bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GA-NIFS: Co-evolution within a highly star-forming galaxy group at z ∼ 3.7 witnessed by JWST/NIRSpec IFS
Authors: Rodríguez Del Pino B. , Perna M. , Arribas S. , D’Eugenio F. , Lamperti I. , Pérez-González P. G. , Übler H. , Bunker A. , Carniani S. , Charlot S. , Maiolino R. , Willott C. J. , Böker T. , Chevallard J. , Cresci G. , Curti M. , Jones G. C. , Parlanti E. , Scholtz J. , Venturi G.
Published: February 2024

We present NIRSpec IFS observations of a galaxy group around the massive GS_4891 galaxy at z ∼ 3.7 in GOODS-South that includes two other two systems, GS_4891_n to the north and GS_28356 to the east. These observations, obtained as part of the GTO Galaxy Assembly – NIRSpec IFS (GA-NIFS) program, allow us to study for the first time the spatially resolved properties of the interstellar medium (ISM) and the ionised gas kinematics of a galaxy at this redshift. Leveraging the wide wavelength range spanned with the high-dispersion grating (with resolving power R = 2700) observations, covering from [O II] λλ3726, 29 to [S II] λλ6716, 31, we explore the spatial distribution of the star formation rate, nebular attenuation, and gas metallicity, together with the mechanisms responsible for the excitation of the ionised gas. GS_4891 presents a clear gradient of gas metallicity (as traced by 12 + log(O/H)) by more than 0.2 dex from the southeast (where a star-forming clump is identified) to the northwest. The gas metallicity in the less massive northern system, GS_4891_n, is also higher by 0.2 dex than at the centre of GS_4891, suggesting that inflows of lower-metallicity gas might be favoured in higher-mass systems. The kinematic analysis shows that GS_4891 presents velocity gradients in the ionised gas consistent with rotation. The region between GS_4891 and GS_4891_n does not present high gas turbulence, which, together with the difference in gas metallicities, suggests that these two systems might be in a pre-merger stage. Finally, GS_4891 hosts an ionised outflow that extends out to rout = 1.5 kpc from the nucleus and reaches maximum velocities, vout, of approximately 400 km s−1. Despite entraining an outflowing mass rate of Ṁout ∼ 4 M⊙ yr−1, the low associated mass-loading factor, η ∼ 0.04, implies that the outflow does not have a significant impact on the star formation activity of the galaxy.
Stellar halo density with LAMOST K and M giants
Authors: López-Corredoira M. , Tang X.-C. , Tian H. , Wang H.-F. , Carraro G. , Liu C.
Published: February 2024

Aims. We derive the morphology of the stellar component in the outer halo volume, and search for possible overdensities due to substructures therein.

Methods. We made use of some of the data releases of the spectroscopic survey LAMOST DR8-DR9 in tandem with distance determinations for two subsamples, that is, of K-giants and M-giants, respectively, making up 60 000 stars. These distance are obtained through Bayesian techniques that derive absolute magnitudes as a function of measured spectroscopic parameters. Our calculation of the density from these catalogues requires: (1) derivation of the selection function; and (2) a correction for the convolution of the distance errors, which we carried out with Lucy’s inversion of the corresponding integral equation.

Results. The stellar density distribution of the outer halo (distance to the Galactic centre, rG, of between 25 and 90 kpc) is a smooth monotonously decreasing function with a dependence of approximately ρ ∝ rG−n, with n = 4.6 ± 0.4 for K-giants and n = 4.5 ± 0.2 for M-giants, and with a insignificant oblateness. The value of n is independent of the angular distance to the Sagittarius tidal stream plane, which is what would be expected if such a stream did not exist in the anticenter positions or had a negligible imprint in the density distribution in the outer halo. Apart from random fluctuations or minor anomalies in some lines of sight, we do not see substructures superimposed in the outer halo volume within the resolution that we are using and limited by the error bars. This constrains the mass of over- and under-densities in the outer halo to be of ≲103 M⊙ deg−2, whereas the total mass of the stellar halo, including inner and outer parts, is ∼7 × 108 M⊙.
Semitotal domination versus domination and total domination in trees
Authors: Zhuang Wei
Published: February 2024

A set S of vertices in G is a semitotal dominating set of G if it is a dominating set of G and every vertex in S is within distance 2 of another vertex of S. The semitotal domination number, γt2(G), is the minimum cardinality of a semitotal dominating set of G. Clearly, γ(G) ≤ γt2(G) ≤ γt(G). In this paper, for any nontrivial tree T that is not a star, we investigate the ratios γt2(T )/γ(T) and γt(T )/γt2(T), and provide constructive characterizations of trees achieving the upper bounds.
Präoperative klinische Risikoeinschätzung
Authors: Schüpke Stefanie
Published: February 2024

