bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shell protein composition specified by NEAT1 domains dictates the formation of paraspeckles as distinct membraneless organelles
Authors: Takakuwa Hiro , Yamazaki Tomohiro , Souquere Sylvie , Adachi Shungo , Yoshino Hyura , Fujiwara Naoko , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Natsume Tohru , Nakagawa Shinichi , Pierron Gerard , Hirose Tetsuro
Published: May 2023

Many membraneless organelles (MLOs) formed through phase separation play crucial roles in various cellular processes. Although these MLOs co-exist in cells, how they maintain their independence without coalescence or engulfment remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism by which paraspeckles with core-shell architecture scaffolded by NEAT1_2 lncRNAs exist as distinct MLOs. We identified NEAT1 deletion mutants that assemble paraspeckles that are incorporated into nuclear speckles. Several paraspeckle proteins, including SFPQ, HNRNPF, and BRG1, prevent this incorporation and thus contribute to the segregation of paraspeckles from nuclear speckles. Shell localization of these proteins in the paraspeckles, which is determined by NEAT1_2 lncRNA domains, is required for this segregation process. Conversely, U2-related spliceosomal proteins are involved in internalizing the paraspeckles into nuclear speckles. This study shows that the paraspeckle shell composition dictates the independence of MLOs in the nucleus, providing insights into the importance of the shell in defining features and functions of MLOs.
Adolescent pregnancy is associated with child undernutrition: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Welch Caroline , Wong Christopher K , Lelijveld Natasha , Kerac Marko , Wrottesley Stephanie V
Published: May 2023

Adolescent pregnancy is associated with poor foetal growth and development which increase the risk of childhood wasting and underweight. However, evidence on how young maternal age affects childhood anthropometry beyond the neonatal period is limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined associations between adolescent pregnancy and child wasting and underweight and explored potential underlying social and biological factors. Peer-reviewed literature published in English since 1990 was systematically searched. Eligible studies presented data on wasting and/or underweight in children (≤59 months) born to adolescent mothers (10-19, or ≤24 years where applicable) from low- and middle-income countries. Data extraction used a predefined extraction sheet. Both meta-analysis and qualitative synthesis were performed. Of 92 identified studies, 57 were included in the meta- analysis. The meta-analysis showed that children born to adolescent versus adult mothers were at a higher risk of moderate (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.00-1.26 p=0.04) and severe underweight (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.08-1.35 p<0.01). Associated risk of wasting was not statistically significant: (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.98-1.12 p=0.17); severe wasting (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.68-1.96 p=0.59). These findings were supported by the qualitative synthesis. Evidence on the potential role of biological/social factors was limited, but suggested an intermediary role of maternal nutritional status which warrants further exploration. Particularly in contexts where adolescent pregnancy remains common, interventions to both delay adolescent pregnancy and improve adolescent nutritional status could help reduce the risk of undernutrition in children and contribute to breaking the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition.
Dopamine D2 Receptors modulate hippocampal theta rhythm through somatostatin interneurons
Authors: Tuduri Pola , Valjent Emmanuel , Ster Jeanne
Published: May 2023

Spatiomolecular mapping of hippocampal dopamine receptor D2 (D2R) neurons revealed that in addition to hilar mossy cells, hippocampal SST-INs and, to a lesser extent, PV-INs expressed D2R. However, while the role of D2R signaling onto mossy cells has been characterized, the consequence of D2R activation onto hippocampal SST-INs and PV-INs is unknown. By combining pharmacological approaches and patch-clamp recordings in organotypic hippocampal slices from control or mice lackingDrd2selectively in SST-INs and PV-INs, we found that D2R activation increase excitability in SST-INs while it decreases in PV-INs. These D2R-mediated changes rely on distinct intracellular pathways, involving the non-canonical β- arrestin-dependent pathway in SST-INs and the G protein-dependent pathway in PV-INs. Finally, our study also unveiled that D2R activation modulates theta oscillations through SST- INs D2R signaling.
Entropy predicts sensitivity of pseudorandom seeds
Authors: Maier Benjamin Dominik , Sahlin Kristoffer
Published: May 2023

