bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Greek unions' preferences: measuring trends in the field. An exploratory note on the period 2008–2009
Authors: Nick Drydakis 
Published: November 2011

The present research explores union preferences through a survey of the Greek national federations (secondary-level unions) for the period 2008–2009. The evidence presented here suggests that the monopoly-union model does not properly evaluate union–firm reality in Greece. Moreover, the right-to-manage model holds when firms ought to increase employment, while the efficient-bargaining model holds when firms attempt workforce reductions. The study also suggests that most unions place relatively more weight on wage issues than on employment issues, but there is no exclusive preference for wages over employment agreements. Furthermore, the data provide evidence that unions' goals cannot be reduced to a simple trade-off between wages and employment level; rather a range of options, examined by the industrial relations literature, should be taken into account. Cet article analyse les préférences syndicales au travers d’une étude des fédérations nationales grecques (organisations syndicales du second niveau) pendant la période 2008-2009. Les données présentées ici suggèrent que le modèle du monopole syndical ne rend pas compte de manière appropriée de la réalité du syndicalisme d’entreprise en Grèce. Par ailleurs, le modèle du droit à gérer est validé lorsque les entreprises doivent embaucher davantage, alors que le modèle de négociation efficace se trouve confirmé lorsque l’entreprise doit réduire l'emploi. L’étude suggère également que la plupart des syndicats mettent davantage l’accent sur les questions de salaires que sur les questions d'emploi, sans préférence exclusive pour des accords salariaux au détriment d’accords sur l’emploi. Enfin, les données montrent que les objectifs syndicaux ne peuvent être réduits à un simple arbitrage entre niveau des salaires et niveau de l’emploi; il convient de prendre en considération un éventail d’options examinées par la littérature consacrée aux relations industrielles. Dieser Beitrag stützt sich auf eine Untersuchung der gewerkschaftlichen Präferenzen im Rahmen einer Befragung der nationalen Gewerkschaftsverbände in Griechenland, die den Zeitraum 2008-2009 abdeckt. Aus dieser Untersuchung geht hervor, dass das Modell der Monopol-Gewerkschaften die Beziehung zwischen Gewerkschaften und Unternehmen in Griechenland nicht richtig wiedergibt. Das right-to-manage-Modell trifft zu, wenn Unternehmen mehr Arbeitnehmer einstellen, während das efficient-bargaining-Modell zutrifft, wenn sie die Zahl ihrer Arbeitnehmer reduzieren möchten. Die Studie deutet auch darauf hin, dass die meisten Gewerkschaften Lohnfragen relativ gesehen mehr Gewicht beimessen, aber Lohnvereinbarungen nicht grundsätzlich Beschäftigungsvereinbarungen vorziehen. Darüber hinaus zeigen die Ergebnisse der Untersuchung, dass sich die Ziele der Gewerkschaften nicht auf einen einfachen Kompromiss zwischen Löhnen und Beschäftigungsniveau reduzieren lassen. Stattdessen müssen verschiedene Optionen berücksichtigt werden, die in der Fachliteratur zu Fragen der Arbeitsbeziehungen untersucht werden.
Synthesis and Stereochemical Behavior of a New Chiral Oxa[7]heterohelicene
Authors: Irie Ryo , Tanoue Akihiro , Urakawa Suguru , Imahori Tatsushi , Igawa Kazunobu , Matsumoto Taisuke , Tomooka Katsuhiko , Kikuta Shinsuke , Uchida Tatsuya , Katsuki Tsutomu 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
A new chiral oxa[7]heterohelicene 1b was synthesized by catalytic aerobic-oxidative tandem cyclization of the o-phenylene-linked bis(2-naphthol) derivative 3 with palladium acetate in dimethyl sulfoxide. Optical resolution of 1b was possible on chiral HPLC, but it was found stereochemically rather unstable at ambient temperature. Kinetic analysis and DFT calculation for the dynamics of racemization of 1b were also disclosed.
