bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploration on the Cr(VI) resistance mechanism of a novel thermophilic Cr(VI)‐reducing bacteria Anoxybacillus flavithermusABF1 isolated from Tengchong geothermal region, China
Authors: Yang Wenjing , Hong Wanqi , Huang Yongji , Li Shuzhen , Li Mengke , Zhong Hui , He Zhiguo 
Published: June 2022

SummaryHexavalent chromium resistance and reduction mechanisms of microorganism provide a critical guidance for Cr(VI) bioremediation. However, related researches are limited in mesophiles and deficient for thermophiles. In this work, a novel alkaline Cr(VI)‐reducing thermophile Anoxybacillus flavithermus ABF1 was isolated from geothermal region. The mechanisms of Cr(VI) resistance and reduction were investigated. The results demonstrated that A. flavithermus ABF1 could survive in a wide temperature range from 50°C to 70°C and in pH range of 7.0–9.0. Strain ABF1 showed excellent growth activity and Cr(VI) removal performance when initial Cr(VI) concentration was lower than 200 mg L−1. 93.71% of Cr(VI) was removed at initial concentration of 20 mg L−1 after 72 h. The majority of Cr(VI) was found to be reduced extracellularly by enzymes secreted by cells. XPS and Raman analysis further manifested that Cr2O3 was the product of Cr(VI) reduction. Moreover, the Cr(VI) transportation‐related gene cysP and Cr(VI) reduction‐related gene azoR of A. flavithermus ABF1 played key roles in inhibiting Cr(VI) entering cells and promoting extracellular Cr(VI) reduction respectively. This work provides novel insight into the mechanisms of Cr(VI) resistance and detoxication of thermophiles, which leads to a promising alternative strategy for heavy metal bioremediation in areas with elevated temperature.
Tax Incidence and Tax Avoidance*
Authors: Dyreng Scott D. , Jacob Martin , Jiang Xu , Müller Maximilian A. 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACTEconomists broadly agree that the economic burden of corporate taxes is not entirely borne by shareholders but also borne in part by employees and consumers. We examine corporate tax avoidance in a setting where shareholders do not bear the entire economic burden of the corporate tax. We show that the relation between corporate tax incidence and corporate tax avoidance depends on the elasticity of labor supply, the productivity of capital relative to labor, and the tax deductibility of labor and capital. These forces operate through two channels (firm scale and input mix), making the actual association between tax avoidance and incidence an empirical question. We find that firms whose shareholders bear less of the economic burden of corporate taxes engage in less avoidance. Our findings suggest that maximizing after‐tax profits might entail less tax avoidance if shareholders do not entirely bear the corporate tax burden. In particular, when the incidence of the corporate tax falls on the firm, firms avoid more taxes. This tendency is stronger if firms use a higher level of capital input, if the deductibility of the cost of capital investment is limited, if firms have high capital productivity, or if tax enforcement is strong.
Statin activation of skeletal ryanodine receptors (RyR1) is a class effect but separable from HMG‐CoA reductase inhibition
Authors: Lindsay Chris , Musgaard Maria , Russell Angela J. , Sitsapesan Rebecca 
Published: June 2022

Background and PurposeStatins, inhibitors of HMG‐CoA reductase, are mainstay treatment for hypercholesterolaemia. However, muscle pain and weakness prevent many patients from benefiting from their cardioprotective effects. We previously demonstrated that simvastatin activates skeletal ryanodine receptors (RyR1), an effect that could be important in initiating myopathy. Using a range of structurally diverse statin analogues, we examined structural features associated with RyR1 activation, aiming to identify statins lacking this property.Experimental ApproachCompounds were screened for RyR1 activity utilising [3H]ryanodine binding. Mechanistic insight into RyR1 activity was studied by incorporating RyR1 channels from sheep, mouse or rabbit skeletal muscle into bilayers.Key ResultsAll UK‐prescribed statins activated RyR1 at nanomolar concentrations. Cerivastatin, withdrawn from the market due to life‐threatening muscle‐related side effects, was more effective than currently‐prescribed statins and possessed the unique ability to open RyR1 channels independently of cytosolic Ca2+. We synthesised the one essential structural moiety that all statins must possess for HMG‐CoA reductase inhibition, the R‐3,5‐dihydroxypentanoic acid unit, and it did not activate RyR1. We also identified five analogues retaining potent HMG‐CoA reductase inhibition that inhibited RyR1 and four that lacked the ability to modulate RyR1.Conclusion and ImplicationsThat cerivastatin activates RyR1 most strongly supports the hypothesis that RyR1 activation is implicated in statin‐induced myopathy. Demonstrating that statin regulation of RyR1 and HMG‐CoA reductase are separable effects will allow the role of RyR1 in statin‐induced myopathy to be further elucidated by the tool compounds we have identified, allowing development of effective cardioprotective statins with improved patient tolerance.