Seed design is important for sequence similarity search applications such as read mapping and average nucleotide identity (ANI) estimation. Althoughk-mers and spacedk-mers are likely the most well-known and used seeds, sensitivity suffers at high error rates, particularly when indels are present. Recently, we developed a pseudorandom seeding construct, strobemers, which was empirically shown to have high sensitivity also at high indel rates. However, the study lacked a deeper understanding of why. In this study, we propose a model to estimate the entropy of a seed and find that seeds with high entropy, according to our model, in most cases have high match sensitivity. Our discovered seed randomness–sensitivity relationship explains why some seeds perform better than others, and the relationship provides a framework for designing even more sensitive seeds. We also present three new strobemer seed constructs: mixedstrobes, altstrobes, and multistrobes. We use both simulated and biological data to show that our new seed constructs improve sequence-matching sensitivity to other strobemers. We show that the three new seed constructs are useful for read mapping and ANI estimation. For read mapping, we implement strobemers into minimap2 and observe 30% faster alignment time and 0.2% higher accuracy than usingk-mers when mapping reads at high error rates. As for ANI estimation, we find that higher entropy seeds have a higher rank correlation between estimated and true ANI.
A fast and scalable method for inferring phylogenetic networks from trees by aligning lineage taxon strings
Authors: Zhang Louxin , Abhari Niloufar , Colijn Caroline , Wu Yufeng
Published: May 2023

The reconstruction of phylogenetic networks is an important but challenging problem in phylogenetics and genome evolution, as the space of phylogenetic networks is vast and cannot be sampled well. One approach to the problem is to solve the minimum phylogenetic network problem, in which phylogenetic trees are first inferred, and then the smallest phylogenetic network that displays all the trees is computed. The approach takes advantage of the fact that the theory of phylogenetic trees is mature, and there are excellent tools available for inferring phylogenetic trees from a large number of biomolecular sequences. A tree–child network is a phylogenetic network satisfying the condition that every nonleaf node has at least one child that is of indegree one. Here, we develop a new method that infers the minimum tree–child network by aligning lineage taxon strings in the phylogenetic trees. This algorithmic innovation enables us to get around the limitations of the existing programs for phylogenetic network inference. Our new program, named ALTS, is fast enough to infer a tree–child network with a large number of reticulations for a set of up to 50 phylogenetic trees with 50 taxa that have only trivial common clusters in about a quarter of an hour on average.
An optimization approach to financial and operational viabilities of spare aircraft
Authors: Bazargan Massoud , Orhan Ilkay
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The airlines cancel their flights frequently because of factors that they do not have any control over. Spare aircraft can potentially address some of the issues caused by cancelled flights. This paper aims to offer an exploratory study into the financial and operational viabilities of spare aircraft for airlines.

Design/methodology/approach

Mathematical models are proposed to evaluate the financial and operational metrics under different scenarios. The models are applied to Delta, Spirit and Southwest Airlines with different business models. All data are extracted from US Bureau of Transport Statistics, Cirium Diio Mi and CAPA databases. The IBM Cplex solver was used to execute the binary linear program models.

Findings

The research revealed that factors such as airline network size, hub and spoke structure and average weekly flight cancellations are crucial in establishing the need for spare aircraft. For the number of weekly cancellations, there exist break-even values that reasonably justify spare aircraft.

Practical implications

Models can be customized and applied to other modes of transportations.

Originality/value

This study is the first to consider the use of spare aircraft in airlines from both financial and operational perspectives within the scope of the mathematical model. The analyses identify financial break-even points for a number of spare aircraft and their home base locations for three airlines. Operational utilization of spare aircraft is studied and contrasted with financial metrics.
Gender stereotype perception, perceived social support and self-efficacy in increasing women's entrepreneurial intentions
Authors: Hamdani Nizar Alam , Ramadani Veland , Anggadwita Grisna , Maulida Ghina Sulthanah , Zuferi Rasim , Maalaoui Adnane
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Women play an essential role in entrepreneurship because they have been able to make social and economic contributions in many countries. However, women continue encountering numerous difficulties when engaging in entrepreneurial activities, particularly from a societal perspective. Therefore, it is necessary to study the underlying factors influencing women's entrepreneurial intentions that lead to their success in entrepreneurship. This study examines gender stereotype perceptions, perceived social support and self-efficacy in women's entrepreneurial intentions in Batik micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in West Java, Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative method by randomly distributing questionnaires to women entrepreneurs in the MSME sector in the batik craft industry in the Trusmi area, West Java, Indonesia. The research questionnaire was completed by 150 female entrepreneurs, and a structural equation model-partial least squares (PLS) was employed to examine the hypotheses proposed in this study.

Findings

The findings of this study revealed that gender stereotype perception and perceived social support have a positive and significant effect on self-efficacy. Gender stereotype perceptions affect women's entrepreneurial intentions, both directly and mediated by self-efficacy. Meanwhile, perceived social support has a significant effect on women's entrepreneurial intention only when it is mediated by self-efficacy.

