bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustainability assurance practices: a systematic review and future research agenda
Authors: Hazaea Saddam A. , Zhu Jinyu , Khatib Saleh F. A. , Bazhair Ayman Hassan , Elamer Ahmed A. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAlthough firms increasingly publish sustainability reports, assuring such reports is relatively new. This study reviews the literature of sustainability assurance to evaluate the intellectual development of the field and provide recommendations for future studies. It also demonstrates the role of assurance to enhance the credibility of sustainability reports and corporate reputation. This paper systematically reviews 94 papers obtained from the Scopus database between 1993 and August 2021. Our study shows that there is an increase in the number of studies published in recent years. We also found that some countries have received limited attention, such as the USA. The scant literature examining sustainability assurance in private institutions and non-profit organisations should be reinforced. Likewise, the sustainability research also provides limited evidence on the governance debate. The vast majority of research is not based on theoretical grounds. The need for assurance of sustainability reports not only enhances the reputation but also adds more value to the organisation’s planning, monitoring, and accountability. We highlight several new research suggestions that may enhance the understanding of sustainability assurance practices.
Application of Human Epineural Conduit Supported with Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Novel Therapy for Enhancement of Nerve Gap Regeneration
Authors: Siemionow Maria , Strojny Marcin Michal , Kozlowska Katarzyna , Brodowska Sonia , Grau-Kazmierczak Wiktoria , Cwykiel Joanna 
Published: November 2021

AbstractVarious therapeutic methods have been suggested to enhance nerve regeneration. In this study, we propose a novel approach for enhancement of nerve gap regeneration by applying human epineural conduit (hEC) supported with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC), as an alternative to autograft repair. Restoration of 20 mm sciatic nerve defect with hEC created from human sciatic nerve supported with hMSC was tested in 4 experimental groups (n = 6 each) in the athymic nude rat model (Crl:NIH-Foxn1rnu): 1 - No repair control, 2 - Autograft control, 3 - Matched diameter hEC filled with 1 mL saline, 4 - Matched diameter hEC supported with 3 × 106 hMSC. Assessments included: functional tests: toe-spread and pinprick, regeneration assessment by immunofluorescence staining: HLA-1, HLA-DR, NGF, GFAP, Laminin B, S-100, VEGF, vWF and PKH26 labeling; histomorphometric analysis of myelin thickness, axonal density, fiber diameter and myelinated nerve fibers percentage; Gastrocnemius Muscle Index (GMI) and muscle fiber area ratio. Best sensory and motor function recovery, as well as GMI and muscle fiber area ratio, were observed in the autograft group, and were comparable to the hEC with hMSC group (p = 0.038). Significant improvements of myelin thickness (p = 0.003), fiber diameter (p = 0.0296), and percentage of myelinated fibers (p < 0.0001) were detected in hEC group supported with hMSC compared to hEC with saline controls. At 12-weeks after nerve gap repair, hEC combined with hMSC revealed increased expression of neurotrophic and proangiogenic factors, which corresponded with improvement of function comparable with the autograft control. Application of our novel hEC supported with hMSC provides a potential alternative to the autograft nerve repair.