Toward improved chemical stability of yttrium‐doped barium cerate by the introduction of nickel oxide
Authors: Graça Vanessa C. D. , Loureiro Francisco J. A. , Holz Laura I. V. , Mikhalev Sergey M. , Fagg Duncan P. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn this work, we demonstrate that the introduction of a small amount of NiO (1.8 wt%) to the proton‐conducting perovskite yttrium‐doped barium (BaCe0.9Y0.1O3−δ, BCY10) can radically improve its chemical stability, even in conditions of very high carbon dioxide partial pressure (pO2 = 1 atm) and wet conditions (pH2O = 0.033 atm). To this end, we test sets of unmodified and NiO‐modified BCY samples sintered at different temperatures to achieve different grain sizes. Long‐term stability measurements up to 720 h at 400°C, under these conditions, reveal a noticeable drop in conductivity for the unmodified samples, scaling with decreasing grain size, due to the formation of barium carbonate. Conversely, the NiO‐modified samples show no apparent degradation, with a stable conductivity performance retained over 720 h, irrespective of grain sizes. We tentatively attribute this unusual behavior to the increased chemical resistance of the perovskite phase due to an increase in the aNiO/aBaO activity ratio at the bulk surfaces, which can prevent surface attack. Such an effect is supported by an observed increase in the Schottky barrier height, revealing a change in the specific grain boundary properties of the NiO‐modified samples. Conductivity measurements in wet O2 (pH2O = 0.033 atm) underscore that both the bulk and grain boundary terms of the conductivity of the NiO‐modified sample, sintered at 1350°C, are competitive with the unmodified BCY sample, sintered at 1450°C, even at temperatures as low as 400°C. The results here reported, thus, unlock a different perspective for these transition metal additives, to improve the chemical resistance of proton‐conducting ceramics perovskites.
The role of parent firms in business groups’ internal capital markets
Authors: Choi Heejung , Suh Jungwon 
Published: June 2022

AbstractUsing a unique dataset of unconsolidated financial statements, we investigate the investment and financing policies of parent firms in South Korea's business groups over the period 2003–2016. Parent firms add to their equity‐stake holdings substantially each year to support affiliated firms’ capital expenditures. Parent firms finance their equity‐stake investment primarily with external funds. These tendencies are more pronounced if parents sit high in the pyramidal chain or are central to controlling other group firms and if parents belong to large business groups. Overall, parent firms prioritize their role as capital raisers and distributors for affiliated firms, and business groups’ internal capital markets are supported by external finance.
