bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creating Progress in Contextual Behavioral Science
Authors: Falletta-Cowden Neal , Hayes Steven C. , Forman Michelle
Published: September 2022

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) should be understood as a piece of the larger puzzle being constructed by contextual behavioral science (CBS). The goal of this scientific endeavor is not only to reduce suffering but also to understand complex human behavior to the degree necessary for bringing about large-scale changes in the world and facing the existential crises that threaten us. To accomplish these goals, the CBS community must be directed toward conducting research that is process-based, multilevel, multidimensional, prosocial, and pragmatic. In 2021, the ACBS Task Force developed a list of 33 recommendations for the CBS community that will help orient the path forward for this corner of science. This article addresses the hopes and dreams for behavioral science, the missteps taken along the way, and how the Task Force recommendations have numerous implications for the field of CBS as it evolves.
The Challenge of AI Governance for Public Organizations
Authors: Bullock Justin B. , Huang Hsini , Kim Kyoung-Cheol , Young Matthew M.
Published: September 2022

This chapter examines the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems by public organizations and the resulting critical challenges of dehumanization and loss of human control. It further identifies core challenges to modern public organizations and modern governance through the lens of Max Weber’s ideal type bureaucracy and Herbert Simon’s administrative behavior including challenges of: (1) a decreased scope of tasks for human bureaucrats, (2) a loss in human managerial control, and (3) an evolving bureaucracy structure, (4) a reshaping of the bounded rationality of agents, (5) value alignment of public organizations, and (6) a changing balance of formal and informal communication. Furthermore, our analysis reveals how understanding and adjusting to the interrelated dynamics of bounded rationality, hierarchy, facts, specialization, and human judgment can help public organizations maintain AI while preserving and reasserting human dignity and control. Finally, we highlight that the theoretical lenses provided by Weber and Simon may diminish in relevancy in the presence of hybrid human and machine bureaucracies.
Effective Reading Instruction
Authors: Kuhn Melanie , Dougherty Stahl Katherine A.
Published: September 2022

This chapter reviews multiple conceptualizations of reading and its development followed by a range of corresponding research-based instructional approaches. In terms of models, the Simple View of Reading, the Stages of Reading Development, Constrained and Unconstrained Skills, the Cognitive Model, and the Interactive-Compensatory Model are all reviewed. After considering how these models represent reading development, the article focuses on literacy instruction. Effective approaches to learning and teaching prior to, as well as during, formal schooling are presented. The importance of flexible grouping and differentiation are also addressed. This discussion broadly parallels the developmental trajectory outlined in the first section and highlights research-based instructional strategies and materials that support learning during each of the various stages. Specifically, it attends to emergent literacy, novice reading, transitional reading, and post-transitional reading (broken into two groups: upper elementary/middle school and high school). The chapter concludes by presenting the Interactive Model of Reading Development. This model reflects the field’s current understanding of reading development in terms of both theory and effective practice.
Rewarding Some, But Not All? The Selectoral Consequences of Parliamentary Activity for Newcomers and Experienced MPs in Belgium (1995–2019)
Authors: Put Gert-Jan , De Vet Benjamin , Schobess Richard , Wauters Bram , Maddens Bart
Published: September 2022

This article examines whether political parties reward the parliamentary activity of members of parliament (MPs) through candidate selection processes. Previous research on this question provides mixed evidence. Moreover, studies often disregard potentially unequal effects among different kinds of MPs. Using new data on all members of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives between 1995 and 2019 (N = 1108), this contribution shows that several types of parliamentary activity indeed matter both for MPs’ general renomination as well as for their claim to realistic list positions. Furthermore, our study provides evidence that parliamentary activity matters more for the reselection of newcomers than for experienced MPs.
The Fate of Pyroxenes in Mafic Xenoliths from the Kinnaur Kailash Granite, Sutlej Valley, NW Himalaya: Effect of Retrograde Hydration and Insights on the Rare Occurrence of High-Grade Metamorphic Rocks in the Himalayan Orogen
Authors: Thakur Satyajeet S , Patel Suresh C , Chaurasia Chandni , Gour Nainika
Published: September 2022

Pseudosection modelling of post-peak mineral assemblages in metamorphosed mafic xenoliths from the Kinnaur Kailash Granite, Northwest Himalaya, has provided new insights into pre-Himalayan metamorphism and constrained the P–T conditions of hydration. P–T and P–MH2O pseudosections constructed in the NCFMASH system show that retrograde hydration occurred during destabilisation of orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene in mafic granulites after decompression to 0.3 GPa pressure, and as a result, water-containing phases such as cummingtonite and hornblende formed. Results from two of the studied xenoliths indicate that the secondary mineral assemblage is controlled not only by P and T, but also by the amount of water available for hydration. In contrast, another example indicates the development of cummingtonite from hornblende via dehydration reaction after decompression to conditions appropriate for cummingtonite stability. The study shows that the Higher Himalayan Crystalline Sequence (HHCS), from which the xenoliths have been derived, must have been subjected to pre-Himalayan high-grade metamorphism, although it is not evident because of pervasive overprinting by Himalayan metamorphism. The present-day metamorphic pattern of the HHCS is expectedly the result of both pre-Himalayan and Himalayan metamorphism, and careful petrological investigation is required to distinguish their signatures so that a better understanding of the tectonothermal evolution of the Himalayas can come into picture. Isotopic dating of the xenoliths is required to establish the timings of the pre-Himalayan metamorphism and decompression.
CycC1;1 negatively modulates ABA signaling by interacting with and inhibiting ABI5 during seed germination
Authors: Guo Jia-Xing , Song Ru-Feng , Lu Kai-Kai , Zhang Yu , Chen Hui-Hui , Zuo Jia-Xin , Li Ting-Ting , Li Xue-Feng , Liu Wen-Cheng
Published: September 2022