Originality/value

This study presents empirical evidence on how gender stereotype perception, perceived social support and self-efficacy affect women's entrepreneurial intentions and establishes a novel conceptual framework for women's entrepreneurship in emerging economies. This study provides academic and practical implications by identifying the entrepreneurial intentions of women who have carried out entrepreneurial activities. This study also provides direction for policymakers to encourage women's entrepreneurial intentions.
EMS workers on the frontline of the opioid epidemic: effects of sleep and social support on depression
Authors: Sable Paige , Tang Fengyan , Swab Jenifer A. , Roth Sheila , Rosen Daniel
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study focuses on Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel and examines the impact of overdose calls for opioids and attitudes of EMS workers towards individuals with substance use disorders on EMS workers' mental well-being while accounting for self-reported sleep and social support.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study surveyed EMS workers (N = 608) across Pennsylvania on demographic variables, frequency of overdose calls, attitudes towards opioid use and naloxone administration on measures of mental health. Multiple logistic regression models were estimated to examine the relationship of perception of opioid use and treatment and likelihood that EMS workers might experience depression.

Findings

Authors found two main findings: (1) There was a significant relationship between more negative perceptions about opioid use/naloxone and the likelihood that EMS workers might experience depression. (2) There was a significant relationship between number of overdose calls EMS workers responded to and likelihood of depression, which appeared to be alleviated by improvements in sleep and social support.

Research limitations/implications

There is potential opportunity for EMS employers to minimize the impact of the opioid epidemic on EMS worker mental health. Trainings to highlight effectiveness of treatment should be further explored, along with ways to enhance social support and improve sleep for EMS workers to protect against the stress associated with responding to this public health crisis.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature on the impact of the opioid epidemic as it relates to mental health outcomes for EMS professionals providing frontline care to those experiencing opioid use disorders.
Managing customer experience dimensions in B2B express delivery services for better customer satisfaction: a PLS-SEM illustration
Authors: Cepeda-Carrión Ignacio , Alarcon-Rubio David , Correa-Rodriguez Carlos , Cepeda-Carrion Gabriel
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This article aims to open the black box of the relationship between customer experience and customer satisfaction. The authors also take a fine-grained approach to the concept of customer experience analysis in terms of four dimensions: basic service experience (BSE), moments of truth (MT), focus on results (FR) and peace of mind (PM).

Design/methodology/approach

A total sample of 185 industrial customers in Spain was collected via an online platform from March to April 2020. The data were analysed using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results indicated that the four dimensions of customer experience are the foundation of commercial success (i.e. customer satisfaction) for express parcel companies in the business-to-business (B2B) environment. Therefore, the most innovative express parcel companies should not only pay attention to providing services in accordance with the customer agreement but also go beyond that; hence, these companies must understand customer needs to be able to offer a unique experience. Therefore, these companies must design experiences that go beyond pure technical delivery services.

Originality/value

Although previous work has linked customer experience to customer satisfaction, there is little work that does so specifically in an industry as in vogue as express parcels and less so in the B2B environment. In addition, this work analyses fine-grained customer experience in terms of grain's four dimensions, and therefore, the authors analyse how each dimension (e.g. more rational or more subjective dimensions) impacts customer satisfaction. Few studies have focussed on this type of analysis for express parcel companies in the B2B environment.
Predictable inventory management within dairy supply chain operations
Authors: Huerta-Soto Rosario , Ramirez-Asis Edwin , Tarazona-Jiménez John , Nivin-Vargas Laura , Norabuena-Figueroa Roger , Guzman-Avalos Magna , Reyes-Reyes Carla
Published: May 2023

Purpose

With the current wave of modernization in the dairy industry, the global dairy market has seen significant shifts. Making the most of inventory planning, machine learning (ML) maximizes the movement of commodities from one site to another. By facilitating waste reduction and quality improvement across numerous components, it reduces operational expenses. The focus of this study was to analyze existing dairy supply chain (DSC) optimization strategies and to look for ways in which DSC could be further improved. This study tends to enhance the operational excellence and continuous improvements of optimization strategies for DSC management

Design/methodology/approach

Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) standards for systematic reviews are served as inspiration for the study's methodology. The accepted protocol for reporting evidence in systematic reviews and meta-analyses is PRISMA. Health sciences associations and publications support the standards. For this study, the authors relied on descriptive statistics.

Findings

As a result of this modernization initiative, dairy sector has been able to boost operational efficiency by using cutting-edge optimization strategies. Historically, DSC researchers have relied on mathematical modeling tools, but recently authors have started using artificial intelligence (AI) and ML-based approaches. While mathematical modeling-based methods are still most often used, AI/ML-based methods are quickly becoming the preferred method. During the transit phase, cloud computing, shared databases and software actually transmit data to distributors, logistics companies and retailers. The company has developed comprehensive deployment, distribution and storage space selection methods as well as a supply chain road map.

Practical implications

Many sorts of environmental degradation, including large emissions of greenhouse gases that fuel climate change, are caused by the dairy industry. The industry not only harms the environment, but it also causes a great deal of animal suffering. Smaller farms struggle to make milk at the low prices that large farms, which are frequently supported by subsidies and other financial incentives, set.

