bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
+microstate: A MATLAB toolbox for brain microstate analysis in sensor and cortical EEG/MEG
Authors: Tait Luke , Zhang Jiaxiang
Published: July 2021

+microstate is a MATLAB toolbox for brain functional microstate analysis. It builds upon previous EEG microstate literature and toolboxes by including algorithms for microstate analysis for other neuroimaging modalities such as sensor-space MEG and source-space data. +microstate includes codes for performing individual- and group-level brain microstate analysis in resting-state and task-based data including event-related potentials/fields. Functions are included to visualise and perform statistical analysis of microstate sequences, including novel advanced statistical approaches such as microstate-segmented functional connectivity analysis, cluster-permutation topographic ANOVAs, and χ2 analysis of microstate probabilities in response to stimuli. Additionally, codes for simulating microstate sequences and their associated M/EEG data are included in the toolbox, which can be used to generate artificial data with ground truth microstates and to validate the methodology. +microstate integrates with widely used toolboxes for M/EEG processing including Fieldtrip, SPM, LORETA/sLORETA, EEGLAB, and Brainstorm to aid with accessibility, and includes wrappers for pre-existing toolboxes for brain-state estimation such as Hidden Markov modelling (HMM-MAR) and independent component analysis (FastICA) to aid with direct comparison with these techniques. In this paper, we first introduce +microstate before subsequently performing example analyses using open access datasets to demonstrate and validate the methodology. MATLAB live scripts for each of these analyses are included in +microstate, to act as a tutorial and to aid with reproduction of the results presented in this manuscript.
The evolutionary conserved complex CEP90, FOPNL and OFD1 specifies the future location of centriolar distal appendages, and promotes their assembly
Authors: Le Borgne Pierrick , Greibill Logan , Laporte Marine Hélène , Lemullois Michel , Bouhouche Khaled , Temagoult Mebarek , Rosnet Olivier , Le Guennec Maeva , Lignières Laurent , Chevreux Guillaume , Koll France , Hamel Virginie , Guichard Paul , Tassin Anne-Marie
Published: July 2021

In metazoa, cilia assembly is a cellular process that starts with centriole to basal body maturation, migration to the cell surface and docking to the plasma membrane. Basal body docking involves the interaction of both the distal end of the basal body and the transition fibers / distal appendages, with the plasma membrane. Mutations in numerous genes involved in basal body docking and transition zone assembly are associated with the most severe ciliopathies, highlighting the importance of these events in cilium biogenesis. In this context, the ciliateParameciumhas been widely used as a model system to study basal body and cilia assembly. However, despite the apparent evolutionary conservation of cilia assembly events across phyla, whether the same molecular players are functionally conserved, is not fully known. Here, we demonstrated that CEP90, FOPNL and OFD1 form an evolutionary conserved complex that is crucial for ciliogenesis. Using ultrastructure expansion microscopy, we unveiled that these proteins localize at the distal end of both centrioles/basal bodies inParameciumand mammalian cells. Moreover, we found that these proteins are recruited early after centriole duplication on the external surface of the procentriole and define the future location of the distal appendages. Functional analysis performed both inParameciumand mammalian cells demonstrate the requirement of this complex for distal appendage assembly and basal body docking. Finally, we show that mammals require another component, Moonraker (MNR), to recruit OFD1, FOPNL, and CEP90, which will then recruits the distal appendage protein CEP83. Altogether, we propose that this ternary complex is required to determine the future position of distal appendages.
Inferring viral occurrence patterns through a synthetic data simulation
Authors: Pimenoff Ville N. , Cleries Ramon
Published: July 2021

Viruses infecting humans are manifold and several of them provoke significant morbidity and mortality. Simulations creating large synthetic datasets from observed multiple viral strain infections in a limited population sample can be a powerful tool to infer significant pathogen occurrence and interaction patterns, particularly if limited number of observed data units is available. Here, to demonstrate diverse human papillomavirus (HPV) strain occurrence patterns, we used log-linear models combined with Bayesian framework for graphical independence network (GIN) analysis. That is, to simulate datasets based on modeling the probabilistic associations between observed viral data points, i.e different viral strain infections in a set of population samples. Our GIN analysis outperformed in precision all oversampling methods tested for simulating large synthetic viral strain-level prevalence dataset from observed set of HPVs data. Altogether, we demonstrate that network modeling is a potent tool for creating synthetic viral datasets for comprehensive pathogen occurrence and interaction pattern estimations.
Fifteen shades of clay: distinct microbial community profiles obtained from bentonite samples by cultivation and direct nucleic acid extraction
Authors: Vachon Melody A. , Engel Katja , Beaver Rachel C. , Slater Greg W. , Binns W. Jeffrey , Neufeld Josh D.
Published: July 2021

