bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NeuroSmog: Determining the impact of air pollution on the developing brain: project protocol
Authors: Markevych Iana , Orlov Natasza , Grellier James , Kaczmarek-Majer Katarzyna , Lipowska Małgorzata , Sitnik-Warchulska Katarzyna , Mysak Yarema , Baumbach Clemens , Wierzba-Łukaszyk Maja , Soomro Munawar Hussain , Compa Mikołaj , Izydorczyk Bernadetta , Skotak Krzysztof , Degórska Anna , Bratkowski Jakub , Kossowski Bartosz , Domagalik Aleksandra , Szwed Marcin
Published: October 2021

Background

Exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) may affect neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. The mechanisms underlying these relationships are not currently known. We aim to assess whether PM affects the developing brains of schoolchildren in Poland, a European country characterized by very high levels of particulate air pollution.

Methods

Between 2020 and 2022, 800 children aged 10 to 13 years are being recruited as participants in a case-control study. Cases (children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)) are being recruited from psychology clinics. Population-based controls are being sampled from schools. The study area comprises 18 towns in southern Poland characterized by wide-ranging levels of PM. Comprehensive psychological assessments are being conducted to assess cognitive and social functioning. Cases and controls undergo MRI including T1, T2 and MP2RAGE structural imaging, task (Go/NoGo) and resting-state MRI, and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Concentrations of PM are being assessed using land use regression models, which incorporate data from air monitoring networks, dispersion models, and characteristics of roads and other land cover types. The estimated concentrations will be assigned to prenatal and postnatal residential and preschool/school addresses of all study subjects. We will assess whether long-term exposure to outdoor PM affects brain function, structure, and connectivity in healthy children and those diagnosed with ADHD.

Results and Discussion

This comprehensive study will provide novel, in-depth understanding of the neurodevelopmental effects of air pollution. f
Use of serology immunoassays for predicting SARS-CoV-2 infection: a serology-based diagnostic algorithm
Authors: Lazo-Langner Alejandro , Chin-Yee Benjamin , Tong Jaryd , Lowes Lori , Hedley Benjamin D. , Silverman Michael , Delport Johan , Bhayana Vipin , Knauer Michael , Chin-Yee Ian
Published: October 2021

Background

Detection of viral RNA by nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) remains the gold standard for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection but is limited by high cost and other factors. Whether serology-based assays can be effectively incorporated into a diagnostic algorithm remains to be determined. Herein we describe the development of a serology-based testing algorithm for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Patients and Methods

Between July 2020 and February 2021, we included symptomatic unvaccinated patients evaluated in the Emergency Department of our institution for suspected SARS-CoV-2. All patients had testing by real-time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction. The performance characteristics of five commercial enzymatic serology assays testing for different antibody isotypes were evaluated in a derivation cohort and the assay with the best performance was further tested on a validation cohort. Optimal cut-off points were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and further tested using logistic regression.

Results

The derivation and validations cohorts included 72 and 319 patients, respectively. Based on its initial performance, the Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay (Roche Diagnostics) was further tested in the validation cohort. Using ROC curve analysis, we estimated the diagnostic performance for different cut-off points assuming a prevalence of positive tests of 5%. At any given cut-off point the NPV was over 97%.

Discussion

This study suggests that an initial diagnostic strategy using the Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 serology test in symptomatic unvaccinated patients could help to rule out an acute SARS-CoV2 infection and potentially lead to appropriately tailored infection control measures or rational guidance for further testing with a potential cost reduction and increased availability.
Bronco T (Shirisadi kasaya), a polyherbal formulation ameliorates LPS induced septicemia in rats
Authors: Mishra Priyanka , Pandey Ratna , Tripathi Suyash , Dubey Sushil K , Tripathi Yamini B
Published: October 2021