Regulation of seed germination is important for plant survival and propagation. ABSCISIC ACID (ABA) INSENSITIVE5 (ABI5), the central transcription factor in the ABA signaling pathway, plays a fundamental role in the regulation of ABA-responsive gene expression during seed germination; however, how ABI5 transcriptional activation activity is regulated remains to be elucidated. Here, we report that C-type Cyclin1;1 (CycC1;1) is an ABI5-interacting partner affecting the ABA response and seed germination in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). The CycC1;1 loss-of-function mutant is hypersensitive to ABA, and this phenotype was rescued by mutation of ABI5. Moreover, CycC1;1 suppresses ABI5 transcriptional activation activity for ABI5-targeted genes including ABI5 itself by occupying their promoters and disrupting RNA polymerase II recruitment; thus the cycc1;1 mutant shows increased expression of ABI5 and genes downstream of ABI5. Furthermore, ABA reduces the interaction between CycC1;1 and ABI5, while phospho-mimic but not phospho-dead mutation of serine-42 in ABI5 abolishes CycC1;1 interaction with ABI5 and relieves CycC1;1 inhibition of ABI5-mediated transcriptional activation of downstream target genes. Together, our study illustrates that CycC1;1 negatively modulates the ABA response by interacting with and inhibiting ABI5, while ABA relieves the CycC1;1 interaction with and inhibition of ABI5 to activate ABI5 activity for the ABA response, thereby inhibiting seed germination.
Macroeconomic News and Stock–Bond Comovement
Authors: Duffee Gregory R
Published: September 2022

Covariances between aggregate stock returns and changes in bond yields change sign over time. Existing theories emphasize either time-varying properties of expected inflation or time-varying properties of real yields. Using revisions in survey forecasts as proxies for macroeconomic news, neither approach succeeds empirically. Inflation-centric models require much more news about expected future inflation than we observe from surveys. Real-centric models posit signs of covariances among macroeconomic news, changes in yields, and stock returns that do not match those in the data. In a nutshell, macroeconomic news appears to drive a substantial part of stock–bond comovement, but not in ways consistent with our theories.
The Acceptability of Remotely Delivered Cognitive Adaptation Training
Authors: Li Feiyu , Mintz Jim , Sebastian Veronica , Wang Chenyi , Kennedy Cory , Vyas Shail , Velligan Dawn I
Published: September 2022

Cognitive Adaptation Training (CAT) is a psychosocial treatment using environmental supports such as signs, checklists, technology, and the organization of belongings to bypass cognitive and motivational impairments for those with serious behavioral health problems. We conducted a survey of 204 members of managed Medicaid in Texas to examine the acceptability of, opinions about and preferences for CAT delivered in-person (CAT) or remotely (R-CAT) where supplies would be mailed and visits would occur via videoconferencing. The telephone survey presented descriptions of CAT and R-CAT in counterbalanced order eliciting general opinions about the treatments, such as (1) whether they would accept the treatments if they were offered the day of the survey at no cost, (2) which treatment was preferred, and (3) the extent to which they agreed or disagreed with a number of statements about components of the treatments. Results indicated that both R-CAT and CAT were acceptable to respondents with overall acceptance rates significantly higher for R-CAT 87% than for CAT (78%). With respect to preferences, 27% and 28% of respondents preferred CAT and R-CAT, respectively, and 41% of respondents preferred both equally. Black respondents more often preferred in-person CAT to other alternatives. Respondents agreed that they needed help, that they were comfortable with technology, and that they believed the programs would help them. The vast majority of qualitative comments about the treatments were positive. Results suggest that it will be important to assess the efficacy and effectiveness of CAT delivered remotely in randomized trials.
Is the online gig economy beyond national reach? A European analysis
Authors: van Slageren Jaap , Herrmann Andrea M , Frenken Koen
Published: September 2022

With the emergence of the online gig economy, computer-based jobs can be completed by gig workers around the world. This raises the question whether the labour market for online gigs is truly boundless as distance no longer matters. Based on gravity models, we investigate the effect of geographical, institutional and cultural distance on almost 30 000 platform hirings between 26 European countries. While we find that online gig platforms are used to off-shore work from high- to low-wage countries, the online gig economy is not boundless as gig workers are still preferably hired from geographically close economies. A common language furthermore facilitates hirings between countries. Interestingly, though, differences in formal and informal institutions hardly affect hiring patterns across countries, suggesting that online platforms create their own institutional framework. We conclude that the online gig economy constitutes neither a boundless nor a frictionless labour market, implying that its promise of creating equal access to job opportunities is exaggerated.
E2F1 regulates miR-215-5p to aggravate paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis via repressing BMPR2 expression
Authors: Huang Jie , Cao Yan , Li Xiang , Yu Fang , Han Xiaotong
Published: September 2022

