bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer – the case of monetary policy and financial imbalances
Authors: Iwanicz-Drozdowska Małgorzata , Kurowski Łukasz 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The global financial crisis (GFC) has shown that monetary policy focused on a stable price level may negatively affect the stability of the financial system. Therefore, achieving price and financial stability using interest rates as the main tool is difficult. In this paper, we analyse how often monetary policy strengthened imbalances in the financial system in 20 countries from 1999Q1 to 2020Q2. To this end, we compare monetary policy stance with a novel financial imbalance index (FII). We find that monetary policy is material in aggravating financial imbalances mostly in Eurozone countries. We attribute this finding to the ECB’s “too loose, too long” monetary policy and to difficulties with applying single monetary policies in countries with different economic conditions and in different phases of credit and financial cycles. Our results point to a need for a proactive macroprudential policy in the environment of low interest rates.
The ethics of news media reporting on coronavirus humor
Authors: Miczo Nathan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis essay explores the news media’s portrayal of humor during the early phase of COVID-19-related lockdowns. Examining a collection of online news articles reveals the media tended to frame the issue as an ethical one (e.g., “is it okay to laugh at the coronavirus?”). After reviewing work on humor ethics, a qualitative content analysis of 20 news media articles is presented. Three issues from the news stories are identified, allowing comparison of the media’s claims against the ethical principles articulated. The essay concludes with a consideration of how news media’s coverage of humor fits within a broader pandemic narrative.
Advanced learners’ responses to Chinese greetings in study abroad
Authors: Ying Jieqiong , Ren Wei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis study explored the pragmatic strategies that advanced L2 learners of Chinese produced in greeting responses (GRs). Data were collected through roleplays and retrospective verbal reports (RVRs) from 11 advanced learners of Chinese who were studying in China. To obtain comparison data, 20 Chinese students were recruited to complete the same roleplays. The GRs were coded into openings, head acts and closings, and classified into ten strategies: phatic phrases, address terms, corresponding answers, reciprocal compliments, disagreeing, seeking confirmation, thanking, reciprocity questions, introducing another topic and reasons. The findings revealed that compared with Chinese native speakers (NSs), advanced learners produced non-target-like GRs, although their GRs were acceptable based on two NSs’ evaluation. The RVR data indicated that the learners’ non-target-like GRs might result from their idiosyncratic perceptions of Chinese greetings, pragmatic knowledge deficits, effects of instruction and learner agency. Implications for future research and teaching Chinese pragmatics are also discussed.
Association of microsomal epoxide hydrolase gene (fast genotype) with lung functions impairment in wood workers
Authors: Taha Mona M. , Saad-Hussein Amal , Mahdy-Abdallah Heba 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Exposure to wood dust may lead to impairment of the lung functions. Microsomal epoxide hydrolase enzyme (EPHX1) was shown to take part in protection against oxidative stress. An alteration in enzyme activity might be associated with its gene polymorphisms. In vitro polymorphisms in exons 3 (His113Tyr) and 4 (Arg139His) lead to reduced activity (slow allele) and increased activity (fast allele). Macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2) is produced in rat lung epithelial cells after exposure to fine particles. We aimed to investigate the associations between mEPHX1 polymorphisms (in exon 3 and 4) and lung function in furniture workers and assessment of MIP-2 effect.

Methods
Our study was performed on 70 wood dust exposed male workers and 70 matched normal controls subjects. Ventilatory function tests were measured by spirometer, MIP-2 was performed by ELISA methods and EPHX gene was done by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods for each participant.

Results
Significant reduction in forced vital capacity (FVC%) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) levels in Tyr–Tyr and Tyr–Hist genotypes of EPHX (exon 3) was observed. Reduced peak expiratory flow (PEF) levels and significant rise in MIP-2 levels were detected in Tyr–Tyr genotype. While high significant reduction in FVC% and FEV1 levels were shown in different genotypes in exon 4. Significant rise was observed in MIP-2 levels in Hist–Hist genotype of exon 4. An increase in duration of exposure showed positive correlation with fall in ventilatory functions.

Conclusions
It was concluded that in Hist139Arg of EPHX gene, fast genotype (Arg–Arg) was associated with impaired ventilatory functions.
Efficacy of Khār-i-khasak (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) in prehypertension: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Siddiqui Mansoor Ahmad , Itrat Malik , Mobeen Abdul , Khan Md Imran 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Prehypertension is a state of above-normal blood pressure that does not meet the criteria for the diagnosis of hypertension and its prevalence estimated in population-based samples ranges from 22 to 52%. It conveys potentially many deleterious consequences such as high risk of progression to hypertension and cardiovascular disease later in life.

