $$\mathrm{MAD}_\mathrm{f}=2.3\,\upmu$$

MAD
f

=
2.3

μ

m in a 500 $$\,\upmu$$

μ

m).
The Purpose Ecosystem and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Interactions Among Private Sector Actors and Stakeholders
Authors: Stubbs Wendy , Dahlmann Frederik , Raven Rob
Published: July 2022

In this paper we explore the nature of the emerging purpose ecosystem and its role in transforming and supporting business to help address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We argue that interactions among its ‘private actors’, who share efforts and belief in changing and redefining the purpose and nature of business by advocating broader non-financial performance outcomes, have the potential to contribute to a wider sustainability-oriented transformation of the business sector. Through interview data collected in the UK and Australia, we identify six main roles that characterise the activities and interactions among its actors and their stakeholders. Our research contributes to expanding knowledge on the emerging phenomenon of the purpose ecosystem and how its actors support the achievement of the UN SDGs by seeking to change the purpose of business and integrating the goals into their operations and engagements with stakeholders.
Survey of Techniques on Data Leakage Protection and Methods to address the Insider threat
Authors: Herrera Montano Isabel , García Aranda José Javier , Ramos Diaz Juan , Molina Cardín Sergio , de la Torre Díez Isabel , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C.
Published: July 2022

Data leakage is a problem that companies and organizations face every day around the world. Mainly the data leak caused by the internal threat posed by authorized personnel to manipulate confidential information. The main objective of this work is to survey the literature to detect the existing techniques to protect against data leakage and to identify the methods used to address the insider threat. For this, a literature review of scientific databases was carried out in the period from 2011 to 2022, which resulted in 42 relevant papers. It was obtained that from 2017 to date, 60% of the studies found are concentrated and that 90% come from conferences and publications in journals. Significant advances were detected in protection systems against data leakage with the incorporation of new techniques and technologies, such as machine learning, blockchain, and digital rights management policies. In 40% of the relevant studies, significant interest was shown in avoiding internal threats. The most used techniques in the analyzed DLP tools were encryption and machine learning.
A comparative study of turbulent stratified shear layers: effect of density gradient distribution
Authors: Pham Hieu T. , Sarkar Sutanu
Published: July 2022

Direct numerical simulations are performed to compare the evolution of turbulent stratified shear layers with different density gradient profiles at a high Reynolds number. The density profiles include uniform stratification, two-layer hyperbolic tangent profile and a composite of these two profiles. All profiles have the same initial bulk Richardson number ($$Ri_{b,0}$$

R

i

b
,
0

); however, the minimum gradient Richardson number and the distribution of density gradient across the shear layer are varied among the cases. The objective of the study is to provide a comparative analysis of the evolution of the shear layers in term of shear layer growth, turbulent kinetic energy as well as the mixing efficiency and its parameterization. The evolution of the shear layers in all cases shows the development of Kelvin–Helmholtz billows, the transition to turbulence by secondary instabilities followed by the decay of turbulence. Comparison among the cases reveals that the amount of turbulent mixing varies with the density gradient distribution inside the shear layer. The minimum gradient Richardson number and the initial bulk Richardson number do not correlate well with the integrated TKE production, dissipation and buoyancy flux. The bulk mixing efficiency for fixed $$Ri_{b,0}$$

R

i

b
,
0

is found to be highest in the case with two-layer density profile and lowest in the case with uniform stratification. However, the parameterizations of the flux coefficient based on buoyancy Reynolds number and the ratio of Ozmidov and Ellison scales show similar scaling in all cases.
Evaluation of Liquid Heat Capacity of Latest Low Global Warming Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs): A Comparison of a Cubic Equation of State, Fundamental Equations of State, and a Corresponding State Equation
Authors: Gao Neng , Zhou Likai , Wang Xuehui , Chen Guangming
Published: July 2022