Alle Patienten, bei denen eine nicht kardiale Operation geplant ist, sollen zunächst klinisch beurteilt werden. Diese Beurteilung umfasst neben der Anamnese eine körperliche Untersuchung,
Standardlabor (bei Eingriffen mit intermediärem oder hohem Risiko) sowie die Erhebung der kardiovaskulären Risikofaktoren und Vorerkrankungen. In Abhängigkeit vom Patientenrisiko (Alter,
kardiovaskuläre Risikofaktoren und/oder Vorerkrankungen) sowie dem OP-Risiko (gering, intermediär, hoch) sind weitere Untersuchungen wie EKG, Biomarker (hsTroponin und/oder BNP/NTproBNP),
funktionelle Kapazität (DASI-Score oder Fähigkeit, 2 Etagen Treppen zu steigen) oder ein kardiologisches Konsil erforderlich. Für die Abschätzung des Operationsrisikos wird kein spezifischer
Risikoscore empfohlen. Patienten über 70 Jahre, die sich einer Operation mit intermediärem oder hohem Risiko unterziehen, sollten auf Frailty gescreent werden. Die Risikoevaluation sollte
möglichst früh, d. h. zum Zeitpunkt der Indikationsstellung für die Operation, erfolgen. Vor elektiven Eingriffen sollten kardiovaskuläre Risikofaktoren oder Erkrankungen entsprechend den
aktuell gültigen Empfehlungen eingestellt sein, möglichst ohne den Eingriff zu verzögern.
Wirksamkeit eines Therapieprogrammes zur Förderung körperlicher Aktivität im Vergleich zu einem multimodalen verhaltenstherapeutisch orientierten Gruppenprogramm bei jungen Mädchen mit Übergewicht
Authors: Laessle Reinhold , Lehrke Sonja
Published: February 2024

Einleitung Zur Therapie von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Übergewicht wird derzeit die Förderung körperlicher Aktivität sehr empfohlen, da vor allem kardiovaskuläre Risikofaktoren deutlich verbessert werden.

Methode Es wurde eine Therapievergleichsstudie durchgeführt, bei der zwei Therapieprogramme zur Anwendung kamen. Schwerpunkt eines Programmes war die Förderung von Sport und körperlicher Aktivität, vor allem von Kraft und Ausdauer; die Vergleichsbedingung umfasste eine multimodale Verhaltenstherapie (VT) mit Interventionen zur Veränderung des Essverhaltens und der Vermittlung von Ernährungswissen. Die Messung anthropometrischer Kriteriumsmaße erfolgte mit der bioelektrischen Impedanzanalyse, die Nahrungsaufnahme wurde mit einem standardisierten Tagebuch erhoben. Darüber hinaus wurden mit Fragebögen Veränderungen auf psychologischer Ebene gemessen.

Ergebnisse Beide Therapieprogramme führten zu einer signifikanten Verbesserung der anthropometrischen Kriteriumsmaße und der Aufnahme von Makronährstoffen. Das Sportprogramm schnitt bezüglich psychologischer Veränderungen (zum Beispiel Essverhalten bei Stress) etwas besser ab.

Diskussion Weitere Ergebnisse unterstützen die hier berichteten Daten. Die Resultate können nicht ohne Einschränkungen interpretiert werden. Die Stichprobe war relativ klein und umfasste nur Mädchen in einem begrenzten Altersbereich. Eine Generalisierung der Ergebnisse auf männliche Jugendliche mit Adipositas ist deshalb nicht möglich.
Prevalence and Obstetric Management Changes During the COVID-19
Pandemic in Peripartum SARS-CoV-2-Positive Women – an Analysis of the
CRONOS Registry Data
Authors: Wowretzko Feline , Büchel Johanna , Tihon Anastasia , Wöckel Achim , Stefenelli Ulrich , Pflanz Mira , Longardt Ann Carolin , Andresen Kristin , Pecks Ulrich
Published: February 2024

The analysis of CRONOS data for this article presents the infection prevalence
among parturients and subsequent changes in obstetric management over time in
Germany. 2,184 women with peripartum SARS-CoV-2 infection (<14d before
birth) were included. Monthly period prevalence was calculated using the number
of affected women on the CRONOS registry relative to total monthly births in
each hospital from March 2020 to May 2022 and compared to RKI data. Trends
related to changes in obstetric management were calculated based on severity of
illness. By June 2021, the obstetric population shows a discretely higher
infection prevalence compared to the general population, falling below the RKI
reported prevalence by October 2021. The overall rate of iatrogenic deliveries
remains unchanged over time (p-value for trend=0.779). During wave 1 to
4, deliveries due to SARS-CoV-2 infection rose among moderately to severely ill
women (p-value for trend 0.0000) and was increased compared to moderately ill
women (p=0.001). We showed that comprehensive screening provides timely
information on infection prevalence. Recruitment fatigue caused by higher
clinician workload due to increased admissions and more cases with severe
illness probably caused reduced prevalence reporting. Changes in obstetric
management were related to COVID-19 symptom severity. A comprehensive national
perinatal registry is needed to examine other areas of perinatal care in
Germany.
Long-Term Outcome of Neonates and Infants whose Mothers Tested
Positive for SARS-CoV-2 during Pregnancy – a Pilot of the Post-CRONOS
Project
Authors: Mand Nadine , König Franziska , Pecks Ulrich , Keil Corinna Nora , Backes Clara , Hütten Matthias , Maier Rolf Felix , Ruediger Mario
Published: February 2024

Objective Long-term effects on infants of mothers with SARS-CoV-2
infection during pregnancy are increasingly discussed in the literature. Besides
potential neurodevelopment impairments after intrauterine SARS-CoV-2 exposure,
there might be differences in the postnatal pediatric care of those children,
like the timing of preventive medical examinations (PME) or vaccinations. In
this first national long-term follow-up study of women included in the CRONOS
registry, we describe maternal impressions of their child´s development
and the prevalence of regulatory disorders, and we analyze the timing of PMEs
and vaccinations.

Methods 773 women who were enrolled between April 3, 2020, and August 24,
2021, in the CRONOS registry were eligible to be contacted by the study
coordinators and asked to fill out a web-based questionnaire.