Objectives
The present study was conducted to evaluate the blood pressure-lowering effect of Khār-i-khasak (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) in prehypertensive individuals.

Methods
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial was conducted at the National Institute of Unani Medicine, Hospital, Bengaluru, after approval by the Institutional Ethics Committee. Prehypertensive individuals over 18 years of age were enrolled after obtaining their written informed consent and were randomly allocated to the test or placebo group. The test and placebo groups were administered powdered dried fruits of Khār-i-khasak (6g) and matched placebo (6g) in three divided doses for two months respectively. The efficacy assessment was determined by changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

Results
Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed a significant decline in the test group (p<0.001) as compared to the placebo group. The average decline in systolic/diastolic blood pressure was −7.7/5.5 mmHg in the test group and −1.9/0.2 mmHg in the placebo group. During the post-therapy follow-up period, no prehypertensive developed full-blown hypertension in either group. Safety parameters were found to be within normal limits.

Conclusions
The test drug Khār-i-khasak (T. terrestris Linn.) was found to be effective and safe in lowering blood pressure compared to placebo in prehypertensive individuals.
Subjective constructions in polite discourse: negotiating between Speech-Act Empathy Hierarchy and social hierarchy
Authors: Minagawa Harumi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractUsing data from interviews and television programs where social demeanor must be observed by the speaker, this study examines what the Japanese speaker does when reporting a transitive event where the speaker is the Undergoer and the Actor is someone they are expected to express respect toward. The speaker’s decision in such contexts is influenced by two seemingly conflicting motivations, i.e. tell a story from a speaker’s perspective by placing empathy on self (the “Speech-Act Empathy Hierarchy”) (Kuno, Susumu & Etsuko Kaburaki. 1977. Empathy and syntax.Linguistic Inquiry8(4). 627–672) or give up this privilege of empathy in consideration for the respected Actor in the event. The study suggests that social consideration takes precedence over of the Speech-Act Empathy Hierarchy unless both are satisfied simultaneously. This study identified further factors that appear to be at work: productivity of the construction, desire to portray themselves as an affected Undergoer of the event, and reluctance to convey a sense of benefit.
High data rates in optic fiber systems based on the gain optimization techniques
Authors: Eid Mahmoud M. A. , El-Meadawy Shimaa , Mohammed Abd El-Naser A. , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The signal gain is improved by nearly about 15 dB by using the hybrid optical amplifiers technique. The gain flattened filter technique has outlined a larger value of signal gain than the hybrid optical amplifiers technique by about 17 dB whereas the Glass Composition method in the hybrid modified model has a better increase in the optimum value of signal gain that reached to about 70 dB. Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) technique has outlined optimum gain value that is reached to about 50 dB. The combination of these techniques are used for the best optimized value of signal gain.
Comparison of processing parameter effects during magnetron sputtering and electrochemical anodization of TiO2 nanotubes on ITO/glass and glass substrates
Authors: Başalan Emine , Erol Mustafa , Sancakoğlu Orkut , Dikici Tuncay , Çelik Erdal 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Titanium thin films were deposited on glass and indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrates by radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering under varying sputtering parameters as: power, pressure, substrate temperature and target-substrate distance. The crystalline structure, crystallite size and texture coefficients of the films were evaluated in detail. As the evaluation points out, 100 W, 1.33 Pa ambient temperature and 70 mm were determined as the optimum sputtering parameters for intended crystalline structures. Subsequently, electrochemical anodization experiments were performed via varied electrolytes and under various anodization parameters (voltage, time and electrolyte type) in a two-electrode electrochemical cell using the films obtained through the optimized sputtering parameters. The anodized samples were annealed at 450 °C for 1 h in air in order to obtain anatase transformation and the desired crystalline structure. The surface morphologies and the crystalline structures of the anodized films were evaluated through x-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. Finally, the anodization parameters for the formation of TiO2 nanotube arrays were determined as: 35 V and 35 min. in an electrolyte composed of 0.3 wt.-% NH4F – 2 wt.-% water – ethylene glycol.
Analysis of the possibility and molecular mechanism of carbon dioxide consumption in the Diels-Alder processes
