bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational Capital, Skills and Productivity
Authors: Cammeraat Emile , Samek Lea , Squicciarini Mariagrazia
Published: January 2024

This paper studies how industries' investment in organizational capital (OC) and workforce skills relate to productivity, building on OECD estimates of OC, output data from the OECD Structural Analysis (STAN) database, and skill indicators from the OECD Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). The paper finds that, at the industry level, workers' numeracy and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills correlate positively with productivity, and that the positive correlation of STEM skills with productivity is generally larger for OC workers. Moreover, dispersion in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills harms industry performance. In fact, a gap between the ICT skills of OC and non‐OC workers seems to trigger a “lost in translation” type of mechanism, whereby communication and information flows become less fluid and impinge upon the economic performance of sectors, correlating negatively with productivity.
The implosion of the Dutch surveillance welfare state
Authors: Fenger Menno , Simonse Robin
Published: January 2024

From the 1990s onwards, fraud detection has become an increasingly important focus in the design and implementation of a variety of welfare schemes, including unemployment benefits, social assistance benefits, pensions, and personal care budgets. This culminated in the 2014 Fraud Act, which introduced a system of high sanction in all cases of benefit fraud, even if they were causes by administrative errors. In 2020 a parliamentary investigation committee concluded that the Dutch government had violated the foundational principles of the rule of law through the way suspected fraudsters with childcare allowances had been treated. This so‐called Childcare allowances affair undermined the support for the harsh approach to fraud and led to a series of proposals to reform the Dutch ‘surveillance welfare state’. The Dutch Childcare allowances affair is an interesting case of a social policy crisis because its origins are not external events but lie in the regular implementation of policies that have been approved and supported rather widely by politicians, policymakers and street‐level bureaucrats. In this article, we define and apply the concept ‘institutional implosion’ to analyse the Childcare allowances affair and its consequences. Moreover, we argue that the implosion in this affair follows from an extension of the target group from ‘non‐deserving’ to ‘deserving’ citizens. Whereas the Fraud Act primarily was aimed towards recipients of unemployment, disability and social assistance benefits, a change in the system of childcare allowances extended the scope of the Fraud Act to an almost universal group of parents that use childcare facilities.
Efficacy and safety of a cream containing panthenol, prebiotics, and probiotic lysate for improving sensitive skin symptoms
Authors: Zhang Xianghua , Kerob Delphine , Zhang Zhongxing , Tao Han , He Xiaofeng , Yi Yi , Fang Xiaofeng , Wang Wenna , Steel Andrew
Published: January 2024

Background

Sensitive skin is a common condition affecting a significant proportion of the population, and there is a growing demand for effective and safe management.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a cream containing panthenol, prebiotics, and probiotic lysate as an optimal care for facial sensitive skin.

Methods

A total of 110 participants (64 in group A and 46 in group B) with facial sensitive skin applied the cream twice daily for 28 days. Group A evaluated their sensitive skin, product efficacy, and product use experience at D0 (15 min), D1, D14, and D28. In group B, skin barrier function‐related indicators were measured at baseline and on D1, D7, D14, and D28. Dermatologists evaluated tolerance for all participants.

Results

After 28 days of use, in group A, 100% of participants reported mildness and comfort with product use. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in skin barrier function‐related indicators, including increased stratum corneum moisture content, reduced erythema index, elevated sebum content, decreased trans‐epidermal water loss, and diminished skin redness parameter a* value (all p < 0.05). Dermatologist evaluations revealed excellent tolerance among all participants.

Conclusion

The panthenol‐enriched cream with prebiotics and probiotic lysate exhibited substantial clinical efficacy in ameliorating facial sensitive skin conditions, coupled with a high safety profile.
«La interculturalidad es una palabra que no está hilando»: Condiciones para la producción intersubjetiva, interepistémica e interexistencial de conocimientos
Authors: Briones Claudia , Ramos Ana
Published: January 2024

Tomando como punto de partida una experiencia de investigación en co-labor con dos interlocutores mapuche, este artículo explora aprendizajes derivados de la propuesta que nos estaban realizando: básicamente, embarcarnos en la producción intersubjetiva, interepistémica e interexistencial de conocimientos. Intersubjetiva, porque la meta debía pasar por transformar/completar nuestras comprensiones y personas a partir de la interacción. Interepistémica, en la medida en la que requería abrirnos a reconocer no tanto otros conocimientos sino otras formas de conocer. Interexistencial, pues nos iría exponiendo la opacidad de ciertos bordes ontológicos según los cuales la práctica del conversar puede, en su hacerse, involucrar —al menos para algunos— personas humanas vivas y seres y presencias no humanas. Sobre esta base, mapuche, apuntamos a intervenir en debates más amplios sobre ciertos mandatos y concepciones extendidas del quehacer antropológico contemporáneo.
«Aunque piensen que no, tú lo llevas dentro»: Tierra, familia y economía moral en los procesos de desagrarización
Authors: González-Puente Marc
Published: January 2024

