bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Color confinement and restoration of residual local gauge symmetries
Authors: Kondo Kei-Ichi , Fukushima Naoki 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
All colored particles including dynamical quarks and gluons are confined if the color confinement criterion proposed by Kugo and Ojima is satisfied. The criterion was obtained under a gauge fixing of the Lorenz type. However, it was pointed out that the Kugo–Ojima criterion breaks down for the maximal Abelian gauge, which is quite strange in view of the fact that quark confinement has been verified according to the dual superconductivity caused by magnetic monopole condensations. In order to make a bridge between Kugo–Ojima color confinement and the dual superconductor picture for quark confinement, we investigate a generalization of the color confinement criterion to obtain a unified picture for confinement. We show that the restoration of the residual local gauge symmetry which was shown in the Lorenz gauge by Hata to be equivalent to the Kugo–Ojima criterion indeed occurs in the maximal Abelian gauge for the SU(N) Yang–Mills theory in two-, three-, and four-dimensional Euclidean spacetime once the singular topological configurations of gauge fields are taken into account. This result indicates that the color confinement phase is a disordered phase caused by non-trivial topological configurations irrespective of the gauge choice. As a by-product, we show that the compact U(1) gauge theory can have a disordered confinement phase, while the non-compact U(1) gauge theory has a deconfined Coulomb phase.
Effects of select copper sources at minimum supplementation levels on nutrient content, off-colors, and blemishes in canned pet food
Authors: Dainton Amanda N , Tomlinson Dana J , Aldrich Charles Gregory 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn the previous research, super-fortification with copper decreased vitamin E content and darkened canned pet food, which prevented the analysis of black blemishes reported in commercial products. The pet food industry has linked these blemishes, which may be concerning to pet owners, to copper supplementation. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different copper sources included at minimum recommended levels on nutrient content, color, and blemishes in canned pet food. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 + 1 factorial, with 2 levels of copper supplementation [6 and 12 mg/kg dry matter (DM)], 3 copper sources (CG = copper glutamate, CA = copper amino acid complex, and CS = copper sulfate), and a control with no added copper (NC). Diets were analyzed for macronutrients (moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and ash) and micronutrients (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, and vitamin E). Color was quantified with a CIELAB color space colorimeter wherein L* values closer to 100 represented lighter products and more positive a* and b* values indicated redder and yellower products, respectively. Blemishes were enumerated and their surface area quantified with ImageJ software. Data were analyzed as a general linear mixed model with the fixed effect of treatment and the random effect of production day. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. The 12 mg/kg DM treatments (average 14.19 mg/kg DM) contained the highest (P &lt; 0.05) level of copper, followed by 6 mg/kg DM treatments (average 7.59 mg/kg DM) and then NC (0.00 mg/kg DM). Addition of copper decreased (P &lt; 0.05) vitamin E content, except for NC and CS12 which were similar (P &gt; 0.05; average 111.89 mg/kg DM). Lightness (average L* 63.66) was not affected (P &gt; 0.05) by the treatments. Adding copper decreased (P &lt; 0.05) redness, with higher (P &lt; 0.05) a* values for CG6 (9.55) vs. CA6 and CS6 (average 8.50). Yellowness also decreased with the addition of copper, except for CG6 which was similar (P &gt; 0.05) to NC (average 18.70). However, CG6 and CG12 (average 4.05 blemishes/slice of food) contained more (P &lt; 0.05) blemishes than CA6, CS6, and CS12 (average 0.97 blemishes/slice of food). Minimal levels of supplemental copper from CG may enhance overall color preservation but could increase blemish occurrence. No disadvantage was observed for CA vs. CS, indicating that CA could be exchanged for CS in formulations.
