bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are firms withdrawing from basic research? An analysis of firm-level publication behaviour in Germany
Authors: Krieger Bastian , Pellens Maikel , Blind Knut , Gruber Sonia , Schubert Torben 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPrevious research has expressed concerns about firms engaging less in basic research. We contribute to this debate by studying trends in the scientific publishing activities of firms located in Germany. Our results indicate that the firms’ aggregate volume of scientific publications stayed constant between 2008 and 2016. However, the number and share of publishing firms declined, and publication activities became more concentrated among publishing firms. Beyond that, we observe positive trends in publishing in basic research journals compared to journals focused on applied research, and publishing in collaboration with academic partners compared to publishing alone. Thus, our results paint an ambiguous picture. While they do not confirm a decrease in firms’ basic research engagement in the aggregate, the figures document a concentration of publishing activities on fewer firms. We argue that this concentration of basic research activities in firms may pose a threat to the longer-term innovativeness of the German economy.
Impact and visibility of Norwegian, Finnish and Spanish journals in the fields of humanities
Authors: Sanz-Casado Elías , De Filippo Daniela , Benavent Rafael Aleixandre , Røeggen Vidar , Pölönen Janne 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis article analyses the impact and visibility of scholarly journals in the humanities that are publishing in the national languages in Finland, Norway and Spain. Three types of publishers are considered: commercial publishers, scholarly society as publisher, and research organizations as publishers. Indicators of visibility and impact were obtained from Web of Science, SCOPUS, Google Metrics, Scimago Journal Rank and Journal Citation Report. The findings compiled show that in Spain the categories “History and Archaeology” and “Language and Literature” account for almost 70% of the journals analysed, while the other countries offer a more homogeneous distribution. In Finland, the scholarly society publisher is predominant, in Spain, research organization as publishers, mostly universities, have a greater weighting, while in Norway, the commercial publishers take centre stage. The results show that journals from Finland and Norway will have reduced possibilities in terms of impact and visibility, since the vernacular language appeals to a smaller readership. Conversely, the Spanish journals are more attractive for indexing in commercial databases. Distribution in open access ranges from 64 to 70% in Norwegian and Finish journals, and to 91% in Spanish journals. The existence of DOI range from 31 to 41% in Nordic journals to 60% in Spanish journals and has a more widespread bearing on the citations received in all three countries (journals with DOI and open access are cited more frequently).
Living with Reduced Income: An Analysis of Household Financial Vulnerability Under COVID-19
Authors: Midões Catarina , Seré Mateo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe COVID-19 crisis has led to substantial reductions in earnings. We propose a new measure of financial vulnerability, computable through survey data, to determine whether households can withstand a certain income shock for a defined period of time. Using data from the ECB Household Finance and Consumption Survey (HFCS) we analyse financial vulnerability in seven EU countries. We find that, out of the 243 million individuals considered, 47 million are vulnerable to a three month long income shock (the average length of the first wave COVID-19 lockdown), i.e., they cannot afford food and housing expenses for three months without privately earned income. Differences across countries are stark. Individuals born outside the EU are especially likely to be vulnerable. Being younger, a single parent, and a woman are also statistically significant risk factors. Through a tax-benefit microsimulation exercise, we look into the COVID-19 employment protection benefits, the largest income support measure in the countries considered. Considering as our sample individuals in households where someone receives a salary, we derive household net income when employees are laid-off and awarded the COVID-19 employment protection benefits enacted. Our findings suggest that the employment protection schemes are extremely effective in reducing the number of vulnerable individuals. The relative importance of rent and mortgage suspensions, (likewise, widespread COVID-19 policies), in alleviating vulnerability, is highly country dependent.
Implications of environmental toxicants on ovarian follicles: how it can adversely affect the female fertility?