Septicemia is a life-threatening state, leading to multi-organ failure, ARDS and death. So, efforts are being made to identify novel therapies. Here, Bronco T (BT), a polyherbal formulation developed in 1984 for treating asthma, has been repurposed against septicemia induced ALI. The LPS (3mg/kg BW) was injected intraperitoneally before 24 hours, of surgery to assess the cardiorespiratory parameters, blood PaO2/FiO2, pulmonary water content and histological changes in the lungs. The pentoxifylline (PTX) (25 mg/kg b.w.) was used as the positive control. The PTX was given one hour before LPS and BT was given 3 hours (orally in different doses of 3, 1.5 and 0.75 gm/kg BW) to maintain the Cmax of the drug. The LPS treated group showed significant bradypnea, bradycardia and low heart rate frequency as observed, through elongated peaks (RR) and (MAP) respectively and finally death after 95 minutes of LPS injection. The PTX and BT (3gm/kg) pretreatment significantly prevented these changes (dose-dependent in the BT group). The survival was maintained up to 190 min after LPS. The Pentoxifylline showed a better response (75%) than Bronco T (72%). In both the treatments, a significant decrease in pulmonary water content and minimal neutrophil infiltration and intact alveoli-capillary membrane was seen in the transverse section (T.S) of the lungs.Conclusion: Significant improvement was noted in survival time, lesser tissue damage and better lung physiology by treating with Bronco T in LPS induced septicemia.
Effects of single plant-based vs. animal-based meals on satiety and mood in real-world smartphone-embedded studies
Authors: Medawar Evelyn , Zedler Marie , de Biasi Larissa , Villringer Arno , Witte A. Veronica
Published: October 2021

Adopting plant-based diets high in fiber may reduce global warming and obesity prevalence. Physiological and psychological determinants of plant-based food intake remain unclear. As fiber has been linked with improved gut-brain signaling, we hypothesized that a single plant-based (vegetarian and vegan) compared to an animal-based (animal flesh) meal, would induce higher satiety, higher mood and less stress. In three large-scale smartphone-based studies, adults (nall= 16,379) ranked satiety and mood before and after meal intake. Meal intake induced satiety and higher mood. Plant-based meal choice did not explain differences in post-meal hunger. Individuals choosing a plant-based meal reported slightly higher mood before and smaller mood increases after the meal compared to those choosing animal-based meals. Protein content marginally mediated post-meal satiety, while gender and taste ratings had a strong effect on satiety and mood in general. We could not detect profound effects of plant-based vs. animal-based meals on satiety and mood.
The role of extracellular matrix biomolecules on endometrial epithelial cell attachment and cytokeratin 18 expression on gelatin hydrogels
Authors: Zambuto Samantha G. , Jain Ishita , Clancy Kathryn B.H. , Underhill Gregory H. , Harley Brendan A.C.
Published: October 2021

The endometrium undergoes profound changes in tissue architecture and composition, both during the menstrual cycle as well as in the context of pregnancy. Dynamic remodeling processes of the endometrial extracellular matrix (ECM) are a major element of endometrial homeostasis, including changes across the menstrual cycle. A critical element of this tissue microenvironment is the endometrial basement membrane, a specialized layer of proteins that separates the endometrial epithelium from the underlying endometrial ECM. Bioengineering models of the endometrial microenvironment that present an appropriate endometrial ECM and basement membrane may provide an improved environment to study endometrial epithelial cell (EEC) function. Here, we exploit a tiered approach using two-dimensional high throughput microarrays and three-dimensional gelatin hydrogels to define patterns of EEC attachment and cytokeratin 18 (CK18) expression in response to combinations of endometrial basement membrane proteins. We identify combinations (collagen IV + tenascin C; collagen I + collagen III; hyaluronic acid + tenascin C; collagen V; collagen V + hyaluronic acid; collagen III; collagen I) that facilitate increased EEC attachment, increased CK18 intensity, or both. We also identify significant EEC mediated remodeling of the GelMA matrix environment via analysis of nascent protein deposition. Together, we report efforts to tailor the localization of basement membrane-associated proteins and proteoglycans in order to investigate tissue engineered models of the endometrial microenvironment.
Temporal changes in resting state networks induced by propofol anesthesia
Authors: Choe Mi Kyung , Jin Seung-Hyun , Kim June Sic , Chung Chun Kee
Published: October 2021

The cerebral cortical changes associated with propofol-induced unconsciousness remain unknown. While the anesthetic agent affects the entire cerebral cortices, there might be spatiotemporal differences in cortical changes. In particular, we hypothesized that there might be spatiotemporal differences in cortical changes with propofol-anesthesia. To address this hypothesis, we investigated power spectrum changes in electrocorticography (ECoG) signals obtained during the induction phase from awake state to unconsciousness. We found that, 1) the power increased in the range of frequencies < 46 Hz (delta to low gamma), and decreased in the range (62–150) Hz (high gamma), in global channels during the induction phase. 2) The power in the frontoparietal network (FPN), specifically the superior parietal lobule and prefrontal cortex, started to change early, but took a long time to completely change. However, the power in the default mode network (DMN) started to change late, but took a short time to completely change. 3) The power change (ΔPower) in the DMN was more conspicuous than that of the dorsal attention network (DAN) in high gamma frequency. Considering that the FPN is involved in communication with the external world and that DMN is involved in communication with self, loss of consciousness induced by general anesthesia results from first, disrupted communication between self and external world, and is then followed by disrupted communication within self, with decreased activity of the FPN, and later, attenuated activity of the DMN.