Isobaric heat capacity is one of the key thermophysical properties for working fluids in thermal systems and plays an important role in the development of equation of state. Due to the lack of experimental data for promising hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), we carried out theoretical predictions for condensed liquid phase with three different methods: traditional cubic equation of state (CEOS), fundamental equations of state (FEOS) explicit in Helmholtz free energy and a corresponding state equation (CSE). Both CEOS and CSE are generalized models that only need several characteristic parameters to conduct calculation, while FEOS are specific models in which the structure and parameters are regressed from experimental data of one certain fluid. Liquid heat capacity data of 9 HFOs were calculated, including well-known R1234yf, R1234ze(E), and latest prospective R1123, R1216, R1243zf, R1234ze(Z), R1336mzz(Z), R1141, and R1125zc. A critical comparison was carried out between different calculation methods. The comparison showed that both CSE and FEOS predicted available experimental data well with AADs % less than the reported experimental uncertainties. For refrigerants without experimental heat capacity, CSE and FEOS showed good agreements with AADs % less than 3.6 %. The selected CEOS always provided relatively larger predictions than experiments or the other two methods. Despite that, calculated data of CEOS showed a strong linear relation with the other two methods, which suggested that there might be a potential linear modification or correlation for CEOS in improving its heat capacity calculations. Furthermore, when there were no experimental data available, CSE used in this study could be a useful preliminary evaluation tool for the liquid heat capacity of hydrofluoroolefins, considering its accuracy and easy application characteristics.
Measuring the unobservable: estimating informal economy by a structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Dell’Anno Roberto
Published: July 2022

This article proposes a new approach to estimate the informal economy (IE) by using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Using a Monte Carlo Simulation and empirical analysis of the Italian IE as an example, we provide general conclusions on the reliability and limitations of the SEM approach to estimate the IE. Practical guidelines on how to apply this method and the way to deal with the most problematic issues are provided. We conclude that the SEM approach may be effectively used, as a complementary method to the National Accounting Approach, to adjust official statistics for the presence of the IE.
Does the Survey Mode Affect the Association Between Subjective Well-being and its Determinants? An Experimental Comparison Between Face-to-Face and Web Mode
Authors: Piccitto Giorgio , Liefbroer Aart C. , Emery Tom
Published: July 2022

Subjective well-being research increasingly uses web surveys to understand how subjective well-being indicators are related to other concepts of interest. Although we know that mean scores on these indicators may differ between modes, we know little about whether a move to web will influence the conclusions we draw about our conceptual models. This study uses data from a unique mixed-mode survey collected in Croatia and Germany as part of the Generations and Gender Programme to examine whether the relationships between a range of subjective well-being indicators and a set of objective and subjective determinants differ between respondents answering these questions in face-to-face or web mode. Although respondents report lower subjective well-being in web than in face-to-face mode, the relationships between these variables and a range of objective and subjective indicators are relatively stable across modes. This suggests that substantive conclusions about antecedents of subjective well-being do not depend on whether data are collected via a face-to-face interview or through web survey.
A practical manner to GTR recycling in waste-HDPE/ABS
Authors: Heller Balázs , Simon-Stőger Lilla , Makó Éva , Varga Csilla
Published: July 2022

Waste high-density polyethylene (w-HDPE)/ acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS)/ground tire rubber (GTR) have been melt blended by two-roll milling. Ternary blends of w-HDPE/ABS/GTR have been observed to be incompatible in the composition range studied which revealed in the deteriorated mechanical properties. Two main types of compatibilizers such as an experimental olefin-maleic anhydride copolymer based one synthesized by the authors and a commercial maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MA-g-PP) have been chosen for enhancing compatibility between the components ergo the mechanical properties. For characterizing tensile and impact properties of the blends mechanical tests have been carried out besides the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The most advantageous result in industrial practice can be that the experimental additive allows to apply higher GTR concentration ergo gives the opportunity to recycle higher level of GTR.
Men are from Mars, women are from Venus: on lenders’ stereotypical views and the implications for a firm’s debt
Authors: Bannò Mariasole , D’Allura Giorgia Maria , Coller Graziano , Varum Celeste
Published: July 2022

Building on social construction theory, this paper investigates how the presence of women on the board may affect access to credit because of lenders’ gender-stereotyped views. In our view this translates into different levels of the firm's bank debt. To evaluate the impact of gender as a social construct, we designed a within-country analysis in Italy by distinguishing between egalitarian and non-egalitarian contexts. To test our hypotheses, we used a sample of 3514 Italian listed and unlisted firms. Results showed a lower level of bank debt for firms with a relevant number of women in the boardroom (i.e., critical mass) if located in a non-egalitarian context. This effect was partially mitigated in firms during a crisis situation. While extant research explains gender-based differences in a firm’s financial structure by a change in inner-board mechanism/dynamics caused by differences in men/women characteristics, we argue that the social construction of gender may also induce lenders in different contexts to view boards with women differently in relation to access to credit.
Thallium accumulation and distribution in Silene latifolia (Caryophyllaceae) grown in hydroponics
Authors: Corzo Remigio Amelia , Nkrumah Philip Nti , Pošćić Filip , Edraki Mansour , Baker Alan J. M. , van der Ent Antony
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Thallium (Tl) is one of the most toxic elements known and its contamination is an emerging environmental issue associated with base metal (zinc-lead) mining wastes. This study investigated the nature of Tl tolerance and accumulation in Silene latifolia, which has so far only been reported from field-collected samples.