Background

Pulmonary fibrosis is considered to be an irreversible lung injury, which can be caused by paraquat (PQ) poisoning. MiRNAs have been demonstrated crucial roles in pulmonary fibrosis caused by numerous approaches including PQ induction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role and the underlying mechanism of miR-215 in PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Methods

The cell and animal models of pulmonary fibrosis were established through PQ intervention. Cell viability was performed to test by MTT assay. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect COL1A1 expression and its location. The relationships among E2F1, miR-215-5p, and BMPR2 were validated by dual luciferase reporter gene assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation. Lung morphology was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results

MiR-215-5p was upregulated in PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. MiR-215-5p silencing relieved PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis progression by enhancing cell viability and reducing the expression of fibrosis-related markers (COL1A1, COL3A1, and α-SMA). Mechanistically, miR-215-5p directly targeted BMRP2. BMPR2 knockdown abolished the suppressive effects of miR-215-5p knockdown on PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis. In addition, E2F1 interacted with miR-215-5p promoter and positively regulated miR-215-5p expression. E2F1 downregulation reduced miR-215-5p level and promoted BMPR2 level via regulating TGF-β/Smad3 pathway, and then suppressed PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis, whereas these effects were compromised by miR-215-5p sufficiency.

Conclusion

MiR-215-5p was activated by E2F1 to repress BMPR2 expression and activate TGF-β/Smad3 pathway, which aggravated PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis progression. Targeting the E2F1/miR-215-5p/BMPR2 axis might be a new approach to alleviate PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
Osteoporosis as a Risk Factor for Intraoperative Complications and Long-term Instrumentation Failure in Patients With Scoliotic Spinal Deformity
Authors: Mugge Luke , DeBacker Dang Danielle , Caras Andrew , Dang John V. , Diekemper Noah , Green Barth A. , Gjolaj Joseph P. , Fanous Andrew A.
Published: September 2022

Study Design.

A retrospective review study.

Objective.

This study aims to determine the effect of osteoporosis on spine instrumentation.

Summary of Background Data.

Osteoporosis is a common skeletal pathology that affects systemic cortical bone maintenance and remodeling. This disease accelerates the degeneration of the spine, often necessitating spinal surgery for progressive vertebral deformity, pathologic fracture, bony canal stenosis, and/or neural element decompression. There is a paucity of literature describing the role of osteoporosis as it relates to both perioperative complications and outcomes after spine fusion surgery.

Materials and Methods.

A retrospective review was conducted of a prospectively maintained database for patients undergoing spine surgery between January 1, 2006 and October 3, 2017. Inclusion criteria included age 18 years and above and surgery performed for the correction of thoracolumbar scoliosis. Data collected included various demographic, clinical, and operative variables.

Results.

A total of 532 patients met inclusion criteria, including 144 (27%) patients with a diagnosis of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis was significantly associated with increased blood volume loss (P=0.003). Postoperatively, osteoporosis was associated with increased rates of instrumentation failure (19% vs. 10%; P=0.008) and the need for revision surgery (33% vs. 16%; P<0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed osteoporosis to be an independent risk factor for increased mean number of spinal segments fused (P<0.05), mean blood volume loss (P<0.05), rate of postoperative deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism (P<0.05), rate of instrumentation failure (P<0.05), and need for revision surgery (P<0.05).

Conclusion.

Osteoporosis is a significant risk factor for instrumentation failure and need for revision surgery following arthrodesis for scoliosis correction. Furthermore, patients with osteoporosis have a significantly higher risk of intraoperative blood volume loss and postoperative thromboembolic events.
Intra-aortic Balloon Pump Versus Impella in Managing Cardiogenic Shock After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Reist Rachel E. , Seidt Kathleen A.
Published: September 2022

Background

Despite early revascularization and supportive medical therapies, acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock (AMICS) remains the leading cause of death in patient's with myocardial infarction. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has been the device of choice for these patients but has failed to show mortality benefit over medical therapy alone. The Impella (AbioMed, Danvers, Massachusetts) is a more recently developed alternative in bridging patients to recovery.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate available evidence comparing mortality with the use of Impella (2.0 or CP) versus IABP in patients with AMICS.

Methods

PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched to find articles comparing the outcomes of IABP versus Impella in AMICS patients. A total of 7 articles met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Thirty-day mortality was the primary outcome observed. Secondary outcomes included myocardial recovery and complications from device implantation. All studies support that there is no statistically significant reduction in mortality when utilizing the Impella over the IABP.

