bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atomistic simulation of protein evolution reveals sequence covariation and time-dependent fluctuations of site-specific substitution rates
Authors: Norn Christoffer , André Ingemar
Published: June 2022

Thermodynamic stability is a crucial fitness constraint in protein evolution and is a central factor in shaping the sequence landscapes of proteins. The correlation between stability and molecular fitness depends on the mechanism that relates the biophysical property with biological function. In the simplest case, stability and fitness are related by the amount of folded protein. However, when proteins are toxic in the unfolded state, the fitness function shifts, resulting in higher stability under mutation-selection balance. Likewise, a higher population size results in a similar change in protein stability, as it magnifies the effect of the selection pressure in evolutionary dynamics. This study investigates how such factors affect the evolution of protein stability, site-specific mutation rates, and residue-residue covariation. To simulate evolutionary trajectories with realistic modeling of protein energetics, we develop an all-atom simulator of protein evolution, RosettaEvolve. By evolving proteins under different fitness functions, we can study how the fitness function affects the distribution of proposed and accepted mutations, site-specific rates, and the prevalence of correlated amino acid substitutions. We demonstrate that fitness pressure affects the proposal distribution of mutational effects, that changes in stability can largely explain variations in site-specific substitution rates in evolutionary trajectories, and that increased fitness pressure results in a stronger covariation signal. Our results give mechanistic insight into the evolutionary consequences of variation in protein stability and provide a basis to rationalize the strong covariation signal observed in natural sequence alignments.
Non-rapid eye movement sleep determines resilience to social stress
Authors: Bush Brittany J. , Donnay Caroline , Andrews Eva-Jeneé A. , Lewis-Sanders Darielle , Gray Cloe L. , Qiao Zhimei , Brager Allison J. , Johnson Hadiya , Brewer Hamadi C.S , Sood Sahil , Saafir Talib , Benveniste Morris , Paul Ketema N. , Ehlen J. Christopher
Published: June 2022

Resilience, the ability to overcome stressful conditions, is found in most mammals and varies significantly among individuals. A lack of resilience can lead to the development of neuropsychiatric and sleep disorders, often within the same individual. Despite extensive research into the brain mechanisms causing maladaptive behavioral-responses to stress, it is not clear why some individuals exhibit resilience. To examine if sleep has a determinative role in maladaptive behavioral-response to social stress, we investigated individual variations in resilience using a social-defeat model for male mice. Our results reveal a direct, causal relationship between sleep amount and resilience—demonstrating that sleep increases after social-defeat stress only occur in resilient mice. Further, we found that within the prefrontal cortex, a regulator of maladaptive responses to stress, pre-existing differences in sleep regulation predict resilience. Overall, these results demonstrate that increased NREM sleep, mediated cortically, is an active response to social-defeat stress that is both necessary and sufficient for promoting resilience. They also show that differences in resilience are strongly correlated with inter-individual variability in sleep regulation.
Connectomic analysis of thalamus-driven disinhibition in cortical layer 4
Authors: Hua Yunfeng , Loomba Sahil , Pawlak Verena , Laserstein Philip , Boergens Kevin M. , Kerr Jason N. D. , Helmstaedter Moritz
Published: June 2022

In mammals, sensory signals are transmitted via the thalamus primarily to layer 4 of the primary sensory cortices. While information about average neuronal connectivity in this layer is available, the detailed and higher-order circuit structure is not known. Here, we used 3-dimensional electron microscopy for a connectomic analysis of the thalamus-driven inhibitory network in a layer 4 barrel. We find that thalamic input drives a subset of interneurons with high specificity. These interneurons in turn target spiny stellate and star pyramidal excitatory neurons with subtype specificity. In addition, they create a directed disinhibitory network directly driven by the thalamic input. Together, this circuit can create differential windows of opportunity for activation of the types of excitatory neurons in dependence of strength and timing of thalamic input. With this, we have identified a so-far unknown degree of specialization of the microcircuitry in the main thalamocortical recipient layer of the primary sensory cortex.
Epigenomic analysis reveals prevalent contribution of transposable elements to cis-regulatory elements, tissue-specific expression, and alternative promoters in zebrafish
Authors: Lee Hyung Joo , Hou Yiran , Maeng Ju Heon , Shah Nakul M. , Chen Yujie , Lawson Heather A. , Yang Hongbo , Yue Feng , Wang Ting
Published: June 2022