Age- and sex-specific reference limits for creatinine, cystatin C and the estimated glomerular filtration rate
Authors: Hannemann Anke , Friedrich Nele , Dittmann Kathleen , Spielhagen Christin , Wallaschofski Henri , Völzke Henry , Rettig Rainer , Endlich Karlhans , Lendeckel Uwe , Stracke Sylvia , Nauck Matthias 
Published: November 2011

AbstractEarly detection of patients with chronic kidney disease is of great importance. This study developed reference limits for serum creatinine and serum cystatin C concentrations and for the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in healthy subjects from the general population aged 25–65 years.This study defined a reference population including 985 subjects from the first follow-up of the Study of Health in Pomerania. Serum creatinine was measured with a modified kinetic Jaffé method. Serum cystatin C was measured with a nephelometric assay. The eGFR was calculated from serum creatinine according to the Cockcroft-Gault (eGFRThe reference limits for serum creatinine (men: 1.11–1.23 mg/dL; women: 0.93–1.00 mg/dL) and serum cystatin C levels (men: 0.92–1.04 mg/L; women: 0.84–1.02 mg/L) increased with advancing age. The reference limits for eGFR decreased with increasing age (eGFRThis study presents age- and sex-specific reference limits for five measures of renal function based on quantile regression models.
Node‐specific branching and heterochronic changes underlie population‐level differences in Mimulus guttatus (Phrymaceae) shoot architecture
Authors: Baker Robert L. , Diggle Pamela K. 
Published: November 2011

• Premise of the study: Shoot architecture is a fundamentally developmental aspect of plant biology with implications for plant form, function, reproduction, and life history evolution. Mimulus guttatus is morphologically diverse and becoming a model for evolutionary biology. Shoot architecture, however, has never been studied from a developmental perspective in M. guttatus.• Methods: We examined the development of branches and flowers in plants from two locally adapted populations of M. guttatus with contrasting flowering times, life histories, and branch numbers. We planted second‐generation seed in growth chambers to control for maternal and environmental effects.• Key results: Most branches occurred at nodes one and two of the main axis. Onset of branching occurred earlier and at a greater frequency in perennials than in annuals. In perennials, almost all flowers occurred at the fifth or more distal nodes. In annuals, most flowers occurred at the third and more distal nodes. Accessory axillary meristems and higher‐order branching did not influence shoot architecture.• Conclusions: We found no evidence for trade‐offs between flowers and branches because axillary meristem number was not limiting: a large number of meristems remained quiescent. If, however, quiescence is a component of meristem allocation strategy, then meristems may be limited despite presence of quiescent meristems. At the two basalmost nodes, branch number was determined by mechanisms governing either meristem initiation or outgrowth, rather than flowering vs. branching. At the third and more distal nodes, heterochronic processes contributed to flowering time and branch number differences between populations.
High‐Loading L‐Arginine Stabilized in an Oxygen‐Rich Lanthanide Metal–Organic Framework Capable of NO Release and Self‐Quantifying Luminescence Detection
Authors: Xu Linyao , Wang Zicheng , Li Guangming , Li Yuxin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractExogenous supplementation of L‐arginine (L‐Arg) facilitates the release of nitric oxide (NO) for gas therapy applications in tumor microenvironments rich in H2O2. However, direct administration inevitably leads to the premature release of hydrophilic L‐Arg in the bloodstream, potentially resulting in unstable plasma L‐Arg concentrations and subsequent adverse reactions. Therefore, it is crucial to identify efficient and stable high‐dose L‐Arg delivery carriers, albeit challenging. Here, the study has achieved high (≈94 mg g−1) and stable L‐Arg loading within a 12‐coordinated Yb‐based lanthanide metal‐organic framework (named Yb‐DOBDC, where DOBDC is 2,5‐dihydroxyterephthalic acid). Yb‐DOBDC features size‐matched apertures and oxygen‐rich pore microenvironments, securely entrapping L‐Arg through electrostatic interactions and conjugation effects, thereby enhancing the biostability of the drug during delivery. In vitro experiments demonstrate that L‐Arg‐loaded Yb‐DOBDC (L‐Arg@Yb‐DOBDC) promotes NO release upon H2O2 stimulation, and the Yb‐DOBDC framework exhibits good biocompatibility within cells. More interestingly, the near‐infrared‐luminescence‐emitting Yb‐DOBDC exhibits a “turn‐off” behavior upon gradual loading of L‐Arg, enabling self‐quantifying luminescence detection during the encapsulation process. Consequently, the L‐Arg@Yb‐DOBDC system designed in this work, with its high/stable loading capacity and self‐quantifying luminescence detection capability, holds theoretical research value and potential practical application prospects.