Este artículo aborda las dimensiones socioculturales de la tierra en los procesos de desagrarización familiar, una realidad invisibilizada bajo los enfoques economicistas de las transformaciones agrarias. Analizamos los valores, deberes e imaginarios sobre la tierra en distintas generaciones de familias con explotaciones vitícolas gestionadas a tiempo parcial en la región del Penedès (Catalunya). Las decisiones sobre las tierras de la familia y sus orientaciones futuras están regidas no solo por estructuras de mercado, sino por el parentesco y los códigos morales de filiación y mutualidad. La tierra heredada se sigue transmitiendo como patrimonio inalienable cuya venta se percibe ilegítima, incluso en generaciones ya desagrarizadas. En un contexto de creciente mercantilización, los valores, deberes morales y afectos sobre la tierra familiar no disminuyen, sino que, bajo una economía moral contingente, comprometen los procesos de desagrarización y la acumulación capitalista. A pesar de la desagrarización familiar, existen resistencias culturales a abandonar la producción agraria como forma de vida, reflejando unos ideales culturales y un vínculo con la tierra intensos, incrustados en el parentesco, difíciles de cambiar y desacompasados con la rápida erosión material de las estructuras agrarias. La desagrarización sociocultural es más lenta que la económica.
Transformación y pérdida del patrimonio etnobotánico en los huertos familiares del Campo de Cartagena (Murcia). La cibercultura y las nuevas formas de transmisión del conocimiento como estrategia de resistencia
Authors: Sánchez-Vera Fulgencio
Published: January 2024

El conocimiento de las plantas y sus usos ha formado parte de la cultura tradicional de las poblaciones rurales. En el Campo de Cartagena, esta relación de las personas con el medio natural se manifiesta de manera privilegiada a través de los huertos familiares. Las condiciones geográficas e históricas de la comarca determinaron una cultura y un patrimonio etnobotánico de gran valor que está en riesgo de desaparecer. En las últimas décadas, el huerto familiar ha dejado de ser el huerto del pobre vinculado a la producción de alimentos para convertirse en un espacio que conecta fundamentalmente con el ocio. Este nuevo sentido del huerto se da en un contexto de intenso desarrollo de la agroindustria comarcal y de homogeneización cultural promovida por la globalización, el ciberespacio y la nueva cibercultura del aprendizaje que ha desplazado a los sistemas tradicionales de transmisión del conocimiento. Las consecuencias son una pérdida de la cultura etnobotánica local y de la biodiversidad de los huertos. Ante la imperiosa necesidad de proteger este patrimonio, repasamos las iniciativas en marcha y, centrándonos en los nuevos modelos de transmisión cultural, nos preguntamos por estrategias que redefinan la actual cibercultura homogeneizadora por otras que favorezcan la salvaguarda y revalorización de este patrimonio cultural.
Patitos feos y héroes modernos: La experiencia de transformación en las narrativas sobre cirugía de la obesidad
Authors: López Calderón Patricia
Published: January 2024

La cirugía de la obesidad es una tecnología médica que moldea anatómicamente el tubo digestivo para forzar el adelgazamiento. Este proceso de normalización provee una experiencia de transformación corporal, simbólica y sociopolítica. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la experiencia de transformación de las personas que sufren una cirugía de la obesidad a través de las metáforas presentes en sus narrativas. Entre 2017 y 2020 se realizó una investigación etnográfica multisituada que comprendió observación participante en una consulta de cirugía bariátrica, entrevistas a personas que habían sufrido el proceso y análisis del discurso público. Los resultados de la investigación revelan que la cirugía de la obesidad se presenta como un mediador que permite abandonar el estado de gordura y los significados cristalizados en torno a ella, para establecer relaciones prácticas y simbólicas relacionadas con la subjetividades modernas e individualistas. En las narrativas, las metáforas del «patito feo» y del «héroe moderno» condensan las dimensiones corporales, sociales, políticas y morales de la transformación.
Hugo. Su historia / Mi historia, de Laura Marina Panizo
Authors: Gómez-Pellón Eloy
Published: January 2024

Comenzaba en Argentina el otoño de 1976, cuando aquel 24 de marzo se convertiría en el primer día de un crudo y triste invierno que no acabaría hasta el 10 de diciembre de 1983, justamente cuando el verano meteorológico comenzaba a despuntar en el hemisferio austral. Fue un invierno trágico, en el que una Junta Militar tomó las riendas de un país que no había hecho más que salir de la dictadura de Juan Carlos Onganía, que como la de 1976 también duró siete largos años, los que mediaron entre 1966 y 1973. Los argentinos, acostumbrados al sufrimiento y a la necesidad, presos del destino de un país que, como sujeto político, había vivido todos los vaivenes imaginables, en un siglo en el que el régimen populista de Juan Domingo Perón les trajo la paz y la prosperidad en su primera época, creyeron que podían soportar un nuevo período de asfixia democrática, pero estaban muy lejos de imaginar los acontecimientos que se cernían sobre el país. En los pliegues de lo que se denominó con el pretencioso y eufemístico nombre de Proceso de Reorganización Nacional se escondían muchos de los días de mayor aflicción que ha conocido la Argentina, y han sido muchos. Es cierto que el país había vivido tiempos mejores y que los que se auguraban antes del golpe de Estado no eran los más felices, pero lo que no podían pensar los argentinos era que lo peor estaba por llegar.
Salir del barrio, volver al barrio. Autoficción y etnografía en la novela contemporánea española, de M.ª Pilar Panero García y Carmen Morán Rodríguez (Coords.)
Authors: González Pascual Guillermo
Published: January 2024