Originality/value

This paper addresses a need in the dairy business by giving a primer on optimization methods and outlining how farmers and distributors may increase the efficiency of dairy processing facilities. The majority of the studies just briefly mentioned supply chain optimization.
How users cognitively appraise and emotionally experience the metaverse: focusing on social virtual reality
Authors: Suh Ayoung
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Despite the increasing interest in the metaverse—immersive three-dimensional virtual worlds wherein personalized avatars interact with one another—little is known about how users cognitively appraise and emotionally experience it. To fill this gap, the present study explores the emotional, behavioral and social consequences of users' cognitive appraisals, while focusing on social virtual reality (VR) as a representative entry point to the metaverse.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on cognitive appraisal theory against the backdrop of a framework for classifying emotions, this study develops and tests a theoretical model to account for users' continuance intention and its consequences in the social VR context based on two-wave panel survey data collected from 216 users of social VR platforms, including AltspaceVR, VRChat, Bigscreen and Rec Room.

Findings

The results of the first survey showed that perceived opportunity was more strongly influenced by technological opportunity than social opportunity, whereas perceived threat was more strongly affected by social threat than technological threat. Integrating the data collected from the first survey with those of the second survey, we also found that users' continuance intention positively influenced both their behavioral engagement and social self-efficacy.

Originality/value

By adopting a longitudinal approach, this study provides insights that may be valuable to researchers and practitioners who seek to use social VR for business purposes. This study also contributes to the metaverse literature by conceptualizing and operationalizing the opportunity and threat factors of social VR and identifying salient emotions that users experience in this context. Finally, this study has practical implications for addressing the social and technological features that may cause adverse user experiences in social VR.
Research self-efficacy and research productivity: evidence from academics in Tanzanian public higher education institutions
Authors: Ndiango Sinyati , Kumburu Neema P. , Jaffu Richard
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of research self-efficacy (RSE) on academics' research productivity (RPR) in public higher education institutions in Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional design was utilized to collect and analyze data from 247 academics in four public higher education institutions in Tanzania.

Findings

The findings show that RSE has a positive and significant influence on academics' RPR in higher education (ß = 0.657 and p < 0.001).

Practical implications

Higher education institutions should focus on creating a favorable work environment that fosters academics' RSE so as to enhance more productivity in terms of research.

Originality/value

The results of this study expand the aspects in which social cognitive theory can be applied in Tanzania's higher education institutions. On the other hand, by conducting empirical-based research on the influence of RSE on RPR in developing nations like Tanzania, the findings contribute to the literature on RSE and RPR.
On the role of team passion in inventing, founding and developing: what happens in the early stages of entrepreneurship?
Authors: Maryami Sara , Loi Michela , Martinez Marcello , Di Guardo Maria Chiara
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Drawing on the Broaden-and-build theory, the study investigates the impact of team entrepreneurial passion (TEP) on team performance. This study further examines the mediating role of team cooperation between TEP and team performance. Thus, by expanding the conceptual model of TEP, the authors examine how three domains of TEP, namely inventing, founding and developing affect the entrepreneurial outcomes in the early stages of entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 29 entrepreneurial teams, and the proposed relationships were assessed through Smart-PLS 3.2.8 structural equation modeling (SEM) tool.

Findings

Regarding the domains of TEP, the authors' findings show that the TEP for inventing is positively related to team performance. As for the influences of TEP for inventing and TEP for developing, both are the most beneficial for entrepreneurial outputs, such as team members' abilities to recognize and exploit opportunities.

Originality/value

Although there is an increased scholars' interest in entrepreneurial passion, there is a lack of research that examines the enabling factors and outcomes of entrepreneurial passion at the team level. This study is among the earliest research studies that not only empirically explores the relationships between TEP and team performance but also illustrates how each domain of TEP uniquely influences entrepreneurial outcomes by extending existing studies on entrepreneurial passion.
Parametric optimization of a VCR diesel engine run on diesel-bioethanol-Al2O3 nanoparticles blend using Taguchi-Grey and RSM method: a comparative study
Authors: Mohapatra Taraprasad , Mishra Sudhansu Sekhar
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The study aims to verify and establish the result of the most suitable optimization approach for higher performance and lower emission of a variable compression ratio (VCR) diesel engine. In this study, three types of test fuels are taken and tested in a variable compression ratio diesel engine (compression ignition). The fuels used are conventional diesel fuel, e-diesel (85% diesel-15% bioethanol) and nano-fuel (85% diesel-15% bioethanol-25 ppm Al2O3). The effect of bioethanol and nano-particles on performance, emission and cost-effectiveness is investigated at different load and compression ratios (CRs). The optimum performance and lower emission of the engine are evaluated and compared with other optimization methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The test engine is run by diesel, e-diesel (85% diesel-15% bioethanol) and nano-fuel (85% diesel-15% bioethanol-25 ppm Al2O3) in three different loadings (4 kg, 8 kg and 12 kg) and CR of 14, 16 and 18, respectively. The optimum value of energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, NOX emission and relative cost variation are determined against the input parameters using Taguchi-Grey method and confirmed by response surface methodology (RSM) technique.