Results 110/773 (14%) women completed the questionnaire.
Their children were between the ages of 12 and 31 months (median 20 months). All
mothers were satisfied with their child´s development, milestones were
achieved in a timely fashion. The reported prevalence for excessive crying,
sleeping, and feeding disorders was 11%, 18–32%, and
7%, respectively. PMEs were mostly not delayed, but only 54% of
infants received their first vaccination within their first 60 days of life.
Discussion  In summary, our exploratory findings suggest that
developmental milestones in infancy are reached in time after maternal
SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. However, there are effects on the
implementation of PMEs and vaccinations.
Lyme-Borreliose und Lyme-Arthritis
Authors: Keyßer Gernot
Published: February 2024

Die Lyme-Arthritis stellt eine Übergangsform zwischen
infektiös-bakteriellen und reaktiven Arthritiden dar. Auslöser
sind Borrelien, eine aus mehreren Unterarten bestehende Spezies aus der Familie
der Spirochäten. Die Erreger werden i.d.R. durch Stiche der
Schildzecken-Gattung Ixodes übertragen und verursachen akute und
chronische Manifestationen an Haut, Nervensystem, Gelenken und –
seltener – an inneren Organen. Die Behandlung der akuten Lyme-Arthritis
erfolgt durch Antibiotika wie Doxycyclin, Amoxizillin und Ceftriaxon. Die
chronische Lyme-Arthritis nach erfolgloser Antibiotikatherapie ist ein
vielschichtiges, schlecht charakterisiertes und umstrittenes Krankheitsbild,
welches in erster Linie Anlass zur Überprüfung der Diagnose
geben sollte. Von multiplen Antibiotikazyklen profitieren die Betroffenen
nicht.
Kardiovaskuläre Diagnostik vor nicht kardialen Eingriffen – was muss sein?
Authors: Knebel Fabian
Published: February 2024

Vor nicht kardialer OP stellt sich im klinischen Alltag oft die Frage nach der optimalen und evidenzbasierten kardialen Diagnostik. Viele der Patienten vor nicht kardialer OP (NCS) haben
oft ein erhöhtes kardiovaskuläres Risikoprofil.

Vor einer OP mit niedrigem Risiko sind in der Regel beim stabilen Patienten keine kardiologischen Voruntersuchungen notwendig. Jedoch sollten bei mittlerem oder hohem OP-Risiko mindestens
ein 12-Kanal-EKG und eine transthorakale Echokardiografie (TTE) erfolgen sowie die Bestimmung der kardialen Biomarker: in erster Linie das hochsensitive Troponin und bei Patienten mit
Herzinsuffizienz – wenn verfügbar – auch ein BNP/NT-proBNP. Die TTE sollte folgende Fragen beantworten: linksventrikuläre Funktion, Herzklappen, diastolische Funktion und Rechtsherzfunktion.
In Ausnahmefällen kann auch eine fokussierte Echokardiografie erfolgen (wenn dadurch eine dringliche OP nicht verzögert wird). Stressuntersuchungen und die Koronarangiografie (mittels
Computertomografie oder invasiv) sollten dieselben Indikationen haben wie in einer nicht präoperativen Situation.
An Update on COVID-19-Associated Placental
Pathologies
Authors: Schaumann Nora , Suhren Jan-Theile
Published: February 2024

COVID-19 pregnancies are associated with increased rates of premature delivery
and stillbirths. It is still a matter of debate whether there is a
COVID-19-associated pattern of placenta pathology. We updated our previously
published results on a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of
COVID-19 pregnancies. In total, 38 reports on 3677 placentas were evaluated
regarding histopathological changes. Maternal vascular malperfusion
(32%), fetal vascular malperfusion (19%), acute and chronic
inflammation (20% and 22%) were frequent pathologies. In
non-COVID-19 pregnancies, placentas show similar histologic patterns and mainly
similar frequencies of manifestation. It has to be taken into account that there
might be an observation bias, because some findings are diagnosed as a
“pathology” that might have been classified as minor or
unspecific findings in non-COVID-19 placentas. COVID-19 placentitis occurs in
1–2% of cases at the most. In conclusion, this updated
meta-analysis indicates that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy does not result
in an increased rate of a specific placenta pathology and COVID-19 placentitis
is rare.
Management der medikamentösen Therapie vor und nach nicht kardialen Eingriffen
Authors: Lind Alexander , Rassaf Tienush , Jánosi Rolf Alexander
Published: February 2024

Die präoperative Risikominderung bei Patienten mit kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen ist von großer Bedeutung, um operative Eingriffe sicher durchzuführen und perioperative Komplikationen zu
minimieren. Patienten mit vorbestehenden kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen haben ein erhöhtes Risiko für unerwünschte Ereignisse während und nach der Operation, einschließlich thromboembolischer
Ereignisse, z. B. Herzinfarkt, Blutungskomplikationen, Herzrhythmusstörungen und kardiale Dekompensation. Die Optimierung von Risikofaktoren wie Bluthochdruck, Hyperlipidämie und
Raucherentwöhnung bilden den Eckpfeiler der präoperativen Risikominimierung. Der leitlinienkonforme Einsatz pharmakologischer Maßnahmen wie Betablocker, Statine und
Thrombozytenaggregationshemmer wird im Zusammenhang mit der Abwägung des potenziellen Nutzens gegen die damit verbundenen Risiken erörtert. Zusammenfassend ist ein auf den Patienten
zugeschnittener, evidenzbasierter Ansatz, der sich mit kardiovaskulären Risikofaktoren befasst und das medizinische Management optimiert, der Eckpfeiler der präoperativen Betreuung und
verbessert letztlich die chirurgischen Ergebnisse und die Prognose des Patienten.
Asthma – was ist neu?
Authors: Westhölter Dirk , Reuter Sebastian , Taube Christian
Published: February 2024

Was ist neu?