Esta sección monográfica recoge el análisis de varios testimonios literarios nacidos a partir de que el llamado «espíritu del capitalismo», usando el conocido término de Max Weber, entrase en la realidad socioeconómica de España. La suma de contribuciones quiere dar cuenta de las reacciones humanas ante este proceso de profunda transformación de la sociedad española a través de sus expresiones creativas. Para ello, compone un gran mosaico de miradas reales o inventadas hacia nuestro siglo XX y parte del XXI. Un andamiaje metodológico sólido acompaña las páginas de sus once artículos. Las líneas introductorias de las coordinadoras del volumen señalan que los significados de una obra literaria «están en un continuo proceso de negociación y cada uno de nosotros como lector puede a su vez interpretar el texto en función de sus experiencias, de su vivir social» (p. 218). De esta forma, argumentan que el análisis hermenéutico-semántico puede enriquecerse al incorporar «la relación de la cultura con la imaginación moral», permitiendo, «gracias a la presunción de pedagogía humanista que posee la literatura, hallar similitudes profundas entre la obra literaria y nuestra vida moral» (p. 219).
Hombres y mujeres de blanco. Un estudio socioantropológico de un hospital de urgencias médicas, de Víctor Alejandro Payá y Pedro Alberto Bracamonte (Coords.)
Authors: Meneses Reyes Marcela
Published: January 2024

La etnografía no tiene contrato de exclusividad con la antropología, y la sociología así lo ha demostrado desde hace varias décadas. Basta remitirnos a los estudios urbanos de la Escuela de Chicago, que llevaron a las y los sociólogos a las esquinas y a las banquetas hace ya más de un siglo, o al interaccionismo simbólico de la década de los 60, a los estudios encabezados por Pierre Bourdieu, como el de La miseria del mundo de los años 90, y más recientemente a los estudios etnográficos sobre violencia realizados por sociólogas y sociólogos en muy diversas ciudades y regiones de México, para comprobarlo. Simultáneamente, también en México existe un equipo de sociólogas y sociólogos encabezado por Víctor Alejandro Payá —profesor investigador de la Facultad de Estudios Superiores Acatlán de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México—, haciendo «sociología etnográfica» al interior de las instituciones que posiblemente hemos pisado, pero de las que se antoja salir lo antes posible: cárceles, psiquiátricos y, en ocasión del texto que nos ocupa, en un hospital de urgencias médicas. Solo que este equipo de sociólogos no es de los que huyen, sino que se asientan en las instituciones con el fin de conocerlas y comprenderlas desde adentro y con ello desentrañar, para las y los lectores, su operación y funcionamiento, que siempre resulta críptico desde la mirada externa.
Peer-reviewed presentation exchange in an undergraduate classroom
Authors: Kiselyov Kirill , Schunn Christian D.
Published: January 2024

Reading, presenting, and discussing peer-reviewed scientific reports, case studies, and reviews are essential to modern biology education. These exercises model crucial aspects of students’ future professional activities and introduce the students to the current scientific concepts and methodology, data analysis, and presentation. A common format for working with primary literature is a journal club: presenting and discussing research literature in front of peers, which has many merits. However, in large modern classrooms, this format is very time-consuming and stressful, especially since presenting is not a commonly taught skill. We argue that student groups for whom the current educational and professional paradigms present a challenge due to a historical lack of representation or wellness issues are deprived of a key educational opportunity. To solve this problem, we formulated an approach called Peer-Reviewed Presentation Exchange (PRPE), which focuses on collaborative analysis, presentation, and review of research literature that includes (i) voice-narrated research presentations by students, (ii) checklists generated by the instructor to establish expectations for an informative presentation or review, and (iii) presentation assignment and peer review process. We tested this approach in an undergraduate cell biology class over 3 years. Pre- and post-assessments show significant gains in self-efficacy and knowledge not only by students who presented but also by the students who reviewed the presentations; therefore, peer-reviewed presentations are an effective tool for learning. Exit surveys show that the approach is seen as beneficial by most students. Our approach allows every student to speak and ask questions in a low-stress creative environment. It is an excellent customizable, trackable, and scalable low-stakes assessment tool.
What are we missing in teaching the Luria-Delbrück experiment?
Authors: Zheng Qi
Published: January 2024

The importance of teaching the Luria-Delbrück experiment to biology students is increasingly recognized by educators, and improved pedagogical methods for teaching the classic experiment have been proposed and tested in the classroom. However, there are still obstacles that impede the proper teaching of the classic experiment. This note proposes two strategies to further improve the teaching of the classic experiment. The first strategy is to be frank with an inherent limitation of the classic experiment, and instructors should explain from a logical point of view why the classic experiment cannot be used to refute the possibility of directed mutation. The second strategy is to emphasize the pioneering work of Delbrück on developing the mutant distribution that enables researchers to estimate microbial mutation rates using data generated by fluctuation experiments, and instructors should shift their attention to the overlooked essential role of the mutant distribution.
Role of intestinal flora in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children
Authors: Zhang Jing , Shi Mengxuan , Zhao Chunna , Liang Guangcai , Li Chuan , Ge Xiaomeng , Pei Caixia , Kong Yawei , Li Dongdan , Yang Wenli , Cao Bingyan , Fu Libing , Yan Yinkun , Wu Jie , Zhou Jin , Fang Yongli , Meng Xi , Li Yong , Wang Liming
Published: January 2024

In China, 45% of adolescents with obesity develop fatty liver disease, a condition that increases the long-term risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer. Although the factors triggering nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) vary in children, the composition of intestinal microflora has been found to play an increasingly important role. However, evidence is limited on the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in Chinese children. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the fecal microbiome of Chinese children with NAFLD and further analyze the potential of flora in regulating NAFLD-related symptoms and metabolic functions. Specifically, the study applied a 16S rRNA and metagenomic sequencing to the fecal samples of pediatric patients with NAFLD, NASH, and NAFL, as well as healthy controls, to explore the correlation among NAFLD-related indexes, metabolic pathways, and gut flora. The findings showed that some fecal microbiota had a negative correlation with body mass index, and various NAFLD-related bacteria, including
Lachnoclostridium
,
Escherichia-Shigella
, and
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii
, were detected. Consequently, the study concluded that the variation in gut microbiota might be more important in improving NAFLD/NASH compared with single species, providing a microbiota diagnostic profile of NAFLD/NASH.

