bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole genome analysis sheds light on the genetic origin of Huns, Avars and conquering Hungarians
Authors: Maróti Zoltán , Neparáczki Endre , Schütz Oszkár , Maár Kitti , Varga Gergely I. B. , Kovács Bence , Kalmár Tibor , Nyerki Emil , Nagy István , Latinovics Dóra , Tihanyi Balázs , Marcsik Antónia , Pálfi György , Bernert Zsolt , Gallina Zsolt , Horváth Ciprián , Varga Sándor , Költő László , Raskó István , Nagy Péter L. , Balogh Csilla , Zink Albert , Maixner Frank , Götherström Anders , George Robert , Szalontai Csaba , Szenthe Gergely , Gáll Erwin , Kiss Attila P. , Rácz Zsófia , Gulyás Bence , Kovacsóczy Bernadett Ny. , Gaál Szilárd Sándor , Tomka Péter , Török Tibor
Published: January 2022

Huns, Avars and conquering Hungarians were Migration Period nomadic groups which arrived in three successive waves in the Carpathian Basin between the 5th and 9th centuries. Based on historical data each of these groups are thought to have arrived from Asia, although their exact origin and relation to other ancient and modern populations has been debated. In this study we have sequenced 9 Hun, 143 Avar and 113 Hungarian conquest period samples, and identified three core populations, representing immigrants from each period, with no recent European ancestry. Our results suggest that this “immigrant core” of both Huns and Avars originated in present day Mongolia, and their origin can be traced back to Xiongnus. On the other hand, the “immigrant core” of the conquering Hungarians derived from an earlier admixture of Mansis, early Sarmatians and descendants of late Xiongnus. In addition, we detected shared Hun-related ancestry in numerous Avar and Hungarian conquest period genetic outliers indicating a genetic link between these successive nomadic groups. Aside from the immigrant core groups we identified that the majority of the individuals from each period were local residents, harboring “native European” ancestry.
Improving Small Molecule pKa Prediction Using Transfer Learning with Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Mayr Fritz , Wieder Marcus , Wieder Oliver , Langer Thierry
Published: January 2022

Enumerating protonation states and calculating micro-state pKa values of small molecules is an important yet challenging task for lead optimization and molecular modeling. Commercial and non-commercial solutions have notable limitations such as restrictive and expensive licenses, high CPU/GPU hour requirements, or the need for expert knowledge to set up and use. We present a graph neural network model that is trained on 714,906 calculated mico-state pKa predictions from molecules obtained from the ChEMBL database. The model is fine-tuned on a set of 5,994 experimental pKa values significantly improving its performance on two challenging test sets. Combining the graph neural network model with Dimorphite-DL, an open-source program for enumerating ionization states, we have developed the open-source Python package pkasolver, which is able to generate and enumerate protonation states and calculate micro-state pKa values with high accuracy.
Cell cycle dynamics controls fluidity of the developing mouse neuroepithelium
Authors: Bocanegra-Moreno Laura , Singh Amrita , Hannezo Edouard , Zagorski Marcin , Kicheva Anna
Published: January 2022

As organs are remodelled by morphogenetic changes and pattern formation during development, their material properties may change. To address whether and how this occurs in the mouse neural tube, we combined highly resolved mosaic analysis, biophysical modelling and perturbation experiments. We found that at early developmental stages the neuroepithelium surprisingly maintains both high junctional tension and high fluidity. This is achieved via a previously unrecognized mechanism in which interkinetic nuclear movements generate cell area dynamics that drive extensive cell rearrangements. Over time, the proliferation rate declines, effectively solidifying the tissue. Thus, unlike well-studied jamming transitions, the solidification we uncovered resembles a glass transition that depends on the dynamics of stresses generated by proliferation and differentiation. This new link between epithelial fluidity, interkinetic movements and cell cycle dynamics has implications for the precision of pattern formation and could be relevant to multiple developing tissues.
Myogenic regulatory factors MyoD and Myf5 are required for dorsal aorta formation and angiogenic sprouting
Authors: Paulissen Eric , Martin Benjamin L.
Published: January 2022

The vertebrate embryonic midline vasculature forms in close proximity to the developing skeletal muscle, which originates in the somites. Angioblasts migrate from bilateral positions along the ventral edge of the somites until they meet at the midline, where they sort and differentiate into the dorsal aorta and the cardinal vein. This migration occurs at that the same time that myoblasts in the somites are beginning to differentiate into skeletal muscle, a process which requires the activity of the basic helix loop helix (bHLH) transcription factors Myod and Myf5. Here we examined vasculature formation in myod and myf5 mutant zebrafish. In the absence of skeletal myogenesis, angioblasts migrate normally to the midline but form only the cardinal vein and not the dorsal aorta. The phenotype is due to the failure to activate vascular endothelial growth factor ligand vegfaa expression in the somites, which in turn is required in the adjacent angioblasts for dorsal aorta specification. Myod and Myf5 cooperate with Hedgehog signaling to activate and later maintain vegfaa expression in the medial somites, which is required for angiogenic sprouting from the dorsal aorta. Our work reveals that the early embryonic skeletal musculature in teleosts evolved to organize the midline vasculature during development.