Findings

Using Taguchi-Grey method, the maximum energy and exergy efficiency, minimum % relative cost variation and NOX emission are 24.64%, 59.52%, 0 and 184 ppm, respectively, at 4 kg load, 18 CR and fuel type of nano-fuel. Using RSM technique, maximum energy and exergy efficiency are 24.8% and 62.9%, and minimum NOX emission and % cost variation are 208.4 ppm and –6.5, respectively, at 5.2 kg load, 18 CR and nano-fuel. The RSM is suggested as the most appropriate technique for obtaining maximum energy and exergy efficiency, and minimum % relative cost; however, for lowest possible NOX emission, the Taguchi-Grey method is the most appropriate.

Originality/value

Waste rice straw is used to produce bioethanol. 4-E analysis, i.e. energy, exergy, emission and economic analysis, has been carried out, optimized and compared.
Adaptation potential of Neotropical montane oaks to drought events: Wood anatomy sensitivity in Quercus delgadoana and Quercus meavei
Authors: Argüelles‐Marrón Beatriz , Meave Jorge A. , Luna‐Vega Isolda , Crispin‐DelaCruz Doris B. , Szejner Paul , Ames‐Martínez Fressia N. , Rodríguez‐Ramírez Ernesto C.
Published: May 2023

Climate and local water availability are major evolutionary drivers of adaptive variation and plasticity in the hydraulic architecture of Tropical Montane Cloud Forest (TMCF) tree species. Between‐year xylem vessel variability is key to understanding the adaptation potential of wood anatomy of trees to drought. How wood anatomical features have been influenced by the typical TMCF climate and how tree species persist in these environments remain open questions, particularly in the context of predicted extreme climate events in the future.

Here, we evaluated the effects of changes in temperature, precipitation and evapotranspiration during drought events on ring‐width and anatomical vessel traits (hydraulic diameter, vessel density, vessel grouping index and vulnerability index) for two relict endemic and threatened oak species (Quercus delgadoana and Q. meavei) from a Mexican TMCF.

The study species differed in their functional and ecological vessel anatomical traits, and their wood anatomical differences are related to specific environmental requirements. However, the ring‐width indices (RWIs) calculated for these species indicate that both have high resistance and recovery, and thus high resilience to drought events.

Ring‐width and vessel functional traits show differences in the between‐year variability of xylem traits associated with the hydraulic efficiency of these oak species, which is crucial to understanding how they avoid drought‐induced embolism and cavitation in vessel conduits. These results provide evidence for the existence of specific hydraulic systems that determine functional wood anatomy in response to climatic variation and drought in the study species. Further research assessing the wood anatomical adaptation to different climatic variables and identifying the xylem functional traits that underlie these adaptations, along with the mechanisms allowing tree species persistence in these environments, is essential to gain insight into the responses of TMCF to future drought events.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Anchoring grassland sustainability with a nature‐based small burrowing mammal control strategy
Authors: Li Wenjin , Knops Johannes M. H. , Zhou Xi , Jin Huijun , Xiang Zhiqiang , Ka Zhuo Cairang , Jin Xiaoying , Zhou Huakun , Dong ShiKui
Published: May 2023

Over the last 40 years, a burrowing mammal eradication policy has been prevalent on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP). This policy is based on similar burrowing mammal eradication programs in other areas and is justified on the assumptions that burrowing mammals compete with livestock for forage and contribute to grassland degradation. However, there is no clear theoretical or experimental evidence supporting these assumptions.

This paper synthesizes the ecological functioning of small burrowing mammals in natural grasslands and discusses the irrationality and consequences of burrowing mammal eradication for sustainable livestock grazing and grassland degradation.

Past burrowing mammal eradication efforts have failed because increased food availability for the remaining rodents and reduced predator populations led to rapid population rebounds. Herbivores differ in diet, and there is clear evidence that burrowing mammals, especially plateau zokors Myospalax baileyi, have a different diet than livestock. In QTP meadows, burrowing mammal eradication induces a shift towards plant communities with fewer species preferred by livestock and more species preferred by burrowing mammals. Thus, eradicating burrowing mammals has the opposite effect, a reduction in livestock preferred vegetation. We suggest that the policy of poisoning burrowing mammals needs to be reconsidered and revoked as soon as possible.