School Garden Prevalence Before and After the Implementation of the Healthy Hunger‐Free Kids Act
Authors: Reyes Naomi , Ganderats‐Fuentes Montserrat , Acciai Francesco , Eliason Jessica , Ohri‐Vachaspati Punam 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe Healthy Hunger‐Free Kids Act (HHFKA) of 2010 supported implementation of school gardens for promoting fruit and vegetable consumption. We examined school garden prevalence over time by school‐level factors during the period before and after the implementation of HHFKA.METHODSUsing data from the New Jersey Child Health Study, conducted in 4 low‐income New Jersey cities, prevalence of school gardens among K‐12 schools (n = 148) was assessed between school year 2010‐2011 and 2017‐2018. Multivariable analysis estimated changes in garden prevalence over time adjusting for school‐level factors.RESULTSOverall, the sample included 97 elementary and 51 middle/high schools. Multivariable logistic regression showed that compared to 2010‐2011 (19%) a higher proportion of schools reported having a garden in 2013‐2014 (32%, p = 0.025). Over the entire study period, schools with majority Hispanic student enrollment had approximately half the odds of having a garden compared to schools with majority Black students (p = 0.036).CONCLUSIONSchool garden prevalence increased in the year immediately following the implementation of the HHFKA but this increase was not sustained over time. Future research should investigate the reasons for this decline and potential disparities by race/ethnicity.
THE SACRED REPRESENTATION OF A MINIATURE WORLD: RITUALS WITH FIGURINES AND SMALL AND MINIATURIZED POTTERY AT THE PHOENICIAN CULT PLACE OF KHARAYEB
Authors: Oggiano Ida 
Published: June 2022

SummaryThe rituals performed in the Phoenician cult places have traditionally been reconstructed primarily on the basis of architectural remains and sculptural finds. However, even if the exact role ceramics or other objects played in the rituals is unknown, it was certainly not secondary. New work carried out at the cult place of Kharayeb by an Italian‐Lebanese mission has produced unusually detailed documentation of such finds, and provides a richer context for the consideration the little data about pottery already published by M. Chéhab and I. Kaoukabani. In particular attention has focused on the use of small and miniaturized pottery (from figurines to miniature vessels) in rituals at the site. With reference to recent research on these issues and comparison with similar practices in the Near East, Greek, and western Phoenician worlds this article proposes new hypotheses on the meaning of ritual practices involving small objects.
Prediction of anterior ocular surface sagittal heights using Placido‐based corneal topography in healthy eyes
Authors: Bandlitz Stefan , Lagodny Matthias , Kurz Corinna , Wolffsohn James S. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the validity of Placido‐based corneal topography parameters to predict corneoscleral sagittal heights measured by Fourier‐based profilometry at various diameters.MethodsMinimal (Minsag), maximal (Maxsag) sagittal height, toricity (Maxsag − Minsag) and axis of the flattest meridian (Minsag) of 36 subjects (mean age 25.4 SD ± 3.2 years; 21 female) were measured using the Eye Surface Profiler and analysed for diameters (chord length) of 8 to 16 mm (in 2‐mm intervals). Furthermore, corneal central radii, corneal astigmatism, eccentricity and diameter were measured using the Keratograph 5 M.ResultsUsing multiple linear regression analysis, the best equation for predicting the sagittal heights for 8 mm (r2 = 0.95), and 10 mm (r2 = 0.93) diameters included corneal central radii and eccentricity. The best equation for predicting sagittal heights for 12 mm (r2 = 0.86), 14 mm (r2 = 0.78) and 16 mm (r2 = 0.65) diameters included corneal central radii, eccentricity and corneal diameter. Corneal astigmatism was significantly correlated with sagittal height toricity for 8 and 10 mm diameters (r2 = 0.50 and 0.29; p < 0.01), while no correlation was observed for 12, 14 and 16 mm diameters (p = 0.18 to p = 0.76). The axis of the flattest corneal meridian measured by Placido‐based topography was significantly correlated with the axis of the flattest meridian measured by Fourier‐based profilometry for 8, 10 and 12 mm diameters (r2 = 0.17 to 0.44; p < 0.05), while there was no correlation for 14 and 16 mm diameters (p = 0.48 and p = 0.75). For a typical soft contact lens diameter of 14 mm, 78% of the variance could be determined with a corneal topographer and 68% with keratometry and corneal diameter measurement.ConclusionsThe combination of corneal central radii, eccentricity and corneal diameter measured by Placido‐based topography is a valid predictor of the corneoscleral sagittal height in healthy eyes. Scleral toricity and axis of the flattest meridian seem to be independent from Placido‐based corneal parameters and requires additional measuring tools.
