bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prior selfing occur in larger flowers in a mixed mating species with delayed selfing
Authors: Masuda Kana , Ushimaru Atushi
Published: December 2021

Theory predicts that prior self-pollination (prior selfing) should not evolve in mixed mating species that enable delayed selfing. In this study, we test the hypotheais that prior selfing has evolved under severe pollinator limitation in the mixed mating species Commelina communis which can reproduce via delayed selfing. The hypothesis predicts that prior selfing occurs more frequently in populations with very low pollinator availability and/or in smaller flowers which receive infrequent visitations. We tested the predictions by comparing the degree of prior selfing among ten populations experiencing various levels of pollinator limitation and by examining a relationship between individual flower size and the occurrence of prior selfing. Populations with higher pollinator availability had higher prior selfing rate. Moreover, prior selfing occurs more frequently in larger flowers. These findings were totally opposite patterns of the predictions and the previous findings. We proposed new hypotheses that prior selfing has been maintained by the presence of reproductive interference from the congener and/or propotency in C. communis to explain our unexpected findings. We should verify potential effects of reproductive interference and propotency in future to elucidate the mystery of prior selfing in this mixed mating species with delayed selfing.
Simultaneous analysis of antigen-specific B and T cells after SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination
Authors: Newell Krista L. , Waldran Mitchell J. , Thomas Stephen J. , Endy Timothy P. , Waickman Adam T.
Published: December 2021

Conventional methods for quantifying and phenotyping antigen-specific lymphocytes can rapidly deplete irreplaceable specimens. This is due to the fact that antigen-specific T and B cells have historically been analyzed in independent assays each requiring millions of cells. A technique that facilitates the simultaneous detection of antigen-specific T and B cells would allow for more thorough immune profiling with significantly reduced sample requirements. To this end, we developed the B And T cell Tandem Lymphocyte Evaluation (BATTLE) assay, which allows for the simultaneous identification of SARS-CoV-2 Spike reactive T and B cells using an optimized Activation Induced Marker (AIM) T cell assay and dual-color B cell antigen probes. Using this assay, we demonstrate that antigen-specific B and T cell subsets can be identified simultaneously using conventional flow cytometry platforms and provide insight into the differential effects of mRNA vaccination on B and T cell populations following natural SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Delta breakthrough infections elicit potent, broad and durable neutralizing antibody responses
Authors: Walls Alexandra C. , Sprouse Kaitlin R. , Joshi Anshu , Bowen John E. , Franko Nicholas , Navarro Mary Jane , Stewart Cameron , McCallum Matthew , Goecker Erin A. , Degli-Angeli Emily J. , Logue Jenni , Greninger Alex , Chu Helen , Veesler David
Published: December 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant is currently responsible for most infections worldwide, including among fully vaccinated individuals. Although these latter infections are associated with milder COVID-19 disease relative to unvaccinated subjects, the specificity and durability of antibody responses elicited by Delta breakthrough cases remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that breakthrough infections induce serum binding and neutralizing antibody responses that are markedly more potent, durable and resilient to spike mutations observed in variants of concern than those observed in subjects who were infected only or received only two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. However, wee show that Delta breakthrough cases, subjects who were vaccinated after SARS-CoV-2 infection and individuals vaccinated three times (without infection) have serum neutralizing activity of comparable magnitude and breadth indicate that multiple types of exposure or increased number of exposures to SARS-CoV-2 antigen(s) enhance spike-specific antibody responses. Neutralization of the genetically divergent SARS-CoV, however, was moderate with all four cohorts examined, except after four exposures to the SARS-CoV-2 spike, underscoring the importance of developing vaccines eliciting broad sarbecovirus immunity for pandemic preparedness.
Investigating the conformational dynamics of Zika virus NS4B protein
Authors: Bhardwaj Taniya , Kumar Prateek , Giri Rajanish
Published: December 2021

Zika virus (ZIKV) NS4B protein is a membranotropic protein having multifunctional roles such as evasion of host-immune system, and induction of host membrane rearrangement for viral genome replication and processing of polyprotein. Despite its versatile functioning, its topology and dynamics are not entirely understood. Presently, there is no NMR or X-ray crystallography-based structure available for any flaviviral NS4B protein. Therefore, in this study, we have investigated the structural dynamics of Zika Virus NS4B protein through 3D structure models using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations approach and experiments. Subsequently, we employed a reductionist approach to understand the dynamics of ZIKV NS4B protein. For this, we studied its N-terminal (residues 1-38), C-terminal (residues 194-251), and cytosolic (residues 131-169) regions in isolation. Further, we have performed experiments to prove the maximum dynamics in its cytosolic region. Using a combination of computational tools and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, we validate the cytosolic region as an intrinsically disordered protein region (IDR). The microsecond-long all atoms molecular dynamics and replica-exchange MD simulations complement the experimental observations. We have also analysed its behaviour under the influence of differently charged liposomes and macromolecular crowding agents which may have significance on its overall dynamics. Lastly, we have proposed a ZIKV NS4B protein model illustrating its putative topology consisting of various membrane-spanning and non-membranous regions.