Grundzüge der Therapie Eine bedarfsweise Monotherapie mit kurzwirksamen Beta-2-Sympathomimetika (SABA) stellt nicht mehr die bevorzugte Therapie in der Stufe 1 dar. Sie ist mit einem Verlust an Asthma-Kontrolle und einem Anstieg der asthmabezogenen Mortalität assoziiert. Die bedarfsweise Anwendung einer Fixkombination aus einem inhalativen Kortikosteroid mit einem Beta-2-Sympathomimetikum (ICS-Formoterol) zeigte eine höhere Effektivität und Sicherheit gegenüber der SABA-Monotherapie. Insgesamt wird der Stellenwert antiinflammatorischer Therapien in den aktualisierten Leitlinien gestärkt.

Biologika bei schwerem Asthma Tezepelumab wurde als mittlerweile 6. Biologikum zur Therapie von Patient*innen mit schwerem Asthma zugelassen. Tezepelumab richtet sich gegen das Zytokin TSLP, welches eine Rolle in der initialen Entzündungsreaktion bei Asthma spielt. Eine Verordnung ist unabhängig von erhöhten Biomarkern als „Add-on“ zur Basistherapie möglich.

Asthma und Virusinfektionen Akute Atemwegserkrankungen, meist viraler Genese, gelten als der Hauptauslöser für Asthma-Exazerbationen. Die zu Beginn der Erkältungssaison 2022/23 vom RKI gemeldeten Fallzahlen an Influenza- sowie RSV-Infektionen waren im Vergleich zu den Pandemiejahren zuvor deutlich erhöht. Im weiteren Verlauf hat sich die Aktivität akuter Atemwegserkrankungen auf einem hohen Niveau stabilisiert. Ein vermehrtes Auftreten von Asthma-Exazerbationen lässt sich daher auch für Deutschland vermuten.

Asthma-Remission als neues Therapieziel Verbesserte Therapiekonzepte führen zu einem neuen Therapieziel. Die Ziele einer Asthma-Therapie sind nicht die Symptombehandlung, sondern die langfristige Prävention von asthmabezogenen Symptomen, der Erhalt der Lungenfunktion und der fehlende Bedarf an systemischen Kortikosteroiden im Sinne einer Remission der Erkrankung.
Imaging Biomarkers of Peripheral Nerves: Focus on Magnetic Resonance Neurography and Ultrasonography
Authors: Eajazi Alireza , Weinschenk Cindy , Chhabra Avneesh
Published: February 2024

Peripheral neuropathy is a prevalent and debilitating condition affecting millions of individuals globally. Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) and ultrasonography (US) are noninvasive methods offering comprehensive visualization of peripheral nerves, using anatomical and functional imaging biomarkers to ensure accurate evaluation. For optimized MRN, superior and high-resolution two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging protocols are essential. The anatomical MRN and US imaging markers include quantitative measures of nerve and fascicular size and signal, and qualitative markers of course and morphology. Among them, quantitative markers of T2-signal intensity ratio are sensitive to nerve edema-like signal changes, and the T1-mapping technique reveals nerve and muscle tissue fatty and fibrous compositional alterations.

The functional markers are derived from physiologic properties of nerves, such as diffusion characteristics or blood flow. They include apparent diffusion coefficient from diffusion-weighted imaging and fractional anisotropy and tractography from diffusion tensor imaging to delve into peripheral nerve microstructure and integrity. Peripheral nerve perfusion using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging estimates perfusion parameters, offering insights into nerve health and neuropathies involving edema, inflammation, demyelination, and microvascular alterations in conditions like type 2 diabetes, linking nerve conduction pathophysiology to vascular permeability alterations.

Imaging biomarkers thus play a pivotal role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of nerve pathologies, thereby ensuring comprehensive assessment and elevating patient care. These biomarkers provide valuable insights into nerve structure, function, and pathophysiology, contributing to the accurate diagnosis and management planning for peripheral neuropathy.
Radiomics in Musculoskeletal Tumors
Authors: Brandenberger Daniel , White Lawrence M.
Published: February 2024

Sarcomas are heterogeneous rare tumors predominantly affecting the musculoskeletal (MSK) system. Due to significant variations in their natural history and variable response to conventional treatments, the discovery of novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to guide therapeutic decision-making is an active and ongoing field of research. As new cellular, molecular, and metabolic biomarkers continue to be discovered, quantitative radiologic imaging is becoming increasingly important in sarcoma management. Radiomics offers the potential for discovering novel imaging diagnostic and predictive biomarkers using standard-of-care medical imaging. In this review, we detail the core concepts of radiomics and the application of radiomics to date in MSK sarcoma research. Also described are specific challenges related to radiomic studies, as well as viewpoints on clinical adoption and future perspectives in the field.
Biomarkers of Body Composition
Authors: Chang Connie Y. , Lenchik Leon , Blankemeier Louis , Chaudhari Akshay S. , Boutin Robert D.
Published: February 2024

The importance and impact of imaging biomarkers has been increasing over the past few decades. We review the relevant clinical and imaging terminology needed to understand the clinical and research applications of body composition. Imaging biomarkers of bone, muscle, and fat tissues obtained with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography are described.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarkers of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors
Authors: Ghasemi Ali , Ahlawat Shivani , Fayad Laura Marie
Published: February 2024