Farmers' Knowledge and Farm-Level Management Practices of Coconut Pests in Ghana: Assessment Based on Gender Differences
Authors: Tettey Elizabeth , Aidoo Owusu Fordjour , Arhin Linda , Guimapi Ritter A. , Ablormeti Fred Kormla , Dampare Frank , Ampadu-Ameyaw Richard , Cobbah Jeffet Ekow , Afram Yayra , Kwarteng Frank , Yankey Ndede 
Published: March 2022

Coconut production is significantly constrained by a wide variety of pests. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that management of these pests is influenced by gender differences. Therefore, there was a need to assess farmers' knowledge about coconut pests, farm-level pest management strategies, and institutions offering training to farmers to develop an ecologically sound management strategy. To achieve this research need, we surveyed six coconut-growing districts, three each from the Western and Central Regions of Ghana, using face-to-face interviews, discussions, and direct observations. In addition, a multistage sampling technique was used to sample the coconut farmers. The sample population for each town was determined using a proportional to population size approach. The sample population was randomly drawn from each town/village using a sampling frame based on the agricultural sector records. The results showed that a majority of the farmers mentioned Oryctes monoceros as the most important coconut pest. Significantly more females than males mentioned weaver birds in their plantations ( P = 0.035). The number of women who did not mention any of the pests was significantly higher than that of men ( P = 0.007). There was a significant difference between male and female farmers who used indigenous knowledge (i.e., knowledge accumulated by an indigenous [local] population over generations of living in a certain area) ( P = 0.018) for pest management. However, pest management strategies did not vary in the Central Region. Our results showed a significant difference between male and female farmers who did not use any of the management strategies, suggesting that future studies and training should consider gender in developing sustainable pest management strategies for the pests. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Molecular basis of DNA recognition by the HMG-box-C1 module of Capicua
Authors: Webb Jonathan , Liew Jeremy J.M. , Gnann Andrew D. , Patterson MacKenzie , Paul Sayantanee , Forés Marta , Jiménez Gerardo , Veraksa Alexey , Dowling Daniel P. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe HMG-box protein Capicua (CIC) is an evolutionarily conserved transcriptional repressor with key functions in development and disease-associated processes. CIC binds DNA using an exclusive mechanism that requires both its HMG-box and a separate domain called C1, but how these domains cooperate to recognize specific DNA sequences is not known. Here we report the crystal structure of the human CIC HMG-box and C1 domains in complex with an 18-base-pair DNA oligomer containing a consensus octameric CIC binding site. We find that both protein domains adopt independent tri-helical structures that pack against opposite sides of the DNA helix. The C1 domain in particular folds into a helix-turn-helix (HTH) structure that resembles the FF phosphoprotein binding domain. It inserts into the major groove of the DNA and plays a direct role in enhancing both the affinity and sequence specificity of CIC DNA binding. Our results reveal a unique bipartite protein module, ensuring highly specific DNA recognition by CIC, and show how this mechanism is disrupted by cancer mutations affecting either the HMG-box or C1 domains.
Novel assays monitoring direct glucocorticoid receptor protein activity exhibit high predictive power for ligand activity on endogenous gene targets
Authors: Van Moortel Laura , Thommis Jonathan , Maertens Brecht , Staes An , Clarisse Dorien , De Sutter Delphine , Libert Claude , Meijer Onno C. , Eyckerman Sven , Gevaert Kris , De Bosscher Karolien 
Published: March 2022

AbstractExogenous glucocorticoids are widely used in the clinic for the treatment of inflammatory disorders and auto-immune diseases. Unfortunately, their use is hampered by many side effects and therapy resistance. Efforts to find more selective glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonists and modulators (called SEGRAMs) that are able to separate anti-inflammatory effects via gene repression from metabolic effects via gene activation, have been unsuccessful so far. In this study, we characterized a set of functionally diverse GR ligands in A549 cells, first using a panel of luciferase-based reporter gene assays evaluating GR-driven gene activation and gene repression. We expanded this minimal assay set with novel luciferase-based read-outs monitoring GR protein levels, GR dimerization and GR Serine 211 (Ser211) phosphorylation status and compared their outcomes with compound effects on the mRNA levels of known GR target genes in A549 cells and primary hepatocytes. We found that luciferase reporters evaluating GR-driven gene activation and gene repression were not always reliable predictors for effects on endogenous target genes. Remarkably, our novel assay monitoring GR Ser211 phosphorylation levels proved to be the most reliable predictor for compound effects on almost all tested endogenous GR targets, both driven by gene activation and repression. The integration of this novel assay in existing screening platforms running both in academia and industry may therefore boost chances to find novel GR ligands with an actual improved therapeutic benefit.