Highlights

Microsecond simulations of NS4B N-terminus and cytosolic regions exposed their dynamic nature.

C-terminal region remains intact in presence lipid bilayer during 1 μs simulations.

Spectroscopic results also reveal the cytosolic region as an intrinsically disordered region.

Cytosolic region exhibits gain-of-structure property under helix inducing solvents.
DeepRank-GNN: A Graph Neural Network Framework to Learn Patterns in Protein-Protein Interfaces
Authors: Réau M. , Renaud N. , Xue L. C. , Bonvin A. M. J. J.
Published: December 2021

Gaining structural insights into the protein-protein interactome is essential to understand biological phenomena and extract knowledge for rational drug design or protein engineering. We have previously developed DeepRank, a deep-learning framework to facilitate pattern learning from protein-protein interfaces using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) approaches. However, CNN is not rotation invariant and data augmentation is required to desensitize the network to the input data orientation which dramatically impairs the computation performance. Representing protein-protein complexes as atomic- or residue-scale rotation invariant graphs instead enables using graph neural networks (GNN) approaches, bypassing those limitations.

We have developed DeepRank-GNN, a framework that converts protein-protein interfaces from PDB 3D coordinates files into graphs that are further provided to a pre-defined or user-defined GNN architecture to learn problem-specific interaction patterns. DeepRank-GNN is designed to be highly modularizable, easily customized, and is wrapped into a user-friendly python3 package. Here, we showcase DeepRank-GNN’s performance for scoring docking models using a dedicated graph interaction neural network (GINet). We show that this graph-based model performs better than DeepRank, DOVE and HADDOCK scores and competes with iScore on the CAPRI score set. We show a significant gain in speed and storage requirement using DeepRank-GNN as compared to DeepRank.

DeepRank-GNN is freely available fromhttps://github.com/DeepRank/DeepRank-GNN.

Contact

a.m.j.j.bonvin@uu.nl
Deciphering the genetic links between NAFLD and co-occurring conditions using a liver gene regulatory network
Authors: Gokuladhas Sreemol , Schierding William , Fadason Tayaza , Choi Murim , O’Sullivan Justin M.
Published: December 2021

Background & Aims

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multi-system metabolic disease that co-occurs with various hepatic and extra-hepatic diseases. The phenotypic manifestation of NAFLD is primarily observed in the liver. Therefore, identifying liver-specific gene regulatory interactions between variants associated with NAFLD and multimorbid conditions may help to improve our understanding of underlying shared aetiology.

Methods

Here, we constructed a liver-specific gene regulatory network (LGRN) consisting of genome-wide spatially constrained expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and their target genes. The LGRN was used to identify regulatory interactions involving NAFLD-associated genetic modifiers and their inter-relationships to other complex traits.

Results and Conclusions

We demonstrate that MBOAT7 and IL32, which are associated with NAFLD progression, are regulated by spatially constrained eQTLs that are enriched for an association with liver enzyme levels. MBOAT7 transcript levels are also linked to eQTLs associated with cirrhosis, and other traits that commonly co-occur with NAFLD. In addition, genes that encode interacting partners of NAFLD-candidate genes within the liver-specific protein-protein interaction network were affected by eQTLs enriched for phenotypes relevant to NAFLD (e.g. IgG glycosylation patterns, OSA). Furthermore, we identified distinct gene regulatory networks formed by the NAFLD-associated eQTLs in normal versus diseased liver, consistent with the context-specificity of the eQTLs effects. Interestingly, genes targeted by NAFLD-associated eQTLs within the LGRN were also affected by eQTLs associated with NAFLD-related traits (e.g. obesity and body fat percentage). Overall, the genetic links identified between these traits expand our understanding of shared regulatory mechanisms underlying NAFLD multimorbidities.
Protein Organization with Manifold Exploration and Spectral Clustering
Authors: Dubourg-Felonneau Geoffroy , Shams Shahab , Akiva Eyal , Lee Lawrence
Published: December 2021

We present a method to provide a biologically meaningful representation of the space of protein sequences. While billions of protein sequences are available, organizing this vast amount of information into functional categories is daunting, time-consuming and incomplete. We present our unsupervised approach that combines Transformer protein language models, UMAP graphs, and spectral clustering to create meaningful clusters in the protein spaces. To demonstrate the meaningfulness of the clusters, we show that they preserve most of the signal present in a dataset of manually curated enzyme protein families.
The polyanionic drug suramin neutralizes histones and prevents endotheliopathy
Authors: Villalba Nuria , Sackheim Adrian M. , Lawson Michael A. , Haines Laurel , Chen Yen-Lin , Sonkusare Swapnil K. , Ma Yong-Tao , Li Jianing , Majumdar Dev , Bouchard Beth A. , Boyson Jonathan E. , Poynter Matthew E. , Nelson Mark T. , Freeman Kalev
Published: December 2021

