bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What Might Machines Mean?
Authors: Green Mitchell , Michel Jan G. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis essay addresses the question whether artificial speakers can perform speech acts in the technical sense of that term common in the philosophy of language. We here argue that under certain conditions artificial speakers can perform speech acts so understood. After (§1) explaining some of the issues at stake in these questions, we (§2) elucidate a relatively uncontroversial way in which machines can communicate, namely through what we call verbal signaling. But verbal signaling is not sufficient for the performance of a speech act. To explain the difference, we (§3) elucidate the notion of a speech act developed by Austin (How to Do Things with Words, 1962) in the mid-twentieth century and then discuss Strawson’s ("Intention and Convention in Speech Acts", 1964) influential proposal for how that notion may be related to Grice’s ("Meaning", 1957) conception of speaker meaning. We then refine Strawson’s synthesis in light of Armstrong’s ("Meaning and Communication", 1971) reconceptualization of speaker meaning in terms of objectives rather than intentions. We next (§4) extend this conception of speech acts to the cases of recorded, proxy, and conditional speech acts. On this basis, we propose (§5) that a characteristic role for artificial speakers is as proxies in the performance of speech acts on behalf of their human creators. We (§6) also consider two objections to our position, and compare our approach with others: while other authors appeal to notions such as “quasi-assertion,” we offer a sharp characterization of what artificial speakers can do that does not impute intentions or similarly controversial powers to them. We conclude (§7) by raising doubts that our strategy can be applied to speech acts generally.
Inhibition of nuclear factor κB in the lungs protect bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice
Authors: Thakur Devaang , Taliaferro Olivia , Atkinson Madeleine , Stoffel Ryan , Guleria Rakeshwar S. , Gupta Sudhiranjan 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Pulmonary fibrosis is a debilitating condition with limited therapeutic avenues. The pathogenicity of pulmonary fibrosis constitutes involvement of cellular proliferation, activation, and transformational changes of fibroblast to myofibroblasts. It is a progressive lung disease and is primarily characterized by aberrant accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the lungs with poor prognosis. The inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis is suggested because of release of several cytokines; however, the underlying mechanism remains undefined. A genetic model is the appropriate way to delineate the underlying mechanism of pulmonary fibrosis.

Methods and results
In this report, we have used cc-10 promoter based IκBα mutant mice (IKBM, an inhibitor of NF-κB) which were challenged with bleomycin (BLM). Compared to wild-type (WT) mice, the IKBM mice showed significant reduction in several fibrotic, vascular, and inflammatory genes. Moreover, we have identified a new set of dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) by miRNA array analysis in BLM-induced WT mice. Among these miRNAs, let-7a-5p and miR-503-5p were further analyzed. Our data showed that these two miRNAs were upregulated in WT-BLM and were reduced in IKBM-BLM mice. Bioinformatic analyses showed that let-7a-5p and miR-503-5p target for endothelin1 and bone morphogenic receptor 1A (BMPR1A), respectively, and were downregulated in WT-BLM mice indicating a link in pulmonary fibrosis.

Conclusion
We concluded that inhibition of NF-κB and modulation of let-7a-5p and miR-503-5p contribute a pivotal role in pulmonary fibrosis and may be considered as possible therapeutic target for the clinical management of lung fibrosis.
Nonlinear Semigroups Built on Generating Families and their Lipschitz Sets
Authors: Blessing Jonas , Kupper Michael 
Published: January 2022

AbstractUnder suitable conditions on a family (I(t))t≥ 0 of Lipschitz mappings on a complete metric space, we show that, up to a subsequence, the strong limit $S(t):=\lim _{n\to \infty }(I(t 2^{-n}))^{2^{n}}$
S
(
t
)
:
=

lim

n
→
∞

(
I
(
t

2

−
n

)
)