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential in the management of musculoskeletal (MSK) tumors. This review delves into the diverse MRI modalities, focusing on anatomical, functional, and metabolic sequences that provide essential biomarkers for tumor detection, characterization, disease extent determination, and assessment of treatment response. MRI's multimodal capabilities offer a range of biomarkers that enhance MSK tumor evaluation, aiding in better patient management.
Progress in von Willebrand Disease Treatment: Evolution towards Newer Therapies
Authors: Moser Miriam M. , Schoergenhofer Christian , Jilma Bernd
Published: February 2024

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a very heterogenous disease, resulting in different phenotypes and different degrees of bleeding severity. Established therapies (i.e., desmopressin, antifibrinolytic agents, hormone therapy for heavy menstrual bleeding, and von Willebrand factor [VWF] concentrates) may work in some subtypes, but not in all patients. In recent years, progress has been made in improving the diagnosis of VWD subtypes, allowing for more specific therapy. The impact of VWD on women's daily lives has also come to the fore in recent years, with hormone therapy, tranexamic acid, or recombinant VWF as treatment options. New treatment approaches, including the replacement of lacking factor VIII (FVIII) function, may work in those subgroups affected by severe FVIII deficiency. Reducing the clearance of VWF is an alternative treatment pathway; for example, rondaptivon pegol is a VWFA1 domain-binding aptamer which not only improves plasma VWF/FVIII levels, but also corrects platelet counts in thrombocytopenic type 2B VWD patients. These approaches are currently in clinical development, which will be the focus of this review. In addition, half-life extension methods are also important for the improvement of patients' quality of life. Targeting specific mutations may further lead to personalized treatments in the future. Finally, a few randomized controlled trials, although relatively small, have been published in recent years, aiming to achieve a higher level of evidence in future guidelines.
Assessing the risks and opportunities posed by AI-enhanced influence operations on social media
Authors: Fredheim Rolf , Pamment James
Published: February 2024

Large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 have the potential to dramatically change the landscape of influence operations. They can generate persuasive, tailored content at scale, making campaigns using falsified content, such as disinformation and fake accounts, easier to produce. Advances in self-hosted open-source models have meant that adversaries can evade content moderation and security checks built into large commercial models such as those commercialised by Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI. New multi-lingual models make it easier than ever for foreign adversaries to pose as local actors. This article examines the heightened threats posed by synthetic media, as well as the potential that these tools hold for creating effective countermeasures. It begins with assessing the challenges posed by a toxic combination of automated bots, human-controlled troll accounts, and more targeted social engineering operations. However, the second part of the article assesses the potential for these same tools to improve detection. Promising countermeasures include running internal generative models to bolster training data for internal classifiers, detecting statistical anomalies, identifying output from common prompts, and building specialised classifiers optimised for specific monitoring needs.
Revisiting the Porter hypothesis: a multi-country meta-analysis of the relationship between environmental regulation and green innovation
Authors: Zhang Wanli , Zhu Bin , Li Yongling , Yan Dan
Published: February 2024

Although large numbers of studies have examined the Porter hypothesis, one important issue that remains to be addressed is that why past studies give rise to mixed results. By filling this knowledge gap, our research aimed to provide a fuller picture of the Porter hypothesis. By using the method of meta-analysis, including a total of 58 papers across the world, the findings showed that (1) the overall Porter hypothesis was confirmed—that, in general, environmental regulation had a positive effect on green innovation; (2) by decomposing environmental regulatory types and measures of green innovation, it validated the ‘narrow’ version of the Porter hypothesis—that flexible environmental regulation could foster innovation. Especially, we found the command and control regulation had shown its highest consistency and effectiveness in driving green innovation, whereas voluntary regulation had the highest level of flexibility among all regulatory measures; (3) we also found that heterogeneities of the results were attributed to country type and level of analysis. Overall, by integrating studies with large sample sizes and identifying variations among studies, we offered a comprehensive understanding of the mixed results of the Porter hypothesis and generated more precise and generalizable conclusions than the past studies.
Rawls’ difference principle, self-help group, financial inclusion and social cohesion—lore or actuality? Experience of Central Assam
Authors: Maity Shrabanti
Published: February 2024

Microfinance is an alternative banking service available to low-income individuals or organizations for whom no institutional financial services are available. A widely accepted approach to assisting disadvantaged and excluded communities, especially in remote rural areas, is microcredit. The purpose of microfinance is to promote financial equality and inclusion by acting as a substitute for traditional lending methods for the marginalized. In India, Self-Help Groups (SHGs)—Bank Linkage Program that led microfinance—gained maximum popularity. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development architected this model. In this model, Grameen Banks are associated with SHGs. The model is familiar as the SHG-Bank Linkage Program (SBLP). A microfinance program’s theoretical foundation is the “Rawls’ Difference Principle” embedded in the “Theory of Justice.” The microcredit program, through the Self-Help Group-Bank Linkage Program (SBLP), gained maximum popularity in India. These SBLPs are registered with the “Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana—National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)” under the scheme Aajeevika. In harmony with “Rawls’ Difference Principle,” the ultimate goal of Aajeevika is social cohesion for all. The current study aims to assess the effectiveness of the SBLP-driven microfinance program in promoting financial inclusion. Furthermore, unlike earlier studies, the present study also considers whether or not involvement in SBLP increases social cohesion, which is a crucial component of the Difference Principle. The empirical research is conducted using novel data collected through a field survey of 335 participants and 490 non-participants from Nagaon, Morigaon, and Hojai districts of Central Assam. The “Propensity Score Matching” method facilitates the impact analysis of SBLP. The participation decision in the SBLP is positively influenced by the level of education. Empirical results also indicate that Hindus and low-caste women are interested in participating in SBLP. Contrarily, distance from the bank and operational land holdings are negatively influencing the participation decision. The empirical findings support higher financial inclusion through SBLP involvement but do not support greater social cohesion. Based on the empirical results, we suggest that more SBLPs be enrolled with DAY-NRLP under “Aajeevika.” Simultaneously, social cohesion may be achieved only by guaranteeing participation for every deserving individual, irrespective of religion, caste, and class.
Perception of strigolactones and the coordinated phytohormonal regulation on rice (Oryza sativa) tillering is affected by endogenous ascorbic acid
Authors: Yu Le , Zhou Jiankai , Lin Junlong , Chen Mengwei , Liu Fang , Zheng Xinlin , Zhou Liping , Wang Ruozhong , Xiao Langtao , Liu Yonghai
Published: February 2024