Characterizing the microbiology of swelling bentonite clays can help predict the long-term behaviour of deep geological repositories (DGRs), which are proposed as a solution for the management of used nuclear fuel worldwide. Such swelling clays represent an important component of several proposed engineered barrier system designs and, although cultivation-based assessments of bentonite clay are routinely conducted, direct nucleic acid detection from these materials has been difficult due to technical challenges. In this study, we generated direct comparisons of microbial abundance and diversity captured by cultivation and direct nucleic acid analyses using 15 reference bentonite clay samples. Regardless of clay starting material, the corresponding profiles from cultivation-based approaches were consistently associated with phylogenetically similar sulfate-reducing bacteria, denitrifiers, aerobic heterotrophs, and fermenters, demonstrating that any DGR-associated growth may be consistent, regardless of the specific bentonite clay starting material selected for its construction. Furthermore, dominant nucleic acid sequences in the as-received clay microbial profiles did not correspond with the bacteria that were enriched or isolated in culture. Few core taxa were shared among cultivation and direct nucleic acid analysis profiles, yet those in common were primarily affiliated with Streptomyces, Micrococcaceae, Bacillus, and Desulfosporosinus genera. These putative desiccation-resistant bacteria associated with diverse bentonite clay samples can serve as targets for experiments that evaluate microbial viability and growth within DGR-relevant conditions. Our data will be important for global nuclear waste management organizations, demonstrating that identifying appropriate design conditions with suitable clay swelling properties will prevent growth of the same subset of clay-associated bacteria, regardless of clay origin or processing conditions.
Co-aggregation with Apolipoprotein E modulates the function of Amyloid-β in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Xia Zengjie , Prescott Emily E. , Wareing Hollie E , Matuszyk Martyna M , Dakin Helen , Dimou Eleni , Zuo Eric , Zhang Yu P. , Lam Jeff Y.L. , Danial John S. H. , Leah Tom , Barnes Katy A. , Strickland Michael , Jiang Hong , Thornton Peter , Crowther Damian C. , Holtzman David M. , Bell Simon M. , Higginbottom Adrian , Ferraiuolo Laura , Mortiboys Heather , Wharton Stephen B. , Ranasinghe Rohan T. , Klenerman David , De Suman
Published: July 2021

Which isoforms of apolipoprotein E (apoE) we inherit determine our risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), but the mechanism underlying this link is poorly understood. In particular, the relevance of direct interactions between apoE and amyloid-β (Aβ) remains controversial. Here, single-molecule imaging shows that all isoforms of apoE associate with Aβ in the early stages of aggregation and then fall away as fibrillation happens. ApoE-Aβ co-aggregates account for ∼50% of the mass of soluble Aβ aggregates detected in the frontal cortices of homozygotes with the higher-risk APOE4 gene. Our results connect inherited APOE genotype with the risk of developing AD by demonstrating how, in an isoform- and lipidation-specific way, apoE modulates the aggregation, clearance and toxicity of Aβ. Selectively removing non-lipidated apoE4-Aβ co-aggregates enhances clearance of toxic Aβ by glial cells, and reduces inflammation and membrane damage, demonstrating a clear path to AD therapeutics.
Caveolin-1 temporal modulation enhances trastuzumab and trastuzumab-drug conjugate efficacy in heterogeneous gastric cancer
Authors: Pereira Patrícia M. R. , Mandleywala Komal , Monette Sébastien , Lumish Melissa , Tully Kathryn M. , Cornejo Mike , Mauguen Audrey , Ragupathi Ashwin , Mattar Marissa , Janjigian Yelena Y. , Lewis Jason S.
Published: July 2021

Resistance mechanisms and heterogeneity in HER2-positive gastric cancers (GC) limit trastuzumab benefit in 32% of patients, and other targeted therapies have failed in clinical trials. Using genomic data from patient tissue, patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), partially humanized biological models, and HER2-targeted imaging we identified caveolin-1 (CAV1) as a complementary biomarker in GC selection for trastuzumab therapy. In retrospective analyses of samples from patients enrolled on trastuzumab trials, the CAV1-high profile was associated with low membrane HER2 density and reduced patient survival. We found a negative correlation between CAV1 tumoral protein levels – a major protein of cholesterol-rich membrane domains – and trastuzumab-drug conjugate TDM1 tumor uptake. Finally, CAV1 depletion using knockdown or pharmacologic approaches was shown to increase HER2-directed immunoPET uptake and TDM1 efficacy in GC with incomplete HER2 membranous reactivity. In support of these findings, background statin use in patients is associated with enhanced antibody efficacy. Together, this work provides mechanistic justification and clinical evidence that require prospective investigation of HER2-targeted therapies combined with statins to delay drug resistance in GC.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study identifies how CAV1 protein expression and statin use relate to GC response in HER2-targeted imaging and therapeutic approaches. In addition, to support the synergy of CAV1 depletion with TDM1 observed in mouse models, we demonstrate that statin users had better clinical responses to antibody-based therapies in HER2+ GC.
Mapping the subcortical connectivity of the human default mode network
Authors: Li Jian , Curley William H. , Guerin Bastien , Dougherty Darin D. , Dalca Adrian V. , Fischl Bruce , Horn Andreas , Edlow Brian L.
Published: July 2021