Drugs are needed to protect against the neutrophil-derived histones responsible for endothelial injury in acute inflammatory conditions such as trauma and sepsis. Heparin and other polyanions can neutralize histones but may cause secondary, deleterious effects such as excessive bleeding. Here, we demonstrate that suramin—a widely available polyanionic drug—completely neutralizes the toxic effects of histones. The sulfate groups on suramin form stable electrostatic interactions with hydrogen bonds in the histone octamer with a dissociation constant of 250 nM. In cultured endothelial cells (Ea.Hy926), histone-induced thrombin generation was significantly decreased by suramin. In isolated murine blood vessels, suramin abolished aberrant endothelial cell calcium signals and rescued impaired endothelial-dependent vasodilation caused by histones. Suramin significantly decreased pulmonary endothelial cell ICAM-1 expression and neutrophil recruitment caused by infusion of sub-lethal doses of histones in vivo. Suramin also prevented lung edema, intra-alveolar hemorrhage and mortality in mice receiving a lethal dose of histones. Protection of vascular endothelial function from histone-induced damage is a novel mechanism of action for suramin with therapeutic implications for conditions characterized by elevated histone levels.

Significance Statement

Pathologic levels of circulating histones cause acute endotheliopathy, characterized by widespread disruption of critical endothelial functions and thromboinflammation. We discovered that suramin binds histones and prevents histone-induced endothelial dysfunction, thrombin generation, lung injury, and death. Histone binding is a novel mechanism of action for suramin, considered among the safest and most effective drugs by the World Health Organization. These results support the use of suramin for protection of blood vessels in conditions exacerbated by circulating histones including trauma and sepsis.
Quantitative Action Spectroscopy Reveals ARPE-19 Sensitivity to Long-Wave Ultraviolet Radiation at 350 nm and 380 nm
Authors: Anderson Graham , McLeod Andrew , Bagnaninchi Pierre , Dhillon Baljean
Published: December 2021

The role of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure in the pathology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been debated for decades with epidemiological evidence failing to find a clear consensus for or against it playing a role. A key reason for this is a lack of foundational research into the response of living retinal tissue to UVR in regard to AMD-specific parameters of tissue function. We therefore explored the response of cultured retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), the loss of which heralds advanced AMD, to specific wavelengths of UVR across the UV-B and UV-A bands found in natural sunlight.

Using a bespoke in vitro UVR exposure apparatus coupled with bandpass filters we exposed the immortalised RPE cell line, ARPE-19, to 10nm bands of UVR between 290 and 405nm. Physical cell dynamics were assessed during exposure in cells cultured upon specialist electrode culture plates which allow for continuous, non-invasive electrostatic interrogation of key cell parameters during exposure such as monolayer coverage and tight-junction integrity. UVR exposures were also utilised to quantify wavelength-specific effects using a rapid cell viability assay and a phenotypic profiling assay which was leveraged to simultaneously quantify intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), nuclear morphology, mitochondrial stress, epithelial integrity and cell viability as part of a phenotypic profiling approach to quantifying the effects of UVR.

Electrical impedance assessment revealed unforeseen detrimental effects of UV-A, beginning at 350nm, alongside previously demonstrated UV-B impacts. Cell viability analysis also highlighted increased effects at 350nm as well as 380nm. Effects at 350nm were further substantiated by high content image analysis which highlighted increased mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.

We conclude that ARPE-19 cells exhibit a previously uncharacterised sensitivity to UV-A radiation, specifically at 350nm and somewhat less at 380nm. If upheld in vivo, such sensitivity will have impacts upon geoepidemiological risk scoring of AMD.
No support for a meiosis suppressor inDaphnia pulex: Comparison of linkage maps reveals normal recombination in males of obligate parthenogenetic lineages
Authors: Molinier Cécile , Lenormand Thomas , Haag Christoph R.
Published: December 2021

It is often assumed that obligate parthenogenesis (OP) evolves by a disruption of meiosis and recombination. One emblematic example that appears to support this view is the crustaceanDaphnia pulex. Here, by constructing high-density linkage maps, we estimate genome-wide recombination rates in males that are occasionally produced by OP lineages, as well as in males and females of cyclical parthenogenetic (CP) lineages. The results show no significant differences in recombination rates and patterns between CP and OP males nor between CP male and CP females. The observation that recombination is not suppressed in OP males invalidates the hypothesis of a general meiosis suppressor responsible for OP. Rather, our findings suggest that inD. pulex, as in other species where OP evolves from CP ancestors, the CP to OP transition evolves through a re-use of the parthenogenesis pathways already present in CP and through their extension to the entire life cycle, at least in females. In addition to the implications for the evolution of OP, the genetic maps produced by this study constitute an important genomic resource for the model speciesDaphnia.
Fission of megamitochondria into multiple smaller well-defined mitochondria in the ageing zebrafish retina
Authors: Burgoyne Thomas , Toms Maria , Way Chris , Tracey-White Dhani , Futter Clare E. , Moosajee Mariya
Published: December 2021