Methods

Silene latifolia was grown in hydroponics at different Tl concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 30 and 60 μM Tl). Elemental analysis with Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and laboratory-based micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (μ-XRF) were used to determine Tl accumulation and distribution in hydrated organs and tissues.

Results

This study revealed unusually high Tl concentrations in the shoots of S. latifolia, reaching up to 35,700 μg Tl g−1 in young leaves. The species proved to have exceptionally high levels of Tl tolerance and had a positive growth response when exposed to Tl dose rates of up to 5 μM. Laboratory-based μXRF analysis revealed that Tl is localized mainly at the base of the midrib and in the veins of leaves. This distribution differs greatly from that in other known Tl hyperaccumulators.

Conclusions

Our findings show that S. latifolia is among the strongest known Tl hyperaccumulators in the world. The species has ostensibly evolved mechanisms to survive excessive concentrations of Tl accumulated in its leaves, whilst maintaining lower Tl concentrations in the roots. This trait is of fundamental importance for developing future phytoextraction technologies using this species to remediate Tl-contaminated mine wastes.
Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and testosterone in ageing men
Authors: Wittert Gary , Grossmann Mathis
Published: July 2022

In the absence of obesity, adverse lifestyle behaviours, and use of medication such as opioids serum testosterone concentrations decrease by only a minimal amount at least until very advanced age in most men. Obesity is heterogeneous in its phenotype, and it is the accumulation of excess adipose tissue viscerally associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, inflammation, hypothalamic leptin resistance and gliosis that underpins thefunctional hypogonadismof obesity. Both central (hypothalamic) and peripheral mechanisms are involved resulting in a low serum total testosterone concentration, while LH and FSH are typically in the normal range. Peripherally a decrease in serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) concentration only partially explains the decrease in testosterone and there is increasing evidence for direct effects in the testis. Men with obesity associated functional hypogonadism and serum testosterone concentrations below 16 nmol/L are at increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes (T2D); high testosterone concentrations are protective. The magnitude of weight loss is linearly associated with an increase in serum testosterone concentration and with the likelihood of preventing T2D or reverting newly diagnosed disease; treatment with testosterone for 2 years increases the probability of a positive outcome from a lifestyle intervention alone by approximately 40%. Whether the additional favourable benefits of testosterone treatment on muscle mass and strength and bone density and quality in the long-term remains to be determined.
The Use of Balanced Scorecards in Mental Health Services: an Integrative Review and Thematic Analysis
Authors: Brimelow Rachel E. , Amalathas Aneline , Beattie Elizabeth , Byrne Gerard , Dissanayaka Nadeeka N.
Published: July 2022

Performance management of mental health services (MHS) through quality reporting of strategic indicators and goals is essential to improve efficiency and quality of care. One such method is the balanced scorecard (BSC). This integrative review of peer-reviewed and industry implemented BSCs in MHS aims to inform future development of a more comprehensive mental health–focused benchmarking tool. A two-part systematic literature search consisted of peer-reviewed published literature on MHS specific BSCs utilising the PRISMA guidelines in addition to industry published BSCs available online. A total of 17 unique BSCs were identified. A total of 434 indicators were subject to thematic analysis identifying 11 key themes: prevalence, accessibility, services provided, clinical outcomes, client satisfaction, client involvement, staff motivation, staffing levels, governance and compliance, development, and costs and revenue. These themes represented the measures that MHS believed measured key performance criteria in alignment with their organisational objectives.
The impact of Digitalized Communication on the effectiveness of Local Administrative Authorities – Findings from Central European Countries in the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Hirsch Bernhard , Schäfer Fabienne-Sophie , Aristovnik Aleksander , Kovač Polonca , Ravšelj Dejan
Published: July 2022