The default mode network (DMN) mediates self-awareness and introspection, core components of human consciousness. Therapies to restore consciousness in patients with severe brain injuries have historically targeted subcortical sites in the brainstem, thalamus, hypothalamus, basal forebrain, and basal ganglia, with the goal of reactivating cortical DMN nodes. However, the subcortical connectivity of the DMN has not been fully mapped and optimal subcortical targets for therapeutic neuromodulation of consciousness have not been identified. In this work, we created a comprehensive map of DMN subcortical connectivity by combining high-resolution functional and structural datasets with advanced signal processing methods. We analyzed 7 Tesla resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) data from 168 healthy volunteers acquired in the Human Connectome Project. The rs-fMRI blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) data were temporally synchronized across subjects using the BrainSync algorithm. Cortical and subcortical DMN nodes were jointly analyzed and identified at the group level by applying a novel Nadam-Accelerated SCAlable and Robust (NASCAR) tensor decomposition method to the synchronized dataset. The subcortical connectivity map was then overlaid on a 7 Tesla 100 micron ex vivo MRI dataset for neuroanatomic analysis using automated segmentation of nuclei within the brainstem, thalamus, hypothalamus, basal forebrain, and basal ganglia. We further compared the NASCAR subcortical connectivity map with its counterpart generated from canonical seed-based correlation analyses. The NASCAR method revealed that BOLD signal in the central lateral nucleus of the thalamus and ventral tegmental area of the midbrain is strongly correlated with that of the DMN. In an exploratory analysis, additional subcortical sites in the median and dorsal raphe, lateral hypothalamus, and caudate nuclei were correlated with the cortical DMN. We also found that the putamen and globus pallidus are negatively correlated (i.e., anti-correlated) with the DMN, providing rs-fMRI evidence for the mesocircuit hypothesis of human consciousness, whereby a striatopallidal feedback system modulates anterior forebrain function via disinhibition of the central thalamus. Seed-based analyses yielded similar subcortical DMN connectivity, but the NASCAR result showed stronger contrast and better spatial alignment with dopamine immunostaining data. The DMN subcortical connectivity map identified here advances understanding of the subcortical regions that contribute to human consciousness and can be used to inform the selection of therapeutic targets in clinical trials for patients with disorders of consciousness.
Learning spatio-temporal properties of hippocampal place cells
Authors: Lian Yanbo , Burkitt Anthony N.
Published: July 2021

Hippocampal place cells have spatio-temporal properties: they generally respond to a single spatial location of a small environment; in addition, they also display the temporal response property of theta phase precession, namely that the phase of spiking relative to the theta wave shifts from the late phase to early phase as the animal crosses the place field. Grid cells in layer II of the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) also have spatio-temporal properties similar to hippocampal place cells, except that grid cells respond to multiple spatial locations that form a hexagonal pattern. Other non-grid spatial cells are also abundant in the entorhinal cortex (EC). Because the EC is the upstream area that projects strongly to the hippocampus, a number of EC-hippocampus models have been proposed to explain how the spatial receptive field properties of place cells emerge. However, none of these learning models have explained how the temporal response properties of hippocampal place cells emerge as a result of the EC input. A learning model is presented here based on non-negative sparse coding in which we show that the spatial and temporal properties of hippocampal place cells can be simultaneously learnt from EC input: both MEC grid cells and other EC spatial cells contribute to the spatial properties of hippocampal place cells while MEC grid cells predominantly determine the temporal response properties of hippocampal place cells.
Metabolic endotoxemia is dictated by the type of lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Anhê Fernando F. , Barra Nicole G. , Cavallari Joseph F. , Henriksbo Brandyn D. , Schertzer Jonathan D.
Published: July 2021

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) can promote metabolic endotoxemia, which is considered inflammatory and metabolically detrimental based on Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 agonists such as Escherichia coli-derived LPS. LPS from certain bacteria antagonize TLR4 yet contribute to endotoxemia measured by Endotoxin Units (EU). We found that E. coli LPS impaired gut barrier function and worsened glycemic control in mice, but equal doses of LPS from other bacteria did not. Matching the LPS dose from R. sphaeroides and E. coli by EU revealed that only E. coli LPS promoted dysglycemia, adipose inflammation, delayed intestinal glucose absorption, and augmented insulin and GLP-1 secretion. Metabolically beneficial endotoxemia promoted by R. sphaeroides LPS counteracted dysglycemia caused by an equal dose of E. coli LPS and promoted insulin sensitivity in obese mice. The concept of metabolic endotoxemia should be expanded beyond LPS load (EU) to include LPS characteristics, where the balance of deleterious and beneficial endotoxemia regulates host metabolism.