Single Cell Profiling of CD45+ Spinal Cord Cells Reveals Microglial and B Cell Heterogeneity and Crosstalk Following Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Fisher Elizabeth S. , Amarante Matthew , Lowry Natasha , Lotz Steven , Farjood Farhad , Temple Sally , Hill Caitlin E. , Kiehl Thomas R. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIt is well established that immune cells play crucial roles after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, our knowledge of the contributions of various immune cells to injury progression and repair is incomplete. These gaps in understanding hamper development of SCI therapeutics. In the current study, using single-cell RNA sequencing, and transcriptomic analysis, the populations of resident and circulating CD45+ immune cells present within the uninjured and injured mouse spinal cord were identified. In the uninjured and subacutely-injured (7 day) spinal cord, most CD45+ cells were microglia while in chronic SCI (60 day) B cells predominated. Examination of microglia and B cell clusters showed subtype-specific alterations after SCI, including the presence of both immature and mature B cells chronically. Analysis of the expression of signaling partners in B cells and microglia identified injury-related microglia-B-cell interactions. This sequencing resource establishes unidentified interactions revealing new mechanisms to target inflammatory responses for SCI repair.
Impact and awareness of COVID-19 on rural communities – an empirical study of India
Authors: Kanwar Varinder S. , Dutta Hitakshi , Dutt Ishwar , Kumar Ashok , Prakasam C. , Kanwar Manvi 
Published: March 2022

PurposeTo study the impact, awareness and preparedness of COVID-19, a “pandemic” that has aroused the attention of the entire world because of rapid infection rates; among the targeted rural communities as basis to analyze their self-sustainability level.Design/methodology/approachA mixed methodology/approach combining critical literature review and questionnaire-based survey has been followed in two villages, covering a sample of 150 households located in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The parameters were selected to check awareness/preparedness regarding basic guidelines, immunity, requirements of essential facilities to deal with COVID-19 patients, the effect of lockdown on social and financial status, difficulties in education.FindingsThe villages have the potential to transform into Smart Villages or Smart Communities with the adaption of self-sustainable processes. The self-reliance on agriculture and traditional lifestyle in targeted rural areas make them relatively safer as compared to the urban areas. The community's overall awareness about COVID-19 and its preparedness was found satisfactory, with some variations that require more innovative strategies with academic interventions.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the scope of the study was limited to two remote villages of Himachal Pradesh (India), the results could be generalized for in-depth understanding about other villages in the state to convert them into smart villages.Originality/valueIt summarizes a systemic perspective based on selected parameters on how COVID-19 lockdown has affected different aspects of life in rural communities. Further, collaborative efforts and adoption of self-sustainability model can lead to the remarkable transformation of villages into smart villages.
Heterogeneous collaborative networks and firm performance: Do the contingent effects of family management and intellectual property rights matter?
Authors: Martínez-Alonso Rubén , Martínez-Romero María J. , Rojo-Ramírez Alfonso A. 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between heterogeneous collaborative networks and firm performance, using the resource-based view (RBV) and its extension through the knowledge-based view (KBV) as theoretical lens. Moreover, the authors examine family management and intellectual property rights (IPRs) as contingent factors that enhance the effectiveness of heterogeneous collaborative networks in achieving superior firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe hypotheses are developed and checked by using a panel data sample of 10,985 firm-year observations from 1,766 Spanish manufacturing firms over the period 2007–2016.FindingsThe results indicate that heterogeneous collaborative networks positively influence firm performance. Furthermore, the positive impact of these innovation networks on firm performance is reinforced by high levels of family management, and such effect is even stronger when there exists high levels of IPRs.Originality/valueThis research is the first, to our knowledge, to provide important new insights into the manner in which the effect of both family management and IPRs have the potential to amplify the performance gains attained from heterogenous collaborative networks.