Significance Statement

We investigated the spatiotemporal changes of power spectrum in human electrocorticography (ECoG) during the induction phase from awake state to unconsciousness. We found that from delta to low gamma frequency, the power increased, while in high gamma frequency, the power decreased over all channels. The power in the frontoparietal network (FPN) preferentially changed, then the power in the DMN changed later. The power in DMN decreased more than those in other RSNs in high gamma frequency. Loss of consciousness induced by general anesthesia results from first, disrupted communication between self and external world, followed by disrupted communication within self, with decreased activity of the FPN, and later, attenuated activity of the DMN.
Birth weight, BMI in adulthood and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wei Yuxia , Zhan Yiqiang , Lofvenborg Josefin E. , Tuomi Tiinamaija , Carlsson Sofia
Published: October 2021

Aims: Observational studies have found an increased risk of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) associated with low birth weight and adult overweight/obesity. We aimed to investigate whether these associations are causal, using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design. In addition, we wanted to compare results for LADA and type 2 diabetes.
Methods: We identified 129 SNPs as instrumental variables (IVs) for birth weight from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of the Early Growth Genetics Consortium (EGG) and the UK Biobank. We identified 820 SNPs as IVs for adult BMI from a GWAS of the UK Biobank and the Genetic Investigation of ANthropometric Traits consortium (GIANT). Summary statistics for the associations between IVs and LADA were extracted from the only GWAS involving 2,634 cases and 5,947 population controls. We used the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) estimator as our primary analysis, supplemented by a series of sensitivity analyses.
Results: Genetically determined birth weight was inversely associated with LADA (OR per SD [~500 g] decrease in birth weight: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.37-2.97). In contrast, genetically predicted BMI in adulthood was positively associated with LADA (OR per SD [~4.8 kg/m2] increase in BMI: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.14-1.71). Results persisted in a range of sensitivity analyses using other MR estimators or excluding some IVs. With respect to type 2 diabetes, the association with birth weight was not stronger than in LADA while the association with adult BMI was stronger than in LADA.
Conclusions/ interpretation: This study provides genetic support for a causal link between low birth weight, adult overweight/obesity, and LADA.
An externally validated deep learning model for the accurate segmentation of the lumbar paravertebral muscles
Authors: Niemeyer Frank , Zanker Annika , Jonas René , Tao Youping , Galbusera Fabio , Wilke Hans-Joachim
Published: October 2021

Purpos

Imaging studies about the relevance of muscles in spinal disorders, and sarcopenia in general, require the segmentation of the muscles in the images which is very labour-intensive if performed manually and poses a practical limit to the number of investigated subjects. This study aimed at developing a deep learning-based tool able to fully automatically perform an accurate segmentation of the lumbar muscles in axial MRI scans, and at validating the new tool on an external dataset.

Methods

A set of 60 axial MRI images of the lumbar spine was retrospectively collected from a clinical database. Psoas major, quadratus lumborum, erector spinae, and multifidus were manually segmented in all available slices. The dataset was used to train and validate a deep neural network able to segment muscles automatically. Subsequently, the network was externally validated on images purposely acquired from 22 healthy volunteers.

Results

The Jaccard index for the individual muscles calculated for the 22 subjects of the external validation set ranged between 0.862 and 0.935, demonstrating a generally excellent performance of the network. Cross-sectional area and fat fraction of the muscles were in agreement with published data. Conclusions. The externally validated deep neural network was able to perform the segmentation of the paravertebral muscles in axial MRI scans in an accurate and fully automated manner, and is therefore a suitable tool to perform large-scale studies in the field of spinal disorders and sarcopenia, overcoming the limitations of non-automated methods.
Smoking and subfertility: multivariable regression and Mendelian randomization analyses in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study
Authors: Hernáez Álvaro , Wootton Robyn E. , Page Christian M. , Skåra Karoline H. , Fraser Abigail , Rogne Tormod , Magnus Per , Njølstad Pål R. , Andreassen Ole A. , Burgess Stephen , Lawlor Deborah A. , Magnus Maria Christine
Published: October 2021

Objective

To investigate the association between smoking-related traits and subfertility.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Nationwide cohort in Norway.