Phytohormones play a key role in regulating tiller number. Ascorbic acid (Asc)-phytohormone interaction plays a pivotal role in the regulation of senescence. We analysed the relationship between Asc and the enzyme concentrations and gene transcript abundances related to the signal perception of strigolactones (SLs), the contents of four phytohormones (abscisic acid, ABA; jasmonic acid, JA; indole acetic acid, IAA; cytokinin, CTK), the enzyme concentrations and gene transcript abundances related to the synthesis or transportation of these four phytohormones. Our results showed that Asc deficiency leads to the upregulation of enzyme concentrations, gene transcript abundances related to the SL signal perception, ABA synthesis and IAA transport. The altered level of Asc also leads to a change in the contents of ABA, JA, IAA and CTK. These findings support the conclusion that Asc or Asc/DHA play an important role in the signal perception and transduction of SLs, and Asc may affect the coordinated regulation of SL, IAA and CTK on rice (Oryza sativa) tillering.
Retinoic acid receptor α activity in proximal tubules prevents kidney injury and fibrosis
Authors: DiKun Krysta M. , Tang Xiao-Han , Fu Leiping , Choi Mary E. , Lu Changyuan , Gudas Lorraine J.
Published: February 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function and affects ~13.4% of the global population. Progressive tubulointerstitial fibrosis, driven in part by proximal tubule (PT) damage, is a hallmark of late stages of CKD and contributes to the development of kidney failure, for which there are limited treatment options. Normal kidney development requires signaling by vitamin A (retinol), which is metabolized to retinoic acid (RA), an endogenous agonist for the RA receptors (RARα, β, γ). RARα levels are decreased in a mouse model of diabetic nephropathy and restored with RA administration; additionally, RA treatment reduced fibrosis. We developed a mouse model in which a spatiotemporal (tamoxifen-inducible) deletion of RARα in kidney PT cells of adult mice causes mitochondrial dysfunction, massive PT injury, and apoptosis without the use of additional nephrotoxic substances. Long-term effects (3 to 4.5 mo) of RARα deletion include increased PT secretion of transforming growth factor β1, inflammation, interstitial fibrosis, and decreased kidney function, all of which are major features of human CKD. Therefore, RARα’s actions in PTs are crucial for PT homeostasis, and loss of RARα causes injury and a key CKD phenotype.
The structure of a
Cryptococcus neoformans
polysaccharide motif recognized by protective antibodies: A combined NMR and MD study
Authors: Hargett Audra A. , Azurmendi Hugo F. , Crawford Conor J. , Wear Maggie P. , Oscarson Stefan , Casadevall Arturo , Freedberg Darón I.
Published: February 2024

Cryptococcus neoformans
is a fungal pathogen responsible for cryptococcosis and cryptococcal meningitis. The
C. neoformans
’ capsular polysaccharide and its shed exopolysaccharide function both as key virulence factors and to protect the fungal cell from phagocytosis. Currently, a glycoconjugate of these polysaccharides is being explored as a vaccine to protect against
C. neoformans
infection. In this study, NOE and
J
-coupling values from NMR experiments were consistent with a converged structure of the synthetic decasaccharide, GXM10-Ac
3
, calculated from MD simulations. GXM10-Ac
3
was designed as an extension of glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) polysaccharide motif (M2) which is common in the clinically predominant serotype A strains and is recognized by protective forms of GXM-specific monoclonal antibodies. The M2 motif is a hexasaccharide with a three-residue α-mannan backbone, modified by β-(1→2)-xyloses (Xyl) on the first two mannoses (Man) and a β-(1→2)-glucuronic acid (GlcA) on the third Man. Combined NMR and MD analyses reveal that GXM10-Ac
3
adopts an extended structure, with Xyl/GlcA branches alternating sides along the α-mannan backbone.
O
-acetyl esters also alternate sides and are grouped in pairs. MD analysis of a twelve M2-repeating unit polymer supports the notion that the GXM10-Ac
3
structure is uniformly represented throughout the polysaccharide. This derived GXM model displays high flexibility while maintaining a structural identity, yielding insights to further explore intermolecular interactions between polysaccharides, interactions with anti-GXM mAbs, and the cryptococcal polysaccharide architecture.
Electrostatic coupling and water bridging in adsorption hierarchy of biomolecules at water–clay interfaces
Authors: Wang Jiaxing , Wilson Rebecca S. , Aristilde Ludmilla
Published: February 2024