2

n

exists for all dyadic time points t, and extends to a strongly continuous semigroup (S(t))t≥ 0. The common idea in the present approach is to find conditions on the generating family (I(t))t≥ 0, which can be transferred to the semigroup. The construction relies on the Lipschitz set, which is invariant under iterations and allows to preserve Lipschitz continuity to the limit. Moreover, we provide a verifiable condition which ensures that the infinitesimal generator of the semigroup is given by $\lim _{h\downarrow 0}\tfrac {I(h)x-x}{h}$

lim

h
↓
0

I
(
h
)
x
−
x

h

, whenever this limit exists. The results are illustrated with several examples of nonlinear semigroups such as robustifications and perturbations of linear semigroups.
Using a combined bio-ecological and capability perspective to understand inclusive education in South Africa
Authors: Kern Anwynne 
Published: January 2022

AbstractInclusive educational practices have been adopted worldwide to address inequalities endemic to education systems. In South Africa, the process toward inclusion commenced in October 1996 and was realized in 2001 with the Education White Paper 6. However, the implementation of inclusion in South Africa has been marred by challenges. These challenges have largely been examined through an ecosystemic theoretical lens offering insight into the contextual challenges facing inclusion but does not adequately explore the role that the person involved in the implementation and their specific dispositions play in the enactment of inclusion. This article argues that, to better understand the challenges individuals face with implementing inclusion, a broader lens integrating bio-ecological theory and the capability approach is needed. This integration highlights the need to look at a complexity of issues to understand what is valued, as competing values, and the choices between these will influence the implementation of inclusion.
Understanding the role of cross-language transfer of phonological awareness in emergent Hindi–English biliteracy acquisition
Authors: Patel Priyanka , Chatterjee Singh Nandini , Torppa Minna 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis study examined within and cross-language relations, and specifically, the role of phonological awareness (PA) skills in reading among young Hindi-speaking children (L1) who were learning to read English (L2) in Delhi, India. Data was collected from 143 children in Grades 1 and 2 using measures validated for this population. The analyses examined the associations between L1 and L2 PA and decoding, both within and across the two languages. The results showed that PA skills within each language significantly predicted decoding in that language. Furthermore, there was evidence of cross-language transfer with Hindi PA significantly predicting English word reading even after controlling for English PA. English PA also significantly predicted Hindi decoding, however, these effects decreased once Hindi PA was added to the model. These findings emphasize the important role that both L1 and L2 PA plays in reading among emergent Hindi–English bilinguals. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings on literacy instruction in India are discussed.
What do analyses of city size distributions have in common?
Authors: Cottineau Clémentine 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn this article, I conduct a textual and contextual meta-analysis of the empirical literature on Zipf's law for cities. Combining citation network analysis and bibliometrics, this meta-analysis explores the link between publication bias and reporting bias in the multidisciplinary field of quantitative urban studies. To complement a set of metadata already available, I collect the full-texts and reference lists of 66 scientific articles published in English and construct similarity networks of the terms they use as well as of the references and disciplines they cite. I use these networks as explanatory variables in a model of the similarity network of the distribution of Zipf estimates reported in the 66 articles. I find that the proximity in words frequently used by authors correlates positively with their tendency to report similar values and dispersion of Zipf estimates. The reference framework of articles also plays a role, as articles which cite similar references tend to report similar average values of Zipf estimates. As a complement to previous meta-analyses, the present approach sheds light on the scientific text and context mobilized to report on city size distributions. It allows to identified gaps in the corpus and potentially overlooked articles. It confirms the relationship between publication and reporting biases.
Accounting for quality in data integration systems: a completeness-aware integration approach
Authors: Daraio Cinzia , Di Leo Simone , Scannapieco Monica 
Published: January 2022