IMPORTANCE

This study aims to characterize the gut microbiota in Chinese children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through 16S rRNA and metagenomic sequencing. The results highlight the association between fecal microbiota and NAFLD in Chinese children, demonstrating distinct characteristics compared to adults and children from other countries. Based on the sequencing data from our cohort’s fecal samples, we propose a microbiota model with a high area under the curve for distinguishing between NAFLD and healthy individuals. Furthermore, our follow-up study reveals that changes in the relative abundance of microbial biomarkers in this model are consistent with variations in patients’ body mass index. These findings suggest the potential utility of the microbiota model and microbial biomarkers for diagnosing and treating NAFLD in children.
A clinical predictive model for pre-transplantation
Klebsiella pneumoniae
colonization and relevance for clinical outcomes in patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Zhang Yu-Qi , Wu Wen-Qi , Xu Jie , Tang Zai-Xiang , Li Shi-Jia , Li Ling , Wu He-Qing , Ma Xiao , Liu Ji-Sheng , Wu De-Pei , Wu Xiao-Jin
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to establish a clinical prediction model to discriminate patients at high risk of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(KP) colonization before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and evaluate the impact of KP colonization on clinical outcomes after allo-HSCT. We retrospectively collected data from 2,157 consecutive patients receiving allo-HSCT between January 2018 and March 2022. KP colonization was defined as a positive test for KP from a pharyngeal or anal swab before allo-HSCT. Logistic regression was used to build a clinical prediction model. Cox regression analyses were performed to explore the effect of KP colonization on clinical outcomes. Among all the inpatients, 166 patients had KP colonization and 581 with no positive pathogenic finding before transplantation. Seven candidate predictors were entered into the final prediction model. The prediction model had an area under the curve of 0.775 (95% CI 0.723–0.828) in the derivation cohort and 0.846 (95% CI: 0.790–0.902) in the validation cohort. Statistically significantly different incidence rates were observed among patient groups with clinically predicted low, medium, and high risk for KP infection (
P
< 0.001). The presence of KP colonization delayed platelet engraftment (
P
< 0.001) and patients with KP colonization were more likely to develop KP bloodstream infections within 100 days after allo-HSCT (
P
< 0.0001). Patients with KP colonization had higher non-relapse mortality (
P
= 0.032), worse progression-free survival (
P
= 0.0027), and worse overall survival within 100 days after allo-HSCT (
P
= 0.013). Our findings suggest that increased awareness of risks associated with pre-transplantation bacterial colonization is warranted.

IMPORTANCE

Several studies have identified that
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(KP) is among the most common and deadly pathogens for patients in hospital intensive care units and those receiving transplantation. However, there are currently no studies that evaluate the impact of KP colonization to patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Our results confirm that pre-existing KP colonization is relatively common in a hematology transplant ward setting and negatively affects post-transplantation prognosis. Our clinical prediction model for KP colonization can support early intervention in patients at high risk to avoid subsequent bloodstream infections and improve survival outcomes. Altogether, our data suggest that increased awareness of risks associated with pre-transplantation bacterial colonization is warranted. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and to test early intervention strategies for patients at risk of complications from KP infection.
Fungal community dynamics associated with the outbreaks of sugarcane root rot disease
Authors: Ren Qingxiao , Khan Abdullah , Zhang Jinxu , Bao Yixue , Khan Muhammad Tahir , Wang Jihua , Xu Shiqiang , Zhang Muqing
Published: January 2024

Sugarcane is a critical sugar and bioenergy crop in China. However, numerous factors, including root rot disease, hamper its yield. Root rot disease is a severe agricultural issue, reducing yield and threatening sustainable crop production. The current study aimed to explore the fungal community structure, identify and characterize the primary pathogen for sugarcane root rot in Guangzhou, China. Eighty-nine samples of sugarcane root, stalk, rhizosphere soil, and irrigation water were collected from five sites in Guangzhou, China. Subsequently, 276 fungal strains were isolated to identify the primary pathogens. The five most common genera identified were
Penicillium
,
Fusarium
,
Gongronella
,
Trichoderma
, and
Cladosporium. Fusarium
was more prevalent in the infected soil samples than in healthy ones. Pathogenic assays of the strains revealed that the strain GX4-46 caused 80% of the disease. The strain was confirmed as
Fusarium commune
through phylogenetic and genome sequence analysis. Rhizosphere soil samples from different regional crops were collected to better understand the fungal community structure and the primary pathogen. We observed a significant presence of
Fusarium
in irrigation water, indicating that the root rot disease could originate from the irrigation water and then spread as a soil-borne disease. This research is pioneering and one of the most comprehensive investigations on the occurrence and prevalence of sugarcane root rot disease. This study will serve as a reference for expanding the sugarcane industry and a foundation for further exploration and control of root rot.