Clay minerals are implicated in the retention of biomolecules within organic matter in many soil environments. Spectroscopic studies have proposed several mechanisms for biomolecule adsorption on clays. Here, we employ molecular dynamics simulations to investigate these mechanisms in hydrated adsorbate conformations of montmorillonite, a smectite-type clay, with ten biomolecules of varying chemistry and structure, including sugars related to cellulose and hemicellulose, lignin-related phenolic acid, and amino acids with different functional groups. Our molecular modeling captures biomolecule–clay and biomolecule–biomolecule interactions that dictate selectivity and competition in adsorption retention and interlayer nanopore trapping, which we determine experimentally by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-ray diffraction, respectively. Specific adsorbate structures are important in facilitating the electrostatic attraction and Van der Waals energies underlying the hierarchy in biomolecule adsorption. Stabilized by a network of direct and water-bridged hydrogen bonds, favorable electrostatic interactions drive this hierarchy whereby amino acids with positively charged side chains are preferentially adsorbed on the negatively charged clay surface compared to the sugars and carboxylate-rich aromatics and amino acids. With divalent metal cations, our model adsorbate conformations illustrate hydrated metal cation bridging of carboxylate-containing biomolecules to the clay surface, thus explaining divalent cation-promoted adsorption from our experimental data. Adsorption experiments with a mixture of biomolecules reveal selective inhibition in biomolecule adsorption, which our molecular modeling attributes to electrostatic biomolecule–biomolecule pairing that is more energetically favorable than the biomolecule–clay complex. In sum, our findings highlight chemical and structural features that can inform hypotheses for predicting biomolecule adsorption at water–clay interfaces.
The English Language Learner Insight, Proficiency and Skills Evaluation (ELLIPSE) Corpus
Authors: Crossley Scott , Tian Yu , Baffour Perpetual , Franklin Alex , Kim Youngmeen , Morris Wesley , Benner Meg , Picou Aigner , Boser Ulrich
Published: February 2024

This paper introduces the open-source English Language Learning Insight, Proficiency and Skills Evaluation
(ELLIPSE) corpus. The corpus comprises ~6,500 essays written by English language learners (ELLs). All essays were written during
state-wide standardized annual testing in the United States. The essays were written on 29 different independent prompts that
required no background knowledge on the part of the writer. Individual difference information is made available for each essay
including economic status, gender, grade level (8–12), and race/ethnicity. Each essay was scored by two trained human raters for
English language proficiency including an overall score of English proficiency and analytic scores for cohesion, syntax,
vocabulary, phraseology, grammar, and conventions. The paper provides reliability on the human judgments of proficiency reported
for the corpus. The ELLIPSE corpus addresses many of the concerns found in existing learner corpora including unique holistic and
analytic scores for each ELL essay. The corpus also includes limited demographic and individual difference data for each ELL.
Bold colors, sweeping melodies, offensive smells
Authors: Galac Ádám
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a corpus-based exploratory study of the figurative conceptualizations of visual, auditory, and
olfactory stimuli in English and Hungarian. Through a manual semantic analysis of altogether 6,800 occurrences of 18 sensory nouns
(three per sensory modality in each language) in the TenTen corpora, the following conceptualization types of perceptual stimuli
have been examined: reification, agentification, animization, and personification. The paper presents the relative frequencies of
these conceptualizations along with their subtypes and concrete linguistic manifestations in English and Hungarian. Among a number
of interesting observations that call for further investigations, the following findings merit special attention: (1) visual
stimuli have the lowest values in every category; (2) in both languages, agentification is the most typical in the case of
olfaction; (3) with the exception of representations of olfactory stimuli as living beings, every conceptualization type is more
frequent in the Hungarian data.
Les opérateurs sémantico-pragmatiques pour ainsi dire et por así
decir(lo)
Authors: Hermoso Mellado-Damas Adelaida
Published: February 2024

Le but de cet article est de mener une étude contrastive français-espagnol de deux opérateurs
sémantico-pragmatiques formés sur les verbes dire et decir respectivement: pour ainsi
dire et por así decirlo. L’expression française présente un degré de figement complet et ne peut
subir un changement d’ordre de ses constituants (*pour dire ainsi); l’expression espagnole, en revanche, accepte
une telle permutation (por decirlo así) et peut même recevoir des variantes paradigmatiques (por decirlo
claramente / de manera simplificada, etc.). Les locutions figées focalisent un élément précis de la
séquence comme étant une forme sémantiquement marquée, tandis que la formule plus élaborée ajoute un commentaire concernant la
manière de transmettre un certain contenu qui aurait sa source dans une voix distincte du locuteur.
Antiracist and racist discourse as antagonistic and overlapping
Authors: Archakis Argiris , Tsakona Villy
Published: February 2024

This editorial presents the theoretical background underpinning all the chapters of the volume, which are
part of a research project aiming at identifying the ways racist discourse infiltrates antiracist discourse. More
specifically, it elaborates on the concepts of discourse, racist discourse, and antiracist
discourse, as well as on previous research exploring the fuzzy boundaries between racist and antiracist
discourse, which originate in the hegemony of racist discourse and further normalize it. Emphasis is placed on the concept of
liquid racism capturing the co-occurrence of both discourses in the same (con)texts. After a brief
overview of the chapters of the volume and their contribution to the analysis of liquid racism, the editorial is concluded
with some critical reflections on the concept of liquid racism and anti/racist intentions.
Racist discourses of discrimination and assimilation in an antiracist corpus
Authors: Karachaliou Rania , Tsami Vasia , Lazanas Alexis , Archakis Argiris
Published: February 2024