Summary statement

The myogenic transcription factors MyoD and Myf5 have a novel function in inducing the artery through regulation of Vegf.
Radiation-induced defects in protein crystals observed by X-ray topography
Authors: Suzuki Ryo , Baba Seiki , Mizuno Nobuhiro , Hasegawa Kazuya , Koizumi Haruhiko , Kojima Kenichi , Kumasaka Takashi , Tachibana Masaru
Published: January 2022

The characterization of crystal defects induced by irradiation, such as X-rays, charged particles and neutrons, is important for understanding radiation damage and the associated generation of defects. Radiation damage to protein crystals has been measured using various methods. Until now, these methods have focused on decreased diffraction intensity, volume expansion of unit cells and specific damage to side chains. Here, the direct observation of specific crystal defects, such as dislocations, induced by X-ray irradiation of protein crystals at room temperature is reported. Dislocations are induced even by low absorbed doses of X-ray irradiation. This study revealed that for the same total absorbed dose, the formation of defects appears to critically depend on the dose rate. The relationship between dislocation energy and dose energy was analyzed based on dislocation theory associated with elasticity theory for crystalline materials. This demonstration of the crystal defects induced by X-ray irradiation could help to understand the underlying mechanisms of X-ray-induced radiation damage.
Green synthesis and use of copper oxide nanoparticles to prepare a highly thermal, antimicrobial, and anticorrosion hybrid coating for mild steel under electron beam irradiation
Authors: Mousaa I.M. , Abdelreheim N.A. , Elnaggar S.A. , Fathy Rasha M.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to prepare copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) in an easy and efficient way using a natural and environmentally friendly substance like ascorbic acid. Various concentrations of these nanoparticles were then added to solvent-free coating formulations to produce highly hydrophobic, corrosion-resistant and antimicrobial hybrid coatings. These hybrid formulations were also used to coat the spent fuel casks for their integrity.

Design/methodology/approach

The hybrid coated films were then characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), water contact angle and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). In addition, different measurements, namely, mechanical, physical, chemical, thermal, corrosion tests, open circuit potential and antimicrobial activity of these hybrid films were performed.

Findings

The results showed that the copper oxide was prepared at nanometer scales with good homogeneity and diffusion in the epoxy acrylate matrix. It also showed that some hybrid coatings have high corrosion resistance, strong hardness, excellent water resistance, remarkable antimicrobial activity and high thermal stability compared to virgin epoxy acrylates.

Originality/value

The formula containing 0.5% CuO NPs was found to provide the highest corrosion protection and antimicrobial activity for mild steel in 3.5% sodium chloride (NaCl).
Mutual proximity and heterogeneity in peer effects of farmers' technology adoption: evidence from China's soil testing and formulated fertilization program
Authors: Xu Zhigang , Zhang Kerong , Zhou Li , Ying Ruiyao
Published: January 2022

Purpose

While the peer effects of technology adoption are well established, few studies have considered the variation in peer effects resulting from the mutual proximity between leaders and followers and the heterogeneity of farmers' learning technology. This study addresses the gap in the literature by analyzing the peer effects of technology adoption among Chinese farmers.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a government-led soil testing and formulated fertilization program, this study uses survey data of farmers from three Chinese provinces to examine the peer effects of technology adoption. This study uses a probit model to examine how mutual proximity influences peer effects and their heterogeneity. Accordingly, farmers were divided into two groups, namely small- and large-scale farmers, and then into leaders or followers depending on whether they were selected by the government as model farmers.

Findings

Both small- and large-scale farmers are more likely to use formula fertilizer if their peers do so. However, a large-scale farmer is more likely to adopt formula fertilizer if the average adoption behavior of other large-scale model (leader) farmers is higher, while a small-scale farmer is more likely to adopt formula fertilizer if other small-scale non-model (follower) farmers have higher average adoption behavior. Moreover, the peer effect was weakened by geographic distance among small-scale farmers and by economic distance among large-scale farmers.

Originality/value

This study elucidates the means of optimizing social learning and technology adoption among farmers.
Co-branding research: where we are and where we could go from here
Authors: Pinello Cinzia , Picone Pasquale Massimo , Mocciaro Li Destri Arabella
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The motivations behind co-branding alliances, the differences in performance between the paired brands and the emergence of “spillover effects” have been pillars of the marketing research agenda for almost three decades. We observe an extensive number of studies on co-branding alliances, combined with multiple theoretical perspectives and empirical approaches informing extant literature. The purpose of this paper is to summarize of the state of the art of this research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors offer a systematic literature review of 190 papers on co-branding alliances. The authors portray a picture of the theories informing co-branding research and build a conceptual framework that summarizes the concepts and variables used in this literature. Finally, 11 interviews with managers and consultants of European firms help to reveal potential problems in practice and needs that are not captured by previous studies.