Mitochondria are essential adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-generating cellular organelles. In the retina, they are highly numerous in the photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) due to their high energetic requirements. Fission and fusion of the mitochondria within these cells allow them to adapt to changing demands over the lifespan of the organism. Using transmission electron microscopy, we examined the mitochondrial ultrastructure of zebrafish photoreceptors and RPE from 5 days post fertilisation (dpf) through to late adulthood (3 years). Notably, mitochondria in the youngest animals were large and irregular shaped with a loose cristae architecture, but by 8 dpf they had reduced in size and expanded in number with more defined cristae. When investigating temporal gene expression of several mitochondrial-related markers, they indicated fission as the dominant mechanism contributing to these changes observed over time. This is likely to be due to continued mitochondrial stress resulting from the oxidative environment of the retina and prolonged light exposure. We have characterised retinal mitochondrial ageing in a key vertebrate model organism, that provides a basis for future studies of retinal diseases that are linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.
Photosynthesis and antioxidant metabolism modulate the low-temperature resistance of seed germination in maize
Authors: Meng Aiju , Wen Daxing , Zhang Chunqing
Published: December 2021

Spring maize is usually subjected to low-temperature stress during seed germination, which retards seedling growth even if under a suitable temperature. However, the mechanism underlying maize seed germination under low-temperature stress modulating seedling growth after being transferred to normal temperature is still ambiguous. In this study, we used two maize inbred lines with different low-temperature resistance (SM and RM) to investigate the mechanism. The results showed that the SM line had higher lipid peroxidation and lower total antioxidant capacity and germination percentage than the RM line under low-temperature stress, which indicated that the SM line was more vulnerable to low-temperature stress. Further transcriptome analysis revealed that seed germination under low-temperature stress caused down-regulation of photosynthesis related gene ontology (GO) terms in two lines. Moreover, the SM line displayed down-regulation of ribosome and superoxide dismutase (SOD) related genes, whereas genes involved in SOD and vitamin B6 were up-regulated in the RM line. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed that photosynthesis and antioxidant metabolism related pathways played important roles in seed germination in response to low-temperature stress, and the photosynthetic system displayed a higher damage degree in the SM line. Both qRT-PCR and physiological characteristics experiments showed similar results with transcriptome data. Taken together, we propose a model for maize seed germination in response to low-temperature stress.

One sentence summary

Damage degree of photosynthesis and total antioxidant capacity (especially SOD activity) determine diverse low-temperature resistance among maize inbred lines at the germination stage.
Noncanonical structural requirements of neurofibromin SUMOylation reveal a folding-deficiency of several pathogenic mutants
Authors: Bergoug Mohammed , Mosrin Christine , Godin Fabienne , Doudeau Michel , Sosic Iva , Suskiewicz Marcin , Vallée Béatrice , Bénédetti Hélène
Published: December 2021

Neurofibromin (Nf1) is a large multidomain protein encoded by the tumour-suppressor gene NF1. NF1 is mutated in a frequently occurring genetic disease, neurofibromatosis type I, and in various cancers. The best described function of Nf1 is its Ras-GTPase activity, carried out by its GAP-related domain (GRD). SecPH, another structurally well-characterized domain of Nf1, is immediately adjacent to the GRD and interacts with lipids and proteins, thus connecting Nf1 to diverse signalling pathways. Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, that Nf1 and SecPH are substrates of the SUMO pathway. We identified a well-defined SUMOylation profile of SecPH and a main SUMOylation event on Lys1731 that appears to play a role in Ras-GAP activity. Our data allowed us to characterize a new set of pathogenic Nf1 missense mutants that exhibits a disrupted SUMOylation profile that may correlate with their unfolding. Accordingly, Lys1731 SUMOylation is mediated by a noncanonical structural motif, therefore allowing a read-out of SecPH conformation and folding status.
A conserved viral amphipathic helix governs the replication site-specific membrane association
Authors: Sathanantham Preethi , Zhao Wenhao , He Guijuan , Murray Austin , Fenech Emma , Diaz Arturo , Schuldiner Maya , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: December 2021

Positive-strand RNA viruses assemble their viral replication complexes (VRCs) on specific host organelle membranes, yet it is unclear how viral replication proteins recognize and what motifs or domains in viral replication proteins determine their localizations. We show here that an amphipathic helix, helix B in replication protein 1a of brome mosaic virus (BMV), is necessary for 1a’s localization to the nuclear endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane where BMV assembles its VRCs. Helix B is also sufficient to target soluble proteins to the nuclear ER membrane in yeast and plant cells. We further show that an equivalent helix in several plant- and human-infecting viruses of the alphavirus-like superfamily targets fluorescent proteins to the organelle membranes where they form their VRCs, including ER, vacuole, and Golgi membranes. Our work reveals a conserved helix that governs the localization of VRCs among a group of viruses and points to a possible target for developing broad-spectrum antiviral strategies.
A chemically defined biomimetic surface for enhanced isolation efficiency of high-quality human mesenchymal stromal cells under xeno-/serum-free conditions
Authors: Thamm Kristina , Möbus Kristin , Towers Russell , Baertschi Stefan , Wetzel Richard , Wobus Manja , Segeletz Sandra
Published: December 2021