Highlights

Type of LPS dictates gut barrier function, inflammation, insulin, GLP-1, intestinal glucose absorption and blood glucose

Endotoxin Units (EU) do not reflect how LPS influences blood glucose or hormones

LPS derived from certain types of bacteria are insulin sensitizers

R. sphaeroides LPS promotes metabolically beneficial endotoxemia

LPS characteristics dictate metabolically beneficial versus deleterious endotoxemia
ATP-Independent Nucleosome Unfolding by FACT: Electron Microscopy Analysis
Authors: Sivkina Anastasiia L. , Karlova Maria G. , Valieva Maria E. , McCullough Laura L. , Formosa Timothy , Shaytan Alexey K. , Feofanov Alexey V. , Kirpichnikov Mikhail P. , Sokolova Olga S. , Studitsky Vasily M.
Published: July 2021

FACT is a histone chaperone that unfolds nucleosomes without ATP hydrolysis. We used electron microscopy to study FACT and FACT:nucleosome complexes, and found that both adopt broad ranges of configurations, indicating high flexibility. We found unexpectedly that the DNA binding protein Nhp6 also binds to the C-terminal tails of FACT subunits, inducing more open geometries of FACT even in the absence of nucleosomes. Nhp6 therefore supports nucleosome unfolding by altering both FACT structure and nucleosome properties. Complexes formed with FACT, Nhp6, and nucleosomes also produced a broad range of structures, revealing a large number of potential intermediates along a proposed unfolding pathway. The data suggest that Nhp6 has multiple roles before and during nucleosome unfolding by FACT, and that the process proceeds through a series of energetically similar intermediate structures, ultimately leading to an extensively unfolded form.

One Sentence Summary

Electron microscopy reveals the pathway of ATP-Independent nucleosome unfolding by histone chaperone FACT.
Synergistic interactions between Stachybotrys chartarum and other indoor fungal species in moisture-damaged houses
Authors: Chakravarty Paris
Published: July 2021

The interactions between six commonly occurring fungal species in damp or water-damaged houses in southern California were studied. These fungal species were Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Chaetomium globosum, Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium chrysogenum and Stachybotrys chartarum. In the damp building materials, S. chartarum was found to be associated with A. niger, C. globosum, and P. chrysogenum but not with A. alternata and C. herbarum. Stachybotrys chartarum showed strong antagonistic effect against A. alternata and C. herbarum and significantly inhibited in vitro growth of A. alternata and C. herbarum but had no effect on A. niger, C. globosum, and P. chrysogenum. Two trichothecenes, produced by S. chartarum, trichodermin and trichodermol, significantly inhibited spore germination and in vitro growth of A. alternata and C. herbarum but had no effect on A. niger, C. globosum, P. chrysogenum and S. chartarum. In the damp building materials (drywall, ceiling tile, and oak woods), S. chartarum significantly inhibited the growth of A. alternata and C. herbarum and had no effect on the growth and colonization of A. niger, C. globosum, P. chrysogenum in these substrata.
Candida auris is rendered non-viable by medium-chain fatty acids
Authors: Green Kalynne R. , De Jesus Magdia , Gunsalus Kearney T. W.
Published: July 2021

The medium-chain fatty acids, octanoic and decanoic acid, found in coconut oil, were fungistatic and decanoic acid was fungicidal against a panel of Candida auris strains, during both planktonic and biofilm growth. The strains were from all four major geographic clades, and some were resistant to several classes of antifungal drugs. These compounds are safe, natural products and could provide a new strategy for skin decolonization and environmental decontamination.
Assessment of the evolutionary consequence of putative driver mutations in colorectal cancer with spatial multiomic data
Authors: Heide Timon , Househam Jacob , Cresswell George D , Spiteri Inmaculada , Lynn Claire , Kimberley Chris , Mossner Max , Zapata Luis , Gabbutt Calum , Ramazzotti Daniele , Chen Bingjie , Fernandez-Mateos Javier , James Chela , Vinceti Alessandro , Berner Alison , Schmidt Melissa , Lakatos Eszter , Baker Ann-Marie , Nichol Daniel , Costa Helena , Mitchinson Miriam , Werner Benjamin , Iorio Francesco , Jansen Marnix , Barnes Christopher , Caravagna Giulio , Shibata Darryl , Bridgewater John , Rodriguez-Justo Manuel , Magnani Luca , Graham Trevor A , Sottoriva Andrea
Published: July 2021