Findings

The authors develop a map of theories used to investigate co-branding alliances and build a conceptual framework linking motivations, co-branding alliance implementation and outputs. Finally, the authors propose a structured research agenda.

Research limitations/implications

The main implication relies on the structured research agenda.

Practical implications

Practical implications include the identification of the variables and dimensions involved in a brand alliance to exploit the strengths and moderate the weaknesses of a brand.

Originality/value

This paper highlights how co-branding is embedded in different contexts and dimensions regarding both firms and consumers. The two maps presented in this study underscore the interdependence among such dimensions. The authors interview marketing experts to validate the conceptual framework and to help us extract the managerial implications that stem from it.
Aspirations to top management over five decades: a shifting role of gender?
Authors: Powell Gary N. , Butterfield D. Anthony
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine linkages of gender and gender-related variables to aspirations to top management over a period spanning five decades.

Design/methodology/approach

During each of the past five decades, samples from two early-career populations (n = 2131), undergraduate business students and part-time (evening) MBAs, completed an aspirations to top management measure and described themselves on an instrument that assessed self-ascribed masculinity and femininity.

Findings

Aspirations to top management were predicted by respondent gender for undergraduates, with women’s aspirations lower than those of men, and by masculinity for both populations. Suggesting a shifting role of gender, undergraduate women’s aspirations to top management declined during the 21st century, whereas undergraduate men’s aspirations did not.

Practical implications

Any decline in early-career women’s aspirations to top management over a sustained period may contribute in the long run to perpetuating the under-representation of women in top management.

Originality/value

The finding of a striking decline in women’s aspirations to top management during the 21st century in an early-career population is an original contribution to the gender in management literature.
Informal employment and wages in Poland
Authors: Liwiński Jacek
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper tries to identify the wage gap between informal and formal workers and tests for the two-tier structure of the informal labour market in Poland.

Design/methodology/approach

The author employs the propensity score matching (PSM) technique and use data from the Polish Labour Force Survey (LFS) for the period 2009–2017 to estimate the wage gap between informal and formal workers, both at the means and along the wage distribution. The author uses two definitions of informal employment: (1) employment without a written agreement and (2) employment while officially registered as unemployed at a labour office. In order to reduce the bias resulting from the non-random selection of individuals into informal employment, he uses a rich set of control variables representing several individual characteristics.

Findings

After controlling for observed heterogeneity, the author finds that on average informal workers earn less than formal workers, both in terms of monthly earnings and hourly wage. This result is not sensitive to the definition of informal employment used and is stable over the analysed time period (2009–2017). However, the wage penalty to informal employment is substantially higher for individuals at the bottom of the wage distribution, which supports the hypothesis of the two-tier structure of the informal labour market in Poland.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is that it identifies the two-tier structure of the informal labour market in Poland: informal workers in the first quartile of the wage distribution and those above the first quartile appear to be in two partially different segments of the labour market.
Technostress and the smart hospitality employee
Authors: Wu Weilin , Chin Wynne , Liu Yide
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to provide a response to calls for research on the consequences of technostress among employees in smart hotels. Based on the person–environment fit and job demands–resources theories, the authors offer a theoretical framework and investigate how factors affect employees’ well-being and performance. Further, the authors investigate the moderating effects of organizational learning on the relationship between technostress and employee well-being and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed and empirically tested a research model based on a survey of 454 respondents in China. The effect of technostress was analyzed by applying the use of partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results support that technostress negatively affects employee well-being (e.g. engagement and overall well-being) and performance. Employee well-being mediates the relationship between technostress and performance. Organizational learning has a countervailing moderating impact on employee well-being and performance. Specifically, organizational learning significantly counteracts the relationship between technostress and performance while significantly exacerbating the relationship between technostress and engagement.

Practical implications

This study contributes to an enhanced understanding of technostress in smart hotels and provides practical recommendations for assisting hotel managers in improving employee well-being and performance.

Originality/value

This work represents an early attempt to investigate the impact of technostress on employee well-being and performance in smart hotels. The countervailing moderating effect of organizational learning on employee engagement and performance is identified. In addition, this study is an initial attempt at estimating the predictive contribution of the mediating effects of employee engagement and overall well-being in the relationship between technostress and employee performance in smart hotels.
How servant leadership affects organizational citizenship behavior: the mediating roles of perceived procedural justice and trust
Authors: Qiu Shaoping , Dooley Larry
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The paper aimed (1) to examine the mediating effects of procedural justice perception and trust in leaders between servant leadership and customer-oriented organizational citizenship behavior and (2) to investigate the relationships between procedural justice perception and trust in leaders in the context of Chinese hotel industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for a quantitative study using online survey to collect data. Data screening was carried out to ensure all the data met the underlying statistical assumptions. This paper adopted structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The paper found that procedural justice perception and trust in leaders have a full mediating effect on the relationship between servant leadership and customer-oriented organizational citizenship behavior. Procedural justice perception was positively associated with trust in leaders.