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are one of the most frequently used cell types in regenerative medicine and cell therapy. Generating sufficient cell numbers for MSC-based therapies is constrained by: 1) their low abundance in tissues of origin, which imposes the need for significant ex vivo cell amplification, 2) donor-specific characteristics including MSC frequency/quality that decline with disease state and increasing age, 3) cellular senescence, which is promoted by extensive cell expansion and results in decreased therapeutic functionality. The final yield of a manufacturing process is therefore primarily determined by the applied isolation procedure and its efficiency in isolating therapeutically active cells from donor tissue. To date, MSCs are predominantly isolated using media supplemented with either serum or its derivatives, which pose safety and consistency issues. To overcome those limitations while enabling robust MSC production with constant high yield and quality, we developed a chemically defined biomimetic surface coating, called isoMATRIX, that facilitates the isolation of significantly higher numbers of MSCs in xeno-/serum-free and chemically defined conditions. The isolated cells display a smaller cell size and higher proliferation rate than those derived from a serum-containing isolation procedure and a strong immunomodulatory capacity. In sum, the isoMATRIX promotes enhanced xeno-, serum-free, or chemically defined isolation of human MSCs and supports consistent and reliable cell performance for improved stem cell-based therapies.
A simulation-based decision support tool for integrating site layout and construction planning of tunneling projects
Authors: RazaviAlavi SeyedReza , AbouRizk Simaan
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Integrating construction and site layout planning in mechanized tunnel infrastructure projects is essential due to the mutual impacts of construction planning and site layout decisions. Simulation can incorporate site layout planning and construction planning of tunneling projects in a unified environment. However, simulation adoption by industry practitioners has remained relatively limited due to the special skills required for building and using simulation models. Therefore, this paper aims to create a simple-to-use simulation tool that supports site layout and construction operation planning of tunneling projects. This tool intends to promote the simulation application in site layout planning.

Design/methodology/approach

The current paper proposes simulation as a decision support tool (DST) to provide an integrated environment for modeling tunnel construction operations, site layout and capturing the mutual impacts. A special purpose simulation (SPS) tool was customized and developed for typical mechanized tunneling projects, by tunnel boring machines, to facilitate building the model and allow access to users with limited simulation knowledge.

Findings

The results show that the developed SPS tool is of great assistance to construction industry practitioners to analyze a variety of site layout and construction plan scenarios and make informed decisions based on its comprehensive and intuitive outputs.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this research is to promote simulation application in site layout planning of tunneling projects through the development of a simple-to-use tool, which has sufficient details for site layout planning and constraints. The developed DST enables planners to make decisions simultaneously on the site layout, other construction planning variables and identify the most efficient plan.
A rapid evidence assessment of psychological treatment approaches for stalking behaviour
Authors: Leigh Shonagh , Davies Jason
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to provide practitioners with a brief but comprehensive review of the current evidence base for psychological treatment approaches used in the UK that may be useful for stalking therapies.

Design/methodology/approach

A rapid evidence assessment was conducted on papers (post the UK Protection from Harassment Act, 1997) that discuss treatments of stalking (with or without a conviction) and associated offences/disorders. Therapies reviewed were Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Schema Therapy. Searches for Mentalization-Based Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy in relation to stalking were also performed but yielded no results that met inclusion criteria.

Findings

There is currently a severely limited evidence base for the efficacy of the psychological treatment of stalking behaviours. Some interventions show promise although a multifaceted, formulation-based approach is likely to be required.

Practical implications

Future research would benefit from robust studies focused on stalking with long-term efficacy follow-ups.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first rapid evidence review of psychological treatments that directly address stalking behaviour.
Self-efficacy is a story: teachers’ possible selves in a pandemic world
Authors: Narayanan Madhu , Ordynans Jill
Published: December 2021

Purpose

A The purpose of this study was to better understand how teachers find agency in challenging circumstances. The authors sought to investigate this by examining the developing self-efficacy beliefs of teachers over time.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal multi-case study methodology is used to investigate the stories of three new teachers over a two-year period spanning the onset of the pandemic. Narrative and thematic analysis was used to identify themes and trends. This was supplemented by teacher self-efficacy survey responses.

Findings

Teacher self-efficacy is a story that teachers build as they find what is possible. This story is informed by shifting conceptions of possible future selves as teachers interpret the challenges around them. These mutually reinforcing and fluid narratives shape teachers’ developing identities as they find agency during a changing reality.

Originality/value

Qualitative and case studies of self-efficacy are rare. Our study explores the context and thinking behind individual teacher beliefs at the time of a global pandemic. We offer a unique look at how teachers make sense of agency and possibilities under conditions of change.
Comparison of the usage of fines and PCC pigment in handsheets
Authors: Engin Merve
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the influences of fines and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) pigment and their contents on the fundamental properties of handsheets and also evaluate these results in terms of mechanical and chemical data.