Discussion

Further research in an adequately powered randomized clinical trial is needed to shed light on the clinical characteristics of patients after AMICS who would benefit from 1 type of mechanical circulatory support over another. The therapy chosen is determined by provider discretion and skill set, as well as device availability. It is important for all care team members, including the critical care nurse, to understand the implications and complications associated with each therapy, so care can be catered to the individual patient's needs.
Fever and Knee Effusion in the Pediatric Patient
Authors: Jafari Kaileen , Woodward George A.
Published: September 2022

The pediatric patient with fever and knee effusion is always a cause for clinical concern. A thorough history and physical examination is required to guide appropriate diagnostic evaluation and management. Although pediatric knee effusions are common in the setting of trauma, the presence of fever should prompt consideration of infectious, rheumatologic, vasculitic, and malignant etiologies. This review covers the key components of the history, physical examination, diagnostic strategies, common etiologies, and initial management of the pediatric patient with fever and knee effusion.
Epidemiology of Pediatric Hand Injury at a Pediatric Department in Japan
Authors: Fukumasa Hiroshi , Kobayashi Masashi , Okahata Yoshinori , Nishiyama Kazutaka
Published: September 2022

Objective

The hands and fingers are frequently injured among children. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the epidemiological characteristics of hand and finger injuries among Japanese children and identify preventive strategies.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of data of pediatric patients who visited the Kitakyushu City Yahata Hospital in Japan, between April 2018 and March 2019. All patients 15 years or younger who experienced hand and finger trauma were included. Data on age, sex, injured part, location of the incident, mechanism of injury, objects, diagnosis, consultation with specialists, treatments, and outcomes were collected and analyzed by classifying the participants based on age into the following 5 age groups: younger than 1, 1 to 2, 3 to 5, 6 to 10, and 11 to 15 years.

Results

A total of 554 patients were included in this study (male, 57.2%; median age, 4.5 years). The most commonly injured part of the hand was the index finger (22.4%), followed by the middle (18.9%) and ring (16.8%) fingers. A total of 111 patients (15.1%) had palm or dorsal hand injuries. Burn by touching hot objects at home was the leading cause of injuries to the palms during infancy, whereas door-related contusion and abrasion of the index, middle, and ring fingers were most common in preschool children. Sports-related fingertip fractures and sprains most frequently occurred in the thumb and little fingers of school children. Approximately half of the patients (53.3%) did not require any specific treatment. Most patients (98.2%) were treated at the outpatient department.

Conclusions

This study provides the epidemiology of age-specific hand and finger injuries among Japanese children. Therefore, the childhood hand and finger injury prevention strategy should focus on age as a characteristic.
Legionella bononiensis sp. nov., isolated from a hotel water distribution system in northern Italy
Authors: Girolamini Luna , Pascale Maria Rosaria , Salaris Silvano , Mazzotta Marta , Orsini Massimiliano , Grottola Antonella , Zini Nicoletta , Cristino Sandra
Published: September 2022

Legionella

-like isolates, strains 27fs60, 30fs61 and 30cs62T, were isolated from a hotel water distribution system in the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy. Isolates were Gram- and Ziehl Neelsen-stain-negative, rod-shaped, with transitory flagella presence and able to grow at 32–37 °C (with an optimum at 32 °C) on buffered charcoal–yeast extract agar with l-cysteine, glycine–vancomycin–polymyxin B–cycloheximide agar and Wadowsky–Yee medium agar. The strains showed positive reactions for oxidase, hippurate and gelatinase and a weakly positive reaction for catalase. Based on the EUCAST cut-off, strain 30cs62T was resistant to ciprofloxacin (5 mg l−1). The mip and rpoB gene sequences of the three strains showed close matches to those of

Legionella quateirensis

ATCC 49507T with similarity values of 98.2 and 94.5 %, respectively. Whole genome sequencing of the three strains was performed, resulting in G+C contents of 39.0, 39.1 and 39.0 mol%, respectively. The identity percentage measured by average nucleotide identity between the three strains and their respective closest strains were: 91.32 %

L

.

quateirensis

NCTC 12376T, 91.45 %

L

.

quateirensis

ATCC 49507T and 91.45 %

L

.

quateirensis

ATCC 49507T, respectively. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization analysis demonstrated how the isolates were separated from the most related phylogenetic

Legionella

species (

L. quateirensis

ATCC 49507T, ≤40.10 % DNA–DNA relatedness). The concatenated phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA, mip, rpoB and rnpB genes, shows a close relationship with

L. quateirensis

ATCC 49507T. The results obtained confirm the status of an independent species. The name proposed for this species is Legionella bononiensis sp. nov. with 30cs62T (=ATCC TSD-262T=DSM 112526T) as the type strain.
Effects of blood pressure and arterial stiffness on retinal neurodegeneration: Cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence from UK Biobank and Chinese cohorts
Authors: Huang Yining , Yuan Yixiong , Wang Yujie , Hui Ziwen , Shang Xianwen , Chen Yanping , Zhang Siran , Liao Huan , Chen Yifan , He Mingguang , Zhu Zhuoting , Wang Wei
Published: September 2022

Background

Retinal neurodegeneration, an easily accessible biomarker of dementia risk, is exacerbated by age and hypertension; however, the relative roles of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DPB) remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between BP and atherosclerosis levels along with the different retinal neurodegeneration parameters.

Methods

This study used cross-sectional data from the United Kingdom (UK) BioBank (UKB) and longitudinal data from the Chinese Ocular Imaging Project (COIP). The macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness (mGCIPLT) and macular retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (mRNFLT) were measured using spectral domain optical coherence tomography imaging. Swept-source optical coherence tomography was performed at each follow-up visit to obtain the longitudinal trajectory of the mGCIPLT and peripapillary RNFLT (pRNFLT) in the COIP cohort. Multivariable linear models were used to analyze the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between BP metrics and retinal measurements.