Transposable elements (TEs) encode regulatory elements that impact gene expression in multiple species, yet a comprehensive analysis of zebrafish TEs in the context of gene regulation is lacking. Here, we systematically investigate the epigenomic and transcriptomic landscape of TEs across 11 adult zebrafish tissues using multidimensional sequencing data. We find that TEs contribute substantially to a diverse array of regulatory elements in the zebrafish genome and that 37% of TEs are positioned in active regulatory states in adult zebrafish tissues. We identify TE subfamilies enriched in highly specific regulatory elements among different tissues. We use transcript assembly to discover TE-derived transcriptional units expressed across tissues. Finally, we show that novel TE-derived promoters can initiate tissue-specific transcription of alternate gene isoforms. This work provides a comprehensive profile of TE activity across normal zebrafish tissues, shedding light on mechanisms underlying the regulation of gene expression in this widely used model organism.
Snake venom gene expression is coordinated by novel regulatory architecture and the integration of multiple co-opted vertebrate pathways
Authors: Perry Blair W. , Gopalan Siddharth S. , Pasquesi Giulia I.M. , Schield Drew R. , Westfall Aundrea K. , Smith Cara F. , Koludarov Ivan , Chippindale Paul T. , Pellegrino Mark W. , Chuong Edward B. , Mackessy Stephen P. , Castoe Todd A.
Published: June 2022

Understanding how regulatory mechanisms evolve is critical for understanding the processes that give rise to novel phenotypes. Snake venom systems represent a valuable and tractable model for testing hypotheses related to the evolution of novel regulatory networks, yet the regulatory mechanisms underlying venom production remain poorly understood. Here, we use functional genomics approaches to investigate venom regulatory architecture in the prairie rattlesnake and identify cis-regulatory sequences (enhancers and promoters), trans-regulatory transcription factors, and integrated signaling cascades involved in the regulation of snake venom genes. We find evidence that two conserved vertebrate pathways, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and unfolded protein response pathways, were co-opted to regulate snake venom. In one large venom gene family (snake venom serine proteases), this co-option was likely facilitated by the activity of transposable elements. Patterns of snake venom gene enhancer conservation, in some cases spanning 50 million yr of lineage divergence, highlight early origins and subsequent lineage-specific adaptations that have accompanied the evolution of venom regulatory architecture. We also identify features of chromatin structure involved in venom regulation, including topologically associated domains and CTCF loops that underscore the potential importance of novel chromatin structure to coevolve when duplicated genes evolve new regulatory control. Our findings provide a model for understanding how novel regulatory systems may evolve through a combination of genomic processes, including tandem duplication of genes and regulatory sequences, cis-regulatory sequence seeding by transposable elements, and diverse transcriptional regulatory proteins controlled by a co-opted regulatory cascade.
Solid-state multinuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray crystallographic investigation of the phosphorus...iodine halogen bond in a bis(dicyclohexylphenylphosphine)(1,6-diiodoperfluorohexane) cocrystal
Authors: Zheng Dan Ni , Szell Patrick M. J. , Khiri Safaa , Ovens Jeffrey S. , Bryce David L.
Published: June 2022

Halogen bonding to phosphorus atoms remains uncommon, with relatively few examples reported in the literature. Here, the preparation and investigation of the cocrystal bis(dicyclohexylphenylphosphine)(1,6-diiodoperfluorohexane) by X-ray crystallography and solid-state multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is described. The crystal structure features two crystallographically unique C—I...P halogen bonds [d
I...P = 3.090 (5) Å, 3.264 (5) Å] and crystallographic disorder of one of the 1,6-diiodoperfluorohexane molecules. The first of these is the shortest and most linear I...P halogen bond reported to date. 13C, 19F, and 31P magic angle spinning solid-state NMR spectra are reported. A 31P chemical shift change of −7.0 p.p.m. in the cocrystal relative to pure dicyclohexylphenylphosphine, consistent with halogen bond formation, is noted. This work establishes iodoperfluoroalkanes as viable halogen bond donors when paired with phosphorus acceptors, and also shows that dicyclohexylphenylphosphine can act as a practical halogen bond acceptor.
Defects in hafnium-doped lutetium oxide and the corresponding electron traps: a meta-generalized gradient approximation study
Authors: Shyichuk Andrii , Kulesza Dagmara , Zych Eugeniusz
Published: June 2022

A number of Lu2O3-based materials were reported to present efficient capability of trapping excited charge carriers in metastable excited states formed either by specific dopants or naturally occurring defects. Over the years, abundant experimental data have been collected, which were taken as a solid ground to treat the problem using computational chemistry. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations with an advanced meta generalized gradient approximation (mGGA) functional were used to analyze electron trapping in cubic Lu2O3 doped with Hf. Individual ions of dopant and nearest-neighbor dopant ion pairs were considered. The effects of interstitial anions such as O2− and Cl− were analyzed. In most of the analyzed cases the additional electron charge is localized at the dopant site. However, in many of the studied cases, the dopant/defect states overlap with the conduction band and cannot correspond to electron trapping. The Hf3+ ion in the Lu site of C
3i local symmetry ({\rm Hf}^{\times}_{{\rm Lu}-C_{\rm 3i}}) corresponds to a moderate trap depth of 0.8–0.9 eV. Several composite defects corresponding to deeper (1.1–1.4 eV) traps also exist. Unambiguous deep traps (1.5–1.8 eV) correspond to systems with Hf dopant in the cationic void, accompanied by two interstitial oxygen atoms. The results thus indicate that basic `Hf-substitutes-Lu' doping is unlikely to correspond to the deep traps observed experimentally in Lu2O3:Tb,Hf andLu2O3:Pr,Hf and more complex defects must be involved.
Economic complexity and entrepreneurship: insights from Africa
Authors: Ajide Folorunsho M.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Economic complexity reflects the nature of knowledge accumulated and technological capability of a nation. This study aims to evaluate the impact of economic complexity on entrepreneurship in selected African countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses country’s level data of 18 countries covering a period of 2006–2017. Data are sourced from Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Observatory of Economic Complexity database, World Bank’s Entrepreneurship Database and World Development indicators. To estimate models, the study uses panel-spatial correlation consistent, which is based on Driscoll and Kraay’s (1998) standard error, Method of Moments Panel Quantile regression proposed by Machado and Silva (2019) and instrumental variables estimation techniques.