IMPORTANCE

Sugarcane, a significant economic crop, faces challenges due to root rot pathogens that accumulate each year in plants and soil through ratoon planting. This disrupts soil microbial balance and greatly impedes sugarcane industry growth. Symptoms range from wilting and yellowing leaves to stunted growth and reduced seedling tillers. The rhizosphere microbiota plays an important role in plant development and soil health. Little is known about root rot fungal community structure, especially in sugarcane. Here, we focused on exploring the main causative pathogen of root rot in the area alongside a detailed survey of the rhizosphere soil of different severity sugarcane cultivars and rotation crops of the region. To validate the findings, we also investigated the irrigation water of the area. Our study revealed
Fusarium commune
as the causative pathogen of root rot in the area, primarily originating from water and later as soil-borne. Using
Trichoderma
can control the disease effectively.
Genome-wide bioinformatics analysis of human protease capacity for proteolytic cleavage of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein
Authors: Matveev Evgenii V. , Ponomarev Gennady V. , Kazanov Marat D.
Published: January 2024

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) primarily enters the cell by binding the virus’s spike (S) glycoprotein to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor on the cell surface, followed by proteolytic cleavage by host proteases. Studies have identified furin and transmembrane protease serine 2 proteases in priming and triggering cleavages of the S glycoprotein, converting it into a fusion-competent form and initiating membrane fusion, respectively. Alternatively, SARS-CoV-2 can enter the cell through the endocytic pathway, where activation is triggered by lysosomal cathepsin L. However, other proteases are also suspected to be involved in both entry routes. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide bioinformatics analysis to explore the capacity of human proteases in hydrolyzing peptide bonds of the S glycoprotein. Predictive models of sequence specificity for 169 human proteases were constructed and applied to the S glycoprotein together with the method for predicting structural susceptibility to proteolysis of protein regions. After validating our approach on extensively studied S2′ and S1/S2 cleavage sites, we applied our method to each peptide bond of the S glycoprotein across all 169 proteases. Our results indicate that various members of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type, type II transmembrane family serine protease, and kallikrein families, as well as specific coagulation factors, are capable of cleaving S2′ or S1/S2 sites. We have also identified a potential cleavage site of cathepsin L at the K790 position within the S2′ loop. Structural analysis suggests that cleavage of this site induces conformational changes similar to the cleavage at the R815 (S2′) position, leading to the exposure of the fusion peptide and subsequent fusion with the membrane. Other potential cleavage sites and the influence of mutations in common SARS-CoV-2 variants on proteolytic efficiency are discussed.

IMPORTANCE

The entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) into the cell, activated by host proteases, is considerably more complex in coronaviruses than in most other viruses and is not fully understood. There is evidence that other proteases beyond the known furin and transmembrane protease serine 2 can activate the spike protein. Another example of uncertainty is the cleavage site for the alternative endocytic route of SARS-CoV-2 entrance, which is still unknown. Bioinformatics methods, modeling protease specificity and estimating the structural susceptibility of protein regions to proteolysis, can aid in studying this topic by predicting the involved proteases and their cleavage sites, thereby substantially reducing the amount of experimental work. Elucidating the mechanisms of spike protein activation is crucial for preventing possible future coronavirus pandemics and developing antiviral drugs.
CONTRIBUTION TO PRACTICAL ANALYSIS OF SURFACE ROUGHNESS MODELING DURING DRY HARD TURNING OF COLD WORK TOOL STEEL AISI D2
Authors: ABIDI YOUCEF , MOKAS NACER , KERDOUN DJALLEL
Published: January 2024

Quality of products is a major concern for hard machining industry aspects. However, the prediction of surface roughness in the function of the machining parameters is a targeted objective by the majority of researchers due to important industrial interest. This work is a contribution for developing comprehensive analyses of surface roughness models during dry hard turning of cold work steel AISI D2. It is focused on the treatment of predicted surface roughness values in correlation with cutting conditions such as cutting parameters (cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut), tools material, tool geometry, workpieces hardness, and machining times in order to establish of orientations for use which applied successfully in the industry from optimal selection of process variables. The approach consists in first conducting a literature survey through collecting and validating surface roughness models together with the corresponding material and also the cutting conditions. Then, results have been tabulated as to permit data mining treatment under data processing software which was developed. As a significant result, a strategic dashboard generating roughness data mining was made available to researchers and industrials. The optimums of parameters which condition the achievement of best machined surface qualities have been selected.
SYSTEMIC PERSPECTIVE OF TERM RISK IN BANK FUNDING MARKETS
Authors: MACRINA ANDREA , MAHOMED OBEID
Published: January 2024

The transition from term-based reference rates to overnight reference rates has created a dislocation in the market-making processes between the interbank and non-interbank funding, and their respective derivatives markets. This dislocation can be attributed to differences in funding and corresponding interest rate swap transactions, a thesis we explain and characterize in detail. It is then shown how this dislocation may be resolved. Based on a systemic perspective of a stylized financial system, an aggregated banking system is constructed that is void of idiosyncratic credit risks but still vulnerable to liquidity risks. Within this setup, a mathematical modeling framework for term-cognizant interest rate systems is derived that enables the pricing and valuation of bank term funding and associated derivatives transactions with varying liquidity characteristics. Other outcomes include: (i) a detailed analysis of the incomplete market paradigm that encapsulates bank term funding rates and the risk management processes involved therein; and (ii) a recovery of consistency in the pricing and valuation between funding and related interest rate swap transactions, along with a mechanism to exchange term risk.
Zero product determined of amalgamated duplication of Banach algebras
Authors: Essmaili M. , Rajaenejad R.
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we study some sufficient and necessary conditions for the amalgamated duplication Banach algebra [Formula: see text] to be zero product determined. Precisely, we show that in the case where [Formula: see text] has a bounded approximate identity, [Formula: see text] is zero product determined if and only if [Formula: see text] is zero product determined and [Formula: see text] has the property [Formula: see text]. Moreover, we give a better characterization when [Formula: see text] is unital. As an application, we also construct some examples on semidirect product of Banach algebras and the [Formula: see text]–Lau product of Banach algebras. Finally, we raise some open problems related to the zero product determined of classical module extension Banach algebras.
On the structure and classification of Bernstein algebras
Authors: Militaru G.
Published: January 2024