This paper analyses the impact of the use of digital communication tools in administrative procedures on the effectiveness of local administrative authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic. It considers COVID-19-driven changes in the legal competence of the institutional unit and administrative authorities’ orientation to good governance as mediators of this relationship. By applying partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to survey data (N = 610) from five central European countries, we show that the accelerated use of digitalized communication tools driven by the COVID-19 situation has a positive effect on the effectiveness of local administrative authorities. Our data also indicate that the new laws, instructions and good governance driven by the COVID-19 situation – based on mostly convergent administrative traditions and European trends – partially mediate the relationship between the use of digital communication tools and administrative effectiveness. These findings do not significantly differ between participating countries and bureaucratic traditions. Consequently, the COVID-19 crisis proved to be a joint facilitator of responsive public governance that remained compliant with the rule of law, regardless of whether the national administrative systems were traditionally more legalistically or managerially oriented.
Anxiety in the mathematics classroom: reciprocal relations with control and value, and relations with subsequent achievement
Authors: Putwain David W. , Wood Peter
Published: July 2022

Students’ attitudes can be influential in the emotions experienced in mathematics learning and achievement at school. Two important judgements, according to Control-Value Theory are degree of control a student has over, and the value attached to, learning activities or outcomes. Appraisals of control and value are believed to play a central role in the emotions experienced when learning, and subsequent achievement. Achievement, in turn, can strengthen or weaken control-value appraisals. In the present study we set out to examine the bidirectional relations between control-value appraisals and a key emotion experienced in the mathematics classroom, namely anxiety. In addition, we tested the proposition that control-value appraisals are indirectly linked to achievement, mediated by classroom-related anxiety. The participants were 1242 Year 5 students (49% female), with a mean of 9.3 years, from 24 English primary schools. Self-report data for anxiety, and control-value appraisals, were collected over two waves (separated by seven months) and mathematics achievement collected from a classroom test one week later. Results from a structural equation model showed bidirectional relations between higher anxiety and lower control. Although anxiety predicted lower value, value was unrelated to subsequent anxiety. Higher control at the first wave of measurement was related to higher mathematics achievement, mediated by lower anxiety, at the second wave. These results underscore the importance of reducing anxiety when learning mathematics and suggest that intervention could achieve this outcome by reducing anxiety directly or by strengthening control.
Evaluating Return-to-Work Programmes after Critical Incidents: a Review of the Evidence
Authors: Sutton Anna , Polaschek Devon L. L.
Published: July 2022

In most countries, employers have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees, including those who work in hazardous occupations. Policing can be a hazardous occupation and officers can face physical threats to life. Yet in the police service, there appears to be a dichotomy between treating officers involved in critical incidents solely in terms of serious clinical issues (e.g. PTSD) whilst simultaneously setting a strong expectation that these officers will return to work quickly and with little effect on their work performance. We review the research literature on return-to-work programmes to establish how much the effect of critical incidents on officers’ work performance is being considered and to identify future research directions. Findings indicate an emphasis on improving mental health but a lack of research into occupational outcomes. They also reveal distinct promise for peer-led reintegration programmes.
Statins inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: O’Grady Shane , Crown John , Duffy Michael J.
Published: July 2022

TP53 (p53) is mutated in 80–90% of cases of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Statins, which are widely used to treat elevated cholesterol, have recently been shown to degrade mutant p53 protein and exhibit anti-cancer activity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of statins in the treatment of TNBC. The anti-proliferative effects of 2 widely used statins were investigated on a panel of 15 cell lines representing the different molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Significantly lower IC50 values were found in triple-negative (TN) than in non-TN cell lines (atorvastatin, p < 0.01; simvastatin p < 0.05) indicating greater sensitivity. Furthermore, cell lines containing mutant p53 were more responsive to both statins than cell lines expressing wild-type p53, suggesting that the mutational status of p53 is a potential predictive biomarker for statin response. In addition to inhibiting proliferation, simvastatin was also found to promote cell cycle arrest and induce apoptosis. Using an apoptosis array capable of detecting 43 apoptosis-associated proteins, a novel protein shown to be upregulated by simvastatin was the IGF-signalling modulator, IGBP4, a finding we confirmed by Western blotting. Finally, we found synergistic growth inhibition between simvastatin and the IGF-1R inhibitor, OSI-906 as well as between simvastatin and doxorubicin or docetaxel. Our work suggests repurposing of statins for clinical trials in patients with TNBC. Based on our findings, we suggest that these trials investigate statins in combination with either doxorubicin or docetaxel and include p53 mutational status as a potential predictive biomarker.
#Ownvoices, Disruptive Platforms, and Reader Reception in Young Adult Publishing
Authors: Rutherford Leonie , Johanson Katya , Reddan Bronwyn
Published: July 2022