Graphical Abstract
Capillary electrophoresis-UV analysis using silica-layer coated capillary for separation of seven phenolic acids and caffeine and its application to tea analysis
Authors: Hemwech Pattamaporn , Obma Apinya , Detsangiamsak Sasinun , Wirasate Supa , Chaiyen Pimchai , Wilairat Prapin , Chantiwas Rattikan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis work presents an innovative silica-layer coated capillary with comparison study of the silica-layer coated capillary and the fused-silica capillary for the separation of seven phenolic acids viz. p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (PHPA),p-coumaric acid (PCA),p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), caffeic acid (CFA), (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)acetic acid (DHPA), gallic acid (GLA), and 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzoic acid (THBA), together with caffeine (CF), by capillary electro-chromatography (CEC) and micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC), respectively. The running buffer was 25.0 mM borate at pH 9.0, with addition of 50.0 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate for the MEKC mode. The non-coated capillary could not separate all seven phenolic acids by CEC or MEKC. This was achieved using the coated capillary for both CEC and MEKC. The innovative coated capillary with CEC had plate numberN ≥ 2.0 × 104 m−1and resolutionRs ≥ 1.6 for all adjacent pairs of peaks. The capillary was also able to separate GLA and THBA which are structural isomers. Although MEKC mode provided comparable efficiency and selectivity, the reduced EOF of the coated capillary led to longer separation time. The linear calibration range of the seven phenolic acids and caffeine were different but the coefficients of determinations (r2) were all > 0.9965. The precisions of the relative migration times and peak area ratios of analyte to internal standard were 0.1–1.8% and 1.8–6.8%, respectively. There were no statistical differences in the efficiency of separation of the phenolic acids and caffeine for three coated capillaries. It was applied to the analysis of caffeine and phenolic acids in brewed tea using tyramine as the internal standard. The tea samples were diluted prior to analysis by CEC. The separation was less than 15 min. Caffeine, gallic acid andp-coumaric acid were detected and quantified. Caffeine and gallic acid contents were 10.8–15.0 and 2.6–4.8 mg g−1dry tea leaves, respectively.p-Coumaric acid was detected in only one of the samples with a content of 0.4 mg g−1. Percent recoveries of spiked diluted samples were 90 ± 9 to 106 ± 13%, respectively.Article highlightsSilica-layer coated capillary is first reported for simultaneous separation of seven phenolic acids by non-MEKC analysis.Performance between coated, and non-coated capillaries with analysis by CEC and MEKC were compared.Plate number, resolution, capillary reproducibility, and electroosmotic flow mobility are investigated.Graphical abstract
Methods to optimize energy consumption in Conarc furnaces
Authors: Wanjari Aashay 
Published: November 2021

AbstractOver the past few decades, steelmaking has reached its zenith in terms of annual productivity, and relevant processes have been developed over time to produce steel with maximum efficiency in a shorter time. One of the prominent steelmaking practices used extensively in contemporary industries is the Conarc Steelmaking Practice, which involves the use of electrical and chemical Energy to carry out melting and decarburization in respective shells. This article reviews the factors that affect the energy consumption in Conarc furnaces and provides insight into the technologies developed to alleviate energy consumption and make the steelmaking process optimal in terms of energy consumption and requirement. This article also accentuates relevant systems and melting practices for the raw materials, which can be utilized in the Conarc Steelmaking practice to make the entire process less energy-intensive. Oxygen-enhanced combustion and thermophotovoltaic systems can alleviate energy consumption substantially while maintaining steel quality at the same time, as discussed in the paper. Additionally, some mathematical models have been discussed that facilitate in formulating an energy optimal and financial steelmaking process.
Experimental study of anisotropic constitutive behavior of β-HMX crystals via nanoindentation and small-scale dynamic impact
Authors: Olokun Ayotomi , Dillard Tyler , Dhiman Abhijeet , Tomar Vikas 
Published: November 2021

AbstractFor energetic crystals such as HMX, the sensitivity of the material to shock, the possibility of initiation, and the subsequent reaction is known to be controlled by processes occurring at the crystal level. The anisotropic nature of β-HMX can be critical in determining the performance of HMX based polymer bonded explosives, which are widely used across multiple industries as propellant or explosives. In this work, we experimentally obtain constitutive parameters for characterizing the response of multiple crystalline planes of β-HMX crystals to external loading. Nanoindentation and small-scale dynamic impact experiments were performed on multiple planes of β-HMX crystals to comparatively measure the indentation moduli in multiple orientation directions. Anisotropic material behavior, involving constitutive elastic and non-elastic parameters, was measured and studied. Findings regarding material properties for the (100), (010), (001), {110}, and {011} planes of β-HMX are presented and compared with literature data.