Linear algebra tools are used to give a new approach to the open problem of the classification of Bernstein algebras. We prove that any Bernstein algebra [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to a semidirect product [Formula: see text] associated to a commutative algebra [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text], for all [Formula: see text] and an idempotent endomorphism [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] satisfying two compatibility conditions. The set of types of [Formula: see text]-dimensional Bernstein algebras is parametrized by an explicitly constructed classified object. The automorphisms group of any Bernstein algebra is described as a subgroup of the canonical semidirect product of groups [Formula: see text].
Almost Cohen–Macaulay bipartite graphs and connected in codimension two
Authors: Mafi Amir , Naderi Dler
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we study almost Cohen–Macaulay bipartite graphs. In particular, we prove that if [Formula: see text] is an almost Cohen–Macaulay bipartite graph with at least one vertex of positive degree, then there is a vertex of [Formula: see text]. In particular, if [Formula: see text] is an almost Cohen–Macaulay bipartite graph and [Formula: see text] is a vertex of degree one of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] its adjacent vertex, then [Formula: see text] is almost Cohen–Macaulay. Also, we show that an unmixed Ferrers graph is almost Cohen–Macaulay if and only if it is connected in codimension two. Moreover, we give some examples.
Totally geodesic and parallel hypersurfaces of Siklos spacetimes
Authors: Calvaruso Giovanni , Pellegrino Lorenzo , Van der Veken Joeri
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we classify and describe totally geodesic and parallel hypersurfaces for the entire class of Siklos spacetimes. A large class of minimal hypersurfaces is also described.
The Effects of Metal Ions and Nucleotides on the Conformation of Actin
Authors: Wang Yiwen , Xu Li-Yan , Li En-Min , Dong Geng
Published: January 2024

Actin is a highly conserved cytoskeletal protein that is present in all eukaryotes. Polymerization of actin to filamentous actin is essential for numerous cellular processes. Abnormal actin dynamics are directly associated with a variety of diseases, including cancer, immunological and neurological disorders. However, the dynamics of actin are not fully understood. In this work, we study the effects of nucleotides and metal ions on conformation of F/G-actin using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Our results show that different nucleotides and metal ions change the conformation of actin. The state of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) binding on F-actin conformation is more stable than G-actin. The D-loop has a large fluctuation when [Formula: see text] binds to G-ATP-actin than [Formula: see text] binds. Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP) binding leads to a stronger residual correlation on F-actin conformation, while it is opposite on G-actin. In addition, the detailed interactions between nucleotides and adjacent residues are discussed on different states of actin. This work provides a structural basis for understanding how the different nucleotides/metal ions binding influences the conformation of actin.
Cocoa flavanols, Nrf2 activation, and oxidative stress in peripheral artery disease: mechanistic findings in muscle based on outcomes from a randomized trial
Authors: Ismaeel Ahmed , McDermott Mary M. , Joshi Jai K. , Sturgis Jada C. , Zhang Dongxue , Ho Karen J. , Sufit Robert , Ferrucci Luigi , Peterson Charlotte A. , Kosmac Kate
Published: January 2024

The current study supports the hypothesis that in people with PAD, cocoa flavanols activate Nrf2, thereby increasing antioxidant protein levels, protecting against skeletal muscle damage, and increasing mitochondrial protein abundance. These results suggest that Nrf2 activation may be an important therapeutic target for improving walking performance in people with PAD.
Correlation between PD-L1 Expression, Clinicopathological Factors, and Metastasis Risk in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Zarbakhsh Alireza , Khalaji Amirreza , Vahedi Amir , Dolatkhah Roya , Gholami Nasrin
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the correlation between PD-L1 expression, metastasis, and survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. PD-L1 expression was not significantly associated with overall survival, disease-free survival, or mortality rate. However, a significant difference was observed between PD-L1 positive and negative patients regarding the presence of metastasis, which was higher in the PD-L1 positive group. These findings suggest that PD-L1 expression may impact metastasis in CRC patients but not overall survival.
Neurophysiological Evaluation of Autonomic Dysfunction in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: Papadopoulou Marianna , Zompola Christina , Papagiannopoulou Georgia , Theodorou Aikaterini , Zouvelou Vasiliki , Papadimas George K. , Moschovos Christos , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: January 2024