Findings

The study’s findings are as follows. First, economic complexity improves entrepreneurship in Africa. Second, there is no evidence of nonlinear relationship between economic complexity and entrepreneurship for the case of African nations. The positive impact of economic complexity on entrepreneurship is persistent across all quantiles in the analysis. The empirical analysis suggests that the beneficial impact of African entrepreneurship is further strengthened by ethnic and religious diversity but reduced by weak political institutions.

Originality/value

This study stresses the role of economic complexity in the entrepreneurial activities. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to empirically provide insights on the important role of economic complexity on entrepreneurship in Africa.
Green innovation; a way to enhance economic performance of Chinese hotels
Authors: Gu Shengyu
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influencing factors of green innovation and their effect on economic performance of the hotel industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a quantitative and cross-sectional research design, and primary data were collected using structured questionnaire. To analyze this data, AMOS software was used. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to purify the measurement model. Moreover, validities and model fitness were confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the study hypothesis.

Findings

The study results showed green organizational culture, green organizational strategies, energy conservations and environmental regulations as key influencing factors in the adoption of green innovation. Moreover, the results also reveal a significant positive effect of green innovation on hotels’ economic performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to hotels operating in the sole city of Shanghai, China, and for more generalized results, the future study can be made by incorporating hotels in other cities as well. Moreover, the study is conducted in China and replication of this research might be possible in a different cultural and environmental context. Furthermore, this study address only the hotel industry, and future study can be made to investigate the implementation of green practices in industries other than hotels.

Originality/value

Previously, many studies have highlighted the influencing factors of green innovation, but there is limited research in the context of the hotel industry. The relationship between economic performance and green innovation is well established, but still, it is not fully understood how sustainable economic performance is contributed by green innovation in the tourism industry. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study first examines the influencing factors of green innovation and its potential effect on economic performance in the context of the Chinese hotel industry.
Non-Newtonian couple stress lubrication of MHD elastic journal bearings
Authors: Kardoudi Mohammed , Nabhani Mohamed , El Khlifi Mohamed
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to present a numerical model to examine the finite magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) journal bearings performances including both non-Newtonian couple stress and bearing deformation impacts.

Design/methodology/approach

Based upon the MHD and Stokes theories, a novel expression of modified Reynolds equation including bearing deformation is obtained. The bearing elastic deformation impact is predicted by means of the Winkler model. Using the numerical differentiation approach, the film pressure is iteratively solved. Different bearing characteristics are then numerically calculated. The validity of the proposed model was verified by comparing with some particular cases from literature.

Findings

From the numerical presented results, it is demonstrated that the conducting couple stress lubricant with an applied radial magnetic field results in an induced electric current density and thus significantly improves the performances of elastic journal bearings. Particularly, the load-carrying capacity is increased, whereas a reduction in friction factor is observed.

Originality/value

This numerical model is original, which combines both non-Newtonian couple stress and bearing deformation impacts on finite MHD journal bearings performances. It provides useful information in designing MHD journal bearings, given the lack of experimental studies.
Study on the continuance intention in using virtual shoe-try-on function in mobile online shopping
Authors: Jiang Qianling , Gu Chao , Feng Yan , Wei Wei , Tsai Wang-Chin
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Mobile e-commerce has brought convenience to consumers. But for goods such as shoes, mobile e-commerce has failed to provide the same experience as consumers would have in physical stores, and that also causes problems for online merchants, such as high return rates. As a result, the augmented reality (AR) virtual shoe-try-on function appeared. The way that AR virtual shoe-try-on study different from other AR virtual try-on studies is that AR virtual shoe-try-on study only satisfies consumers' visual experience and consumers cannot judge whether the shoes are comfort or not. Whether consumers would accept AR virtual try-on function to help them make purchase decision due to the visual experience provided by AR virtual try-on function is worth discussion. Measuring users' perceptions and preferences can help companies design AR shoe-trying functions and provide services more cost-effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

To promote the continuous use and better development of such mobile e-commerce based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), this study explored the influencing factors for users' intentions to continue using the AR virtual shoe-try-on function, including the perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, system quality, perceived playfulness and attitude.