Authors: Priya Keerthi , Setty Manjunath , Babu Uddagiri Venkanna , Pai Karkala Sreedhara Ranganath 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe pool of primordial follicles formed in the ovaries during early development determines the span and quality of fertility in the reproductive life of a woman. As exposure to occupational and environmental toxicants (ETs) has become inevitable, consequences on female fertility need to be established. This review focuses on the ETs, especially well-studied prototypes of the classes endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), heavy metals, agrochemicals, cigarette smoke, certain chemicals used in plastic, cosmetic and sanitary product industries etc that adversely affect the female fertility. Many in vitro, in vivo and epidemiological studies have indicated that these ETs have the potential to affect folliculogenesis and cause reduced fertility in women. Here, we emphasize on four main conditions: polycystic ovary syndrome, primary ovarian insufficiency, multioocytic follicles and meiotic defects including aneuploidies which can be precipitated by ETs. These are considered main causes for reduced female fertility by directly altering the follicular recruitment, development and oocytic meiosis. Although substantial experimental evidence is drawn with respect to the detrimental effects, it is clear that establishing the role of one ET as a risk factor in a single condition is difficult as multiple conditions have common risk factors. Therefore, it is important to consider this as a matter of public and wildlife health.
Loss and Assimilation: Lived Experiences of Brexit for British Citizens Living in Luxembourg
Authors: Knight Stephanie , Fido Dean , Lennon Henry , Harper Craig A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractInconsistent political realities are associated with mental health issues such as hopelessness, anxiety, and depression. The psychological impact of Brexit is clearly an important and timely issue, but hitherto has been understudied. This study uses a critical realist approach to qualitatively explore the lived experiences of British citizens living in Luxembourg during the Brexit era. The study reports on semi-structured interviews conducted with 6 British citizens aged 18–65. An experientially focused thematic analysis was conducted, exploring two main themes: Loss (with psychological and broader social implications) and Integration (contrasting the mover’s community with the receiving community). This study demonstrates the psychological impact of Brexit and highlights the urgency for future researchers and mental health practitioners alike — both in the UK and overseas — to consider the human consequences associated with political upheaval. Open access materials for this project can be viewed here: https://osf.io/38rg7/?view_only=b8c04dfc3fe5474f9aff4897e370b3e6.
Validation of the Spanish Version of Fear of COVID-19 Scale: its Association with Acute Stress and Coping
Authors: Piqueras J. A. , Gomez-Gomez M. , Marzo J. C. , Gomez-Mir P. , Falco R. , Valenzuela B. ,   PSICORECUR-SOS COVID-19 study group, Falcó Raquel , Lopez-Nuñez Alfonso , Martínez-González Agustín E. , Marzo Juan Carlos , Mateu Ornela , Moreno-Amador Beatriz 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe COVID-19 is a “unique” stressor, which can produce physical and psychological trauma. Coping styles can buffer this psychological impact. Consequently, this paper aims to psychometrically adapt the Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S) to Spanish and examines the relationships between FCV-19S, stress response, and coping strategies. The sample comprised a convenience sample of 1146 participants (12–83 years), 880 from Spain (76.8%), and 266 from Dominican Republic (23.2%). Overall, the findings support a one-factor structure for FCV-19S, consisting of 7-items, and was invariant across age, sex, occupational status, and cross-national. Therefore, indicating evidences of construct validity. Evidences of reliability were also observed (Cronbach’s α = .86, McDonald’s ω = .86, Guttmann’s λ6 = .86, greatest lower bound = .91, composite reliability = .85, and average variance extracted = .44). Moreover, as regards criterion-related validity, the mediation analysis indicated that the relationship between FCV-19S and acute stress was positive and high, with maladaptive coping styles mediating the relationship, and with a stronger mediation for men. The findings give evidences of the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of FCV-19S among Spanish-speaker participants, which provides the chance of cross-cultural studies.