Cancer genomic medicine relies on targeting driver genes. However, current catalogues of cancer drivers are mostly based on indirect measurements of mutation frequencies, positions or types, rather than their effect on clonal expansionsin vivo. Moreover, non-genetic drivers are largely unknown, as are the epigenetic and transcriptomic effects of genetic drivers. Here we perform spatial computational inference on multiomic data with matched whole-genome sequencing, ATAC-seq and RNA-seq. Using 436 samples, we directly quantify the contribution, or lack thereof, of putative driver genes to subclonal expansionsin vivoin 30 colorectal carcinomas (4-33 samples per patient, median=15). Although subclonal neutral evolution was widespread (13/26 cases with sufficient data), there were cases with clear evidence of subclonal selection (6/26) in which we measured epigenetic and transcriptomic differences between subclonesin vivo. In 7/26 cases we could not distinguish between neutral or selective evolution with the available data. We identified expanding subclones that were not driven by known genetic alterations, and propose candidate epigenetic drivers. We identified the distinguishing patterns of genomic heterogeneity produced in fast, exponentially growing tumours (7/26) versus neoplasms growing only at the periphery (19/26), as well as identifying clonally intermixed (16/28 cases with sufficient data) versus segregated malignancies (10/28). Our model-based approach measures genetic and non-genetic subclonal selection, or lack thereof, in space and time and allowsin vivocomparisons of the emergent phenotypic properties of subclones within human tumours.
R-loop-induced p21 expression following CDC73, CTR9, and PAF1 loss protects cancer cells against replicative catastrophe following WEE1 inhibition
Authors: van Bijsterveldt Linda , Landsverk Helga B. , Nähse Viola , Durley Samuel C. , Sarkar Sovan S. , Syljuåsen Randi G. , Humphrey Timothy C.
Published: July 2021

WEE1 inhibitors have now advanced into clinical studies as monotherapy or in combination with chemoradiotherapy in TP53, RAS, BRAF, and SETD2 mutation carriers across several tumour types, yet mechanisms of resistance are still poorly understood. Here, we further elucidate the mechanisms by which AZD1775, the most potent WEE1 inhibitor, kills cells and reveal additional genetic interactions that can result in resistance, but could be used to optimise its clinical utility.

We identified RNA Polymerase II-associated factor 1 (PAF1) complex members, CDC73, CTR9, and PAF1 as major determinants of WEE1-inhibitor sensitivity in isogenic SETD2-positive and negative cell lines. PAF1-knockdown cells resist higher doses of the WEE1 inhibitor, which we show is due to reduced DNA damage induction (γH2AX) and delayed G1 checkpoint activation, ultimately protecting cells against replicative catastrophe. Investigations into the molecular mechanisms responsible for PAF1-mediated resistance identify involvement of R-loops and subsequent activation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21Cip1/Waf1, which in addition to causing prolonged G1 arrest in the following cell cycle, also regulates CDK activity, therefore limiting replication.

These results provide evidence that the PAF1 complex and p21 are important regulators of proliferation under increased DNA replication stress and their expression levels might be useful biomarkers to predict clinical response to WEE1 inhibitors and other ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors.
Balanced release of neuropeptide FF and gonadotropin-releasing hormone 3 modulates male sexual behavior
Authors: Umatani Chie , Yoshida Nagisa , Yamamoto Eri , Akazome Yasuhisa , Mori Yasutaka , Kanda Shinji , Okubo Kataaki , Oka Yoshitaka
Published: July 2021

Animals properly perform sexual behaviors by using multiple sensory cues. However, neural mechanisms integrating multiple sensory cues and regulating motivation for sexual behaviors remain unclear. Here, we focused on peptidergic neurons, terminal nerve gonadotropin-releasing hormone (TN-GnRH) neurons, which receive inputs from various sensory systems and co-express neuropeptide FF (NPFF) in addition to GnRH. Our behavioral analyses using knockout medaka of GnRH (gnrh3) and/or NPFF (npff) demonstrated that some sexual behavioral repertories were ‘delayed’, not disrupted, in gnrh3-/- and npff-/- males, while the double knockout showed normal behaviors. We also found anatomical evidence to show that both neuropeptides modulate the sexual behavior-controlling brain areas. Furthermore, we demonstrated that NPFF activates neurons in the preoptic area via indirect pathway, which is considered to induce the increase in the motivation for male sexual behaviors. Considering these results, we propose a novel mechanism by which balanced release of co-existing peptides is important for the neuromodulatory function of TN-GnRH neurons in the control of behavioral motivation. Our results may go a long way toward understanding the functional significance of peptidergic neuromodulation in response to external environments.
Spike-based symbolic computations on bit strings and numbers
Authors: Kraišniković Ceca , Maass Wolfgang , Legenstein Robert
Published: July 2021

The brain uses recurrent spiking neural networks for higher cognitive functions such as symbolic computations, in particular, mathematical computations. We review the current state of research on spike-based symbolic computations of this type. In addition, we present new results which show that surprisingly small spiking neural networks can perform symbolic computations on bit sequences and numbers and even learn such computations using a biologically plausible learning rule. The resulting networks operate in a rather low firing rate regime, where they could not simply emulate artificial neural networks by encoding continuous values through firing rates. Thus, we propose here a new paradigm for symbolic computation in neural networks that provides concrete hypotheses about the organization of symbolic computations in the brain. The employed spike-based network models are the basis for drastically more energy-efficient computer hardware – neuromorphic hardware. Hence, our results can be seen as creating a bridge from symbolic artificial intelligence to energy-efficient implementation in spike-based neuromorphic hardware.
Human placental villi immune cells help maintain homeostasisin utero
Authors: Toothaker Jessica M , Olaloye Oluwabunmi , McCourt Blake T. , McCourt Collin C , Case Rebecca M , Liu Peng , Yimlamai Dean , Tseng George , Konnikova Liza
Published: July 2021