Analysis of the concentrations of some haematological parameters, C‐reactive protein and anti‐Müllerian hormone in bitches affected by pyometra
Authors: Janković Dušan , Norrman Johanna , Aronsson Mia , Vojvodić Danilo , Mirilović Milorad , Vejnović Branislav , Stanišić Ljubodrag , Nedić Svetlana , Maletić Milan , Đurić Miloje , Magaš Vladimir , Vakanjac Slobodanka 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe work was aimed to research into the vital signs, haematological and biochemical parameters, acute‐phase protein concentrations (CRP, albumin), progesterone (PG) and anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations in bitches with pyometra and their comparison with those in healthy bitches. In addition, the goal of this work was to assess if some of the tested parameters may be used as a biomarker in the diagnostics of pyometra and the monitoring of the postoperative recovery. Forty 3‐6‐year‐old bitches of various breeds were included in the research and allotted to two groups: the control (C, n = 20) and the diseased – bitches diagnosed with pyometra (P, n = 20). Blood samples for the analyses were taken immediately before surgery (0 h), and 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after, excepting for AMH and PG concentrations, which were determined only at 0 h. Clinical examination detected significantly higher respiration rates in bitches with pyometra in comparison to healthy ones at all time points, higher heart rates before and 12 h after surgery, and higher body temperature before and 12 h, 48 h and 72 h post operation (p < .01).Significantly higher concentrations of CRP (p < .01) and lower concentrations of albumin were detected in bitches with pyometra in comparison to their healthy counterparts at all time points. Progesterone and AMH concentration analysis immediately before surgery detected significantly higher levels of the hormone in bitches with pyometra than in the control (p < .01). The inflammatory reaction of the endometrium resulted in a significant AMH concentration increase, whilst increased CRP concentrations and lower albumin concentrations throughout the research may be used as biomarkers of proinflammatory activities, that is of the acute‐phase response.
Are you prepared for the next storm? Developing social norms messages to motivate community members to perform disaster risk mitigation behaviors
Authors: Lim JungKyu Rhys , Liu Brooke Fisher , Atwell Seate Anita 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPreparing for natural disasters and adapting to climate change can save lives. Yet, minimal research has examined how governments can motivate community members to prepare for disasters (e.g., purchasing flood insurance or installing water barriers in homes for floods and hurricanes). Instead, studies have focused on how to communicate actions individuals should take during disasters, rather than before disasters. This study develops messages targeting social norms, which are promising approaches to motivate community members to adopt disaster risk preparedness and mitigation behaviors. Specifically, we developed a variety of messages integrating descriptive norms (i.e., what others do), injunctive norms (i.e., what others believe should be done), and a social norms‐based fear appeal, or social disapproval rationale (i.e., a negative social result of [not] taking behaviors). Then, we tested these messages through two between‐subject factorial online experiments in flood‐ and hurricane‐prone U.S. states with adult samples (N = 2,286). In experiment 1 (i.e., purchasing flood insurance), the injunctive norms message using weather forecasters and the social disapproval rationale message significantly increased social norms perceptions, which in turn influenced behavioral intentions. In experiment 2 (i.e., installing water barriers), the injunctive norms message using weather forecasters, the injunctive norms message using neighbors, and the social disapproval rationale message significantly increased social norms perceptions, which in turn influenced mitigation intentions. However, the descriptive social norms message was not effective in increasing social norms perceptions. We provide some of the first empirical evidence on how organizations’ risk communication can empower community members to prepare and mitigate the impact of disasters.