Originality/value

The paper provided a framework to enhance the theoretical understanding of interconnectedness of servant-leadership-related variables. It filled a theoretical gap by proposing an integrative model that examined the relationships among the variables of interest.
Impact of organizational learning culture on organizational effectiveness: a serial mediation analysis with knowledge sharing and employee competencies
Authors: Meher Jamini Ranjan , Nayak Lagna , Mishra Rohita Kumar , Patel Gokulananda
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of learning culture and knowledge sharing (KS) on organizational effectiveness (OE). This study also proposed to investigate the role of employee competency in organizational success.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on the primary and secondary sources of data. The primary data comprises 392 responses from different information technology firms located in India, whereas secondary sources are based on journals, reports, company manuals, etc. The data was analyzed in partial least square-structural equation modeling using SMART-PLS 3.3 software.

Findings

This study confirms the conceptual model with the collected data. The key contributors to the model are organizational learning culture (OLC), KS, employee competencies (EC) and OE. The OLC and KS are the independent variables, and OE is the dependent variable, whereas the EC is the mediating variable in the research model. The findings reveal that there is a significant OLC on KS, EC and OE. Likewise, the relationship between KS and OE is also significant. The mediation analysis confirms the EC is significant for the relationships. However, the mediating effects of KS on the relationship between OLC and EC are not significant in this research.

Practical implications

An effective learning culture that leads to an increase in KS activities eventually enhances EC and promotes OE. It indicates that strengthening the learning culture will result in the promotion of knowledge sharing, and it is obvious that the employees’ competencies will increase when the employee is skilled and knowledgeable.

Originality/value

With references to different theories, this study provides an integrated model that shows the relationships between OLC, KS, EC and OE. By strengthening the OLC and KS, this relationship is benevolent to the success of the organization. The created framework paves the way for scholars to further explore insights from inside each component.
A marine natural capital asset and risk register—Towards securing the benefits from marine systems and linked ecosystem services
Authors: Rees Siân E. , Ashley Matthew , Cameron Andy , Mullier Tom , Ingle Chrissie , Oates Jenny , Lannin Aisling , Hooper Tara , Attrill Martin J.
Published: January 2022

Documented biodiversity loss has galvanised a global process to develop conceptual frameworks that link the social and ecological systems. This paper focusses on the development of the first marine natural capital asset and risk register as a foundational decision support tool to understand the risk to ecosystem service delivery in relation to policy or management interventions.

We make use of existing marine data products to define the component parts of the asset status (extent, condition, spatial configuration) in line with a natural capital approach. We ‘Pioneer’ the application of this approach in North Devon, UK, an area defined by UK Government to test how marine natural capital can be effectively managed to deliver benefits to the environment, economy and people, and identify how best to share and scale up this learning.

We demonstrate that the majority of asset–benefit relationships are at a medium to high risk of loss under current use and management.

Despite policy and management measures to reduce pressures on marine systems, activities linked to fishing, farming and the water industry continue to pose a medium to high risk to the asset–benefit relationships. A lack of accurate spatial fishing effort data greatly reduces opportunities for rational and targeted approaches to improve the condition status of marine natural capital assets. Marine protected areas as a single tool are insufficient to prevent further loss of biodiversity that underpins all asset–benefit relationships.

Synthesis and applications. Through development of the first marine natural capital asset and risk register we demonstrates a novel decision support tool to understand the risk to ecosystem service availability in relation to environmental policy or management interventions. The results highlight that current marine governance strategies to protect biodiversity are not sufficient to reduce the risk of loss of ecosystem services. Wider application of the marine natural capital approach will require increasing confidence in the metrics to define marine asset status; more directed monitoring (extent and condition) and; greater accuracy in spatial fishing effort.
Mass support for proposals to reshape policing depends on the implications for crime and safety
Authors: Vaughn Paige E. , Peyton Kyle , Huber Gregory A.
Published: January 2022

Research Summary

This paper presents novel survey and experimental evidence that reveals the mass public's interpretation of movements to reform, defund, and abolish the police. We find strong support for police reform, but efforts to defund or abolish generate opposition both in terms of slogan and substance. While these differences cannot be explained by differing beliefs about each movement's association with violent protests, racial makeup, or specific programmatic changes, efforts to defund and abolish the police appear unpopular because they seek reduced involvement of police in traditional roles and cuts in police numbers.