Circular cities: an evidence map of research between 2010 and 2020
Authors: Vanhuyse Fedra , Haddaway Neal R. , Henrysson Maryna 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWorldwide, cities are implementing circular economy (CE) strategies to reduce the resources they consume and their environmental impact. To understand the CE strategies and sectors cities have been focusing on, we have conducted an evidence map describing the literature published in the last ten years. The main outputs are a searchable database comprising 178 publications showing which cities have been discussed, what CE strategy they are focusing on, and the sectors under review. The results show that most research has focused on European countries. Those efforts mainly concentrate on waste and wastewater management, and recycling and recovery strategies are considered the “lower-level” strategies in the CE taxonomy. It highlights the potential for further research in other cities and regions, looking across sectors and analyzing strategies that tackle the “higher-level” CE strategies. Higher-level strategies include reducing, repurposing, remanufacturing and reusing opportunities to achieve the potential attributed to a CE model by governments across the world.
A New Kind of Vanguard: Cuban−North Korean Discourse on Revolutionary Strategy for the Global South in the 1960s
Authors: Taylor Moe 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDuring the 1960s, the Cuban government attempted to play a leadership role within the Latin American Left. In the process Cuban leaders departed from Marxist−Leninist orthodoxy, garnering harsh criticism from their Soviet and Chinese allies. Yet Cuba found a steadfast supporter of its controversial positions in North Korea. This support can in large part be explained by the parallels between Cuban and North Korean ideas about revolution in the developing nations of the Global South. Most significantly, both parties embraced a radical reconceptualisation of the role of the Marxist−Leninist vanguard party. This new doctrine appealed primarily to younger Latin American militants frustrated with the established leftist parties and party politics in general. The Cuban/North Korean theory of the party had a tangible influence in Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Mexico, Bolivia and Nicaragua, as revolutionary groups in these societies took up arms in the 1960s and 1970s.
White matter, cognition and psychotic-like experiences in UK Biobank
Authors: Bosma M. J. , Cox S. R. , Ziermans T. , Buchanan C. R. , Shen X. , Tucker-Drob E. M. , Adams M. J. , Whalley H. C. , Lawrie S. M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundPsychotic-like experiences (PLEs) are risk factors for the development of psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia, particularly if associated with distress. As PLEs have been related to alterations in both white matter and cognition, we investigated whether cognition (g-factor and processing speed) mediates the relationship between white matter and PLEs.MethodsWe investigated two independent samples (6170 and 19 891) from the UK Biobank, through path analysis. For both samples, measures of whole-brain fractional anisotropy (gFA) and mean diffusivity (gMD), as indications of white matter microstructure, were derived from probabilistic tractography. For the smaller sample, variables whole-brain white matter network efficiency and microstructure were also derived from structural connectome data.ResultsThe mediation of cognition on the relationships between white matter properties and PLEs was non-significant. However, lower gFA was associated with having PLEs in combination with distress in the full available sample (standardizedβ= −0.053,p= 0.011). Additionally, lower gFA/higher gMD was associated with lower g-factor (standardizedβ= 0.049,p< 0.001; standardizedβ= −0.027,p= 0.003), and partially mediated by processing speed with a proportion mediated of 7% (p= < 0.001) for gFA and 11% (p< 0.001) for gMD.ConclusionsWe show that lower global white matter microstructure is associated with having PLEs in combination with distress, which suggests a direction of future research that could help clarify how and why individuals progress from subclinical to clinical psychotic symptoms. Furthermore, we replicated that processing speed mediates the relationship between white matter microstructure and g-factor.