Results

In a cross-sectional analysis of 22,801 participants from the UKB, thinner mGCIPLT was related to older age (per 10 years, β = −0.274, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.358 to −0.189, p < 0.001), female sex (female vs male, β = −0.897, 95% CI: −1.031 to −0.763, p = 0.000), higher SBP (per 10 mmHg increase, β = −0.085, 95% CI: −0.125 to −0.045, p = 0.000), and higher DBP (per 10 mmHg increase, β = −0.105, 95% CI: −0.174 to −0.036, p = 0.003), and was significantly associated with higher mean arterial pressure (MAP per 10 mmHg increase, β = −0.116, 95% CI: −0.176, −0.056, p = 0.000) and higher mean pulse pressure (MPP per 10 mmHg increase, β = −0.099, 95% CI: −0.155, −0.043, p = 0.001). In a longitudinal analysis of 2,012 eligible COIP participants, higher levels of baseline SBP, DBP, MAP, and MPP were associated with faster thinning in mGCIPLT and pRNFLT (all p < 0.001). The strongest association was with MAP, which produced an effect on mGCIPLT (β = −0.118, 95% CI: −0.175 to −0.061, p < 0.001) per 10 mmHg increase, comparable to a 5-year increase in age (β = −0.210, 95% CI: −0.282 to −0.138, p < 0.001). The results of the analysis of mRNFL and pRNFL were consistent with those of mGCIPLT.

Conclusion

BP levels were independently and consistently associated with various retinal neurodegenerative exacerbations, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, regardless of the race and disease status. BP plays a key role in neurodegeneration, and long-term prevention in the population requires the control of BP levels.

Graphic abstract
Investigation of the genus Flavobacterium as a reservoir for fish-pathogenic bacterial species: the case of Flavobacterium collinsii
Authors: Lee Bo-Hyung , Nicolas Pierre , Saticioglu Izzet Burcin , Fradet Benjamin , Bernardet Jean-François , Rigaudeau Dimitri , Rochat Tatiana , Duchaud Eric
Published: September 2022

Bacteria of the genus Flavobacterium are recovered from a large variety of environments. Among the described species, Flavobacterium psychrophilum and Flavobacterium columnare are causing considerable losses in fish farms. Alongside these well-known fish-pathogenic species, isolates belonging to the same genus recovered from diseased or apparently healthy wild, feral, and farmed fish have been suspected to be pathogenic. Here, we report the identification and genomic characterization of a F. collinsii isolate (TRV642) retrieved from rainbow trout spleen. A phylogenetic tree of the genus built by aligning the core genome of 195 Flavobacterium species revealed that F. collinsii is standing within a cluster of species associated to diseased fish, the closest one being F. tructae which was recently confirmed as pathogenic. We evaluated the pathogenicity of F. collinsii TRV642 as well as of F. bernardetii F-372T, another recently described species reported as a possible emerging pathogen. Following intramuscular injection challenges in rainbow trout, no clinical signs nor mortalities were observed. However, F. collinsii was isolated from the internal organs of wounded fish, suggesting that the bacterium could invade fish under compromised conditions such as stress and/or wounds. Our results suggest that some fish-associated Flavobacterium species should be considered as opportunistic fish pathogens causing disease under specific circumstances.

IMPORTANCE

Aquaculture has expanded significantly worldwide in the last decades and accounts for half of human fish consumption. However, infectious fish diseases are a major bottleneck for its sustainable development and an increasing number of bacterial species from diseased fish raise a great concern. The current study revealed phylogenetic associations with ecological niches among the Flavobacterium species. We also focused on Flavobacterium collinsii that belongs to a group of putative pathogenic species. The genome contents revealed a versatile metabolic repertoire suggesting the use of diverse nutrient sources, a characteristic of saprophytic or commensal bacteria. In a rainbow trout experimental challenge, the bacterium colonized only oppressed fish facing stressful conditions suggesting opportunistic pathogenic behavior. This study highlights the importance of experimentally evaluating the pathogenicity of the numerous bacterial species retrieved from diseased fish.
Inhibition of the ATM kinase rescues planarian regeneration after lethal radiation
Authors: Shiroor Divya A. , Wang Kuang-Tse , Sanketi Bhargav D. , Tapper Justin K. , Adler Carolyn E.
Published: September 2022