Realizing Superior Durability of Water Electrolyzer Using Anion Exchange Membrane with an Interstitial Alkyl Chain: From a Single Cell to Large‐Sized 1‐cell Stack
Authors: Lim Haeryang , Jeong Jae‐Yeop , Shin Giwon , Kim Chiho , Choi Geoneop , Myeong Shin‐Woo , Choi Sung Mook , Park Taiho 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAnion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) has gained attention as an attractive alternative to alkaline and proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) due to its high efficiency and low hydrogen unit cost. However, the long‐term durability of AEMWE is ≈10 times lower than that of PEMWE, which typically operates for 40 000 h. Here, a new design strategy is presented for aryl ether‐free PFPBPF‐QA anion exchange membranes with interstitial alkyl chains in the conducting groups and polymer backbone. The rationally designed PFPBPF‐4‐QA, with a suitable ion exchange capacity, shows high ionic conductivity, mechanical properties, alkaline stability, and stronger membrane‐ionomer contact properties at the catalyst layers. A single AEMWE cell using PFPBPF‐4‐QA demonstrated a voltage decay rate of 2 mV kh−1 at 1.0 A cm−2, which is significantly lower than that reported for AEMWEs and Nafion‐based PEMWEs. Additionally, a large‐sized 1‐cell AEMWE stack utilizing PFPBPF‐4‐QA with an active area of 63.6 cm2 achieved an energy conversion efficiency of 80.2% and a voltage decay rate of 1.5 mV kh−1 for 2 000 h, with over 90% of the initial efficiency maintained for over 49 095 h based on an exponential fitting calculation.
Broad Protection against Invasive Fungal Disease from a Nanobody Targeting the Active Site of Fungal β‐1,3‐Glucanosyltransferases
Authors: Redrado‐Hernández Sergio , Macías‐León Javier , Castro‐López Jorge , Belén Sanz Ana , Dolader Elena , Arias Maykel , González‐Ramírez Andrés Manuel , Sánchez‐Navarro David , Petryk Yuliya , Farkaš Vladimír , Vincke Cécile , Muyldermans Serge , García‐Barbazán Irene , del Agua Celia , Zaragoza Oscar , Arroyo Javier , Pardo Julián , Gálvez Eva M. , Hurtado‐Guerrero Ramon 
Published: June 2024

AbstractInvasive fungal disease accounts for about 3.8 million deaths annually, an unacceptable rate that urgently prompts the discovery of new knowledge‐driven treatments. We report the use of camelid single‐domain nanobodies (Nbs) against fungal β‐1,3‐glucanosyltransferases (Gel) involved in β‐1,3‐glucan transglycosylation. Crystal structures of two Nbs with Gel4 from Aspergillus fumigatus revealed binding to a dissimilar CBM43 domain and a highly conserved catalytic domain across fungal species, respectively. Anti‐Gel4 active site Nb3 showed significant antifungal efficacy in vitro and in vivo prophylactically and therapeutically against different A. fumigatus and Cryptococcus neoformans isolates, reducing the fungal burden and disease severity, thus significantly improving immunocompromised animal survival. Notably, C. deneoformans (serotype D) strains were more susceptible to Nb3 and genetic Gel deletion than C. neoformans (serotype A) strains, indicating a key role for β‐1,3‐glucan remodelling in C. deneoformans survival. These findings add new insight about the role of β‐1,3‐glucan in fungal biology and demonstrate the potential of nanobodies in targeting fungal enzymes to combat invasive fungal diseases.
Effects of intentional early dense‐polytetrafluoroethylene membrane removal on vertical ridge augmentation
Authors: Belleggia Fabrizio 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundVertical ridge augmentation (VRA) requires long healing times for bone maturation. This case study deals with the intentional early removal of a titanium‐reinforced dense polytetrafluoroethylene (TR‐dPTFE) membrane that allowed for treatment times reduction and improvement of bone quality.MethodsA TR‐dPTFE membrane was used for VRA in the premolar region of the upper right maxilla. The defect was filled with a mix of particulate autogenous bone and porcine xenograft in a 1:1 ratio. After a 4‐month uneventful healing period, the membrane was removed, and the thick keratinized palatal tissue was moved toward the buccal side via a pedicle flap. Implants insertion and healing abutments application were carried out 3 months later, when bone graft could have been revascularized and nourished by the periosteum.ResultsThe histologic evaluation of a bone sample harvested during implant bed preparation revealed a huge amount of mature newly formed bone even in the most coronal part. Two screw‐retained crowns were delivered 2 months after implant insertion and the 3.5‐year follow‐up showed perfectly maintained hard and soft tissues.ConclusionsIntentional early removal of TR‐dPTFE membrane after a 4‐month healing time, with simultaneous soft tissue augmentation via a buccally reposioned pedicle flap, allowed graft revascularization from the periosteum, and resulted in optimal quantity and quality of the regenerated bone. This process shortened the overall treatment times, taking only 9 months from VRA to prosthetic loading. Both augmented hard and soft tissues allowed for crestal bone maintenance around implants.Key points
Titanium‐reinforced dense polytetrafluoroethylene (TR‐dPTFE) membranes, due to their closed structure, do not allow the passage of cells and vessels from the periosteum, and revascularization from the residual bone alone is not enough for proper graft maturation and long‐term crestal bone maintenance.