Maintenance of healthy pregnancy is reliant on successful balance between the fetal and maternal immune systems. Although maternal mechanisms responsible have been well studied, those used by the fetal immune system remain poorly understood. Using suspension mass cytometry and various imaging modalities, we report a complex immune system within the mid-gestation (17-23 weeks) human placental villi (PV). Further, we identified immunosuppressive signatures in innate immune cells and antigen presenting cells that potentially maintain immune homeostasis in utero. Consistent with recent reports in other fetal organs, T cells with memory phenotypes were detected within the PV tissue and vasculature. Moreover, we determined PV T cells could be activated to upregulate CD69 and proliferate after T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation and when exposed to maternal uterine antigens. Finally, we report that cytokine production by PV T cells is sensitive to TCR stimulation and varies between mid-gestation, preterm (26-35 weeks) and term deliveries (37-40 weeks). Collectively, we elucidated the complexity and functional maturity of fetal immune cells within the PV and highlighted their immunosuppressive potential.
A time-varying grey Riccati model based on interval grey numbers for China's clean energy generation predicting
Authors: Guo Sandang , Jing Yaqian
Published: July 2021

Purpose

In order to accurately predict the uncertain and nonlinear characteristics of China's three clean energy generation, this paper presents a novel time-varying grey Riccati model (TGRM(1,1)) based on interval grey number sequences.

Design/methodology/approach

By combining grey Verhulst model and a special kind of Riccati equation and introducing a time-varying parameter and random disturbance term the authors advance a TGRM(1,1) based on interval grey number sequences. Additionally, interval grey number sequences are converted into middle value sequences and trapezoid area sequences by using geometric characteristics. Then the predicted formula is obtained by using differential equation principle. Finally, the proposed model's predictive effect is evaluated by three numerical examples of China's clean energy generation.

Findings

Based on the interval grey number sequences, the TGRM(1,1) is applied to predict the development trend of China's wind power generation, China's hydropower generation and China's nuclear power generation, respectively, to verify the effectiveness of the novel model. The results show that the proposed model has better simulated and predicted performance than compared models.

Practical implications

Due to the uncertain information and continuous changing of clean energy generation in the past decade, interval grey number sequences are introduced to characterize full information of the annual clean energy generation data. And the novel TGRM(1,1) is applied to predict upper and lower bound values of China's clean energy generation, which is significant to give directions for energy policy improvements and modifications.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is to propose a novel TGRM(1,1) based on interval grey number sequences, which considers the changes of parameters over time by introducing a time-varying parameter and random disturbance term. In addition, the model introduces the Riccati equation into classic Verhulst, which has higher practicability and prediction accuracy.
A health promotion intervention to improve oral health of prisoners: results from a pilot study
Authors: Evensen Kjersti Berge , Bull Vibeke Hervik , Ness Linda
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Prisoners have poorer oral health than the general population. Good oral health is essential for both social and physical well-being. For prisoners, poor oral health is also related to drug use after release, whereas good oral health is related to successful reintegration into society. The purpose of this study was twofold: to examine the effect of an intervention based on motivational interviewing (MI) on prisoners’ oral health-related behavior and to assess if the intervention is a good fit for this population.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 16 prisoners in a Norwegian prison were offered a brief MI-based intervention focusing on changing their oral health-related behavior. An oral examination was also performed and the prisoners received a small package containing oral hygiene aids. Two weeks later, a second oral examination and a semi-structured interview were conducted to explore the effect of the intervention and examine the prisoners’ responses to the intervention. Qualitative data analyzes were guided by thematic analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that the intervention had positive effects on both the prisoners’ motivation to use oral health-related behavior and their performance of oral health-related behavior. The findings also indicate that the intervention was well adapted to the target population.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies that explore the effect of an intervention in improving prisoners’ oral health and bridges a knowledge gap in the literature. The findings may increase the understanding of how dental services should be organized and offered to provide dental health care to this vulnerable group.
LIS research across 50 years: content analysis of journal articles
Authors: Järvelin Kalervo , Vakkari Pertti
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper analyses the research in Library and Information Science (LIS) and reports on (1) the status of LIS research in 2015 and (2) on the evolution of LIS research longitudinally from 1965 to 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a quantitative intellectual content analysis of articles published in 30+ scholarly LIS journals, following the design by Tuomaala et al. (2014). In the content analysis, we classify articles along eight dimensions covering topical content and methodology.