Patients

28,606 women (average age 30) and 27,096 men (average age 33) with questionnaire and genotype information from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study.

Intervention

Self-reported information on smoking (having ever smoked [both sexes], age at smoking initiation [women only], smoking cessation [women only], and cigarettes smoked per week in current smokers [both sexes]) was gathered. Genetically predetermined levels or likelihood of presenting the mentioned traits were estimated for Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.

Main outcome measure

Subfertility, defined as time-to-pregnancy ≥12 months.

Results

A total of 10% of couples were subfertile. In multivariable regression accounting for age, years of education, body mass index, and number of previous pregnancies, having ever smoked was not linked to subfertility in women or men. A higher intensity of tobacco use in women who were current smokers was related to greater odds of subfertility (+ 1 standard deviation [SD, 48 cigarettes/week]: odds ratio [OR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03 to 1.21), also after adjusting for the partner’s tobacco use. Later smoking initiation (+ 1 SD [3.2 years]: OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.95) and smoking cessation (relative to not quitting: OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.93) were linked to decreased subfertility in women who had ever smoked. Nevertheless, MR results were not directionally consistent for smoking intensity and cessation and were imprecisely estimated in two-sample MR, with wide confidence intervals that overlapped with the multivariable regression results. In men, greater smoking intensity was marginally linked to greater odds of subfertility in multivariable analyses, but this association was attenuated when adjusting for the partner’s smoking intensity (+ 1 SD [54 cigarettes/week]: OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.15). MR estimates were directionally consistent but again imprecisely estimated.

Conclusions

We did not find robust evidence of an effect of smoking on subfertility. This may be due to a true lack of effect, weak genetic instruments, or other kinds of confounding. The relevant limitations across all methods highlights the need for larger studies with information on subfertility.
Bcl-xL restricts transcriptional, morphological and functional decompensation of β-cell mitochondria under chronic glucose excess
Authors: Pasula Daniel J. , Shi Rocky , Vanderkruk Ben , Shih Alexis Z.L. , Zou Yuanjie , Chaudhry Ahsen , Hoffman Brad G. , Luciani Dan S.
Published: October 2021

In the progression of diabetes, pancreatic islet β-cells respond to increased metabolic demand with functional compensation, followed by pathogenic decompensation of mitochondria-dependent insulin secretion. It is not clear what mechanisms drive, or control, mitochondrial decompensation. Here, we report that anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL maintains mitochondrial integrity in β-cells under non-apoptotic levels of glucose stress. Prolonged glucose excess causes transcriptional reprogramming of glycolysis and β-cell identity genes, while sensitizing glucose-stimulated Ca2+ signaling and insulin secretion. Deletion of Bcl-xL amplifies this insulin hypersecretion and increases mitochondrial fusion, mitochondrial volume, and oxygen consumption, whereas ATP-coupled respiration and mitochondrial hyperpolarization become impaired. Of note, Bcl-xL-deficient β-cells have impaired Pgc-1α expression, and develop specific defects in the expression of Tfam, mitochondrial ribosomal genes, and OXPHOS components under glucose stress. Bcl-xL limits high glucose-induced mitochondrial ROS (mitoROS) levels and pharmacological normalization of mitoROS in Bcl-xL KO cells rescues glucose-induced defects in mitochondrial gene expression and changes to β-cell identity. Our data identify mitoROS as a primary retrograde driver of transcriptional re-wiring in β-cells exposed to excess glucose, and reveal Bcl-xL as an important safeguard against transcriptional and functional decompensation of β-cell mitochondria. Bcl-xL and mitoROS may thus be viable targets to prevent early β-cell dysfunction and the progression of diabetes.
EXTENDED TUDOR-DOMAINS of the piRNA BIOGENESIS PATHWAY HAVE RNA-SPECIFIC NUCLEASE ACTIVITY
Authors: Dhimole Neha , Lage Susanne zur , Klug Wilfried , Carlomagno Teresa
Published: October 2021