Sharing the Benefits of Asteroid Mining
Authors: Butkevičienė Eglė , Rabitz Florian 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNear‐Earth asteroids (NEAs) hold metal reserves that could sustain global consumption for millennia. Unresolved questions of technological and economic feasibility notwithstanding, NEA mining could ensure the accessibility and affordability of key strategic resources, contribute to sustainability transitions and displace environmentally and socially harmful terrestrial mining. Based on implicit and explicit normative commitments towards the common heritage principle in international space law, we develop the outlines of a regime for the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits resulting from NEA mining. For doing so, we analyze the linkages between institutional design and regime effectiveness for benefit‐sharing regimes in the areas of deep‐sea mining and plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Attempting to control for differences in problem structure, we transpose this analysis to the case of NEA mining, where an effective benefit‐sharing regime would revolve around the following elements: standardized exploration and exploitation contracts, back‐end benefit‐sharing as a percentage of commercial profits, research exemptions, compliance mechanisms for preventing and reducing space pollution, as well as a reserve banking system for mining claims. For the contemporary political debate on space resources, we thus aim to provide a feasible alternative to the exclusive appropriation of space resources through private property rights.
The effect of vasoconstriction on intestinal perfusion is determined by preload dependency: A prospective observational study
Authors: Agerskov Marianne , Sørensen Henrik , Højlund Jakob , Kjær Søren , Secher Niels H. , Foss Nicolai B. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe effects of vasoconstriction on cardiac stroke volume (SV) and indices of peripheral and intestinal perfusion are insufficiently described.MethodsIn a non‐randomized clinical study, 30 patients undergoing elective rectal surgery were exposed to modulation of preload. The primary endpoint was intestinal perfusion (flux), measured by single‐point laser Doppler flowmetry. Secondary endpoints were central cardiovascular variables obtained by the LiDCO rapid monitor, the peripheral perfusion index (PPI) derived from the pulse oximetry signal and muscle (StO2) and cerebral oxygenation (ScO2) determined by near‐infrared spectroscopy.ResultsFor the whole cohort (n = 30), administration of Phenylephrine during HUT induced a median [IQR] increase in SV by 22% [14–41], p = .003 and in mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 54% [31–62], p < .001, with no change in PPI, StO2 and ScO2 or flux. In patients who were preload dependent during HUT (stroke volume variation; SSV >10%; n = 23), administration of phenylephrine increased SV by 29% [12–43], p = .01 and MAP by 54% [33–63], p < .001, followed by an increase in intestinal perfusion flux by 60% [15–289], p = .05, while PPI, StO2 and ScO2 remained unchanged. For non‐preload dependent patients (SSV <10%; n = 7), no changes in hemodynamic indices were seen besides an increase in MAP by 54% [33–58], p = .002.ConclusionThe reflection of vasoconstrictive modulation of preload in systemic cardiovascular variables and indices of perfusion was dependent on preload responsiveness. Administration of phenylephrine to increase preload did not appear to compromise organ perfusion.
Clustering High-Dimensional Data via Feature Selection
Authors: Liu Tianqi , Lu Yu , Zhu Biqing , Zhao Hongyu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
High-dimensional clustering analysis is a challenging problem in statistics and machine learning, with broad applications such as the analysis of microarray data and RNA-seq data. In this paper, we propose a new clustering procedure called spectral clustering with feature selection (SC-FS), where we first obtain an initial estimate of labels via spectral clustering, then select a small fraction of features with the largest R-squared with these labels, that is, the proportion of variation explained by group labels, and conduct clustering again using selected features. Under mild conditions, we prove that the proposed method identifies all informative features with high probability and achieves the minimax optimal clustering error rate for the sparse Gaussian mixture model. Applications of SC-FS to four real-world datasets demonstrate its usefulness in clustering high-dimensional data.