AbstractEnsuring the quality of integrated data is undoubtedly one of the main problems of integrated data systems. When focusing on multi-national and historical data integration systems, where the “space” and “time” dimensions play a relevant role, it is very much important to build the integration layer in such a way that the final user accesses a layer that is “by design” as much complete as possible. In this paper, we propose a method for accessing data in multipurpose data infrastructures, like data integration systems, which has the properties of (i) relieving the final user from the need to access single data sources while, at the same time, (ii) ensuring to maximize the amount of the information available for the user at the integration layer. Our approach is based on a completeness-aware integration approach which allows the user to have ready available all the maximum information that can get out of the integrated data system without having to carry out the preliminary data quality analysis on each of the databases included in the system. Our proposal of providing data quality information at the integrated level extends then the functions of the individual data sources, opening the data infrastructure to additional uses. This may be a first step to move from data infrastructures towards knowledge infrastructures. A case study on the research infrastructure for the science and innovation studies shows the usefulness of the proposed approach.
Evaluation of Galdakao-modified Valdivia position in endoscopic management of malignant ureteric obstruction
Authors: Emam Ahmed , Elmoazen Mohamed , Shabayek Mohamed , Zriek Amr M. , Gad Hany Hamed 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Malignant ureteric obstruction (MUO) due to pelvic malignancies is challenging for endourological management and carries high failure rates for retrograde cystoscopic ureteric stenting.

Methods
We adopted Galdakao-modified Valdivia (GMV) position in the management of MUO in an operating room equipped with a C-arm fluoroscopy unit and an ultrasound device. We prospectively studied the added value of this approach in 50 cases who failed retrograde ureteric stenting.

Results
Thirty-seven (74%) cases were done under a high level of spinal anesthesia. Mean operative time was 62 min. Antegrade ureteric stenting succeeded in 45/50 (90%) patients who failed retrograde ureteric stenting. GMV position facilitated simultaneous retrograde and antegrade management of MUO. Eight patients (16%) underwent auxiliary cystoscopic procedures to reduce the mass over the ureteric orifice (UO) guided by antegrade methylene blue or over a probing antegrade guidewire. Nephrostomy tube was inserted in the same setting in 16/50 (32%) cases. Antegrade flow of contrast to the bladder (P < 0.001) and ureteric kinks rather than tight stenosis or infiltration of UO (P = 0.014) were significantly associated with the success of antegrade ureteric stenting. No major complications were encountered.

Conclusion
GMV position is an ideal choice for management of MUO as it allows simultaneous access to the lower and the upper urinary systems to accomplish ureteric stenting either in a retrograde or an antegrade fashion as well as the ability to insert a nephrostomy tube in the same setting, thus shortening the inpatient care and this should be the standard of care in cases with MUO.
Direct Measurement of the Transverse Modulus of Carbon Fibres
Authors: Wong S. , Pierlot A. P. , Abbott A. M. , Schutz J. A. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
The transverse compressive properties are integral to fully utilizing the high performing mechanical properties of carbon fibres (CF). Direct measurements of transverse properties of CFs are difficult.

Objective
A system that directly measures transverse compressive modulus (ET) by utilizing interference speckle patterns to measure sub-pixel resolutions is presented.

Methods
The compression data from an isotropic glass fibre was fitted using an elastic contact mechanics model. An initial section was observed, which was not readily fitted using the model and was systematically removed, resulting in an ET of 82 GPa, comparable to the reported longitudinal tensile modulus (EL) of 86 GPa.

Results
The response of Ag wire to cyclic compression was measured, with the behaviour consistent with a material undergoing typical cyclic stress–strain into a stable hysteretic loop. Several CFs were compressed and an inversely proportional relationship between ET and EL was observed. Transverse compressive moduli of 8.2 (0.8), 6.5 (0.7), 4.3 (0.3), and 2.1 (0.4) were obtained for Toray T300 and Mitsubishi Pyrofil HS40, Pyrofil TR50S, and Dialead K13312, respectively (numbers in parenthesis are standard deviations).