Findings

The topical findings indicate that the earlier strong LIS emphasis on L&I services has declined notably, while scientific and professional communication has become the most popular topic. Information storage and retrieval has given up its earlier strong position towards the end of the years analyzed. Individuals are increasingly the units of observation. End-user's and developer's viewpoints have strengthened at the cost of intermediaries' viewpoint. LIS research is methodologically increasingly scattered since survey, scientometric methods, experiment, case studies and qualitative studies have all gained in popularity. Consequently, LIS may have become more versatile in the analysis of its research objects during the years analyzed.

Originality/value

Among quantitative intellectual content analyses of LIS research, the study is unique in its scope: length of analysis period (50 years), width (8 dimensions covering topical content and methodology) and depth (the annual batch of 30+ scholarly journals).
Indicators of having a micro-family takaful plan amongst low-income earners
Authors: Bangaan Abdullah Hafizuddin-Syah , Yakob Rubayah , Yakob Sajiah , Sharif Nuratikah Syafiqah
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Participation in micro-family takāful plans amongst low-income earners remains low despite the various initiatives promoted by the Malaysian Government. Therefore, this study aims to conduct an in-depth examination on the indicators of having micro-takaful tafakul in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were distributed to respondents residing in Selangor, the state with the highest recorded percentage of low-income earners in Malaysia. Regression analysis was conducted in this study. Demographic characteristics and knowledge were treated as the independent variables, whereas the tendency of having a micro-family takāful plan was considered the dependent variable.

Findings

Gender and knowledge on the benefits of micro-family takāful plans have significant and positive effects on the tendency of having a micro-family takāful plan. Married and employed women are more likely to own a micro-family takāful plan compared with their male counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the growing literature on the research of micro-takāful determinants in Malaysia.

Practical implications

Industry players and regulators need to tailor the operating and marketing strategies of micro-family takāful plans based on the gender and knowledge of potential participants. The industry may also improve the features of takāful plans to ensure that they are even more attractive and comprehensive.

Originality/value

This study offers a much deeper analysis compared with past research owing to the identified dimensions of a demographic factor that can influence the tendency of having micro-family takāful plans. Besides, this study offers a comprehensive measurement of the knowledge on micro-family takāful plans by considering all aspects (i.e. concept, importance and benefit) of these plans. Moreover, this study examines the influence of each element of knowledge on the tendency of having a micro-family takāful plans, a topic that was rarely studied in the past.
Sovereign wealth fund investments in private funds: selected tax planning considerations in the US, EU and UK
Authors: Nelson Daniel A. , Habershon Kate , Hambrick Kathryn W. , McCarthy Meghan E. , Hadji Alexios S. , Tan Grace
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To discuss US, EU and UK tax-related issues that sovereign wealth funds should consider when investing in private funds.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses various tax-related structuring, operational, risk-allocation, and economic matters that private funds, sovereign wealth funds and other non-US institutional investors should consider a series when evaluating potential private fund investments.

Findings

Despite the market disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, sovereign wealth funds continued to make significant capital commitments to private funds in 2020 and, as the world emerges from the pandemic, are expected to make similar or greater commitments in 2021 and beyond.

Originality/value

Practical guidance from lawyers with wide experience in international tax planning and investment fund structuring.
Austerity and budget execution: control versus flexibility
Authors: Raudla Ringa , Douglas James W.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

How does the era of austerity affect flexibility and control in budget implementation? The execution phase of the budget has remained underexplored in the budgeting literature. Theoretically, a crisis and austerity period may trigger changes in budget execution in one of two key directions: either toward greater control or greater flexibility. This paper seeks to uncover which outcome is more likely.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted elite interviews of key officials involved in the budget execution phases in two European countries: Portugal and Austria.

Findings

The cases demonstrate that the experience of a fiscal crisis and period of austerity tend to lead to greater control and constrained flexibility in budget execution.

Originality/value

The execution phase of the budget process has remained underexplored in the public budgeting literature, and there has been only limited discussion on how the experience of austerity affects it. This empirical study of Portugal and Austria helps to shed light on that question.
An image worth a thousand words? Expressions of stakeholder identity perspectives in place image descriptions
Authors: Strandberg Carola , Ek Styvén Maria
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how place identity can be expressed in residents’ place image descriptions, addressing differences and similarities in place identity expressions between residents’ descriptions of the image of their place and the image of the place as described to others.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews were conducted with residents of a Swedish city. Place image descriptions were analyzed through thematic analysis.

Findings

Different types of identity perspectives manifest in the place image descriptions of residents. Respondents’ associations reflect place, person and social group identity perspectives, including their own perspective as residents, but also as visitors, or a combination of both. Priming is needed when gathering place image perceptions, to establish which underlying identity perspective is expressed.

Research limitations/implications

This study offers a Nordic perspective on the organic communication of place image. The scope and qualitative nature of this study is a limitation to its generalizability but also suggests a rich ground for future cross-cultural studies on the topic.