As stem cells divide, they acquire mutations that can be passed on to daughter cells. To limit the possibility of propagating mutations, cells activate the DNA damage response (DDR) network, which dictates whether cells repair DNA or undergo apoptosis. At the helm of the DDR are three PI3-like kinases including Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM). We report here that knockdown of ATM in planarian flatworms enables stem cells, which normally undergo apoptosis after radiation exposure, to survive lethal doses of radiation. In this context, stem cells circumvent apoptosis, replicate their DNA, and recover function using homologous recombination-mediated DNA repair. Despite radiation exposure, atm knockdown animals survive long-term and regenerate new tissues. These effects occur independently of ATM’s canonical downstream effector p53. Together, our results demonstrate that ATM’s primary function is to drive apoptosis, and suggest that inhibition of ATM could therefore potentially favor cell survival after radiation without adverse effects.
ePlatypus: an ecosystem for computational analysis of immunogenomics data
Authors: Kreiner Victor , Agrafiotis Andreas , Cotet Tudor-Stefan , Kuhn Raphael , Shlesinger Danielle , Manero-Carranza Marcos , Khodaverdi Keywan , Massery Solène , Guerci Lorenzo , Hong Kai-Lin , Han Jiami , Stiklioraitis Kostas , D’Arcy Vittoria Martinolli , Dizerens Raphael , Kilchenmann Samuel , Stalder Lucas , Nissen Leon , Vogelsanger Basil , Anzböck Stine , Laslo Daria , Kondorosy Melinda , Venerito Marco , García Alejandro Sanz , Feller Isabelle , Oxenius Annette , Reddy Sai T. , Yermanos Alexander
Published: September 2022

The maturation of systems immunology methodologies requires novel and transparent computational frameworks capable of integrating diverse data modalities in a reproducible manner. Here, we present the ePlatypus computational immunology ecosystem for immunogenomics data analysis, with a focus on adaptive immune repertoires and single-cell sequencing. ePlatypus is a web-based platform and provides programming tutorials and an integrative database that elucidates selection patterns of adaptive immunity. Furthermore, the ecosystem links novel and established bioinformatics pipelines relevant for single-cell immune repertoires and other aspects of computational immunology such as predicting ligand-receptor interactions, structural modeling, simulations, machine learning, graph theory, pseudotime, spatial transcriptomics and phylogenetics. The ePlatypus ecosystem helps extract deeper insight in computational immunology and immunogenomics and promote open science.

Accessibility

https://alexyermanos.github.io/Platypus/index.html
Predicting cell stress and strain during extrusion bioprinting
Authors: Müller Sebastian J. , Fabry Ben , Gekle Stephan
Published: September 2022

Bioprinting of living cells can cause major shape deformations, which may severely affect cell survival and functionality. While the shear stresses occurring during cell flow through the printer nozzle have been quantified to some extent, the extensional stresses occurring as cells leave the nozzle into the free printing strand have been mostly ignored. Here we use Lattice-Boltzmann simulations together with a finite-element based cell model to study cell deformation at the nozzle exit. Our simulation results are in good qualitative agreement with experimental microscopy images. We show that for cells flowing in the center of the nozzle extensional stresses can be significant, while for cells flowing off-center their deformation is dominated by the shear flow inside the nozzle. From the results of these simulations, we develop two simple methods that only require the printing parameters (nozzle diameter, flow rate, bioink rheology) to (i) accurately predict the maximum cell stress occurring during the 3D bioprinting process and (ii) approximately predict the cell strains caused by the elongational flow at the nozzle exit.
TRAF6 modulates PD-L1 expression through YAP1-TFCP2 signaling in melanoma
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Wang Linglu , Han Yuhang , Tsai Hsiang-i , Shu Fan , Xu Zhanxue , He Chao , Zhu Haitao , Chen Hongbo , Cheng Fang
Published: September 2022

Background

Immunotherapy represented by the programmed death-1 (PD-1)/ligand 1 (PD-L1) monoclonal antibodies has led tumor treatment into a new era. However, the low overall response rate and high incidence of drug resistance largely damage the clinical benefits of existing immune checkpoint therapies. Recent studies correlate the response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade with PD-L1 expression levels in tumor cells. Hence, identifying molecular targets and pathways controlling PD-L1 protein expression and stability in tumor cells is a major priority.

Methods

In this study, we first performed a Stress and Proteostasis CRISPR interference library-based screening to identify PD-L1 positive modulators. We then used in vitro and in vivo assays to investigate the biological function and mechanism of TRAF6 and its downstream YAP1/TFCP2 signaling in malignant melanoma.

Results

Here, we identified TRAF6 as a critical regulator of PD-L1 in melanoma cells. Suppression of TRAF6 expression down-regulates PD-L1 expression on the membrane surface of melanoma cells. We also found that PD-L1 protein abundance is regulated by YAP1/TFCP2 transcriptional complex. TRAF6 stabilizes YAP1 by K63 poly-ubiquitination modification, subsequently promoting the formation of YAP1/TFCP2 and PD-L1 transcription. Furthermore, inhibition of TRAF6 by Bortezomib enhanced cytolytic activity of CD8+ T cells by reduction of endogenous PD-L1. Notably, Bortezomib enhances anti-tumor immunity to an extent that is comparable to anti-PD-1 mAb therapies with no obvious toxicity.