Testing the consequences of alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use on hippocampal volume: a quasi-experimental cotwin control analysis of young adult twins
Authors: Harper Jeremy , Wilson Sylia , Bair Jessica L. , Hunt Ruskin H. , Thomas Kathleen M. , Malone Stephen M. , Iacono William G. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundAlcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use are highly comorbid and alarmingly prevalent in young adults. The hippocampus may be particularly sensitive to substance exposure. This remains largely untested in humans and familial risk may confound exposure effects. We extend prior work on alcohol and hippocampal volume in women by testing common and unique substance use effects and the potential moderating role of sex on hippocampal volume during emerging adulthood. A quasi-experimental cotwin control (CTC) design was used to separate familial risk from exposure consequences.MethodsIn a population-based sample of 435 24-year-old same-sex twins (58% women), dimensional measures (e.g. frequency, amount) of alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use across emerging adulthood were assessed. Hippocampal volume was assessed using MRI.ResultsGreater substance use was significantly associated with lower hippocampal volume for women but not men. The same pattern was observed for alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine. CTC analyses provided evidence that hippocampal effects likely reflected familial risk and the consequence of substance use in general and alcohol and nicotine in particular; cannabis effects were in the expected direction but not significant. Within-pair mediation analyses suggested that the effect of alcohol use on the hippocampus may reflect, in part, comorbid nicotine use.ConclusionsThe observed hippocampal volume deviations in women likely reflected substance-related premorbid familial risk and the consequences of smoking and, to a lesser degree, drinking. Findings contribute to a growing body of work suggesting heightened risk among women toward experiencing deleterious effects of substance exposure on the still-developing young adult hippocampus.
Translanguaging in education
Authors: Bonacina-Pugh Florence , da Costa Cabral Ildegrada , Huang Jing 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis state-of-the-art review focuses on translanguaging in education. In recent years, scholars have engaged in the conceptualisation of ‘translanguaging’ (e.g. García, 2009; García & Wei, 2014a; Wei, 2018) as well as in conducting a vast and ever-increasing number of empirical studies, in educational contexts in particular. This article aims to take stock of the different ways in which ‘translanguaging’ has been conceptualised and of the ways in which it has been interpreted and applied in the study of multilingualism in diverse educational contexts across the globe. Our review exercise shows that ‘translanguaging’ has been conceptualised within two different approaches, which we propose to call the ‘fixed language approach’ and the ‘fluid languaging approach’. It further shows how ‘translanguaging’ has been studied within these two approaches in different educational contexts. We finish our review by calling for new methodologies adapted to a linguistics of fluidity and by considering critically translanguaging as a scholarly phenomenon.
Reflections on a Career in Marine Geoscience
Authors: Watts A. B. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractI began my career in the late 1960s at a time when some major oceanographic institutions were running upwards of 30 cruises a year. By the early 1980s, changes in funding patterns, satellite remote sensing, and “law of the sea” had started to impact ocean exploration. Nevertheless, technological advances, especially in sonar and seismic systems, have led to new discoveries on seafloor processes and underlying structures. Today, marine geoscience plays a pivotal role in Earth system science through projects such as Seabed 2030, International Ocean Drilling (IODP), and seismic imaging of mantle lithosphere, each of which pose opportunities and new challenges for the next generation.
Changes in Pore Geometry and Connectivity in the Basalt Pore Network Adjacent to Fractures in Response to CO2‐Saturated Fluid
Authors: Phukan Meghalim , Jyoti Apoorv , Black Jay R. , Haese Ralf R. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPores connected to fractures provide an increased surface area for fluid‐rock interactions when reactive fluids, such as CO2‐saturated water, flow within fractures. Diffusion‐controlled transport of ions including dissolved CO2, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, and Si within the connected pore network can lead to local mineral undersaturation or supersaturation and respective local dissolution or precipitation of secondary minerals. In this study, a diffusion‐controlled experiment was conducted on a fractured basalt under subsurface conditions (60°C and 80 bars) to investigate the changes in the pore volume, the connectivity within the pore network, the pore and throat size distribution and to quantify the volume of dissolved and precipitated mineral phases. CO2‐saturated water with a supply of ions from the dissolution of basalt powder was reacted with an artificially fractured basalt sample over 12 weeks. The net pore volume of the sample decreased by 158 mm3, equivalent to 7.7% of the initial pore volume (2,041 mm3). The number of pores decreased considerably (15%) while the decline in the number of throats was small (4%) suggesting precipitation primarily occurred in pores. The number of isolated pores declined, which is attributed to mineral dissolution leading to greater connectivity within the pore network. Overall, the results provide insights into the early phase of reactive fluid flow in fractured basalt eventually leading to self‐sealing of fractures and the adjacent pore network.