Authors: Kula Karolina , Kącka-Zych Agnieszka , Łapczuk-Krygier Agnieszka , Jasiński Radomir 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The large and significant increase in carbon dioxide concentration in the Earth’s atmosphere is a serious problem for humanity. The amount of CO2 is increasing steadily which causes a harmful greenhouse effect that damages the Earth’s climate. Therefore, one of the current trends in modern chemistry and chemical technology are issues related to its utilization. This work includes the analysis of the possibility of chemical consumption of CO2 in Diels-Alder processes under non-catalytic and catalytic conditions after prior activation of the C=O bond. In addition to the obvious benefits associated with CO2 utilization, such processes open up the possibility of universal synthesis of a wide range of internal carboxylates. These studies have been performed in the framework of Molecular Electron Density Theory as a modern view of the chemical reactivity. It has been found, that explored DA reactions catalyzed by Lewis acids with the boron core, proceeds via unique stepwise mechanism with the zwitterionic intermediate. Bonding Evolution Theory (BET) analysis of the molecular mechanism associated with the DA reaction between cyclopentadiene and carbon dioxide indicates that it takes place thorough a two-stage one-step mechanism, which is initialized by formation of C–C single bond. In turn, the DA reaction between cyclopentadiene and carbon dioxide catalysed by BH3 extends in the environment of DCM, indicates that it takes place through a two-step mechanism. First path of catalysed DA reaction is characterized by 10 different phases, while the second by eight topologically different phases.
Mechanistic studies on the formation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from the sugars fructose and glucose
Authors: Liu Yi , Kerton Francesca M. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In recent years the transformations of fructose and glucose to the platform chemical 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) have been studied extensively, and a variety of mechanisms have been proposed. This review summarizes the varied mechanisms proposed and methods used to study the dehydration of biomass, such as fructose and glucose, to give 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. For fructose dehydration, two main mechanisms have been suggested including a cyclic and an acyclic pathway, of which the cyclic pathway dominates. The conversion of glucose to 5-HMF can proceed either through initial isomerization to fructose or a direct dehydration. For glucose to fructose isomerization, two main reaction pathways have been proposed (1,2-hydride shift and enolization). This review discusses the mechanisms that have been determined based on the evidence from experiments and/or calculations, and briefly introduces the techniques frequently used in such mechanistic studies. Mechanisms in this field are strongly dependent on the nature of the solvent and the catalyst used, so it is important that researchers have a general idea about the existing mechanisms, and the methods and techniques used for investigation, before pursuing their own mechanistic studies.
Adverse effects of PM2.5 on cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Yang Liwei , Zhang Yuezhu , Qi Wen , Zhao Tianyang , Zhang Lele , Zhou Liting , Ye Lin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
As an air pollutant, fine particulate matter with a diameter  ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) can enter the body through the respiratory tract and cause adverse cardiovascular effects. Here, the effects of PM2.5 on atherosclerosis, hypertension, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction are summarized from the perspective researches of human epidemiology, animal, cell and molecule. The results of this review should be proved useful as a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease caused by PM2.5.
A specter is haunting Europe: the Alps as a linguistic area?
Authors: Gaeta Livio , Seiler Guido 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAs is well-known, the Alps are a zone of long-standing, intensive contact and multilingualism among Germanic, Romance and Slavic languages and varieties. In this introductory paper, some reflections are presented on the viability of the Sprachbund hypothesis to encompass the occurring phenomena of convergence observed throughout the whole area.
Dynamics of Glutamatergic Drive Underlie Diverse Responses of Olfactory Bulb OutputsIn Vivo
Authors: Moran Andrew K. , Eiting Thomas P. , Wachowiak Matt 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMitral/tufted (MT) cells of the olfactory bulb (OB) show diverse temporal responses to odorant stimulation that are thought to encode odor information. Much of this diversity is thought to arise from inhibitory OB circuits, but the dynamics of excitatory input to MT cells, which is driven in a feedforward manner by sensory afferents, may also be important. To examine the contribution of excitatory input dynamics to generating temporal diversity in MT cells, we imaged glutamate signaling onto MT cell dendrites in anesthetized and awake mice. We found surprising diversity in the temporal dynamics of these signals. Inhalation-linked glutamate transients were variable in onset latency and duration, and in awake mice the degree of coupling to inhalation varied substantially with odorant identity and concentration. Successive inhalations of odorant produced nonlinear changes in glutamate signaling that included facilitating, adapting and suppressive responses and which varied with odorant identity and concentration. Dual-color imaging of glutamate and calcium signals from MT cells in the same glomerulus revealed highly correlated presynaptic and postsynaptic signals across these different response types. Suppressive calcium responses in MT cells were nearly always accompanied by suppression in the glutamate signal, providing little evidence for MT cell suppression by lateral or feedforward inhibition. These results indicate a high degree of diversity in the dynamics of excitatory input to MT cells, and suggest that these dynamics may account for much of the diversity in MT cell responses that underlies OB odor representations.
Gender Considerations in Advancing the Vancouver Principles in Armed Forces
Authors: Brown Vanessa 
Published: April 2021