Racist views against migrants are not only disseminated via hate speech, which overtly demonizes the
‘foreigners’, but also via antiracist discourse, which, although designed to fight racism, may end up reproducing
inequalities. This ambiguity is captured in the concept of liquid racism (Weaver 2016). To examine liquid racism in Greek public discourse, we have compiled an antiracist corpus (around
501.000 words). The aim of this chapter is to show how this corpus was created and to explore how racist views infiltrate
antiracist discourse. Adopting a critical perspective, and drawing on Halliday’s Systemic
Functional Grammar (1994) and on the discursive practices of Reisigl and Wodak’s
Discourse-Historical Approach (2001), we detected in our corpus two main discourses connected to racism:
discrimination and assimilation. Through a qualitative and quantitative analysis, we
argue that antiracist discourse, which programmatically fights against racist views, usually ends up perpetuating racist
intentions and views, covering and reproducing inequalities.
Liquid racism, metaphor and the visual modality
Authors: Assimakopoulos Stavros , Piata Anna
Published: February 2024

The extant literature on liquid racism has focused primarily on the rhetorical impact of humor. In this
Chapter, we shift the focus to the role of metaphor as a means of conceptualization. Drawing on ideas and tools from the
fields of critical discourse studies, conceptual metaphor theory and multimodal communication, we discuss how metaphorical
framing can correspondingly constitute a vehicle for liquid racism, by zooming in on Greek political cartoons on the refugee
‘crisis’ in the Mediterranean Sea. To wit, we argue that, in this setting, the use of visual metaphor to refer to migrants can
give rise to ambivalent evaluative imports that allow for racist undertones to enter the picture.
Epilogue
Authors: Lampropoulou Sofia
Published: February 2024

This epilogue brings together the studies of this volume by drawing attention to the ‘liquidity’ of liquid
racism and its operationalizations. Drawing upon two anecdotes from the UK migration context, it underscores the hazy
boundaries of racism and antiracism and the embeddedness of antiracism in racism. Finally, it reflects on researcher
positionality and the underpinning motivations of the authors that have contributed to this volume.
IFNγ: Priming for death
Authors: Vince James E.
Published: February 2024

TNF signaling does not result in cell death unless multiple inhibitory signals are overcome, which can be accomplished by simultaneous signaling through IFNγ. In this issue, Deng and colleagues (http://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202305026) dissect the mechanisms by which IFNγ signaling combines with TNF to mediate cell death through caspase-8, discussed by James E. Vince.
Enhancing mechanical performance of Al0.3CoCrFeNi HEA films through graphene coating: insights from nanoindentation and dislocation mechanism analysis
Authors: Barman Subrata , Gupta Kritesh Kumar , Dey Sudip
Published: February 2024

The present study comprehensively elucidates the nanoindentation response of graphene-coated Al0.3CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy (HEA), by investigating the underlying mechanism of dislocation nucleation and propagation on the atomic level. In this regard, a series of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of nano-indentation is performed over various configurations of pristine and graphene coated Al0.3CoCrFeNi HEA substrates. To begin with, the MD simulation-derived Young’s modulus (158.74 GPa) and hardness (13.75 GPa) of the Al0.3CoCrFeNi HEA is validated against the existing literature to establish the credibility of the utilized simulation method. The post-indentation deformation mechanism of pristine Al0.3CoCrFeNi HEA is further investigated by varying substrate size, indenter size, and indentation rate, and the materials behaviour is evaluated based on functional responses such as Young’s modulus, hardness, and dislocation density, etc. In the following stage, graphene coated Al0.3CoCrFeNi HEA is nano-indented, resulting in much greater indentation forces compared to pure HEA substrates, indicating higher surface hardness (two-fold increase when compared to pristine HEA). The underlying deformation mechanism demonstrated that inducing graphene coating results in increased dislocation density and a more extensive, entangled dislocation network within the HEA substrate, which leads to strain-hardening. The combination of increased hardness, enhanced strain hardening, and prevention of pile-up effects suggests that Gr-coated HEA substrates have the potential to serve as surface-strengthening materials. The scientific contribution of this study involves extensively unveiling the deformation mechanism of graphene coated Al0.3CoCrFeNi HEA substrate on the atomic scale, which will pave the way for a bottom-up approach to developing graphene coated engineered surfaces.
Enhancing mechanical properties of composite solid electrolyte by ultra-high molecular weight polymers
Authors: Deng Hongjie , He Fa , Liu Tongli , Ye Meng , Wan Fang , Guo Xiaodong
Published: February 2024

Composite solid electrolytes combining the advantages of inorganic and polymer electrolytes are considered as one of the promising candidates for solid-state lithium metal batteries. Compared with ceramic-in-polymer electrolyte, polymer-in-ceramic electrolyte displays excellent mechanical strength to inhibit lithium dendrite. However, polymer-in-ceramic electrolyte faces the challenges of lack of flexibility and severely blocked Li+ transport. In this study, we prepared polymer-in-ceramic film utilizing ultra-high molecular weight polymers and ceramic particles to combine flexibility and mechanical strength. Meanwhile, the ionic conductivity of polymer-in-ceramic electrolytes was improved by adding excess lithium salt in polymer matrix to form polymer-in-salt structure. The obtained film shows high stiffness (10.5 MPa), acceptable ionic conductivity (0.18 mS cm−1) and high flexibility. As a result, the corresponding lithium symmetric cell stably cycles over 800 h and the corresponding LiFePO4 cell provides a discharge capacity of 147.7 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C without obvious capacity decay after 145 cycles.