We argue that incorporating density‐dependent factors such as predation and food availability are essential for maintaining a low burrowing mammal density. For degraded grasslands, we suggest that the optimal sustainable approach is to decrease the intensity of livestock grazing. Lower grazing induces changes in vegetation structure and plant species composition that increases predation on burrowing mammals and decreases the abundance of plants preferred by burrowing mammals. Such a nature‐based grassland management system maintains the density of burrowing mammals at a low stable density while minimizing human management and interventions.
Detecting Nineteen Eighty‐Four in Italian Alternate History and Future/Past Narratives (1948–1984)
Authors: ARCIERO ANGELO
Published: May 2023

Due to its structural complexity, Nineteen Eighty‐Four poses itself as a real watershed within dystopian literature, involving a vision of history conceived as a discontinuous and non‐linear progress. By such a token – and because of its enduring ability to spread to other cultural contexts – the representation of totalitarianism in Orwell's last novel is translated into a narrative structure with implicit uchronic components, exerting its impact also in the field of alternate history. This article aims to examine the various reverberations of Nineteen Eighty‐Four, focusing on the Italian panorama and, in particular, on the unfinished novel by Corrado Alvaro (Belmoro), the uchronies of Guido Morselli (Roma senza papa and Contro‐passato prossimo), and the short story by Luigi Malerba 4891. Ranging from the 1950s to the early 1980s, Alvaro, Morselli, and Malerba's works, through the combined devices of dystopia and alternate history, offer a critical picture of the transformations of Italian society in those years.
Renewing the purpose of geography education: Eco‐anxiety, powerful knowledge, and pathways for transformation
Authors: Davidson Julie , Jones Charlotte , Johnson Malcolm , Yildiz Deniz , Prahalad Vishnu
Published: May 2023

Concerns about the decline in uptake of secondary geography education continue despite arguments supporting the value of geography education, the power of geographical thinking, and geography’s critical role in preparing students to deal with complex challenges. Already constrained by neoliberal politics of disadvantage, young people must plan and prepare for chaotic futures. Consequently, young people are becoming distressed and worried about their futures and feeling powerless as society fails to adequately address these issues. In this article, we ask what schools and universities can do as place‐based public institutions to serve young people to effectively respond to eco‐anxiety and build capacities to surf the unrelenting waves of change. We draw on journeys that brought three young doctoral candidates to study geography. From their stories, we sketch what a geographical education could offer in terms of relevance, practicality, and engagement with transformative system change. We think that under current world conditions, this is a moment to revive geography education and give it renewed purpose to encourage young people to develop skills and competences to tackle wicked problems.
Exosomes released by Brucella‐infected macrophages inhibit the intracellular survival of Brucella by promoting the polarization of M1 macrophages
Authors: Wang Yueli , Li Honghuan , Xu Zhenyu , Yi Jihai , Li Wei , Meng Chuang , Zhang Huan , Deng Xiaoyu , Ma Zhongchen , Wang Yong , Chen Chuangfu
Published: May 2023

Exosomes, membrane vesicles released extracellularly from cells, contain nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and other components, allowing the transfer of material information between cells. Recent studies reported the role of exosomes in pathogenic microbial infection and host immune mechanisms. Brucella‐invasive bodies can survive in host cells for a long time and cause chronic infection, which causes tissue damage. Whether exosomes are involved in host anti‐Brucella congenital immune responses has not been reported. Here, we extracted and identified exosomes secreted by Brucella melitensis M5 (Exo‐M5)‐infected macrophages, and performed in vivo and in vitro studies to examine the effects of exosomes carrying antigen on the polarization of macrophages and immune activation. Exo‐M5 promoted the polarization of M1 macrophages, which induced the significant secretion of M1 cytokines (tumour necrosis factor‐α and interferon‐γ) through NF‐κB signalling pathways and inhibited the secretion of M2 cytokines (IL‐10), thereby inhibiting the intracellular survival of Brucella. Exo‐M5 activated innate immunity and promoted the release of IgG2a antibodies that protected mice from Brucella infection and reduced the parasitaemia of Brucella in the spleen. Furthermore, Exo‐M5 contained Brucella antigen components, including Omp31 and OmpA. These results demonstrated that exosomes have an important role in immune responses against Brucella, which might help elucidate the mechanisms of host immunity against Brucella infection and aid the search for Brucella biomarkers and the development of new vaccine candidates.
Genesis of Fibrous Calcite in the Chang 7 Member of the Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, China
Authors: LIU Guanglin , LIU Xianyang , MA Xiaofeng , MA Shuang , WANG Xiaofeng , LI Shuo , SHI Zhiqiang , WANG Yanxin
Published: May 2023