piRNAs are essential for transposon repression and protecting the germline from deleterious mutations. piRNA biogenesis comprises a primary and secondary pathway, and involves PIWI clade argonaute proteins and ancillary factors. Secondary piRNA biogenesis is tightly coupled to transposon repression. It requires processing of the 3’ end of pre-piRNA during an amplification loop by an as yet unidentified endonuclease. Here, using crystallography, and biochemical assays, we discover that the Drosophila Qin protein, which is a critical member of the core amplification complex, has endonuclease activity. Qin contains five extended Tudor domains, which had been proposed to recognize methylated ligands. Instead, we show that these domains act as RNA-specific nucleases. This supports a role for Qin in the 3’ end processing of Ago3-bound pre-piRNAs. Extended Tudor domains are frequent in piRNA-processing proteins, suggesting that the uncovered nuclease activity of this protein fold may be key to understanding the piRNA biogenesis.
Slc7a8 deletion is protective against diet-induced obesity and attenuates lipid accumulation in multiple organs
Authors: Pitere Reabetswe R. , van Heerden Marlene B. , Pepper Michael S. , Ambele Melvin A.
Published: October 2021

Adipogenesis, through adipocyte hyperplasia and/or hypertrophy, leads to increased adiposity, giving rise to obesity. A genome-wide transcriptome analysis of adipogenesis in human adipose derived stromal/stem cells identified SLC7A8 (Solute Carrier Family 7 Member 8) as a potential novel mediator. This study has investigated the role of SLC7A8 in adipose tissue biology using a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. slc7a8 knockout (KO) and wildtype (WT) C57BL/6J mice were fed either a control diet (CD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 14 weeks. On HFD, both WT and KO (WTHFD and KOHFD) gained significantly more weight than their CD counterparts. However, KOHFD gained significantly less weight than WT HFD. KOHFD significantly reduced the level of glucose intolerance observed in WTHFD. KOHFD significantly reduced both adipocyte mass and hypertrophy in inguinal, mesenteric, perigonadal and brown adipose depots, with a corresponding decrease in macrophage infiltration. Additionally, KOHFD decreased lipid accumulation in the liver, heart, gastrocnemius muscle, lung, and kidney. This study demonstrates that targeting SLC7A8 protects against diet-induced obesity by reducing lipid accumulation in multiple organs, and thereby has the potential to mitigate the development of obesity-associated comorbidities.

Author summary

The development of obesity can be attributed to adipocyte hypertrophy or hyperplasia leading to increased adiposity. The C57BL/6 mouse is an excellent model used to study metabolic syndromes often associated with obesity development. Mice fed on a high-fat diet are susceptible to weight gain leading to the development of obesity and its associated metabolic syndrome. Here, we report findings from targeting a novel human adipogenic gene (SLC7A8) in condition of obesity development using a mouse model of diet-induced obesity (DIO). The results indicate that deleting slc7a8 in mice significantly protects against DIO and improves glucose metabolism. Also, deficiency in slc7a8 was observed to significantly attenuates adipocyte hypertrophy in white and brown adipose tissues, and reduced lipid accumulation in many organs. Furthermore, inflammation was significantly reduced in adipose tissues and liver of slc7a8 deficient mice in condition of DIO. Overall, results from this study shows that slc7a8 is an important molecular regulator of obesity development and mediates its function by reducing lipid accumulation in multiple organs. Hence, SLC7A8 could serve as a potential therapeutic target to combat the development of obesity and other pathophysiological conditions associated with excess lipid accumulation in organs.
Data-driven discovery of targets for bipotent anticancer drugs identifies Estrogen Related Receptor Alpha
Authors: Sahu Avinash D. , Wang Xiaoman , Munson Phillip , Klomp Jan , Wang Xiaoqing , Gu Shengqing , Qian Gege , Nicol Phillip , Zeng Zexian , Wang Chenfei , Tokheim Collin , Zhang Wubing , Fu Jingxin , Wang Jin , Nair Nishanth U. , Rens Joost , Bourajjaj Meriem , Jansen Bas , Leenders Inge , Lemmers Jaap , Musters Mark , Zanten Sanne van , Zelst Laura van , Worthington Jenny , Brown Myles , Liu Jun S. , Juric Dejan , Meyer Cliff A. , Oubrie Arthur , Liu X. Shirley , Fisher David E. , Flaherty Keith T.
Published: October 2021