The concept of #ownvoices writing has gained traction in contemporary publishing as both a genre of reader interest and a focus for debates about authors’ rights to write cross-culturally. This paper examines tensions the #ownvoices movement reveals between the commissioning, publishing, and critical reception of a book, using debate about Craig Silvey’s Honeybee, an Australian novel focalized through a young trans protagonist but written by a straight male author. Drawing on the theory of recognition, it analyzes author and publisher media interviews, social media, and literary reviews in mainstream publications, which are given context through with selected interviews with Australian publishers. Misrepresentation and appropriation are concerns for many readers, while judgements about aesthetic quality vary. Structures within the book industries limit the economic representation of diverse creators which, in turn, has implications for the diversity of experience represented in young adult fiction and its literary quality.
Heritage Value and Stakeholders’ Perception of Four Geomorphological Landscapes in Southern Iceland
Authors: Bussard Jonathan , Reynard Emmanuel
Published: July 2022

This paper has two main objectives: (1) to assess the heritage value of four geomorphological landscapes in Southern Iceland from a geomorphological perspective and (2) to see to what extent the heritage values assigned by different local stakeholders overlap with this assessment. The concept of “geomorphological landscape”, that we define as a landscape whose geomorphological component is of heritage interest, is a scale of analysis that can be understood by different groups of people and that reflects subjective perceptions of the landscape. The evaluation of the heritage value of four geomorphological landscapes has shown that their geoscientific, aesthetic and cultural values are particularly high. Indeed, thanks to their rarity, representativeness, integrity and paleogeographic interest, all four sites have a geoscientific value ranging from 0.81 to 0.94 (the maximum possible score is 1). They also constitute spectacular and beautiful landscapes and have acquired a relevant cultural value because of the major impacts that volcanic eruptions and glaciers advances have had on the local population. Not surprisingly, the heritage awareness of managers of protected areas is high. The interviews also show that other types of stakeholders, such as tourism services providers, tourism promoters and representatives of local authorities, are also aware, to some extent, of the high geoscientific value. The societal and institutional recognition of the heritage value of these geomorphological landscapes is closely linked to their use as territorial resources for tourism.
Prospective evaluation of cardiac effects of first-time marathon training, running, and recovery in middle-aged men: cohort study rationale and design
Authors: Laily I. , Wiggers T. G. H. , van Steijn N. , Verhagen E. , Bakermans A. J. , Jorstad H. T.
Published: July 2022

Background

Several phenomena may point to potentially detrimental cardiac effects of endurance exercise, such as elevated circulating cardiac troponin levels and reductions in systolic and diastolic function directly after marathon completion. Furthermore, while myocardial abnormalities have been reported in patients who recovered from COVID-19, the cardiac impact of extensive endurance exercise in individuals who recovered from COVID-19 remains unknown. We therefore aim to investigate (potentially detrimental) cardiac effects of first-time marathon training and participation, including a subset of participants who recovered from COVID-19, in apparently healthy middle-aged men.

Study design

This exploratory prospective cohort study investigates cardiac effects of first-time marathon running in 24 middle-aged (35–50 years) healthy men. Primary outcomes are cardiac morphological changes from pre-training up to 1 month after marathon completion, measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 4 time points: 1) baseline (4 months before the marathon), 2) pre-marathon (2 weeks before the marathon), 3) post-marathon (< 24 h post-marathon), and 4) recovery (4 weeks after the marathon). Secondary parameters include other cardiac or non-cardiac changes: 1) quantitative MRI myocardial mapping, including mean diffusivity and extracellular volume fraction, 2) echocardiographic morphology and function changes, 3) VO2max, 4) electrocardiogram changes, and 5) levels of cardiac biomarkers.

Discussion

This study will contribute to our understanding of cardiac adaptations and maladaptations to first-time marathon running in middle-aged men, and the interaction between extreme endurance exercise and potential detrimental cardiac effects, also in the context of COVID-19. Results will inform on future research directions while providing new clinical insights for health professionals involved in athlete care.