Drawing from United Nations Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security and the Vancouver Principles, this paper highlights key factors to be addressed in military training and education to ensure that military members are adequately prepared to protect children affected by conflict and to enhance military capabilities to participate in the prevention of the recruitment and use of child soldiers. Informed by feminist theories and analysis, this paper argues that military professionals are better prepared for the protection of children when they are given the opportunity to explore gender concepts in relation to their own socialization to the military and if they are provided with the right theories and tools to understand and respond to gender and intersectional dynamics of children and armed conflict. The paper suggests that while content that illuminates gender constructs and their relation to the security of children is crucially important, determining the right pedagogic approaches that support the effective training and education of military professionals is equally vital.
Patient Satisfaction on Surgical Service Decision Time in Emergency Department of A Tertiary Hospital in Indonesia
Authors: Adzania Shabrina , Hidajat Nucki Nursjamsi , Setiawati Elsa Pudji 
Published: April 2021

Background: Patient satisfaction survey is essential for evaluating and developing plans to improve health services' quality. One of the emergency department service quality indicators is decision time. Overcrowding of the emergency room as a result of long decision time may cause dissatisfaction among patients. This study aimed to evaluate the satisfaction level of patients receiving surgical services and the correlation between the satisfaction level and surgical service decision time.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive analytical study was conducted from September to November 2019 at the emergency department of Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital. The consecutive sampling method was applied and a total of 110 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a validated questionnaire and data on decision time was obtained from the patient’s medical record. Spearman correlation test was used to analyze the data.Results: This study discovered that most of the respondents were satisfied with the service (92.7%) and that decision was mostly made in less than 2 hours (79.1%). A weak negative correlation (ρ = - 0.144), was identified between decision time and patient satisfaction, albeit insignificant (p = 0.067), with a confidence interval of 95% (α = 5%).Conclusion: This study suggested that there is no correlation between patient satisfaction and decision time. Thus, decision time is not the main factor that determines patient satisfaction.
The Basolateral Polarity Module Promotes Slit Diaphragm Formation in Drosophila Nephrocytes, a Model of Vertebrate Podocytes
Authors: Mysh Michael , Poulton John S. 
Published: April 2021

Significance Statement
Apical polarity proteins are key regulators of podocyte function, particularly with respect to slit diaphragm (SD) integrity. However, no experimental evidence demonstrates basolateral polarity proteins regulate SDs, suggesting apicobasal polarity in itself may not be important. Using Drosophila nephrocyte SDs as a model, this study reports the basolateral polarity module promotes SD integrity through roles in endocytic trafficking. These findings suggest apicobasal polarity proteins are cooperative regulators of SDs, and connect these polarity proteins to other pathways important for SD integrity.

Background
Podocyte slit diaphragms (SDs) are intercellular junctions that function as size-selective filters, excluding most proteins from urine. Abnormalities in SDs cause proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome. Podocytes exhibit apicobasal polarity, which can affect fundamental aspects of cell biology, including morphology, intercellular junction formation, and asymmetric protein distribution along the plasma membrane. Apical polarity protein mutations cause nephrotic syndrome, and data suggest apical polarity proteins regulate SD formation. However, there is no evidence that basolateral polarity proteins regulate SDs. Thus, the role of apicobasal polarity in podocytes remains unclear.

Methods
Genetic manipulations and transgenic reporters determined the effects of disrupting apicobasal polarity proteins in Drosophila nephrocytes, which have SDs similar to those of mammalian podocytes. Confocal and electron microscopy were used to characterize SD integrity after loss of basolateral polarity proteins, and genetic-interaction studies illuminated relationships among apicobasal polarity proteins.

Results
The study identified four novel regulators of nephrocyte SDs: Dlg, Lgl, Scrib, and Par-1. These proteins comprise the basolateral polarity module and its effector kinase. The data suggest these proteins work together, with apical polarity proteins, to regulate SDs by promoting normal endocytosis and trafficking of SD proteins.

Conclusions
Given the recognized importance of apical polarity proteins and SD protein trafficking in podocytopathies, the findings connecting basolateral polarity proteins to these processes significantly advance our understanding of SD regulation.