Shoulderless Friction Stir Welding: a low-force solid state keyhole joining technique for deep welding of labile structures
Authors: Hossfeld Max 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis paper reports on the possibility of performing Friction Stir Welding (FSW) without the usual immanent shoulder to enable FS processing to deep welding of narrow and labile structures and applications where backing is not possible. Requirements and prerequisites, advantages and limitations for Shoulderless Friction Stir Welding (SLFSW) are discussed and an industrial application of the joining technology is presented. For leaving the shoulder out, its central functions in FSW have to be transferred to the pin. The resulting tool design of SLFSW is comparably small and slim and so reduces contact area and effective lever and in turn forces and heat input during processing. SLFSW allows welding paths almost at the edge of components and enables a complete and gap-free joining while a deformation of overhanging structures can be avoided. Compared to standard FSW processes, force reductions of about 80–85 % and power reductions of about 75–80 % were found in this study for a 6.5 mm deep weld opening up additional potential for integration with other spindle processes like milling. The locally very limited process impact of SLFSW resulted in comparably low distortion with a part precision reached of +/− 0.05 mm.
Function of Oncogene Mycn in Adult Neurogenesis and Oligodendrogenesis
Authors: Chen Jiao , Guan Zhonghui 
Published: October 2021

AbstractHuman MYCN is an oncogene amplified in neuroblastoma and many other tumors. Both human MYCN and mouse Mycn genes are important in embryonic brain development, but their functions in adult healthy nerve system are completely unknown. Here, with Mycn-eGFP mice and quantitative RT-PCR, we found that Mycn was expressed in specific brain regions of young adult mice, including subventricular zone (SVZ), subgranular zone (SGZ), olfactory bulb (OB), subcallosal zone (SCZ), and corpus callosum (CC). With immunohistochemistry (IHC), we found that many Mycn-expressing cells expressed neuroblast marker doublecortin (DCX) and proliferation marker Ki67. With Dcx-creER and Mki67-creER mouse lines, we fate mapped Dcx-expressing neuroblasts and Mki67-expressing proliferation cells, along with deleting Mycn from these cells in adult mice. We found that knocking out Mycn from adult neuroblasts or proliferating cells significantly reduced cells in proliferation in SVZ, SGZ, OB, SCZ, and CC. We also demonstrated that the Mycn-deficient neuroblasts in SGZ matured quicker than wild-type neuroblasts, and that Mycn-deficient proliferating cells were more likely to survive in SVZ, SGZ, OB, SCZ, and CC compared to wild type. Thus, our results demonstrate that, in addition to causing tumors in the nervous system, oncogene Mycn has a crucial function in neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis in adult healthy brain.
Social dominance orientation predicts civil and military intelligence analysts’ utilitarian responses to ethics-of-intelligence dilemmas
Authors: Margoni Francesco , Pili Giangiuseppe 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWhat is the real ethical framework of an intelligence analyst? We addressed this question by presenting a group of civil and military intelligence analysts (N = 41), and a control group of non-professionals (N = 41), with a set of dilemmas depicting intelligence agents facing the decision whether to violate a deontological rule where that would benefit their work (ethics-of-intelligence dilemmas). Participants judged how much violating the rule was acceptable. Next, we measured participants’ individual differences in social dominance orientation (using the Social Dominance Orientation scale which measures the proclivity to endorse intergroup hierarchy and anti-egalitarianism), their deontological and utilitarian response tendencies (using classical moral dilemmas), and how much they value rule conformity, traditions, and safety and stability in the society (using the Value Survey). A multiple regression analysis revealed that, among all the factors, only social dominance significantly helped explain variability in intelligence analysts’ but not non-professionals’ resolutions of the ethics-of-intelligence dilemmas. Specifically, social dominance positively predicted the tendency to judge violating the deontological rule acceptable, possibly suggesting that analysts who show a stronger proclivity to desire their country or company to prevail over others are also more lenient toward deontological violations if these result in a greater good for the state or the company. For the first time in the open literature, we elucidated some key aspects of the real ethics of intelligence.