Drugs that kill tumors through multiple mechanisms have potential for broad clinical benefits, with a reduced propensity to resistance. We developed BipotentR, a computational approach to find cancer-cell-specific regulators that simultaneously modulate tumor immunity and another oncogenic pathway. Using tumor metabolism as proof-of-principle, BipotentR identified 38 candidate immune-metabolic regulators by combining epigenomes with bulk and single-cell tumor transcriptomes from patients. Inhibition of top candidate ESRRA (Estrogen Related Receptor Alpha) killed tumors by direct effects on energy metabolism and two immune mechanisms: (i) cytokine induction, causing proinflammatory macrophage polarization (ii) antigen-presentation stimulation, recruiting CD8+T cells into tumors. ESRRA is activated in immune-suppressive and immunotherapy-resistant tumors of many types, suggesting broad clinical relevance. We also applied BipotentR to angiogenesis and growth-suppressor pathways, demonstrating a widely applicable approach to identify drug targets that act simultaneously through multiple mechanisms. BipotentR is publicly available at http://bipotentr.dfci.harvard.edu/.

One-Sentence Summary

BipotentR identifies targets for bipotent anticancer drugs, as shown by the energy and immune effects of ESRRA inhibition.
Cotranscriptional RNA strand exchange underlies the gene regulation mechanism in a purine-sensing transcriptional riboswitch
Authors: Cheng Luyi , White Elise N. , Brandt Naomi L. , Yu Angela M , Chen Alan A. , Lucks Julius B.
Published: October 2021

RNA folds cotranscriptionally to traverse out-of-equilibrium intermediate structures that are important for RNA function in the context of gene regulation. To investigate this process, here we study the structure and function of the Bacillus subtilis yxjA purine riboswitch, a transcriptional riboswitch that downregulates a nucleoside transporter in response to binding guanine. Although the aptamer and expression platform domain sequences of the yxjA riboswitch do not completely overlap, we hypothesized that a strand exchange process triggers its structural switching in response to ligand binding. In vivo fluorescence assays, structural chemical probing data, and experimentally informed secondary structure modeling suggest the presence of a nascent intermediate central helix. The formation of this central helix in the absence of ligand appears to compete with both the aptamer’s P1 helix and the expression platform’s transcriptional terminator. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations support the hypothesis that ligand binding stabilizes the aptamer P1 helix against central helix strand invasion, thus allowing the terminator to form. These results present a potential model mechanism to explain how ligand binding can induce downstream conformational changes by influencing local strand displacement processes of intermediate folds that could be at play in multiple riboswitch classes.
Differential momentary reports of stress and affect associated with alcohol consumption in middle-aged versus younger adults
Authors: Peterson Hope , Rejeski W. Jack , Fanning Jason , Porges Stephen W. , Heilman Keri J. , Laurienti Paul J. , Gauvin Lise
Published: October 2021

Objective

Stress is a motivator to consume alcohol, a well-documented relapse risk, and is known to differentially affect biological and psychological processes as people age. Because alcohol consumption is known to decrease stress and increase affect, this study examined differences in ratings of stress and affect across the day in middle-aged versus younger adults who regularly consumed alcohol.

Methods

A sample of males and females including younger (n=17) and middle-aged (n=18) drinkers was studied across two experimental periods: a 3-day period of usual drinking and a 3-day period of abstinence from alcohol. We also measured resting levels of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSArest), since it is a well-documented biomarker of stress and known to decrease with age. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) ratings across periods of normal drinking and abstinence were modeled using hierarchical regression to assess differences in stress and affect throughout days of abstinence and normal drinking between the two age groups.

Results

As anticipated, middle-aged participants had lower RSArest than those who were younger. Our analyses showed that middle-aged adults experienced a significant reduction in stress following drinking while no such effect was observed in the younger adults. Although the middle-aged adults showed overall lower stress, generally they also expressed higher affect than younger adults.