Findings

The results of this study showed that TAM is a powerful theoretical tool of the new technology in mobile e-commerce and that the system quality and perceived playfulness also have a positive impact on the original variables of TAM. System quality and perceived playfulness are important predictors of users' continuance intentions to use the AR virtual shoe-try-on function.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study to model iteration and theoretical update is to verify the applicability of the TAM in the AR shoe-try-on function and to expand TAM model with system quality and perceived playfulness. The authors' results will help shoe enterprises win users' recognition through AR shoe-try-on function and improve users' continuance intention of use.
Harmonious passion, effectuation and firm performance: the moderated mediation effect of entrepreneurial experience
Authors: Laskovaia Anastasiia , Lee Younggeun , Bogatyreva Karina , Herrmann Pol
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Entrepreneurial passion lies at the foundation of the business development process, yet the available evidence is ambiguous regarding its effects on firm performance. In this study, we examine the entrepreneurial passion puzzle by looking into decision-making mechanisms underlying its potential to increase business performance outcomes. Based on the literature on passion and effectuation theory, we link harmonious passion to firm performance through effectual behavioral logic.

Design/methodology/approach

To empirically test the theoretical model, we performed bootstrapping-based mediation, ordinary least squares moderated regression and moderated mediation analysis based on survey data collected from 105 executives of US firms.

Findings

We found that harmonious passion indirectly increases firm performance through effectuation. The direct link between harmonious passion and firm performance is insignificant. Moreover, the proposed mediation model is strengthened when the executives attain high levels of entrepreneurial experience.

Research limitations/implications

This study is not without limitations. First, a cross-sectional data set was adopted as the empirical setting of our research. Hence, further studies could benefit from applying longitudinal research designs. Second, a self-reported survey was utilized to measure firm performance. Although such operationalization is widely accepted in management and entrepreneurship studies, objective measures can produce additional insights into focal relationships.

Practical implications

This study provides practical implications for educators, consultants and managers. First, educators should encourage harmonious passion and teach effectual decision-making through various educational programs. Consultants and business practitioners should take similar orientations when organizing training for employees and executives. Finally, managers need to comprehend the motivational types of their employees and promote harmonious passion through appraisal systems and organizational culture.

Originality/value

This research uncovers a mechanism and a boundary condition on the relationship between harmonious passion and performance. The results show the critical moderating role of human capital and the mediating role of effectual decision-making on the passion and performance relationship. The current study contributes to the passion literature by providing a more nuanced understanding of the dynamics between entrepreneurial passion and firm performance.
How human–computer interaction perception affects consumer well-being in the context of online retail: from the perspective of autonomy
Authors: Shen Pengyi , Wan Demin , Li Jinxiong
Published: June 2022

Purpose

In recent years, the application of artificial intelligence and digital technology has increasingly become a priority for online retailers. It is crucial to choose a way to make use of human–computer interaction (HCI) design to exert the positive influence of intelligent technology on consumer welfare. Despite the increasing use of HCI design in online retail context, there remain limitations in their effect of consumer well-being improvement. Although there is extensive literature in the field of consumer well-being improvement, few studies have empirically examined how HCI design drives the improvement of consumer well-being in the online retail context. Therefor, this study aims to deeply and systematically analyze the psychological mechanism between HCI and consumer well-being in the online retail environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis is based on data collection of 476 samples of online shoppers through the online survey method. From the perspective of autonomy, this study deeply analyzes the influence mechanism of different dimensions of HCI perception on consumer well-being.

Findings

The results indicated that autonomy plays a positive intermediary role in the impact of perceived connectivity, perceived personalization, perceived control and perceived responsiveness on the eudaimonia and hedonic enjoyment. Also, it revealed that psychological resistance negatively regulates the impact of perceived connectivity, perceived personalization and perceived control on autonomy, while experience purchase positively regulates the impact of autonomy on hedonic enjoyment.

Originality/value

This paper expands the research situation of consumer well-being by making integration of the dual structure of subjective well-being and psychological well-being to define the psychological mechanism and boundary conditions of the impact of HCI perception on consumer well-being. The main contribution of this study is to provide enlightenment for online retail enterprises to improve HCI design and help consumers enhance long-term well-being.
Designing an optimal neural network architecture: an application to property valuation
Authors: Lee Changro
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The success of a neural network depends on, among others, an architecture that is appropriate for the task at hand. This study attempts to identify an optimal architecture of a neural network in the context of property valuation, and aims to test the ability of connecting related neural networks to reduce the property valuation error.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explores efficient network architectures to estimate land and house prices in Seoul, South Korea. The input is structured data, and the embedding technique is used to process high-cardinality categorical variables.