Conclusion
Hysteresis was observed for some of the polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based CFs and a method for ensuring an accurate fitting of CFs, including hysteretic load/unload curves, was proposed.
Assessment of urban river water pollution with urbanization in East Africa
Authors: Chen Sophia Shuang , Kimirei Ismael Aaron , Yu Cheng , Shen Qiushi , Gao Qun 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAnthropogenic pollution plays an important part in deteriorating the water quality of rivers all over the world, especially in urban areas of Africa where water quality monitoring is still seriously constrained by the limited test facility and capability. In this study, for evaluating the impact of urbanization on the river water quality, we investigated four typical urban rivers of Tanzania through the upper-urban-down gradient assessment approach and analyzed by water quality index (WQI) and statistical methods. The physicochemical indices monitored in these rivers revealed that the contents of those indicators of TN, TP, PO43−, NH4+, CODMn, and NO3− were accumulated significantly in the lower reaches of the cities, which indicated the life-type pollution characteristics in such urban rivers of Africa. The following main conclusions are achieved from this study. The water quality of 30% of the investigated river sections is in the medium to good status based on the subjective WQI with sensory factors included. Moreover, the sections with obvious water quality decline are mainly limited to the river segments within the urban central area, and severe pollution of water bodies is closely related to large cities, indicating an increasing pollution tendency with the quickly growing population. Therefore, to help formulate water pollution control policies in response to the rapid urban expansion in African countries, it is necessary to adopt an economical and feasible method to carry out early monitoring of surface water quality timely.
Die Netzwerkanalyse und der Umgang mit ihren Forschungsergebnissen. Eine kritische Replik zum Beitrag von Nico Sonntag
Authors: Ötsch Walter Otto , Hirte Katrin , Pühringer Stephan 
Published: January 2022

ZusammenfassungIn der Untersuchung von sozialen Netzwerken werden Beziehungen zwischen sozialen Akteuren (z.B. Personen, Institutionen, Organisationen) adressiert und nach dem Charakter dieser Beziehungen gefragt. Dieser Beziehungscharakter interessiert vor allem dann, wenn die Akteure in diesen Netzwerken gemeinsame inhaltliche Ausrichtungen entwickeln, die performativ in die Gesellschaft hineinwirken. Da in solchen Netzwerkanalysen die relevanten Akteure benannt und deren Denkausrichtungen eruiert werden, bergen sie einerseits ein aufklärerisches Potenzial. Andererseits sind sowohl die Forschenden als auch die Scientific Community beim Umgang mit diesen Forschungsergebnissen angehalten, die Netzwerkbeziehungen und die inhaltlichen Ausrichtungen der Akteure*innen als mehr oder weniger manifeste und prozessierende aufzufassen, anstatt diese bewusst oder unbewusst zu reifizieren. In der vorliegenden Replik setzen wir uns kritisch mit dem in dieser Zeitschrift veröffentlichten Vorwurf Nico Sonntags auseinander, wir wären bei unserer Analyse von ordoliberalen Netzwerken in Deutschland oberflächlich und intransparent vorgegangen, suggerierten die Realität eines kollektiv agierenden marktfundamentalen Netzwerkes und hätten damit womöglich sogar einem Verschwörungsdenken Vorschub geleistet.
What drives passion? An empirical examination on the impact of personality trait interactions and job environments on work passion
Authors: Breu Annika , Yasseri Taha 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPassionate employees are essential for organisational success as they foster higher performance and exhibit lower turnover or absenteeism. While a large body of research has investigated the consequences of passion, we know only little about its antecedents. Integrating trait interaction theory with trait activation theory, this paper examines how personality traits, i.e. conscientiousness, agreeableness, and neuroticism impact passion at work across different job situations. Passion has been conceptualized as a two-dimensional construct, consisting of harmonious work passion (HWP) and obsessive work passion (OWP). Our study is based on a sample of N = 824 participants from the myPersonality project. We find a positive relationship between neuroticism and OWP in enterprising environments. Further, we find a three-way interaction between conscientiousness, agreeableness, and enterprising environment in predicting OWP. Our findings imply that the impact of personality configurations on different forms of passion is contingent on the job environment. Moreover, in line with self-regulation theory, the results reveal agreeableness as a “cool influencer” and neuroticism as a “hot influencer” of the relationship between conscientiousness and work passion. We derive practical implications for organisations on how to foster work passion, particularly HWP, in organisations.
Operando electrochemical SERS monitors nanoparticle reactions by capping agent fingerprints
Authors: Wonner Kevin , Murke Steffen , Alfarano Serena R. , Hosseini Pouya , Havenith Martina , Tschulik Kristina 
Published: January 2022