Design/methodology/approach

A design research approach has been based on the production of various laboratory handmade papers. Any of the paper additives were not added to the paper web to compare the results of the effects of fines and PCC pigment in a literal way. For this purpose, the target grammages of handsheets and the production variables such as pulp consistency, temperature and other variables of formation, pressing and drying processes were kept constant and studied meticulously.

Findings

This study is confirmed that with the addition of fines to the pulp of the control handsheets, an increase of up to 125% has been observed in the tensile index values, while a decrease of up to 30% has been observed with the addition of PCC pigment as filler. The tensile results have been changed depending on the pulp content and hence chemical bonds formed in the paper web. These mechanical changes have been explained by correlating with the data of FT-IR spectrums. Especially, the variations have been seen at 950–1150 cm−1, which referring to C-OH and C-O-C stretching vibrations.

Originality/value

The originality of this work is based on understanding and comparing the effects of fines and the effect of PCC pigment as a paper filler on the structural and chemical characteristics of laboratory-made handsheets.
Development of a patient-specific immobilisation facemask for radiation therapy using additive manufacturing, pressure sensors and topology optimisation
Authors: Asfia Amirhossein , Novak James I. , Rolfe Bernard , Kron Tomas
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Radiotherapy relies on the delivery of radiation to cancer cells with millimetre accuracy, and immobilisation of patients is essential to minimise unwanted damage to surrounding healthy cells due to patient movement. Traditional thermoformed face masks can be uncomfortable and stressful for patients and may not be accurately fitted. The purpose of this study was to use 3D scanning and additive manufacturing to digitise this workflow and improve patient comfort and treatment outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The head of a volunteer was scanned using an Artec Leo optical scanner (Artec, Luxembourg) and ANSYS (Ansys, Canonsburg, USA) software was used to make two 3D models of the mask: one with a nose bridge and one open as would be used with optical surface guidance. Data based on measurements from ten pressure sensors around the face was used to perform topology optimisation, with the best designs 3D printed using fused deposition modelling (FDM) and tested on the volunteer with embedded pressure sensors.

Findings

The two facemasks proved to be significantly different in terms of restricting head movement inside the masks. The optimised mask with a nose bridge effectively restricted head movement in roll and yaw orientations and exhibited minimal deformation as compared to the open mask design and the thermoformed mask.

Originality/value

The proposed workflow allows customisation of masks for radiotherapy immobilisation using additive manufacturing and topology optimisation based on collected pressure sensor data. In the future, sensors could be embedded in masks to provide real-time feedback to clinicians during treatment.
Toward belonging and mutual hospitality: decentering whiteness in the “new normal”
Authors: Hands Africa
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The postquarantine reopening of public libraries presents an opportunity for resetting the way libraries welcome patrons. Unfortunately, vestiges of inhospitable, white supremacist practices experienced in public libraries may accompany the “return to normal.” In addition to emphasizing policies and practices that are unwelcoming to patrons and staff from historically marginalized backgrounds, this article presents actions to be employed in an effort to transition the library to a place of belonging and hospitality for marginalized staff and community members.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on a synthesis of the literature on hospitality in libraries and antiracism as well as the author's experience from professional practice to critique the host-and-guest concept of hospitality, which results in us versus them actions that uphold racism, white supremacy and white privilege.

Findings

Barriers and institutional practices that negatively impact patrons and library workers are illuminated. Recommendations for creating an antiracist “new normal” in public libraries are proposed.

Originality/value

In addition to contributing to the literature on hospitality in libraries, this paper expands the capacity and knowledge base of library staff to call attention to and dismantle barriers and uninviting practices in their own libraries. The paper further advances mutual hospitality as a supplement to antiracism principles as libraries work to eradicate white supremacy.
Sex‐specific impact of major depressive disorder on 12‐year change in glycaemic status: Results from a nationwide cohort study of adults without diabetes in Germany
Authors: Nübel Julia , Truthmann Julia , Heidemann Christin , Du Yong , Paprott Rebecca , Hapke Ulfert , Kruse Johannes , Scheidt‐Nave Christa , Baumert Jens
Published: December 2021

Aims

There is evidence for an increased type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk associated with depression, but its role for diabetes prevention remains unclear. This study aimed to add insight by investigating the impact of major depressive disorder (MDD) on prospective glycaemic changes.

Methods

The study was based on a cohort of n = 1,766 adults without diabetes (776 men, 990 women; 18–65 years of age) who participated in the mental health supplement of the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey (GNHIES98‐MHS, 1997–1999) and in a follow‐up survey (DEGS1, 2008–2011). Glycaemic status was defined as normoglycaemia [HbA1c < 39 mmol/mol (<5.7%)], prediabetes [39 ≤ HbA1c < 48 mmol/mol (5.7–6.4%)] and diabetes [HbA1c ≥ 48 mmol/mol (≥ 6.5%), diagnosed diabetes, or antidiabetic medication], and glycaemic changes categorized as ‘remission’, ‘stability’ and ‘progression’. Baseline MDD was assessed via a modified German version of the WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Multivariable logistic regressions were applied to analyse the association of MDD with glycaemic changes and incident T2D, adjusting for socio‐demographics, lifestyle conditions, chronic diseases, antidepressant use and mental health care.