To explore the genesis of the laminated calcite veins developed in the black shale of Chang 73 submember of the Ordos Basin, the petrology, microstructure and geochemistry of calcite veins are studied using thin sections, fluid inclusions, trace elements and isotopic geochemistry. The source, the time of formation, the mechanism of formation, and the dynamic background of the veins are discussed. The veins are mostly made up of calcite, mixed with lenticular or spindle‐shape solid wall rock inclusions. Three structures are identified in the calcite minerals: fibrous, rhombic cleavage, and wedge‐like structure. Trace elements and isotopes of carbon and oxygen confirm that the calcite veins were formed from a high density hydrothermal fluid. It is assumed that calcite veins formed prior to wall rock consolidation during the formation of the Qinling Orogenic Belt in the Middle and Late Triassic. The results show that the sedimentary sources of Chang 73 submember were influenced by hydrothermal materials besides terrigenous detritus. The fibrous calcite is different from the fibrous calcite reported in the morphology and mechanism of formation. In this way, the research complements and improves the morphology and the mechanism of formation of fibrous calcite.
All Containment and No Engagement: Australia's Contemporary Policy towards the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Authors: Butcher Jack D.
Published: May 2023

Australia's interactions with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), henceforth known as North Korea, have ebbed and flowed throughout their seventy‐five‐year history. In times of détente on the Korean Peninsula, Australia actively engaged North Korea and sought to facilitate its integration into the international system. However, during the recent détente in 2018–2019, Canberra broke with tradition and watched on as Trump, Moon, and Kim sought to negotiate a deal towards Pyongyang's denuclearisation. Why has Australia not followed its security partners and engaged, despite being an Indo‐Pacific middle power and an advocate for non‐proliferation? Answers to this question remain unknown in the international relations literature. Therefore, I conducted process tracing and identified seven “critical junctures” in Australia's relationship with North Korea while analysing its responses using middle power theory. Australia's preference for non‐engagement is due to a shift towards a “maximum pressure” policy reliant on sanctions, reducing incentives to engage. This stems from a normative objection to Pyongyang's violation of the Treaty on the Non‐Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and limited material capabilities to persuade North Korea to denuclearise unilaterally. I aim to give an up‐to‐date account of Australia‐North Korea relations and draw attention to a neglected area in Australia's non‐proliferation policy.
A Symbol of Imperial Unity? The Australian Colonies and the 1897 Imperial Conference
Authors: Little Alex , Hutchison Margaret , Mountford Benjamin
Published: May 2023

The 1897 colonial conference coincided with Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and an outpouring of late‐Victorian imperial sentiment. Against this backdrop of imperial celebration, colonial leaders met with Secretary of State for the Colonies, Joseph Chamberlain, whose own views as to the importance of imperial reform were taking shape. For the most part, while grateful for Chamberlain's interests, Australian leaders feared significant imperial reform might undermine rather than reinforce imperial unity. As a result, the conference struggled to translate pro‐imperial sentiment into tangible commitments. This article argues that the meetings between Chamberlain and colonial leaders in 1897 are worthy of examination not only because they shed light on Anglo‐Australian relations but also because they provide insight into a significant period in the history of late‐Victorian British imperialism and the development of Australian federation. Drawing on the confidential proceedings of the conference, this article offers a close reading of the key imperial issues under discussion and their resonance in contemporary Australian and imperial political discourse. Moreover, it contends that the conference debates reflected not only important issues in Anglo‐Australian affairs, but also a series of broader ambitions and limitations when it came to the campaign for imperial unity in the late‐Victorian era.
Changes in perinatal management and outcomes of extremely preterm infants born below 26 weeks of gestation in a tertiary referral hospital in Sweden: Comparison between 2004–2007 and 2012–2016
Authors: Aronsson Emma , Holzmann Malin , Bartocci Marco , Hulthén Varli Ingela , Saltvedt Sissel
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Perinatal management of extremely preterm births in Sweden has changed toward active care from 22–23 gestational weeks during the last decades. However, considerable regional differences exist. This study evaluates how one of the largest perinatal university centers has adapted to a more active care between 2004–2007 and 2012–2016 and if this has influenced infant survival.

Material and methods

In this historical cohort study, women admitted with at least one live fetus and delivered at 22–25 gestational weeks (stillbirths included) at Karolinska University Hospital Solna during April 1, 2004–March 31, 2007, and January 1, 2012–December 31, 2016, were compared regarding rates of obstetric and neonatal interventions, and infant mortality and morbidity. Maternal, pregnancy and infant data from 2004–2007 were obtained from the Extreme Preterm Infants in Sweden Study while data from 2012–2016 were extracted from medical journals and quality registers. The same definitions of interventions and diagnoses were used for both study periods.