Policy Implications

Our findings suggest that public support for changes to American policing is contingent on the perceived implications for crime and public safety. Proposals like defunding and abolition are therefore unlikely to succeed at the national level. Viable police reform may instead require proposals that target changing how police departments and their officers operate rather than lowering police budgets or decreasing police involvement in responding to crime and calls for service.
Time and energy minimization strategy codetermine the loop migration of demoiselle cranes around the Himalayas
Authors: MI Chunrong , LI Xinhai , HUETTMANN Falk , GOROSHKO Oleg , GUO Yumin
Published: January 2022

Tens of thousands of demoiselle cranes’ crossing the Himalayas to the Indian subcontinent have been reported for decades, but their exact spring migration route remained a mystery until our previous study found they made a detour in spring along the western edge of the Himalayas and crossed the Mongolian Plateau to their breeding areas based on satellite telemetry of 3 birds. To corroborate the loop migration pattern and explore whether demoiselle crane's loop migration route is shaped by time‐ and energy‐minimization strategies in spring and autumn and how the temporal and spatial variation of environmental conditions contribute to crane's selection of migration routes, we tracked 11 satellite‐tagged demoiselle cranes from their breeding area in China and Russia, simulated 2 pseudo migration routes, and then compared the environmental conditions, time, and energy cost between true and pseudo routes in the same season. Results show that demoiselles’ spring migration obeyed time‐minimization hypothesis, avoiding the colder Qinghai−Tibet Plateau, benefited by abundant food and higher thermal and orographic uplift along the route; autumn migration follows energy‐minimization hypothesis with the shorter route. Our research will contribute to uncover the mechanical reasons why demoiselle crane avoids crossing the giant barrier of the Himalayas in spring, and shapes a loop migration route.
Matching auctions
Authors: Fershtman Daniel , Pavan Alessandro
Published: January 2022

We study platform markets in which agents arrive gradually, experience changes to their preferences over time, and are frequently re‐matched. We introduce simple auctions specifically designed for such markets. Upon joining, agents select a status that determines the weight assigned to their future bids. Each match is then assigned a score that depends on the agents' reciprocal bids and status. The matches maximizing the sum of the bilateral scores are implemented. Under certain conditions, such auctions maximize profits, welfare, or a combination of the two. We use the results to shed light on the distortions due to platforms' market power.
Hidden Markov models: Pitfalls and opportunities in ecology
Authors: Glennie Richard , Adam Timo , Leos‐Barajas Vianey , Michelot Théo , Photopoulou Theoni , McClintock Brett T.
Published: January 2022

Hidden Markov models (HMMs) and their extensions are attractive methods for analysing ecological data where noisy, multivariate measurements are made of a hidden, ecological process, and where this hidden process is represented by a sequence of discrete states. Yet, as these models become more complex and challenging to understand, it is important to consider what pitfalls these methods have and what opportunities there are for future research to address these pitfalls.

In this paper, we review five lesser known pitfalls one can encounter when using HMMs or their extensions to solve ecological problems: (a) violation of the snapshot property in continuous‐time HMMs; (b) biased inference from hierarchical HMMs when applied to temporally misaligned processes; (c) sensitive inference from using random effects to partially pool across heterogeneous individuals; (d) computational burden when using HMMs to approximate models with continuous state spaces; and (e) difficulty linking the hidden process to space or environment.

This review is for ecologists and ecological statisticians familiar with HMMs, but who may be less aware of the problems that arise in more specialised applications. We demonstrate how each pitfall arises, by simulation or example, and discuss why this pitfall is important to consider. Along with identifying the problems, we highlight potential research opportunities and offer ideas that may help alleviate these pitfalls.

Each of the methods we review are solutions to current ecological research problems. We intend for this paper to heighten awareness of the pitfalls ecologists may encounter when applying these more advanced methods, but we also hope that by highlighting future research opportunities, we can inspire ecological statisticians to weaken these pitfalls and provide improved methods.
“Safe Cities” in Pakistan: Knowledge Infrastructures, Urban Planning, and the Security State
Authors: Hong Caylee
Published: January 2022

Throughout the world, cities are partnering with multinational corporations to launch “safe city solutions”, technical‐bureaucratic assemblages which use integrated information and communication technologies (ICTs) to enhance urban safety and security. In metropolitan Pakistan, safe city projects are framed as responses of the “security state”—a common lens through which the country is regularly understood. The article, however, situates safe city projects and the concept of security, more generally, within the history of infrastructure development and urban planning in Pakistan. It shows that safe city projects shape the relations between the state, people, urban environments, and material things in three key ways. First, the collection and production of vast quantities of data through which ICTs make people not only the objects of—but also the input for—“safe city solutions”. Second, safe city projects idealise state modernity, professionalism, and efficiency. Finally, safe city projects are connected to complex financial and legal regimes, which position security in relation to proprietary technologies.
Home life and well‐being among Cherokee adolescents
Authors: Bradley Robert H.
Published: January 2022

Objective

The goal of this study is to document connections between the social and physical affordances of home life and development for Cherokee adolescents.