Results

MDD prevalence was 21.4% for women and 8.9% for men. Among women, MDD was associated with a lower chance for remission (RRR 0.43; 95% CI 0.23, 0.82). Among men, MDD was not significantly related to glycaemic changes. MDD had no significant effect on incident T2D (men: OR 1.58; 0.55, 4.52; women: OR 0.76; 0.37, 1.58).

Conclusions

Findings of the current study highlight the role of depression in T2D prevention, particularly among women.
The macroeconomics of carry trade gone wrong: Corporate and consumer losses in Emerging Europe
Authors: Jakucionyte Egle , van Wijnbergen Sweder
Published: December 2021

We analyze the macroeconomic consequences of foreign currency losses by banks, corporates and consumers. To that end, we construct a New Keynesian DSGE model with debt overhang for corporate borrowers, monitoring costs for household mortgage debt and leverage constraints for banks. The Hungarian experience at the end of 2008 and model estimation on Hungarian data motivate these particular financial frictions. Model simulation shows that making corporate borrowers bear currency risk results in worse macroeconomic outcomes than currency mismatch losses on bank balance sheets. Foreign currency mortgages to households, however, generate lower output losses than currency mismatch in the banking sector. The fact that households do not suffer from debt overhang contributes to this result.
A novel scale to measure students’ perceptions of exemplars in a dental school
Authors: Rung Andrea , Hood Michelle , George Roy
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Exemplars are an effective strategy for initial cognitive and psychomotor skill acquisition and promoting students’ self‐regulation. Yet, there is limited evidence about students’ use and perception of exemplars in dental education. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a scale to measure students’ perception of exemplars in an Australian dental school.

Materials and methods

Phase I assessed the relevant literature and students’ responses to an interview. Four themes were identified for developing a 19‐item questionnaire rated by an expert panel. Phase II piloted the questionnaire amongst a group of 30 students. Phase III analysed psychometric and qualitative open‐ended questions data obtained from a large group of students.

Results

The principal axis factoring resulted in one single factor that explained over 62% of the variance and had an alpha of .88. The number of questions was reduced from 19 to 6 items with loadings of 0.72 or above for each item. Students reported exemplars are beneficial for their learning and to visually guide them to understand procedures and their intended outcomes. This prompts them to think and mentally prepare before performing. Students further reported using exemplars provided by their courses almost as often as exemplars they search in social media.

Conclusion

Well‐developed exemplars could play a key role in enhancing learning and could assist teaching. Understanding students’ use and perception of exemplars will help educators to develop and evaluate appealing exemplars. Therefore, this study developed a new instrument to measure students’ perception of exemplars, verified its reliability and validity.
Knowledge acquisition for 3D coordinates of target in wireless sensor networks for smart city application
Authors: Himanshu  , Khanna Rajesh , Kumar Anil
Published: December 2021

In wireless sensor networks, non‐linear distance information characterized by uncertainty and randomness creates the deviation and significantly target nodes position is affected. Non‐linearity effect among distance and received signal strength (RSS) of target nodes is minimized by modelling edge weights using knowledge base in fuzzy logic system. Further, optimum membership functions bases' of RSS and edge weights using application of butterfly optimization algorithm are evolved to minimize the node position error. Here, a single anchor node is used to estimate target nodes 3D coordinates in anisotropic environment using range free localization methods. The anchor node has been deployed at top layer and over beneath layers target nodes are distributed equally. In This paper, simulation results of the proposed method attain substantial performance improvement in target node 3D position accuracy than the earlier proposed range‐free methods. Proposed technique is useful for mapping of several instances like, fire hazards in forests, tracking of workers at different installation sites, solar plant tracking in smart cities and so forth.
Incidence and location of perioperative deep vein thrombosis in patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy
Authors: Yamashita Ryo , Nakamura Masafumi , Okayama Yukiko , Kawase Mizuki , Muraoka Nao , Fujita Ayano , Notsu Akifumi , Asakura Koiku , Hashizume Akihito , Shinsaka Hideo , Matsuzaki Masato , Niwakawa Masashi , Oya Mototsugu
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To determine the incidence and location of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing radical cystectomy.

Methods

We performed radical cystectomy in 137 patients with bladder cancer between August 2014 and February 2020. Since 2014, we have had a policy to screen for deep vein thrombosis using lower extremity ultrasonography both before and after radical cystectomy. We determined the incidence and location of deep vein thrombosis and classified it as either proximal or distal type. Furthermore, we explored the incidence of pulmonary embolism within 3 months after radical cystectomy.