Early removal of TR‐dPTFE membrane allows graft revascularization from the periosteum, and results in optimal quantity and quality of the regenerated bone.
Increasing the thickness of the soft tissues, increasing the width of the keratinized mucosa, and repositioning the mucogingival line, via a free gingival graft or a pedicle flap, should be performed simultaneously in the membrane removal phase to reduce the number of surgical interventions, decrease patient morbidity, and shorten the total treatment time.
In‐Situ Characterization Techniques for Mechanism Studies of CO2 Hydrogenation
Authors: Singh Rasmeet , Wang Lizhuo , Huang Jun 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe paramount concerns of global warming, fossil fuel depletion, and energy crises have prompted the need of hydrocarbons productions via CO2 conversion. In order to achieve global carbon neutrality, much attention needs to be diverted towards CO2 management. Catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 is an exciting opportunity to curb the increasing CO2 and produce value‐added products. However, the comprehensive understanding of CO2 hydrogenation is still a matter of discussion due to its complex reaction mechanism and involvement of various species. This review comprehensively discusses three processes: reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction, modified Fischer Tropsch synthesis (MFTS), and methanol‐mediated route (MeOH) for CO2 hydrogenation to hydrocarbons. Along with analysing the reaction pathways, it is also very important to understand the real‐time evolvement of catalytic process and reaction intermediates by employing in‐situ characterization techniques under actual reaction conditions. Subsequently, in second part of this review, we provided a systematic analysis of advancements in in‐situ techniques aimed to monitor the evolution of catalysts during CO2 reduction process. The section also highlights the key components of in‐situ cells, their working principles, and applications in identifying reaction mechanisms for CO2 hydrogenation. Finally, by reviewing respective achievements in the field, we identify key gaps and present some future directions for CO2 hydrogenation and in‐situ studies.
Improving Photophysical Properties of Deazaflavin Derivatives by Acrylaldehyde Bridging: A Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Guo Huimin , Liu Siyu , Liu Xin , Zhao Jianzhang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe electronic structure and photophysical properties of several acrylaldehyde‐bridged deazaflavin derivatives (cFLs) were investigated theoretically. The impact of acrylaldehyde bridging on photophysical properties of deazaflavin (cFL) is strongly site‐dependent. Specifically, the change of adiabatic energy of electronic transitions(ΔEad) and vibronic coupling promote fluorescent emission to be comparable to internal conversion of cFL and cFL4 (both C5−C6 and C9−N10 bridged, but C9−N10 bridged by propene), turning them eligible as fluorescent sensors. As El‐Sayed's rule is satisfied in cFL1(C5−C6 bridged), cFL2(C9−N10 bridged) and cFL3(both C5−C6 and C9−N10 bridged), intersystem crossing from first singlet excited state to triplet excited states (Tn) become dominant and the evolution of excited cFLs from T1 appears vital. The rate constants of photophysical processes indicate these cFLs are of dominantly high steady state T1 concentration and are potential triplet sensitizers. We expect the findings would pave the way for rational design of novel cFLs with extraordinary photophysical properties.