TMEM116 is required for lung cancer cell motility and metastasis through PDK1 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Suhong , Dai Haiting , Li Wenya , Wang Runming , Wu Hanyu , Shen Ming , Hu Ye , Xie Lixin , Xing Yiming 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTransmembrane protein (TMEM) is a family of protein that spans cytoplasmic membranes and allows cell–cell and cell–environment communication. Dysregulation of TMEMs has been observed in multiple cancers. However, little is known about TMEM116 in cancer development. In this study, we demonstrate that TMEM116 is highly expressed in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and cell lines. Inactivation of TMEM116 reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness of human cancer cells and suppressed A549 induced tumor metastasis in mouse lungs. In addition, TMEM116 deficiency inhibited PDK1-AKT-FOXO3A signaling pathway, resulting in accumulation of TAp63, while activation of PDK1 largely reversed the TMEM116 deficiency induced defects in cancer cell motility, migration and invasive. Together, these results demonstrate that TMEM116 is a critical integrator of oncogenic signaling in cancer metastasis.
P2X7 promotes metastatic spreading and triggers release of miRNA-containing exosomes and microvesicles from melanoma cells
Authors: Pegoraro Anna , De Marchi Elena , Ferracin Manuela , Orioli Elisa , Zanoni Michele , Bassi Cristian , Tesei Anna , Capece Marina , Dika Emi , Negrini Massimo , Di Virgilio Francesco , Adinolfi Elena 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTumor growth and metastatic spreading are heavily affected by the P2X7 receptor as well as microvesicles and exosomes release into the tumor microenvironment. P2X7 receptor stimulation is known to trigger vesicular release from immune and central nervous system cells. However, P2X7 role in microvesicles and exosomes delivery from tumor cells was never analyzed in depth. Here we show that P2X7 is overexpressed in patients affected by metastatic malignant melanoma and that its expression closely correlates with reduced overall survival. Antagonism of melanoma cell-expressed P2X7 receptor inhibited in vitro anchorage-independent growth and migration and in vivo dissemination and lung metastasis formation. P2X7 stimulation triggered the release of miRNA-containing microvesicles and exosomes from melanoma cells, profoundly altering the nature of their miRNA content, as well as their dimensions and quantity. Among the more than 200 miRNAs that we found up-or-down-modulated for each vesicular fraction tested, we identified three miRNAs, miR-495-3p, miR-376c-3p, and miR-6730-3p, that were enriched in both the exosome and microvesicle fraction in a P2X7-dependent fashion. Interestingly, upon transfection, these miRNAs promoted melanoma cell growth or migration, and their vesicular release was minimized by P2X7 antagonism. Our data unveil an exosome/microvesicle and miRNA-dependent mechanism for the pro-metastatic activity of the P2X7 receptor and highlight this receptor as a suitable prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in malignant melanoma.
Disulfide-compatible phage-assisted continuous evolution in the periplasmic space
Authors: Morrison Mary S. , Wang Tina , Raguram Aditya , Hemez Colin , Liu David R. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe directed evolution of antibodies has yielded important research tools and human therapeutics. The dependence of many antibodies on disulfide bonds for stability has limited the application of continuous evolution technologies to antibodies and other disulfide-containing proteins. Here we describe periplasmic phage-assisted continuous evolution (pPACE), a system for continuous evolution of protein-protein interactions in the disulfide-compatible environment of the E. coli periplasm. We first apply pPACE to rapidly evolve novel noncovalent and covalent interactions between subunits of homodimeric YibK protein and to correct a binding-defective mutant of the anti-GCN4 Ω-graft antibody. We develop an intein-mediated system to select for soluble periplasmic expression in pPACE, leading to an eight-fold increase in soluble expression of the Ω-graft antibody. Finally, we evolve disulfide-containing trastuzumab antibody variants with improved binding to a Her2-like peptide and improved soluble expression. Together, these results demonstrate that pPACE can rapidly optimize proteins containing disulfide bonds, broadening the applicability of continuous evolution.