Practical implications

Results point to the importance of accurately formulating questions to catch stakeholders’ place image. Insights are offered into how stakeholders communicate Nordic place image perceptions when engaging in communication about a place and into the effects of identity on organic place brand communication.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to explore how key stakeholders’ lenses to interpret a place brand are activated in the communication of place image, and how this influences their descriptions of the place.
Understanding the impact of Covid-19 on Indian tourism sector through time series modelling
Authors: Arshad Md Ozair , Khan Shahbaz , Haleem Abid , Mansoor Hannan , Arshad Md Osaid , Arshad Md Ekrama
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Covid-19 pandemic is a unique and extraordinary situation for the globe, which has potentially disrupted almost all aspects of life. In this global crisis, the tourism and hospitality sector has collapsed in almost all parts of the world, and the same is true for India. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the impact of Covid-19 on the Indian tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops an appropriate model to forecast the expected loss of foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in India for 10 months. Since the FTAs follow a seasonal trend, seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) method has been employed to forecast the expected FTAs in India from March 2020 to December 2020. The results of the proposed model are then compared with the ones obtained by Holt-Winter's (H-W) model to check the robustness of the proposed model.

Findings

The SARIMA model seeks to manifest the monthly arrival of foreign tourists and also elaborates on the progressing expected loss of foreign tourists arrive for the next three quarters is approximately 2 million, 2.3 million and 3.2 million, respectively. Thus, in the next three quarters, there will be an enormous downfall of FTAs, and there is a need to adopt appropriate measures. The comparison demonstrates that SARIMA is a better model than H-W model.

Originality/value

Several studies have been reported on pandemic-affected tourism sectors using different techniques. The earlier pandemic outbreak was controlled and region-specific, but the Covid-19 eruption is a global threat having potential ramifications and strong spreading power. This work is one of the first attempts to study and analyse the impact of Covid-19 on FTAs in India.
Mergers in Indian public sector banks: can human resource practices ensure effective implementation of change?
Authors: Singh Richa , Goel Geetika , Ghosh Piyali , Sinha Saitab
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study examines the link of effective change implementation (CIE) with select human resource (HR) practices and employees' resistance to change (RTC) amidst ongoing mergers in Indian public sector banks (PSBs). It also intends to highlight the role of RTC as a mediator in this mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a structured questionnaire administered through a survey of employees of select PSBs that have undergone mergers. The hypothesized relationships were tested on 220 responses with structural equation modelling.

Findings

Training and communication of change as HR practices were found to have significant effects in implementing change. RTC fully mediated the relationship of training and CIE, and partially mediated the association of communication and CIE. Communication had a stronger influence on RTC than training. This finding upholds the importance of communication but also implies that training can reinforce effective communication of change and may not affect the implementation if not directed towards handling resistance.

Practical implications

The significance of communication as a finding supports the theory of planned behaviour. The authors’ results also align with the social exchange theory and can be extended to the job demands-resources model. PSBs may plan for phase-wise training initiatives starting from the announcement till the end of a merger. PSBs also need to effectively communicate all relevant HR issues to employees, thus being transparent and fair. Both online and offline modes of communication can be explored. Overall, the senior management has to imbibe the handholding of employees in the short term and a sense of empathy in the longer term.

Originality/value

Research on HR in Indian banking mergers seems to take a back seat vis-à-vis strategic issues and financial performance. There also is a limited empirical examination of the role of HR practices in effective change implementation. This paper addresses both these issues by proposing a conceptual model and empirically validating it amidst the merger of PSBs. The authors also highlight how training and communication are effective in handling resistance to change.
The impact of the EU Directive on non-financial information: Novel features of the Italian case
Authors: Lombardi Rosa , Cosentino Antonietta , Sura Alessandro , Galeotti Michele
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the European Union (EU) 95/2014 Directive’s impact on large public companies. It chose Italy as a pivotal country that made non-financial information assurance mandatory, going beyond the EU Directive’s original requirements. Specifically, it investigates how the UE Directive fosters institutionalisation of the non-financial reporting (NFR) process in organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

Two large public companies in Italy are used as case studies. Data are gathered from annual and integrated reports, institutional websites and semi-structured interviews with the managers and employees involved in different organisational positions. The authors adopted the neo-institutional theory as a theoretical lens to identify the organisations’ response to the (external) institutional pressures influencing corporate reporting practices.

Findings

The findings demonstrate how the EU Directive fostered changes to large public companies’ reporting practices and external pressures contributed to influencing changes to internal organisational practices in terms of new internal processes, procedures and structures. These changes are motivated by the companies’ need to guarantee reliable information to be produced in their non-financial reports.

Practical implications

This paper helps academics and policymakers to advance NFR practices by understanding regulatory factors that can foster changes in the internal reporting process and responsibility within organisations.

Originality/value

The findings provide some empirical insights to foster reflections on the EU Directive’s effectiveness in changing reporting practices. This paper contributes to enriching the literature on institutional theory in shaping mandatory non-financial disclosure by identifying the institutional pressures influencing the effectiveness of regulations to change NFR practices.