A Systematic Bioinformatics Approach for Mapping the Minimal Set of a Viral Peptidome
Authors: Chong Li Chuin , Khan Asif M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSequence changes in viral genomes generate protein sequence diversity that enables viruses to evade the host immune system, hindering the development of effective preventive and therapeutic interventions. The massive proliferation of sequence data provides unprecedented opportunities to study viral adaptation and evolution. An alignment‐free approach removes various restrictions posed by an alignment‐dependent approach for studying sequence diversity. The publicly available tool, UNIQmin, offers an alignment‐free approach for studying viral sequence diversity at any given rank of taxonomy lineage and is big data ready. The tool performs an exhaustive search to determine the minimal set of sequences required to capture the peptidome diversity within a given dataset. This compression is possible through the removal of identical sequences and unique sequences that do not contribute effectively to the peptidome diversity pool. Herein, we describe a detailed four‐part protocol utilizing UNIQmin to generate the minimal set for the purpose of viral diversity analyses, alignment‐free at any rank of the taxonomy lineage, using the recent global public health threat Monkeypox virus (MPX) sequence data as a case study. The protocol enables a systematic bioinformatics approach to study sequence diversity across taxonomic lineages, which is crucial for our future preparedness against viral epidemics. This is particularly important when data are abundant, freely available, and alignment is not an option. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Tool installation and input file preparationBasic Protocol 2: Generation of a minimal set of sequences for a given datasetBasic Protocol 3: Comparative minimal set analysis across taxonomic lineage ranksBasic Protocol 4: Factors affecting the minimal set of sequences
Litchi postharvest physiology and handling
Authors: Huang Chao Chia , Paull Robert E. , Wang Tsu‐Tsuen 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLitchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) fruit, with its bright red color and sweet and juicy aril, is an important fruit crop in Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America. A major cause of the postharvest loss of litchi fruit is browning and decay. Chlorophyll breakdown and flavonoid synthesis occur simultaneously during the maturation of this nonclimacteric fruit. However, once litchi fruit is harvested, pericarp desiccation and membrane breakdown occur, which leads to browning with the rate of browning and later microcracking paralleling water loss rate. In addition, chilling injury can contribute to and increase pericarp browning and membrane leakage. Polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase are possibly key enzymes in the early stages of browning. An increase in the leakage of the pericarp membrane also occurs that correlates with browning. Many chemical treatments have been evaluated to retard pericarp browning, such as melatonin, hot water, acidified calcium sulfate (ACS), adenosine triphosphate, and tea seed oil. During long distance transportation, chemical treatments that involve sulfur are used, including SO2 fumigation, acid dip after SO2 fumigation, SO2 fumigation and sulfur sheet package, or SO2 fumigation followed by controlled atmosphere (CA), if approved by the importing country. Other treatments that avoid the use of SO2 include melatonin, ACS, and hot water brushing combined with an acid dip, CA, and modified atmosphere packaging. Anthracnose is a common disease that accelerates browning and decay. Penicillium species as a saprophyte is also common with fruit infection occurring in the field, during harvest, in the packhouse, cold rooms, and shipping containers. Sulfur sheet or CA is used to reduce fruit rot after SO2 fumigation and Sportak (prochloraz) for the control of penicillium. However, a replacement for postharvest SO2 use is still urgently needed.
Circulating beta‐hydroxybutyrate levels in advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Determinants and prognostic impact
Authors: Monzo Luca , Kovar Jan , Borlaug Barry A. , Benes Jan , Kotrc Martin , Kroupova Katerina , Jabor Antonin , Franekova Janka , Melenovsky Vojtech 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimsPatients with heart failure (HF) display metabolic alterations, including heightened ketogenesis, resulting in increased beta‐hydroxybutyrate (β‐OHB) formation. We aimed to investigate the determinants and prognostic impact of circulating β‐OHB levels in patients with advanced HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).Methods and resultsA total of 867 patients with advanced HFrEF (age 57 ± 11 years, 83% male, 45% diabetic, 60% New York Heart Association class III), underwent clinical and echocardiographic examination, circulating metabolite assessment, and right heart catheterization (n = 383). The median β‐OHB level was 64 (interquartile range [IQR] 33–161) μmol/L (normal 0–74 μmol/L). β‐OHB levels correlated with increased markers of lipolysis (free fatty acids [FFA]), higher natriuretic peptides, worse pulmonary haemodynamics, and lower humoral regulators of ketogenesis (insulin/glucagon ratio). During a median follow‐up of 1126 (IQR 410–1781) days, there were 512 composite events, including 324 deaths, 81 left ventricular assist device implantations and 107 urgent cardiac transplantations. In univariable Cox regression, increased β‐OHB levels (T3 vs. T1: hazard ratio [HR] 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–1.72, p = 0.002) and elevated FFA levels (T3 vs. T1: HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.09–1.79, p = 0.008) were both predictors of a worse prognosis. In multivariable Cox analysis evaluating the simultaneous associations of FFA and β‐OHB levels with outcomes, only FFA levels remained significantly associated with adverse outcomes.ConclusionsIn patients with advanced HFrEF, increased plasma β‐OHB correlate with FFA levels, worse right ventricular function, greater neurohormonal activation and other markers of HF severity. The association between plasma β‐OHB and adverse outcomes is eliminated after accounting for FFA levels, suggesting that increased β‐OHB is a consequence reflecting heightened lipolytic state, rather than a cause of worsening HF.