Background

The affordances of the home environment have implications for adolescent well‐being. However, research on the connection between most aspects of home life and most components of well‐being for Native American adolescents is limited.

Method

This study of 54 Cherokee adolescents considered five dimensions of home life and the relation of these dimensions with four aspects of competence, three positive attitudes, and three psychological problems.

Results

Having a rich array of learning materials was related to vocabulary attainment, and having parents who provided productive modeling and encouragement was related to self‐efficacy for academic achievement, social self‐efficacy, and perceived endurance. Family companionship was related to self‐control, social skills, physical strength, and endurance. Native American adolescents living in homes with good household routines and regulations had lower levels of externalizing symptoms.

Conclusion

Having a supportive family, good household routines, and a substantial number of learning materials is connected with overall well‐being in Cherokee adolescents.

Implications

Results attesting to the value of close and supportive connections with family for Cherokee adolescents offer directions for programs aimed at improving both parenting practice and adolescent adaptive functioning.
Marine and terrestrial nitrifying bacteria are sources of diverse bacteriohopanepolyols
Authors: Elling Felix J. , Evans Thomas W. , Nathan Vinitra , Hemingway Jordon D. , Kharbush Jenan J. , Bayer Barbara , Spieck Eva , Husain Fatima , Summons Roger E. , Pearson Ann
Published: January 2022

Hopanoid lipids, bacteriohopanols and bacteriohopanepolyols, are membrane components exclusive to bacteria. Together with their diagenetic derivatives, they are commonly used as biomarkers for specific bacterial groups or biogeochemical processes in the geologic record. However, the sources of hopanoids to marine and freshwater environments remain inadequately constrained. Recent marker gene studies suggest a widespread potential for hopanoid biosynthesis in marine bacterioplankton, including nitrifying (i.e., ammonia‐ and nitrite‐oxidizing) bacteria. To explore their hopanoid biosynthetic capacities, we studied the distribution of hopanoid biosynthetic genes in the genomes of cultivated and uncultivated ammonia‐oxidizing (AOB), nitrite‐oxidizing (NOB), and complete ammonia‐oxidizing (comammox) bacteria, finding that biosynthesis of diverse hopanoids is common among seven of the nine presently cultivated clades of nitrifying bacteria. Hopanoid biosynthesis genes are also conserved among the diverse lineages of bacterial nitrifiers detected in environmental metagenomes. We selected seven representative NOB isolated from marine, freshwater, and engineered environments for phenotypic characterization. All tested NOB produced diverse types of hopanoids, with some NOB producing primarily diploptene and others producing primarily bacteriohopanepolyols. Relative and absolute abundances of hopanoids were distinct among the cultures and dependent on growth conditions, such as oxygen and nitrite limitation. Several novel nitrogen‐containing bacteriohopanepolyols were tentatively identified, of which the so called BHP‐743.6 was present in all NOB. Distinct carbon isotopic signatures of biomass, hopanoids, and fatty acids in four tested NOB suggest operation of the reverse tricarboxylic acid cycle in Nitrospira spp. and Nitrospina gracilis and of the Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle for carbon fixation in Nitrobacter vulgaris and Nitrococcus mobilis. We suggest that the contribution of hopanoids by NOB to environmental samples could be estimated by their carbon isotopic compositions. The ubiquity of nitrifying bacteria in the ocean today and the antiquity of this metabolic process suggest the potential for significant contributions to the geologic record of hopanoids.
In‐house validation and application of UHPLC‐MS/MS method for the quantification of pyrrolizidine and tropane alkaloids in commercial honey bee‐collected pollen, teas and herbal infusions purchased on Italian market in 2019–2020 referring to recent European Union regulations
Authors: Martinello Marianna , Manzinello Chiara , Gallina Albino , Mutinelli Franco
Published: January 2022

Two analytical methods for the quantification of pyrrolizidine (PAs) and tropane alkaloids (TAs) in honey bee‐collected pollen, teas and herbal infusions have been in‐house validated using the UHPLC‐MS/MS technique. These methods showed good linearity, good accuracy and robustness. The methods have been applied to a preliminary investigation of forty‐seven pollen samples and thirty‐three packs of tea‐bags in light of Commission Regulations (EU) 2020/2040 and 2021/1408 regarding maximum limits of PAs and TAs in foodstuffs, respectively. About half of the pollen samples contained searched PAs but in concentrations significantly lower than the maximum limit established; two samples were contaminated with TAs. One third of teas or herbal infusions contained PAs or TAs, one sample exceeded the EU limits for PAs and one for TAs. Despite the final consumer’s health does not seem threatened, these results recommend accurate analytical methods and broader investigations for PAs and TAs in foods.
Comparative evaluation of the quality of red globe grape juice fermented by Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Sheng Jie , Shan Chunhui , Liu Yuanye , Zhang Panling , Li Jingjing , Cai Wenchao , Tang Fengxian
Published: January 2022