AbstractNanomaterials are frequently employed in daily life goods, including health, textile, and food industry. A comprehensive picture is lacking on the role of the capping agents, added ligand molecules, in case of nanoparticle reactions and degradation in aqueous solutions, like surface waters or biofluids. Here, we aim to elucidate the capping agent influence on nanoparticle reactivity probing two commonly employed capping agents citrate and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Their influence on silver nanoparticle (AgNP) transformation is studied, which is particularly important due to its application as an antimicrobial agent. We induce oxidation and reduction processes of AgNPs in halide solutions and we monitor the associated transformations of particles and capping agents by spectro-electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Raman bands of the capping agents are used here to track chemical changes of the nanoparticles under operando conditions. The sparingly soluble and non-plasmon active silver salts (AgBr and AgCl) are formed under potential bias. In addition, we spectroscopically observe plasmon-mediated structural changes of citrate to cis- or trans-aconitate, while PVP is unaltered. The different behavior of the capping agents implies a change in the physical properties on the surface of AgNPs, in particular with respect to the surface accessibility. Moreover, we showcase that reactions of the capping agents induced by different external stimuli, such as applied bias or laser irradiation, can be assessed. Our results demonstrate how SERS of capping agents can be exploited to operando track nanoparticle conversions in liquid media. This approach is envisaged to provide a more comprehensive understanding of nanoparticle fates in complex liquid environments and varied redox conditions.
Thymidine Kinase 2 and Mitochondrial Protein COX I in the Cerebellum of Patients with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 31 Caused by Penta-nucleotide Repeats (TTCCA)n
Authors: Aoki Hanako , Higashi Miwa , Okita Michi , Ando Noboru , Murayama Shigeo , Ishikawa Kinya , Yokota Takanori 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 31 (SCA31), an autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia with Purkinje cell degeneration, is caused by a heterozygous 2.5–3.8 kilobase penta-nucleotide repeat of (TTCCA)n in intron 11 of the thymidine kinase 2 (TK2) gene. TK2 is an essential mitochondrial pyrimidine-deoxyribonucleoside kinase. Bi-allelic loss-of-function mutations of TK2 lead to mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MDS) in humans through severe (~ 70%) reduction of mitochondrial electron-transport-chain activity, and tk2 knockout mice show Purkinje cell degeneration and ataxia through severe mitochondrial cytochrome-c oxidase subunit I (COX I) protein reduction. To clarify whether TK2 function is altered in SCA31, we investigated TK2 and COX I expression in human postmortem SCA31 cerebellum. We confirmed that canonical TK2 mRNA is transcribed from exons far upstream of the repeat site, and demonstrated that an extended version of TK2 mRNA (“TK2-EXT”), transcribed from exons spanning the repeat site, is expressed in human cerebellum. While canonical TK2 was conserved among vertebrates, TK2-EXT was specific to primates. Reverse transcription-PCR demonstrated that both TK2 mRNAs were preserved in SCA31 cerebella compared with control cerebella. The TK2 proteins, assessed with three different antibodies including our original polyclonal antibody against TK2-EXT, were detected as ~ 26 kilodalton proteins on western blot; their levels were similar in SCA31 and control cerebella. COX I protein level was preserved in SCA31 compared to nuclear DNA-encoded protein. We conclude that the expression and function of TK2 are preserved in SCA31, suggesting a mechanism distinct from that of MDS.