Introduction. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disorder causing lower motor neuron degeneration leading to weakness and muscle atrophy due to reduction of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Although SMA was considered an exclusively motor neuron disease, few reports indicate the involvement of nonmotor neurons. The aim of this study is to investigate autonomous nervous system (ANS) involvement in SMA. Materials and Methods. We investigated 9 SMA adult patients and 36 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. ANS was evaluated by sympathetic skin response (SSR). Results. SSR was not elicited in 28% of measurements in cases and in 0% of measurements in controls (p < 0.001). Both palmar (p < 0.001) and plantar (p < 0.001) SSR latencies were significantly longer in cases than controls. Palmar SSR amplitudes were smaller (p = 0.036) in patients compared to controls. Conclusions. This study provides new evidence of ANS dysfunction in SMA patients.
Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Inhibitor SHR2554 in Relapsed or Refractory Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma: Data from the First-in-Human Phase I Study
Authors: Song Yuqin , Jin Zhengming , Li Zhi-Ming , Liu Yanyan , Li Lanfang , He Chuan , Su Hang , Zhou Hui , Li Kunyan , Hao Siguo , Zuo Xuelan , Wu Jianyuan , Li Dengju , Wu Meng , Sun Xiuhua , Qi Junyuan , Cai Zhen , Li Zengjun , Li Yijing , Huang Yanhua , Shen Jie , Xiao Zhenyu , Zhu Jun
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

Patients with peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) in the relapsed or refractory (r/r) setting have only a limited number of therapies available, and the prognosis is extremely poor. SHR2554 is an oral inhibitor against EZH2, a rational therapeutic target for lymphomas.

Patients and Methods:

This was a multicenter, two-part, phase I study of SHR2554 in r/r mature lymphoid neoplasms. In part I, 350 mg twice daily was established as the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) based on the findings during dose escalation and expansion; subsequently, selected lymphoma subtypes were recruited in clinical expansion cohorts to receive SHR2554 at RP2D. Here, we provide an in-depth assessment of SHR2554 at RP2D in subpopulation with r/r PTCL.

Results:

Twenty-eight patients were included for analysis (17 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and 11 not otherwise specified). Eighteen (64%) patients had received ≥2 lines of previous anticancer therapies. The objective response rate was 61% [95% confidence interval (CI), 41–78]. Responses were still ongoing in 59% (10/17) of the responders; estimated median duration of response was 12.3 months (95% CI, 7.4–not reached). Median progression-free survival was 11.1 months (95% CI, 5.3–22.0), and 12-month overall survival rate was 92% (95% CI, 72–98). The most common grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse events were decreased platelet count [nine (32%)] as well as decreased white blood cell count, decreased neutrophil count, and anemia [four (14%) for each]. No treatment-related deaths were reported.

Conclusions:

This extended follow-up analysis further supports SHR2554 as a therapeutic opportunity for patients with r/r PTCL.
Data from Regulation of Bcl-2 Expression by HuR in HL60 Leukemia Cells and A431 Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Ishimaru Daniella , Ramalingam Sivakumar , Sengupta Tapas K. , Bandyopadhyay Sumita , Dellis Stephanie , Tholanikunnel Baby G. , Fernandes Daniel J. , Spicer Eleanor K.
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Overexpression of the proto-oncogene bcl-2 promotes abnormal cell survival by inhibiting apoptosis. Expression of bcl-2 is determined, in part, by regulatory mechanisms that control the stability of bcl-2 mRNA. Elements in the 3′-untranslated region of bcl-2 mRNA have been shown to play a role in regulating the stability of the message. Previously, it was found that the RNA binding proteins nucleolin and Ebp1 have a role in stabilizing bcl-2 mRNA in HL60 cells. Here, we have identified HuR as a component of bcl-2 messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) complexes. RNA coimmunoprecipitation assays showed that HuR binds to bcl-2 mRNA in vivo. We also observed an RNA-dependent coprecipitation of HuR and nucleolin, suggesting that the two proteins are present in common mRNP complexes. Moreover, nucleolin and HuR bind concurrently to bcl-2 AU-rich element (ARE) RNA in vitro, suggesting separate binding sites for these proteins on bcl-2 mRNA. Knockdown of HuR in A431 cells leads to down-regulation of bcl-2 mRNA and protein levels. Observation of a decreased ratio of bcl-2 mRNA to heterogeneous nuclear RNA in HuR knockdown cells confirmed a positive role for HuR in regulating bcl-2 stability. Recombinant HuR retards exosome-mediated decay of bcl-2 ARE RNA in extracts of HL60 cells. This supports a role for HuR in the regulation of bcl-2 mRNA stability in HL60 cells, as well as in A431 cells. Addition of nucleolin and HuR to HL60 cell extracts produced a synergistic protective effect on decay of bcl-2 ARE RNA. HuR knockdown also leads to redistribution of bcl-2 mRNA from polysomes to monosomes. Thus, HuR seems to play a positive role in both regulation of bcl-2 mRNA translation and mRNA stability. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(8):1354–66)
Supplementary Figure 5 from Ultrasensitive Detection of Circulating LINE-1 ORF1p as a Specific Multicancer Biomarker
Authors: Taylor Martin S. , Wu Connie , Fridy Peter C. , Zhang Stephanie J. , Senussi Yasmeen , Wolters Justina C. , Cajuso Tatiana , Cheng Wen-Chih , Heaps John D. , Miller Bryant D. , Mori Kei , Cohen Limor , Jiang Hua , Molloy Kelly R. , Chait Brian T. , Goggins Michael G. , Bhan Irun , Franses Joseph W. , Yang Xiaoyu , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Wang Xinan , Christiani David C. , Johnson Bruce E. , Meyerson Matthew , Uppaluri Ravindra , Egloff Ann Marie , Denault Elyssa N. , Spring Laura M. , Wang Tian-Li , Shih Ie-Ming , Fairman Jennifer E. , Jung Euihye , Arora Kshitij S. , Yilmaz Osman H. , Cohen Sonia , Sharova Tatyana , Chi Gary , Norden Bryanna L. , Song Yuhui , Nieman Linda T. , Pappas Leontios , Parikh Aparna R. , Strickland Matthew R. , Corcoran Ryan B. , Mustelin Tomas , Eng George , Yilmaz Ömer H. , Matulonis Ursula A. , Chan Andrew T. , Skates Steven J. , Rueda Bo R. , Drapkin Ronny , Klempner Samuel J. , Deshpande Vikram , Ting David T. , Rout Michael P. , LaCava John , Walt David R. , Burns Kathleen H.
Published: January 2024