Findings

The shared architecture of a network for simultaneous estimation of both land and houses was revealed to be the best performing network. Through weight sharing between relevant layers in networks, the root-mean-square error (RMSE) for land price estimation was reduced significantly, from 0.55–0.68 using the baseline architecture, to 0.44–0.47 using the shared architecture.

Originality/value

The study results are expected to encourage active investigation of efficient architectures by using domain knowledge, and to promote interest in using structured data, which is still the dominant type in most industries.
Constructing CSR student self-consciousness through university social responsibility implementation: evidence in Indonesia
Authors: Agustina Lidya , Meyliana Meyliana , Hanny Hanny
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The role of higher education institutions is paramount in creating social and cultural conditions for sustainability. Several studies show universities play an important role in promoting public understanding and awareness about sustainability. The purpose of this study is to analyze the application of university social responsibility (USR) on green and nongreen campuses and how it affects the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of students' self-consciousness (SSC), especially in accounting undergraduate programs by looking at how the undergraduate programs shape their curriculum and can build student awareness related to CSR.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 704 accounting undergraduate programs students from eight different universities in Indonesia were surveyed to test the CSR SSC. Eight participating universities were included in the green campus based on Universitas Indonesia Green Metric (UI GreenMetric) and nongreen campus. Each university was analyzed regarding the application of USR.

Findings

The results of this study show that universities included in the green campus at the UI GreenMetric do not necessarily have a higher USR than the nongreen campus. Overall, there is evidence that graduates from universities with high USR implementation have better CSR SSC than graduates from universities with low USR implementation. Furthermore, the findings of this study show that there is a high value of ethic and CSR knowledge coming from university students with high USR implementation but not so with character. The findings show the same results from students between the two university groups.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt to examine the effect of USR implementation on CSR SSC in Indonesia, by putting students’ CSR knowledge as a part of CSR SSC.
Applicability of healthcare service quality models and dimensions: future research directions
Authors: Ali Javed , Jusoh Ahmad , Idris Norhalimah , Nor Khalil Md , Wan Yulin , Abbas Alhamzah F. , Alsharif Ahmed H.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the literature of healthcare service quality for identifying and analyzing the healthcare service quality models and dimensions and to present future research insights pertaining to the applications of these models and dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review of healthcare service quality has been performed on 59 relevant studies after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Google Scholar and Scopus are the primary sources to find the relevant documents. Search was limited to keywords of “service quality,” “healthcare,” “models” and “dimensions.”

Findings

The results revealed that different models and dimensions have been evolved and developed after SERVQUAL in healthcare service quality literature. There is still a need to develop new models, add new contextual dimensions and items in existing models on different aspects of healthcare services. There is also a need to incorporate the perspective of service providers as respondents. Moreover, healthcare service quality models can be devolved or narrowed down at department and individual levels.

Originality/value

This study presents valuable research insights for the researchers and practitioners in ways that healthcare service quality models and dimensions can be developed, modified and tested further in different research contexts and settings. Besides, the literature on healthcare services can be enhanced and enriched.
4BNT162b2 mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine and semen: What do we know?
Authors: Olana Soraya , Mazzilli Rossella , Salerno Gerardo , Zamponi Virginia , Tarsitano Maria Grazia , Simmaco Maurizio , Paoli Donatella , Faggiano Antongiulio
Published: June 2022

Background

The effects of an mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine on spermatozoa parameters are not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine on human semen, comparing spermatozoa parameters before and after vaccine inoculation.

Materials and methods

In this single‐center prospective study, voluntary subjects who received mRNA vaccines from February to July 2021 were enrolled. The study population included male subjects aged between 18 and 45 years who completed the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine cycle. All subjects were evaluated before the first dose of vaccine (T0) and after 3 months (T1) with semen analysis and further analysis of seminal plasma, including colorimetric determination of reactive oxygen metabolites (d‐ROM test), electrolytes, and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) assessment by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay technology.

Results

The experimental sample included 47 subjects (age: 29.3 ± 6.0 years, range 24–32; body mass index: 23.15 ± 2.5 kg/m2, range 19.2–28.0). All the subjects reported no systemic side effects. No significant differences were observed in any spermatozoa parameter between T0 and T1. A subanalysis was performed in oligoazoospermic and asthenozoospermic subjects, confirming the same results. Electrolyte analysis also showed no significant differences before and after vaccine inoculation. Finally, no significant differences were observed in T0, compared to T1 for the d‐ROM test and IL‐6.

Discussion and conclusion

In this study, no significant differences in spermatozoa parameters before and after vaccine inoculations were found. Furthermore, oxidative stress analysis,, the activity of the cell membrane, and IL‐6, as a marker of inflammation, was not affected by the mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine. These results suggest that this vaccine is safe for male semen quality.
Prediction of ocular magnification and aniseikonia after cataract surgery
Authors: Langenbucher Achim , Szentmáry Nóra , Cayless Alan , Wendelstein Jascha , Hoffmann Peter
Published: June 2022

Background

Ocular magnification and aniseikonia after cataract surgery has been widely ignored in modern cataract surgery. The purpose of this study was to analyse ocular magnification and inter‐individual differences in a normal cataract population with a focus on monovision.