Sex differences in the association of math achievement with visual‐spatial and verbal working memory: Does the type of math test matter?
Authors: van de Weijer‐Bergsma Eva , Van Luit Johannes E. H. , Moeller Korbinian 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPrevious research on sex differences in mathematical achievement shows mixed findings, which have been argued to depend on types of math tests used and the type of solution strategies (i.e., verbal versus visual‐spatial) these tests evoke. The current study evaluated sex differences in (a) performance (development) on two types of math tests in primary schools and (b) the predictive value of verbal and visual‐spatial working memory on math achievement. Children (N = 3175) from grades 2 through five participated. Visual‐spatial and verbal working memory were assessed using online computerized tasks. Math performance was assessed five times during two school years using a speeded arithmetic test (math fluency) and a word problem test (math problem solving). Results from Multilevel Multigroup Latent Growth Modeling, showed that sex differences in level and growth of math performance were mixed and very small. Sex differences in the predictive value of verbal and visual‐spatial working memory for math performance suggested that boys seemed to rely more on verbal strategies than girls. Explanations focus on cognitive and emotional factors and how these may interact to possibly amplify sex differences as children grow older.
How to analyze visual propaganda in the Middle East: An analysis of imagery in the “Saudi Strike Force Movie”
Authors: Walsh Tom 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis paper provides an innovative approach to visual analysis in the Middle East. It addresses a fundamental problem in the fields of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Securitization Theory (ST): they largely ignore the visual. This project develops a methodology for visual analysis. Its utility is demonstrated through an examination of a Saudi propaganda video, entitled “Saudi Strike Force Video.” When observing the Saudi‐Iranian rivalry on social media, there is a prevalence of visceral visual propaganda. Thus, the need for the construction of a systematic model for its analysis is important in addressing this conceptual gap. CDA and ST are aligned on an essential belief that discourse is a power‐laden process, and that to affect change, scholars must attempt to understand its production, articulation, and impact. Yet, both of these approaches tend to focus on the written and spoken word, negating the importance of the visual. This paper contends that the visual is equally power‐laden, having a profound effect as a tool of propaganda
Poor engagement and adherence predict neoplasia in inflammatory bowel disease: a case‐control study
Authors: Young Edward , Jones Esther , Thomas Michelle , Lawrence Matthew , Andrews Jane 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundColorectal adenocarcinoma is an important and preventable complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A previous case series suggested mental health issues and poor engagement in care as novel risk factors.AimsTo confirm the role of patient engagement in care in the development of neoplasia using a case‐control methodology.MethodsPatients in a single referral centre from 2007 to 2017 with colorectal adenocarcinoma, high‐grade dysplasia or multifocal low‐grade dysplasia were included as neoplasia cases. Each case was assigned up to three matched controls (matched for age, gender, underlying disease, IBD type and phenotype and disease duration). Novel and known risk factors were compared between groups.ResultsThirty‐two cases with 88 matched controls were included. Patients with neoplasia were more likely to have poor adherence to, or engagement with, care (odds ratio (OR) 4.79). They were also more likely to have chronic use of opioids (OR 3.86) and long‐term prednisolone (OR 2.97). Of note, no difference was found in measures of socioeconomic disadvantage, reflecting equitable access to healthcare in the public institution where the care was studied. As previously shown, patients with neoplasia had multiple markers of increased cumulative burden of inflammation, including more IBD‐related hospital admissions, elevated inflammatory markers and severe inflammation at colonoscopy.ConclusionsThis study confirms poor adherence or engagement with care as a new risk factor for colorectal adenocarcinoma in patients with IBD; identifying a vulnerable group whom clinicians should endeavour to engage in order to avoid this catastrophic complication.