Circulating ORF1p levels in patients with chronic liver disease or systemic lupus erythematous.
Supplementary Figure 15 from Ultrasensitive Detection of Circulating LINE-1 ORF1p as a Specific Multicancer Biomarker
Authors: Taylor Martin S. , Wu Connie , Fridy Peter C. , Zhang Stephanie J. , Senussi Yasmeen , Wolters Justina C. , Cajuso Tatiana , Cheng Wen-Chih , Heaps John D. , Miller Bryant D. , Mori Kei , Cohen Limor , Jiang Hua , Molloy Kelly R. , Chait Brian T. , Goggins Michael G. , Bhan Irun , Franses Joseph W. , Yang Xiaoyu , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Wang Xinan , Christiani David C. , Johnson Bruce E. , Meyerson Matthew , Uppaluri Ravindra , Egloff Ann Marie , Denault Elyssa N. , Spring Laura M. , Wang Tian-Li , Shih Ie-Ming , Fairman Jennifer E. , Jung Euihye , Arora Kshitij S. , Yilmaz Osman H. , Cohen Sonia , Sharova Tatyana , Chi Gary , Norden Bryanna L. , Song Yuhui , Nieman Linda T. , Pappas Leontios , Parikh Aparna R. , Strickland Matthew R. , Corcoran Ryan B. , Mustelin Tomas , Eng George , Yilmaz Ömer H. , Matulonis Ursula A. , Chan Andrew T. , Skates Steven J. , Rueda Bo R. , Drapkin Ronny , Klempner Samuel J. , Deshpande Vikram , Ting David T. , Rout Michael P. , LaCava John , Walt David R. , Burns Kathleen H.
Published: January 2024

Validation of monoclonal antibodies by western blotting.
Supplementary Figure 13 from Ultrasensitive Detection of Circulating LINE-1 ORF1p as a Specific Multicancer Biomarker
Authors: Taylor Martin S. , Wu Connie , Fridy Peter C. , Zhang Stephanie J. , Senussi Yasmeen , Wolters Justina C. , Cajuso Tatiana , Cheng Wen-Chih , Heaps John D. , Miller Bryant D. , Mori Kei , Cohen Limor , Jiang Hua , Molloy Kelly R. , Chait Brian T. , Goggins Michael G. , Bhan Irun , Franses Joseph W. , Yang Xiaoyu , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Wang Xinan , Christiani David C. , Johnson Bruce E. , Meyerson Matthew , Uppaluri Ravindra , Egloff Ann Marie , Denault Elyssa N. , Spring Laura M. , Wang Tian-Li , Shih Ie-Ming , Fairman Jennifer E. , Jung Euihye , Arora Kshitij S. , Yilmaz Osman H. , Cohen Sonia , Sharova Tatyana , Chi Gary , Norden Bryanna L. , Song Yuhui , Nieman Linda T. , Pappas Leontios , Parikh Aparna R. , Strickland Matthew R. , Corcoran Ryan B. , Mustelin Tomas , Eng George , Yilmaz Ömer H. , Matulonis Ursula A. , Chan Andrew T. , Skates Steven J. , Rueda Bo R. , Drapkin Ronny , Klempner Samuel J. , Deshpande Vikram , Ting David T. , Rout Michael P. , LaCava John , Walt David R. , Burns Kathleen H.
Published: January 2024

Representative SPR sensorgrams of ORF1 monoclonal antibodies and “2nd Gen.” nanobody multimers.
Erratum: ZARGAR, S.A., GANIE, A.H., KHUROO, A.A., RESHI, Z.A., BANOO, S. & MALIK, A.H. (2023) An updated checklist of the vascular flora of the Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, India. Phytotaxa 623 (1): 1–136.
Authors: ZARGAR SHABIR A. , GANIE AIJAZ H. , KHUROO ANZAR AHMAD , RESHI ZAFAR A. , BANOO SAKINA , MALIK AKHTAR H.
Published: January 2024

N/A
Cyphia deliae (Campanulaceae: Cyphioideae), a new species from South Africa and Eswatini
Authors: STEYN HESTER M. , VAN WYK ABRAHAM E.
Published: January 2024

Cyphia deliae, previously confused with C. bolusii, is described here as a new species. It is a range-restricted species known only from the Barberton Centre of Endemism, a biogeographical region that spans the border between South Africa and Eswatini. This species grows on rocky outcrops in montane grassland. Cyphia deliae can be differentiated from its morphologically most similar relative, C. bolusii, primarily by floral characters. A comparison of specific morphological features distinguishing Cyphia deliae from C. bolusii is provided. In accordance with IUCN Red List categories and criteria, a conservation assessment of Vulnerable B1ab(iii); C2a(i) is recommended for the new species.