Conclusions

These findings uncover a novel molecular mechanism for regulating PD-L1 protein abundance by a E3 ligase in cancer cells and reveal the potential of using TRAF6 inhibitors to stimulate internal anti-tumor immunological effect for TRAF6-PD-L1 overexpressing cancers.
Structural insights into TRAP association with ribosome-Sec61 complex, and translocon inhibition by a CADA derivative
Authors: Pauwels Eva , Shewakramani Neesha R. , De Wijngaert Brent , Camps Anita , Provinciael Becky , Stroobants Joren , Kalies Kai-Uwe , Hartmann Enno , Maes Piet , Vermeire Kurt , Das Kalyan
Published: September 2022

During co-translational translocation, the signal peptide of a nascent chain binds Sec61 translocon to initiate protein transport through the ER membrane. Our cryo-EM structure of ribosome-Sec61 shows binding of an ordered heterotetrameric TRranslocon-Associated Protein (TRAP) complex, in which TRAP-γ is anchored at two adjacent positions of 28S rRNA and interacts with ribosomal protein L38 and Sec61α/γ. Four transmembrane helices (TMHs) of TRAP-γ cluster with one C-terminal helix of each α, β, and δ subunits. The seven TMH bundle helps position a crescent-shaped trimeric TRAP–α/β/δ core in the ER lumen, facing the Sec61 channel. Further, our in vitro assay establishes the CADA derivative CK147 as a translocon inhibitor. A structure of ribosome-Sec61-CK147 reveals CK147 binding the channel and interacting with the plug helix from the lumenal side. The CK147-resistance mutations surround the inhibitor. These structures help in understanding the TRAP functions and provide a new Sec61 site for designing translocon inhibitors.

Short Summary

Cryo-EM structures reveal TRAP binding to ribosome-Sec61 complex, and CK147 inhibiting Sec61 by arresting the plug helix inside the channel.
A linear SARS-CoV-2 DNA vaccine candidate reduces virus shedding in ferrets
Authors: Martins Mathias , do Nascimento Gabriela M. , Conforti Antonella , Noll Jessica C.G. , Impellizeri Joseph A. , Sanchez Elisa , Wagner Bettina , Lione Lucia , Salvatori Erika , Pinto Eleonora , Compagnone Mirco , Viscount Brian , Hayward James , Shorrock Clay , Aurisicchio Luigi , Diel Diego G.
Published: September 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has caused more than 600 million cases and over 6 million deaths worldwide. Vaccination has been the main strategy used to contain the spread of the virus, and to avoid hospitalizations and deaths. Currently, there are two mRNA-based and one adenovirus vectored vaccines approved and available for use in the U.S. population. The versatility, low cost and rapid-to-manufacture attributes of DNA vaccines are important advantages over other platforms. However, DNA vaccination must meet higher efficiency levels for use in humans. Importantly, in vivo DNA delivery combined with electroporation (EP) has been successfully used in the veterinary field. Here we evaluated the safety, immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a novel linear SARS-CoV-2 DNA vaccine candidate for delivered by intramuscular injection followed by electroporation (Vet-ePorator™) in ferrets. The results demonstrated that the linear SARS-CoV-2 DNA vaccine candidate did not cause unexpected side effects, and was able to elicit neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses using a low dose of the linear DNA construct in prime-boost regimen, and significantly reduced shedding of infectious SARS-CoV-2 through oral and nasal secretions in a ferret model.
Developmentally regulated alternate 3′ end cleavage of nascent transcripts controls dynamic changes in protein expression in an adult stem cell lineage
Authors: Berry Cameron W. , Olivares Gonzalo H. , Gallicchio Lorenzo , Ramaswami Gokul , Glavic Alvaro , Olguín Patricio , Li Jin Billy , Fuller Margaret T.
Published: September 2022

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) generates transcript isoforms that differ in the position of the 3′ cleavage site, resulting in the production of mRNA isoforms with different length 3′ UTRs. Although widespread, the role of APA in the biology of cells, tissues, and organisms has been controversial. We identified >500 Drosophila genes that express mRNA isoforms with a long 3′ UTR in proliferating spermatogonia but a short 3′ UTR in differentiating spermatocytes due to APA. We show that the stage-specific choice of the 3′ end cleavage site can be regulated by the arrangement of a canonical polyadenylation signal (PAS) near the distal cleavage site but a variant or no recognizable PAS near the proximal cleavage site. The emergence of transcripts with shorter 3′ UTRs in differentiating cells correlated with changes in expression of the encoded proteins, either from off in spermatogonia to on in spermatocytes or vice versa. Polysome gradient fractionation revealed >250 genes where the long 3′ UTR versus short 3′ UTR mRNA isoforms migrated differently, consistent with dramatic stage-specific changes in translation state. Thus, the developmentally regulated choice of an alternative site at which to make the 3′ end cut that terminates nascent transcripts can profoundly affect the suite of proteins expressed as cells advance through sequential steps in a differentiation lineage.
X-ray propagation through a kinoform lens
Authors: Sun Weihong , Wang Yong , Meng Xiangyu , Ren Junchao , Cao Jiefeng , Li Junqin , Tai Renzhong
Published: September 2022