Unconventional Policies Effects on Stock Market Volatility: The MAP Approach
Authors: Lacava Demetrio , Gallo Giampiero M. , Otranto Edoardo 
Published: June 2022

AbstractTaking the European Central Bank unconventional policies as a reference, we suggest a class of multiplicative error models (MEMs) tailored to analyse the impact such policies have on stock market volatility. The new set of models, called MEM with asymmetry and policy effects, keeps the base volatility dynamics separate from a component reproducing policy effects, with an increase in volatility on announcement days and a decrease unfolding implementation effects. When applied to four Eurozone markets, a model confidence set approach finds a significant improvement of the forecasting power of the proxy after the expanded asset purchase programme implementation. A multi-step ahead forecasting exercise estimates the duration of the effect; by shocking the policy variable, we are able to quantify the reduction in volatility which is more marked for debt-troubled countries.
Spatial Variations of the Activity of 137Cs and the Contents of Heavy Metals and Petroleum Products in the Polluted Soils of the City of Elektrostal
Authors: Lipatov D. N. , Varachenkov V. A. , Manakhov D. V. , Karpukhin M. M. , Mamikhin S. V. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The levels of specific activity of 137Cs and the contents of mobile forms (1 M ammonium acetate extraction) of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Pb) and petroleum products were studied in the upper soil horizon of urban landscapes of the city of Elektrostal under conditions of local radioactive and chemical contamination were studied. In the soils within a short radius (0–100 m) around the heavy engineering plant, the specific activity of 137Cs and the contents of mobile forms of Pb, Cu, and Zn were increased. The lognormal distribution law of 137Cs was found in the upper (0–10 cm) soil layer; five years after the radiation accident, the specific activity of 137Cs varied from 6 to 4238 Bq/kg. The coefficients of variation increased with an increase in the degree of soil contamination in the following sequence: Co < Ni < petroleum products < Cr < 137Cs < Zn < Pb < Cu ranging from 50 to 435%. Statistically significant direct correlation was found between the specific activity of 137Cs and the contents of mobile forms of Pb, Cu, and Zn in the upper horizon of urban soils, and this fact indicated the spatial conjugacy of local spots of radioactive and polymetallic contamination in the studied area. It was shown that the specific activity of 137Cs, as well as the content of heavy metals and petroleum products in the upper layer (0–10 cm) of the soils disturbed in the course of decontamination, earthwork and reclamation is reduced.
Features and predictive value of 6-min walk test outcomes in interstitial lung disease: an observation study using wearable monitors
Authors: Li Jiaying , Li Xiaoyan , Deng Miaozhen , Liang Xinyin , Wei Huiqun , Wu Xiaobing 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesTo describe 6-min walk test (6MWT) outcomes, and to investigate their correlations with cardiopulmonary and lung function among patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) which was not limited to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.MethodsWe collected patients’ demographic data and obtained minute-by-minute 6MWT outcomes. Modified Borg scale was employed to assess patients’ dyspnoea, whereas New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification and pulmonary function test were used to evaluate patients’ cardiopulmonary functions.ResultsHeart rate (HR) exhibited a continuous upward trend, while SpO2 exhibited an overall downward with a slight increase at the fifth minute. The SpO2 nadir for 70 patients (9.3%) was lower than 80%. Further, the SpO2 nadir for 78.27% of the participants appeared at the end of the fourth minute. The 6-min walk distance (6MWD) had the strongest correlation with NYHA classification (r=0.82, p<0.01). The ratio of 6MWD to predicted 6MWD was most correlated to forced expiratory volume in the first second (r=0.30, p<0.01) and forced vital capacity (r=0.30, p<0.01). SpO2 at 3 min had the strongest correlation to patients’ diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (r=0.41, p<0.01). We found significant differences in 6MWD (F=2.44, p=0.033), SpO2 change (F=2.58, p=0.025), HR at 0 min (F=2.87, p=0.014), HR at end of 6 min (F=2.58, p=0.025) and HR zenith (F=2.64, p=0.022) between the subtypes of ILD.ConclusionThis observation provided an important evidence regarding oxygen titration. It is better to maintain SpO2 above 88% for 4 min instead of 3 min. SpO2 at the third minute was the most valuable predictor of patients’ lung function. 6MWD and SpO2 changes were more discriminative in subtypes.