Results

A total of 106 women with 118 infants during 2004–2007 and 213 women with 240 infants during 2012–2016 were included. Increases between the study periods were seen regarding cesarean delivery (overall rate 14% [17/118] during 2004–2007 vs. 45% [109/240] during 2012–2016), attendance of a neonatologist at birth (62% [73/118] vs. 85% [205/240]) and surfactant treatment at birth in liveborn infants (60% [45/75] vs. 74% [157/211]). Antepartum stillbirth rate decreased (13% [15/118] vs. 5% [12/240]) and the proportion of live births increased (80% [94/118] vs. 88% [211/240]) while 1‐year survival (64% [60/94] vs. 67% [142/211]) and 1‐year survival without major neonatal morbidity (21% [20/94] vs. 21% [44/211]) among liveborn infants did not change between the study periods. At 22 gestational weeks, interventions rates were still low during 2012–2016, most obvious regarding antenatal steroid treatment (23%), attendance of a neonatologist (51%), and intubation at birth (24%).

Conclusions

Both obstetric and neonatal interventions at births below 26 gestational weeks increased between 2004–2007 and 2012–2016 in this single center study; however, at 22 gestational weeks they were still at a low level during 2012–2016. Despite more infants being born alive, 1‐year survival did not increase between the study periods.
Group Variable Selection for the Cox Model with Interval-Censored Failure Time Data
Authors: Wu Yuxiang , Zhao Hui , Sun Jianguo
Published: May 2023

Group variable selection is often required in many areas, and for this many methods have been developed under various situations. Unlike the individual variable selection, the group variable selection can select the variables in groups, and it is more efficient to identify both important and unimportant variables or factors by taking into account the existing group structure. In this paper, we consider the situation where one only observes interval-censored failure time data arising from the Cox model, for which there does not seem to exist an established method. More specifically, a penalized sieve maximum likelihood variable selection and estimation procedure is proposed and the oracle property of the proposed method is established. Also, an extensive simulation study is performed and suggests that the proposed approach works well in practical situations. An application of the method to a set of real data is provided.
Interferon alpha‐2 treatment reduces circulating neutrophil extracellular trap levels in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Massarenti Laura , Knudsen Trine Alma , Enevold Christian , Skov Vibe , Kjær Lasse , Larsen Morten K. , Larsen Thomas S. , Hansen Dennis L. , Hasselbalch Hans C. , Nielsen Claus H.
Published: May 2023

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) may play a pathogenic role in the thrombosis associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). We measured serum NET levels in 128 pretreatment samples from patients with MPNs and in 85 samples taken after 12 months of treatment with interferon alpha‐2 (PEG‐IFNα‐2) formulations or hydroxyurea (HU). No differences in NET levels were observed across subdiagnoses or phenotypic driver mutations. In PV, a JAK2V617F+ allele burden ≥50% associated with increased NET levels (p = 0.006). Baseline NET levels correlated with neutrophil count (r = 0.29, p = 0.001), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (r = 0.26, p = 0.004) and JAK2V617F allele burden (r = 0.22, p = 0.03), particularly in patients with PV and with allele burden ≥50% (r = 0.50, p = 0.01, r = 0.56, p = 0.002 and r = 0.45, p = 0.03 respectively). In PV, after 12 months of treatment, NET levels decreased on average by 60% in patients with allele burden ≥50%, compared to only 36% in patients with an allele burden <50%. Overall, treatment with PEG‐IFNα‐2a or PEG‐IFNα‐2b reduced NETs levels in 77% and 73% of patients, respectively, versus only 53% of HU‐treated patients (average decrease across treatments: 48%). Normalization of blood counts did not per se account for these reductions. In conclusion, baseline NET levels correlated with neutrophil count, NLR and JAK2V617F allele burden, and IFNα was more effective at reducing prothrombotic NET levels than HU.
How do we image patients with multiple myeloma and precursor states?
Authors: Chakraborty Rajshekhar , Hillengass Jens , Lentzsch Suzanne
Published: May 2023

Advances in morphological and functional imaging have led to superior detection of early bone disease, bone marrow infiltration, paramedullary and extramedullary involvement in multiple myeloma. The two functional imaging modalities that are most widely used and standardized are 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose–Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) and whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion‐weighted imaging (WB DW‐MRI). Both prospective and retrospective studies have demonstrated that WB DW‐MRI is more sensitive than PET/CT in the detection of baseline tumour burden and to assess response after therapy. In patients with smouldering multiple myeloma, WB DW‐MRI is now the preferred imaging modality to rule out two or more unequivocal lesions which would be considered a myeloma‐defining event by the updated international myeloma working group (IMWG) criteria. In addition to sensitive detection of baseline tumour burden, both PET/CT and WB DW‐MRI have been successfully used for monitoring response to therapy and provide information that is complementary to IMWG response assessment and bone marrow minimal residual disease. In this article, we present 3 vignettes illustrating how we approach the use of modern imaging in the management of patients with multiple myeloma and precursor states, with a specific focus on recent data that have emerged since the publication of the IMWG consensus guideline on imaging. We have utilized data from prospective and retrospective studies to provide a rationale for our approach to imaging in these clinical scenarios and highlighted knowledge gaps requiring future investigation.