Combining geometric ray tracing and wave optics propagation, a new simulation model named LWF is established to calculate the full coherent X-ray propagation through a kinoform lens. The LWF model is used to analyze the X-ray propagation through long and short kinoform lenses and calculate the intensity distribution at the focal plane. When the aperture is large, the focal spot for the long kinoform lens is smaller than that for the short kinoform lens. Due to the use of the geometric ray-tracing method to calculate the beam propagation inside the kinoform lens, the LWF model takes a low number of transversal wavefront segments, i.e. a short time, to achieve high accuracy. The simulation times for the one-dimensional and two-dimensional LWF models are 0.025 s and 5.3 s, respectively, with a calculation error of less than 0.5%. The high efficiency and high accuracy make the LWF model a strong tool in designing kinoform lenses.
Understanding e-government services: integration of process virtualization theory and user resistance
Authors: Ackom Philemon Seth , Owusu Kwateng Kwame , Tetteh Francis Kamewor , Wiesche Manuel
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Literature reveals that citizens’ intentions or willingness to adopt and use e-government services in developing countries like Ghana have not been encouraging regardless of the importance of these services. This study aims to examine the factors that inhibit the virtualization of government to citizen e-government processes by assessing citizens’ intentions to resist or use government’s virtualized processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a survey questionnaire to collect data from public school teachers who are users of the Government of Ghana’s e-pay slip system. Out of 500 questionnaires administered, only 423 useable responses were obtained. The data was analyzed with both inferential and descriptive statistics.

Findings

The results of this study showed that process virtualizability significantly predicts virtual process use, and it is associated with user resistance toward virtual process use.

Practical implications

The findings will help governments and managers to comprehend that certain processes are more acquiescent to virtualization than others.

Originality/value

This paper provides researchers with a contemporary perspective toward understanding the adoption and use of e-government services in sub-Saharan Africa through the lens of process virtualization theory.
Corporate governance, gender diversity and risk-taking behaviour of banks in an emerging economy – some empirical evidence from Ghana
Authors: Fiador Vera
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between corporate governance, including board gender diversity and bank risk-taking behaviour in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses panel corrected standard errors estimation on 26 selected banks over an 11-year period from 2006 to 2016.

Findings

Using three proxies for bank risk-taking and two proxies for gender diversity for the purposes of checking robustness, this study finds ample evidence to support the important influence of corporate governance and board gender diversity on bank risk-taking behaviour. The findings suggest that independence, gender diversity, size and leadership consolidation can have significant effects on the risk profile of banking firms. The initial finding of the study suggests the possibility that female board gender diversity on Ghanaian banking boards follows the tokenism theory. Subsequent estimations seem to provide evidence to suggest that attaining a critical mass of female board members imposes a significant control on risk-taking behaviour by banks.

Originality/value

This study has important implications for gender diversity in board construction within the banking sector and the discourse on bank risk-taking in an emerging market context.
A holistic assessment of eWOM management effectiveness with agent-based modeling
Authors: Zhang Ye , Gao Jie , Bilgihan Anil , Lorenz Melanie
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Hospitality businesses have been challenged to pick fitting electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) management strategies, yet accurate return on investment assessments and contextual contingencies interpretation essential for leveraging eWOM power are largely absent. This study aims to fill these gaps and develop a tool aiming at more holistic and accurate eWOM management assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

An agent-based model is developed based on eWOM-related hospitality/business theories and empirical evidence on the NetLogo 6.0.2 platform, wherein a series of simulated experiments are conducted.

Findings

Simulation patterns suggest that conformity to the majority’s choice of eWOM usage can be beneficial for consumption satisfaction, yet conformity to a group’s eWOM posting choice can compromise satisfaction. Compared to the brief reputation-boosting benefit of exaggerated advertising, honesty in advertising is preferable given its compatibility with competing eWOM distribution and long-term reputation benefits.

Practical implications

A preliminary tool is developed for hospitality businesses that aids the clearer interpretation of and more accurate/cost-efficient assessment of effectiveness in managing eWOM distribution. Generic directions for improved eWOM management are also provided.

Originality/value

A prototype model is established that surpasses existing models in its ability to capture the complexity of eWOM management and more accurately assess management effectiveness. The authors also reveal emerging novel patterns concerning the interactive dynamics of eWOM behaviors and contextual influences. The research also adds to the scarce agent-based model applications in hospitality research/practices and recommends future potential applications.
Robotic direct grinding for unknown workpiece contour based on adaptive constant force control and human–robot collaboration
Authors: Zhao Wei , Xiao Juliang , Liu Sijiang , Dou Saixiong , Liu Haitao
Published: September 2022

Purpose

In customized production such as plate workpiece grinding, because of the diversity of the workpiece shapes and the positional/orientational clamping errors, great efforts are taken to repeatedly calibrate and program the robots. To change this situation, the purpose of this study is to propose a method of robotic direct grinding for unknown workpiece contour based on adaptive constant force control and human–robot collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

First, an adaptive constant force controller based on stiffness estimation is proposed, which can distinguish the contact of the human hand and the unknown workpiece contour. Second, a normal vector search algorithm is developed to calculate the normal vector of the unknown workpiece contour in real-time. Finally, the force and position are controlled in the calculated normal and tangential directions to realize the direct grinding.

Findings

The method considers the disturbance of the tangential grinding force and the friction, so the robot can track and grind the workpiece contour simultaneously. The experiments prove that the method can ensure the force error and the normal vector calculating error within 0.3 N and 4°. This human–robot collaboration pattern improves the convenience of the grinding process.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed method realizes constant force grinding of unknown workpiece contour in real-time and ensures the grinding consistency. In addition, combined with human–robot collaboration, the method saves the time spent in repeated calibration and programming.

Originality/value

Compared with other related research, this method has better accuracy and anti-disturbance capability of force control and normal vector calculation during the actual grinding process.