Methods

From a large dataset containing biometric measurements (IOLMaster 700) of both eyes of 9734 patients prior to cataract surgery, eyes were indexed randomly as primary (P) and secondary (S). Intraocular lens power (IOLP) was derived for the HofferQ, Haigis and Castrop formulae for emmetropia for P and emmetropia or myopia (−0.5 to −2 dpt) for S to simulate monovision. Based on the pseudophakic eye model in addition to these formulae, ocular magnification was extracted using matrix algebra (refraction and translation matrices and a system matrix describing the optical property of the entire spectacle corrected or uncorrected eye).

Results

With emmetropia for P and S the IOLP differences (S‐P) showed a standard deviation of 0.162/0.156/0.157 dpt and ocular magnification differences yielded a standard deviation of 0.0414/0.0405/0.0408 mm/mrad for the HofferQ/Haigis/Castrop setting. Simulating monovision, the myopic eye (S) showed a systematically smaller mean absolute spectacle corrected ocular magnification than the emmetropic eye (−0.0351/−0.0340/−0.0336, respectively, relative magnification around 2%). If myopia in the S eye remains uncorrected, the reduction of ocular magnification is much smaller (around 0.2–0.3%).

Conclusion

Vergence formulae for IOLP calculation sometimes implicitly define a pseudophakic eye model which can be directly used to predict ocular magnification after cataract surgery. Despite a strong similarity of both eyes, ocular magnification does not fully match between eyes and the prediction of ocular magnification and aniseikonia might be relevant to avoid eikonic problems in the pseudophakic eye.
Initiation and duration of skin‐to‐skin contact for extremely and very preterm infants: A register study
Authors: Linnér Agnes , Lilliesköld Siri , Jonas Wibke , Skiöld Béatrice
Published: June 2022

Aim

This study sought to describe how skin‐to‐skin contact between extremely and very preterm infants and their parents is practised in Swedish neonatal units.

Methods

Data from the Swedish Neonatal Quality Register from 2020 to 2021 were extracted to analyse initiation time and daily duration of skin‐to‐skin contact in different gestational ages and regions.

Results

Of the 1475 infants in the cohort, mean (range) gestational age was 28 weeks (22–31), and mean (range) birthweight was 1205 g (360–2810). For extremely preterm infants (<28 weeks), median (interquartile range) skin‐to‐skin contact initiation time was at 88 postnatal hours (48–156) and 5% had skin‐to‐skin contact on the first day. For very preterm infants (<32 weeks), the corresponding numbers were 14 h (4–36) and 34%. Median (interquartile range) daily skin‐to‐skin contact duration for the entire cohort during the first day, first three and seven days and the remaining hospital stay was 0 (0–0), 0.7 (0–2.7), 1.6 (0.4–3.6) and 4.4 (3.0–6.1) h, respectively.

Conclusion

A minority of extremely and very preterm infants were exposed to skin‐to‐skin contact on the first postnatal day. Daily duration during the first week of life amounted to less than two hours. Initiation time and daily duration varied among gestational ages.
Psychometric properties of the ScreenQ for measuring digital media use in Portuguese young children
Authors: Monteiro Rita , Fernandes Sandra , Hutton John S. , Huang Guixia , Ittenbach Richard F. , Rocha Nuno Barbosa
Published: June 2022

Aim

Digital media use is prevalent among children and linked to potential developmental and health risks, but validated measures of children's digital media use are lacking. The aim of this study was to validate the Portuguese version of the ScreenQ with three distinct children's age groups.

Methods

Parents of children living in Portugal completed an online survey including the 16‐item version of the ScreenQ and items related to home activities and digital media use. A combination of classical and modern theory (Rasch) methods was used for analysis.

Results

A total of 549 mothers and 51 fathers of 325 girls and 322 boys from 6 months to 9 years and 11 months old responded to the survey. Point‐measure correlations were all positive and endorsement of item values were within acceptable ranges. Cronbach's coefficient α was acceptable for a new measure, and test–retest reliability was high. Statistically significant correlations were found between ScreenQ total scores and relevant demographic, play‐related, parenting and digital media use items.