Basic analysis, electronic senses and HS‐SPME/GC‐MS were used to evaluate the effects of single and mixed cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus‐26 and Lactobacillus plantarum‐56 on the quality of fermented red globe grape (RGG) juice. The results showed that mixed culture fermentation was superior to single strain fermentation in terms of viable bacteria counts, consumption of total sugar (TS), total soluble solids, pH, functionality, and antioxidant properties of RGG juice (RGGJ). Whereas the aroma profiles of developing juices were dominated by abundant esters, acids, alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones. Compared with the single inoculation, co‐inoculation of the two species induced lactic acid fermentations, leading to accumulation of acetic acid, ethyl acetate, and 2‐hexenol significantly. Moreover, higher concentrations of ethyl acetate, benzoic acid ethyl ester, octanoic acid, sorbic acid, 2‐phenylethanol, and 2‐hexenol represented the characteristic flavours of juices. To sum up, these findings suggested that L. acidophilus‐26 and L. plantarum‐56 could be used as fermented strains to ferment and improve the quality of RGGJ.
Reviewing the effects of vacuum frying on frying medium and fried foods properties
Authors: Sosa‐Morales María Elena , Solares‐Alvarado Ana Paola , Aguilera‐Bocanegra Sandra Paola , Muñoz‐Roa José Fernando , Cardoso‐Ugarte Gabriel Abraham
Published: January 2022

Vacuum frying (VF) is a process developed at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, in which lower temperatures are employed to remove moisture from the food and reduce the oil content in the final product. Diverse studies have been published for VF or assisted with microwave and ultrasound, facing the challenges of accomplishing the physical and sensory properties appreciated in fried products. The studied matrices under VF include mainly vegetable origin foods (apple, banana, carrot, donuts, kiwi, mushroom, pea, pear, potato and sweet potato) and some animal origin products (chicken nuggets, fish fillets and surimi products). This review aimed to show recent and relevant findings of the application of VF, analysing both the effects on the frying medium and the impact on the fried foods. The inclusion of microwave and ultrasound technologies aids in the obtention of high‐quality products in terms of sensory and textural attributes, oil content as well as reduced oil degradation. This technique may provide safer and stable fried foods with lower oil content aiding in improving the diet of consumers and reducing production costs.
Effect of amylose/amylopectin ratio and extent of processing on the physical properties of expanded maize starches
Authors: Beech Daniel , Beech John , Gould Joanne , Hill Sandra
Published: January 2022

Low‐density expanded starchy products are often desirable, particularly in the snack food industry. Levels of shear and amylose are often deemed crucial factors for expansion. In this study, maize starches containing low (waxy), normal and high levels of amylose were compared after processing. Low shear processing used a popping head (similar to a rice‐cake machine), while high shear (~450 kJ kg−1) samples (pellets and directly expanded) were created using twin‐screw thermomechanical extrusion. Native starches and ground extruded materials (<106 µm) were popped using the same conditions (230 °C, 4 s, water content 12% wwb). All samples tested created fused aerated cakes, which had little or no remaining crystallinity, except for the directly popped waxy sample, which retained ~17% of its original crystallinity. Water absorbances and solubilities were influenced greatly by the starch source and marginally by the amount of processing. On processing, waxy samples showed increased solubility while those with normal amylose content had greater absorption. The densities of all the popped samples were similar despite marked differences in shear regime history and the major variations in the amylose and amylopectin ratios. These results challenge the expected relationships between shear and different starches’ potential to expand.
Postharvest treatments with radio frequency for 10 and 20 kg batches of black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Carbajal‐Padilla Daliana , Cerón‐García Abel , Gómez‐Salazar Julián Andrés , Rojas‐Laguna Roberto , Sosa‐Morales María Elena
Published: January 2022

Radio frequency (RF) heating has been considered an alternative to conventional postharvest disinfestation methods in stored agricultural products. RF treatments at pilot scale (12 kW, 27.12 MHz) were applied in black beans (batches of 10 and 20 kg), until reach the target temperature for weevil mortality (50 °C). Temperature was held by 1 min, and then beans were cooled by forced air. During the protocol, the temperatures were followed by thermal images. For the 10 kg batch, the average heating time was 2.72 min, while for the 20 kg batch, only 1.29 min were required to reach the target temperature of 50 °C. This reduction in heating time is due to dielectric heating provides rapid and volumetric heating. Average cooling time was 14.75 and 26.75 min for batches of 10 and 20 kg respectively. The heating uniformity index values (λ) were close to zero (0.025 for 10 kg batch and 0.023 for 20 kg), indicating even heating. Water absorption capacity, density and viability of beans were not affected by the RF treatments (P > 0.05). Due to volumetric heating, better results were obtained for 20 kg batch, demonstrating the feasibility of RF technology for disinfestation purposes in relatively large batches of black beans.
New insights into the central sympathetic hyperactivity post‐myocardial infarction: Roles of METTL3‐mediated m6A methylation
Authors: Qi Lei , Hu Hui , Wang Ye , Hu Hesheng , Wang Kang , Li Pingjiang , Yin Jie , Shi Yugen , Wang Yu , Zhao Yuepeng , Lyu Hangji , Feng Meng , Xue Mei , Li Xinran , Li Yan , Yan Suhua
Published: January 2022

Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) triggers by sympathetic nerve hyperactivity contribute to sudden cardiac death in myocardial infarction (MI) patients. Microglia‐mediated inflammation in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is involved in sympathetic hyperactivity after MI. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent mRNA and epigenetic modification, is critical for mediating cell inflammation. We aimed to explore whether METTL3‐mediated m6A modification is involved in microglia‐mediated sympathetic hyperactivity after MI in the PVN. MI model was established by left coronary artery ligation. METTL3‐mediated m6A modification was markedly increased in the PVN at 3 days after MI, and METTL3 was primarily located in microglia by immunofluorescence. RNA‐seq, MeRIP‐seq, MeRIP‐qPCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, heart rate variability measurements, renal sympathetic nerve activity recording and programmed electrical stimulation confirmed that the elevated toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression by m6A modification on TLR4 mRNA 3'‐UTR region combined with activated NF‐κB signalling led to the overwhelming production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and TNF‐α in the PVN, thus inducing the sympathetic hyperactivity and increasing the incidence of VAs post‐MI. Targeting METTL3 attenuated the inflammatory response and sympathetic hyperactivity and reduced the incidence of VAs post‐MI.
Thermal Cycling Effect on Locator System Retention and Metal Surface Roughness
Authors: Perlis Vladimir , Mtanis Tarek , Biadsee Ameer , Ormianer Zeev
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To estimate the effects of the thermal cycling (TC) process on the metal surfaces of Locators, as well as retention loss, and the correlation between them.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐five new Locator R‐Tx were included in the study. Four areas were marked on each Locators’ patrix metal surface and scanned using a confocal scanner (μsurf explorer; NanoFocus). Three surface roughness parameters were measured in the scans: Sa (average distance of peaks from the central plain of the area), Vmp (volume of the peaks in the area), and Spc (mean curvature of the peaks describing the degree of their sharpness). Retention test was performed using Instron® 4500 compression tension tensile tester at a speed of 10 mm/min. The retention tests were done using a working model made of two acrylic blocks in which the Locator system parts were inserted. The surface parameters measurements and the retention tests were performed 2 times, once before and once after TC. The Locators were subjected to 15,000 TC cycles by investing them into 2 tubs with different water temperatures, 55°C and 5°C. During each 60‐second cycle, the Locators were submerged in each tub for 20 seconds, with a 10 second transition time between the tubs. The post‐TC retention and surface parameters measurements were compared with those prior to TC and the prior to TC measurements served as controls. Changes in parameters before and after TC were analyzed by a two‐way ANOVA nested model with random intercept and slope by restricted maximum likelihood method. Correlation between retention and surface parameters was quantified and examined using Kendall's correlation test. The findings were considered statistically significant if p < 0.05.

Results

There was a significant decrease in retention of 16.6N at the second retention test (p < 0.001). A significant statistical decrease in surface parameters were measured after TC process, Sa and Vmp (18 ×10–3 μm, p = 0.041 and 0.94 ×10–3 1/μm, p = 0.001, respectively). A significant statistical increase in Spc of 6.4 ×10–3 μm3/μm2 (p = 0.023) was noticed. The correlation between retention decreases and surface changes was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The TC process causes a substantial reduction in retention to the Locator system over time. In addition, TC causes significant but minor changes to the Locator surface area. Most of the changes are in the horizontal dimension.
School Discrimination, Discipline Inequities, and Adjustment Among Black Adolescent Girls and Boys: An Intersectionality‐Informed Approach
Authors: Cooper Shauna M. , Burnett Marketa , Golden Alexandrea , Butler‐Barnes Sheretta , Inniss‐Thompson Misha
Published: January 2022

Employing an intersectionality‐informed approach, this investigation examines how school discrimination and disciplinary inequities shape Black adolescent boys’ and girls’ adjustment. One hundred and twenty‐six adolescents (M = 11.88 years; SD = 1.02) residing in the Southeastern United States comprised the study sample. Results indicated that school discrimination was associated with greater depressive symptoms, lower academic persistence, and lower school satisfaction (at 1‐year follow‐up). In a counterintuitive pattern, adolescents’ perceptions of disciplinary inequities were associated with greater persistence. This investigation provided partial support for gender variation. Perceptions of school disciplinary inequities were associated with lower educational aspirations for girls, whereas systemic school discrimination was more strongly associated with boys’ educational aspirations. Overall, our study suggests that school‐specific systemic discrimination and disciplinary practices shape Black adolescents’ adjustment.