ASCO 2021–Gastroesophageal tumor highlights
Authors: Ilhan-Mutlu Aysegül 
Published: October 2021

SummaryThe oncological community witnessed several practice-changing clinical reports in this years’ annual congress of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Many immunotherapeutic agents were shown to be beneficial for upper gastrointestinal tumors. For advanced squamous cell carcinoma, immunotherapy and chemotherapy combinations revealed by the CheckMate 648 and ESCORT-1st trials have been implemented into the clinical practice. The updates on the CheckMate 649 and CheckMate 577 trials again underlined the significant clinical contribution of nivolumab in advanced and localized gastroesophageal cancer, respectively. However, this effect seems to be dependent to PD-L1 expression. Not only immunotherapy trials, but also targeted therapy studies such as the FIGHT trial investigating the anti-FGFR2b monoclonal antibody bemarituzumab attracted huge interest, not only due to extension of survival in experimental group, but also due to the innovative design of this trial. This review summarizes the highlights regarding gastroesophageal tumors at the ASCO 2021 congress.
Die Endozytose — ein zellulärer Aufnahmeweg mit vielfältigen Funktionen
Authors: Maritzen Tanja 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe plasma membrane harbors a specific set of transmembrane proteins which enable diverse cellular functions such as nutrient uptake, ion homeostasis and cellular signaling. The surface levels of these proteins need to be dynamically regulated to allow for plastic changes in cellular behaviour e. g. upon cell stress or during neuronal communication. Endocytosis is a powerful mechanism for quickly adapting the surface proteome via protein internalization. Here, I discuss how endocytosis contributes to brain function and counteracts cell stress.
„Schiffe Versenken“: Optimierung einer hochaktiven Saccharose-Isomerase
Authors: Pilak Patrick , Skerra Arne 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe sucrose isomerase SmuA from Serratia plymuthica catalyses the production of isomaltulose, an artificial sweetener used in the food industry. To suppress the formation of the hygroscopic by-product trehalulose we applied a semirational protein engineering strategy inspired by the “battleship” board game. After seven cycles of introducing amino acid exchanges around the active site and investigating their influence on the enzymatic product profile we obtained a triple mutant that showed 2.3 times less trehalulose formation but had retained high catalytic efficiency.
Erythropoietin Abrogates Post-Ischemic Activation of the NLRP3, NLRC4, and AIM2 Inflammasomes in Microglia/Macrophages in a TAK1-Dependent Manner
Authors: Heinisch Ole , Zeyen Thomas , Goldmann Tobias , Prinz Marco , Huber Michael , Jung Jennifer , Arik Eren , Habib Shahin , Slowik Alexander , Reich Arno , Schulz Jörg B. , Habib Pardes 
Published: October 2021

AbstractInflammasomes are known to contribute to brain damage after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). TAK1 is predominantly expressed in microglial cells and can regulate the NLRP3 inflammasome, but its impact on other inflammasomes including NLRC4 and AIM2 after AIS remains elusive. EPO has been shown to reduce NLRP3 protein levels in different disease models. Whether EPO-mediated neuroprotection after AIS is conveyed via an EPO/TAK1/inflammasome axis in microglia remains to be clarified. Subjecting mice deficient for TAK1 in microglia/macrophages (Mi/MΦ) to AIS revealed a significant reduction in infarct sizes and neurological impairments compared to the corresponding controls. Post-ischemic increased activation of TAK1, NLRP3, NLRC4, and AIM2 inflammasomes including their associated downstream cascades were markedly reduced upon deletion of Mi/MΦ TAK1. EPO administration improved clinical outcomes and dampened stroke-induced activation of TAK1 and inflammasome cascades, which was not evident after the deletion of Mi/MΦ TAK1. Pharmacological inhibition of NLRP3 in microglial BV-2 cells did not influence post-OGD IL-1β levels, but increased NLRC4 and AIM2 protein levels, suggesting compensatory activities among inflammasomes. Overall, we provide evidence that Mi/MΦ TAK1 regulates the expression and activation of the NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2 inflammasomes. Furthermore, EPO mitigated stroke-induced activation of TAK1 and inflammasomes, indicating that EPO conveyed neuroprotection might be mediated via an EPO/TAK1/inflammasome axis.