Conclusion

The Portuguese version of the ScreenQ exhibited sound psychometric properties, including internal consistency and concurrent validity referenced to external items. Higher ScreenQ scores were correlated with higher digital media multitasking, lower parent–child interaction, and higher concerns regarding child's learning and behaviour.
SREBF2–STARD4 axis confers sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating mitochondrial cholesterol homeostasis
Authors: Yue Xuetian , Kong Youzi , Zhang Yankun , Sun Min , Liu Shuyue , Wu Zhuanchang , Gao Lifen , Liang Xiaohong , Ma Chunhong
Published: June 2022

Sorafenib resistance limits its survival benefit for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cholesterol metabolism is dysregulated in HCC, and its role in sorafenib resistance of HCC has not been fully elucidated. Aiming to elucidate this, in vitro and in vivo sorafenib resistant models were established. Sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 2 (SREBF2), the key regulator of cholesterol metabolism, was activated in sorafenib resistant HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Knockdown of SREBF2 resensitized sorafenib resistant cells and xenografts tumors to sorafenib. Further study showed that SREBF2 positively correlated with StAR related lipid transfer domain containing 4 (STARD4) in our sorafenib resistant models and publicly available datasets. STARD4, mediating cholesterol trafficking, not only promoted proliferation and migration of HepG2 and Huh7 cells, but also increased sorafenib resistance in liver cancer. Mechanically, SREBF2 promoted expression of STARD4 by directly binding to its promoter region, leading to increased mitochondrial cholesterol levels and inhibition of mitochondrial cytochrome c release. Importantly, knockdown of SREBF2 or STARD4 decreased mitochondrial cholesterol levels and increased mitochondrial cytochrome c release, respectively. Moreover, overexpression of STARD4 reversed the effect of SREBF2 knockdown on mitochondrial cytochrome c release and sorafenib resistance. In conclusion, SREBF2 promotes STARD4 transcription, which in turn contributes to mitochondrial cholesterol transport and sorafenib resistance in HCC. Therefore, targeting the SREBF2–STARD4 axis would be beneficial to a subset of HCC patients with sorafenib resistance.
High abundance of CDC45 inhibits cell proliferation through elevation of HSPA6
Authors: Fu Yuanyuan , Lv Zhiyi , Kong Deqing , Fan Yuping , Dong Bo
Published: June 2022

Objectives

CDC45 is the core component of CMG (CDC45‐MCMs‐GINS) complex that plays important role in the initial step of DNA replication in eukaryotic cells. The expression level of cdc45 is under the critical control for the accurate cell cycle progression. Loss‐of‐function of cdc45 has been demonstrated to inhibit cell proliferation and leads to cell death due to the inhibition of DNA replication and G1‐phase arrest. An increasing of CDC45 inhibits cell proliferation as well. Nevertheless, a systematic analysis of the effect of high dose of CDC45 on cell physiology and behaviors is unclear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of high dose of CDC45 on cell behaviors.

Materials and Methods

We overexpressed cdc45 in cultured cell lines, Ciona and Drosophila embryos, respectively. The cell cycle progression was examined by the BrdU incorporation experiment, flow cytometry and PH3 (phospho‐Histone 3) staining. RNA‐sequencing analysis and qRT‐PCR were carried out to screen the affected genes in HeLa cells overexpressing cdc45. siRNA‐mediated knockdown was performed to investigate gene functions in HeLa cells overexpressing cdc45.

Results

We found that high level of cdc45 from different species (human, mammal, ascidian, and Drosophila) inhibited cell cycle in vitro and in vivo. High dose of CDC45 blocks cells entering into S phase. However, we failed to detect DNA damage and cell apoptosis. We identified hspa6 was the most upregulated gene in HeLa cells overexpressing cdc45 via RNA‐seq analysis and qRT‐PCR validation. Overexpression of Hs‐hspa6 inhibited proliferation rate and DNA replication in HeLa cells, mimicking the phenotype of cdc45 overexpression. RNAi against hspa6 partially rescued the cell proliferation defect caused by high dose of CDC45.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that high abundance of CDC45 stops cell cycle. Instead of inducing apoptosis, excessive CDC45 prevents cell entering S phase probably due to promoting hspa6 expression.
Efficacy and safety of a basal insulin + 2‐3 oral antihyperglycaemic drugs regimen versus a twice‐daily premixed insulin + metformin regimen after short‐term intensive insulin therapy in individuals with type 2 diabetes: The multicentre, open‐label, randomized controlled BEYOND‐V trial
Authors: Pan Qi , Li Yijun , Wan Hailong , Wang Junfen , Xu Binhua , Wang Guoping , Jiang Chengxia , Liang Li , Feng Wei , Liu Jingcheng , Wang Ting , Zhang Xia , Cui Nan , Mu Yiming , Guo Lixin ,   for the BEYOND V Study Investigators
Published: June 2022

Aim

To compare the efficacy and safety of basal insulin glargine 100 units/ml (Gla) + 2‐3 oral antihyperglycaemic drugs (OADs) with twice‐daily premixed insulin aspart 70/30 (Asp30) + metformin (MET) after short‐term intensive insulin therapy in adults with type 2 diabetes in China.