Results

After excluding six patients with a lack of ultrasonographic data, we evaluated 131 patients. Preoperative deep vein thrombosis (one proximal and 17 distal) was diagnosed in 18 patients (14%) with no symptoms. Postoperative deep vein thrombosis was diagnosed in 41 patients (31%; three proximal and 38 distal), of whom 26 (63%) had new‐onset deep vein thrombosis after cystectomy. Three patients, two with proximal and one with distal type deep vein thrombosis, developed nonfatal pulmonary embolism postoperatively. Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative D‐dimer levels (odds ratio 5.35, 95% confidence interval 1.74–16.50; P < 0.003), type of urinary diversion (ileal neobladder; odds ratio 11.15, 95% confidence interval 2.16–57.55; P = 0.004), and preoperative deep vein thrombosis (odds ratio 15.93, 95% confidence interval 3.82–66.30; P < 0.001) were significant risk factors for postoperative deep vein thrombosis.

Conclusions

Pre‐ and post‐radical cystectomy whole‐leg ultrasonography can lead to an early perioperative diagnosis and immediate treatment of proximal deep vein thrombosis, thereby potentially preventing fatal pulmonary embolism.
Teaching Children How to Think: Rational Autonomy as an Aim of Liberal Education
Authors: Franklin‐Hall Andrew
Published: December 2021

Some philosophers think that fostering children's autonomy – in the sense of critical, rational reflection on our beliefs and goals – is an appropriate aim of public educational policy. Critics say that this amounts to championing an Enlightenment outlook over ways of life rooted in faith and tradition. The most common response to the critics is to assert that children have an interest in autonomy, not because autonomy is intrinsically worthwhile, but because it is instrumentally valuable in discovering how to lead a good life. Finding fault with this Instrumental Argument, I argue that the best case for autonomy is that critical, rational reflection is something we all already rely on in everyday life to figure out which beliefs are worthy of our assent and which goals are worthy of our pursuit. The question is not whether children will reason, but whether they will reason well or poorly. Teaching children how to think critically is, thus, best understood as helping them meet their own emerging standards of rationality. And, given that we have a duty to respect others as reasoning beings, we in turn have a collective duty to foster young people's capacity to distinguish good reasoning from bad.
Young‐onset diabetes patients in Thailand: Data from Thai Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetes diagnosed Age before 30 years Registry, Care and Network (T1DDAR CN)
Authors: Dejkhamron Prapai , Santiprabhob Jeerunda , Likitmaskul Supawadee , Deerochanawong Chaicharn , Rawdaree Petch , Tharavanij Thipaporn , Reutrakul Sirimon , Kongkanka Chawkaew , Suprasongsin Chittiwat , Numbenjapon Nawaporn , Sahakitrungruang Taninee , Lertwattanarak Raweewan , Engkakul Pontipa , Sriwijitkamol Apiradee , Korwutthikulrangsri Manassawee , Leelawattana Rattana , Phimphilai Mattabhorn , Potisat Somkiat , Khananuraksa Panthep , Kunsuikmengrai Kemarasami , Nitiyanant Wannee ,   for the Thai Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetes diagnosed Age before 30 years Registry, Care and Network (T1DDAR CN)
Published: December 2021

Aims/Introduction

There is a lack of current information regarding young‐onset diabetes in Thailand. Thus, the objectives of this study were to describe the types of diabetes, the clinical characteristics, the treatment regimens and achievement of glycemic control in Thai patients with young‐onset diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Data of 2,844 patients with diabetes onset before 30 years‐of‐age were retrospectively reviewed from a diabetes registry comprising 31 hospitals in Thailand. Gestational diabetes was excluded.

Results

Based on clinical criteria, type 1 diabetes was identified in 62.6% of patients, type 2 diabetes in 30.7%, neonatal diabetes in 0.8%, other monogenic diabetes in 1.7%, secondary diabetes in 3.0%, genetic syndromes associated with diabetes in 0.9% and other types of diabetes in 0.4%. Type 1 diabetes accounted for 72.3% of patients with age of onset <20 years. The proportion of type 2 diabetes was 61.0% of patients with age of onset from 20 to <30 years. Intensive insulin treatment was prescribed to 55.2% of type 1 diabetes patients. Oral antidiabetic agent alone was used in 50.8% of type 2 diabetes patients, whereas 44.1% received insulin treatment. Most monogenic diabetes, secondary diabetes and genetic syndromes associated with diabetes required insulin treatment. Achievement of glycemic control was identified in 12.4% of type 1 diabetes patients, 30% of type 2 diabetes patients, 36.4% of neonatal diabetes patients, 28.3% of other monogenic diabetes patients, 45.6% of secondary diabetes patients and 28% of genetic syndromes associated with diabetes patients.

Conclusion

In this registry, type 1 diabetes remains the most common type and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes increases with age. The majority of patients did not achieve the glycemic target, especially type 1 diabetes patients.
Financial Contagion in a Two‐Country Model
Authors: MATSUOKA TARISHI
Published: December 2021

This paper studies a two‐country version of the standard banking model with financial markets to investigate the effects of financial market globalization on financial stability. In autarky, two types of banks arise endogenously: some always remain solvent and others can default. When the financial markets are integrated, three types of banks can arise endogenously, and some banks go bankrupt because of the liquidity shock of another country. I show that financial market globalization can cause financial contagion and reduce welfare. In addition, the endogenous heterogeneous risk profile of the two countries can be observed.