Graphical Abstract
Morphological and molecular variability of Peridinium volzii Lemmerm. (Peridiniaceae, Dinophyceae) and its relevance for infraspecific taxonomy
Authors: Holzer Victoria J. C. , Kretschmann Juliane , Knechtel Johanna , Owsianny Paweł M. , Gottschling Marc 
Published: October 2021

AbstractContemporary delimitation of species and populations in the microbial domain relies on an integrative approach combining molecular and morphological techniques. In case of the dinophytePeridinium volzii, a considerable number of infraspecific taxonomic entities have been reported, but it is unclear at present whether the corresponding traits are stable within reproductively isolated units or refer to intraspecific variability. We established 26 monoclonal strains from Central Europe with a morphology that is consistent forP. volziiand characterised them by sequences gained from the rRNA operon. Ten of such strains, representative for the entire diversity observed, were investigated in detail morphologically using light and electron microscopy. In the molecular tree,P. volziiwas monophyletic, sister group ofPeridinium willei, and three ITS ribotypes could be distinguished. Some traits corresponding to previously described varieties and forms were found in individual cells across the strains under investigation, but not as stable characters correlating to certain ribotypes. We also observed new morphological variability (e.g., unusual shape of plate 4″). Cell size and displacement of the cingulum were significantly different between certain ribotypes but in turn, such diagnostic traits are impossible to assign to already described taxa due to their ambiguity. Based on the small first apical plate as diagnostic trait and putative apomorphy,P. volziiis a characteristic species but the present data given, we are reserved to accept more than a single reproductive unit. Thus, more research is necessary, including a focus on species delimitation to putative close relatives such asPeridinium maeandricum.
Sonographic Estimation of the Fetal Head Circumference: Accuracy and Factors Affecting the Error
Authors: Poojari Vidyashree Ganesh , Jose Aiswarya , Pai Muralidhar V. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Sonographic measurement of fetal head circumference (HC) is an essential parameter for the estimation of fetal weight as well as in cases with abnormal fetal head size. Since there is a lack of data, the present study was to assess the accuracy of ultrasonographic estimation of fetal HC and to identify factors that affect the accuracy of fetal HC estimation.

Material and Methods
A prospective cohort observational study was conducted for a year. Sonographic fetal biometry including HC was performed, and fetal HC was measured postnatally. Measures of accuracy and various factors which affect the accuracy are analyzed.

Results
Ultrasonographic HC underestimated actual postnatal HC in 87.5% and overestimated actual HC in 12.5%. Sonographic underestimation of HC persisted throughout gestation and became more pronounced as gestational age increased. Error in HC was statistically significant in those with low liquor and anterior placenta and in those who had instrumental delivery. Parity, fetal presentation, and maternal diabetes did not affect the error in ultrasonographic measurement of head circumference. When the HC was beyond 95th centile on ultrasound, the error detected postnatally was significant (− 14 mm vs. − 8 mm), though not statistically significant (p value 0.82). The difference between the sonographic and postnatal HC was also related to the mode of delivery with the highest error seen in those who had instrumental vaginal delivery (p value 0.031).

Conclusion
The ultrasound estimation of fetal HC is associated with significant underestimation of the actual HC measured postnatally. The error in measuring fetal HC increased in those with advanced gestational age, low liquor, and anterior location of the placenta and in those who had instrumental vaginal delivery. The measurement error may have important implications in specific clinical scenarios like monitoring pregnancy with fetal growth restriction, suspected fetal head growth abnormalities, and labor outcome.