Materials and Methods

This open‐label trial enrolled insulin‐naïve adults with type 2 diabetes and an HbA1c of 7.5%‐11.0% (58‐97 mmol/mol) despite treatment with 2‐3 OADs. All participants stopped previous OADs except MET, then received short‐term intensive insulin therapy during the run‐in period, when those with a fasting plasma glucose of less than 7.0 mmol/L and 2‐hour postprandial glucose of less than 10.0 mmol/L were randomized to Gla + MET + a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor or twice‐daily Asp30 + MET. If HbA1c was more than 7.0% (>53 mmol/mol) at week 12, participants in the Gla group were added repaglinide or acarbose, at the physician's discretion, and participants in the Asp30 group continued to titrate insulin dose. The change in HbA1c from baseline to week 24 was assessed in the per protocol (PP) population (primary endpoint).

Results

There were 384 enrollees (192 each to Gla and Asp30); 367 were included in the PP analysis. The threshold for non‐inferiority of Gla + OADs versus Asp30 + MET was met, with a least squares mean change from baseline in HbA1c of –1.72% and –1.70% (–42.2 and –42.1 mmol/mol), respectively (estimated difference –0.01%; 95% CI –0.20%, 0.17% [–0.1 mmol/mol; 95% CI –2.2, 1.9]). Achievement of HbA1c less than 7.0% (<53 mmol/mol) was comparable between the groups (60% vs. 57%). The proportion of participants with any (24% vs. 38%; P = .003), symptomatic (19% vs. 31%; P = .007) or confirmed hypoglycaemia (18% vs. 33%; P < .001) was lower in the Gla + OADs group.

Conclusions

Compared with Asp30 + MET, Gla + 2‐3 OADs showed similar efficacy but a lower hypoglycaemia risk in Chinese individuals with type 2 diabetes who had undergone short‐term intensive insulin therapy.
Identification of water flow through non‐root soil macropores and along roots in shrub‐encroached grassland
Authors: Hu Xia , Li Xiao‐Yan , Zhao Yun‐Duo , Cheng Ya‐Qian , Gao Zhou , Yang Zhi‐Guang
Published: June 2022

Identification of water flow through non‐root soil macropores and along roots using X‐ray computed tomography (CT) is still challenging because of limited methods to quantify roots and pore structures. This study selected shrub‐encroached grassland consisting of a mosaic of shrub patches and interspace grass patches and the original grassland as a control treatment. Twelve intact soil columns (0–30 cm deep) were excavated, which included four replicates each from the soils under the original grassland, the shrub patches and interspace grass patches. Three‐dimensional networks of soil macropores and roots were quantified using CT scanning and image analysis techniques, and active flow pathways were identified through KI tracing experiment using CT scanning. The results showed that the tracer depths of soils under the shrub patches and interspace grass patches were deeper than those of the original grassland, which was attributed to the well‐developed root system. The tracer volume density was significantly and positively correlated with soil macropore node density and root volume density (p < 0.05), and significantly and negatively correlated with root mean angle (p < 0.05). Soils under the shrub patches had lower tracer volume density than that under the interspace grass patches, which was attributed to the horizontal‐oriented roots under the shrub patches. The relative contribution of water flow along roots was larger than that through non‐root soil macropores 35 min after dye application. This provided direct evidence that shrub roots were the main pathway of macropore flow resulting in water flow into deep soil layers in the shrub‐encroached grassland.

Highlights

The tracer depths of shrub‐encroached grassland were deep due to well‐developed root system.

Shrub patches had low tracer volume density due to the horizontal‐oriented roots.

The contribution of water flow along roots was larger than that through non‐root soil macropores.

Shrub roots were the main pathway of water flow.
The term structure of mutual fund herding
Authors: Huo Xiaolin , Liu Xin , Zheng Weinan
Published: June 2022

This paper investigates institutional herding behaviours in the U.S. Treasury market. We find that the level of herding is higher for bonds with a longer time to maturity and this pattern is significant only for buy herding, not sell herding. This term structure of herding is stronger for funds with a shorter investment horizon. These patterns remain strong for Treasury Inflation‐Protected Securities and for Treasuries with high coupon rates. Overall, our findings support investors' short‐termism as a channel for the term structure of herding and are inconsistent with other herding explanations, such as spurious herding, reputational concerns and information cascades.
The double helix of rule of law and EU competition law: An appraisal
Authors: Bernatt Maciej
Published: June 2022

By discussing the experiences of Hungary and Poland, this article aims to demonstrate that there are three layers of the rule of law which are relevant for EU competition law. The first one is external: it relates to the legal system of EU Member States of which competition law is a part. In national legal systems, rule of law safeguards need to be put in place in order to provide an adequate legal environment for the competition law system to perform its role. The second one is internal: it concerns rule of law safeguards in relation to the Member States' competition authorities, in particular their independence. The third one is consequential: the weakening of the rule of law within the external and internal layers affects the proper functioning of the competition law system. As a result, the effectiveness of Articles 101 and 102 TFEU is endangered, and a vicious circle of mutually reinforcing competition law and rule of law crises unfolds.