Conclusions

Despite the mitigating role of alcohol on stress in the middle-aged group and the fact that they had higher affect than the younger adults, their lower levels of RSArest and higher daily reports of stress could pose a risk for chronic alcohol consumption.
Linear indexing for all strings under all internal nodes in suffix trees
Authors: Al-okaily Anas , Tbakhi Abdelghani
Published: October 2021

Suffix trees are fundamental data structure in stringology. In this work, we introduce two algorithms that index all strings/suffixes under all internal nodes in suffix tree in linear time and space. These indexes can contribute in resolving several strings problems such as DNA sequence analysis and approximate pattern matching problems.
Involvement of mechanical cues in the migration of Cajal-Retzius cells in the marginal zone during neocortical development
Authors: López-Mengual Ana , Segura-Feliu Miriam , Sunyer Raimon , Sanz-Fraile Héctor , Otero Jorge , Mesquida-Veny Francina , Gil Vanessa , Hervera Arnau , Ferrer Isidre , Ortín Jordi , Soriano Jordi , Trepat Xavier , Farré Ramon , Navajas Daniel , del Río José A.
Published: October 2021

Emerging evidence points to coordinated action of chemical and mechanical cues during brain development. At early stages of neocortical development, angiogenic factors and chemokines such as CXCL12, ephrins, and semaphorins assume crucial roles in orchestrating neuronal migration and axon elongation of postmitotic neurons. Here we explore the intrinsic mechanical properties of the developing marginal zone of the pallium in the migratory pathways and brain distribution of the pioneer Cajal-Retzius cells. These pioneer neurons are generated in several proliferative regions in the developing brain (e.g., the cortical hem and the pallial subpallial boundary) and migrate tangentially in the preplate/marginal zone covering the upper portion of the neocortex. These cells play crucial roles in correct neocortical layer formation by secreting several molecules such as Reelin. Our results indicate that the motogenic properties of Cajal-Retzius cells and their perinatal distribution in the marginal zone are also modulated by both chemical and mechanical factors, by the specific mechanical properties of Cajal-Retzius cells, and by the differential stiffness of the migratory routes. Indeed, cells originating in the cortical hem display higher migratory capacities than those generated in the pallial subpallial boundary which may be involved in the differential distribution of these cells in the dorsal-lateral axis in the developing marginal zone.
TGFβ signaling is required for sclerotome resegmentation during development of the spinal column in Gallus gallus
Authors: Clayton Sade W. , McCardell Ronisha , Serra Rosa
Published: October 2021

We previously showed the importance of TGFβ signaling in development of the mouse axial skeleton. Here, we provide the first direct evidence that TGFβ signaling is required for resegmentation of the sclerotome using chick embryos. Lipophilic fluorescent tracers, DiO and DiD, were microinjected into adjacent somites of embryos treated with or without TGFβR1 inhibitor, SB431542, at developmental day E2.5 (HH16). Lineage tracing of labeled cells was observed over the course of 4 days until the completion of resegmentation at E6.5 (HH32). Vertebrae were malformed and intervertebral discs were small and misshapen in SB431542 injected embryos. Hypaxial myofibers were also increased in thickness after treatment with the inhibitor. Inhibition of TGFβ signaling resulted in alterations in resegmentation that ranged between full, partial, and slanted shifts in distribution of DiO or DiD labeled cells within vertebrae. Patterning of rostro- caudal markers within sclerotome was disrupted at E3.5 after treatment with SB431542 with rostral domains expressing both rostral and caudal markers. We propose that TGFβ signaling regulates rostro-caudal polarity and subsequent resegmentation in sclerotome during spinal column development.
The mitochondrial deubiquitinase USP30 regulates AKT/mTOR signaling
Authors: Zhang Ruohan , Ozgen Serra , Luo Hongke , Krigman Judith , Zhao Yutong , Xin Gang , Sun Nuo
Published: October 2021

Mitophagy is an intracellular mechanism to maintain mitochondrial health by removing dysfunctional mitochondria. The E3 ligase Parkin ubiquitinates the membrane proteins on targeted mitochondria to initiate mitophagy, and USP30 antagonizes this Parkin-dependent mitophagy. AKT/mTOR signaling is a master regulator of cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and growth. Although mounting evidence showed mitophagy and AKT/mTOR signaling interact with each other during mitophagy, the specific mechanisms between Parkin/USP30 and AKT/mTOR signaling have not been elucidated. This research artificially expressed Parkin and USP30 in Hela cells and compared AKT/mTOR and apoptosis signals between Hela cells, HeLa Parkin cells, and Hela Parkin USP30 cells during mitophagy. The study’s results suggest that Parkin promotes AKT degradation via ubiquitination, which induces cell apoptosis during mitochondrial stress. On the contrary, USP30 protects AKT via deubiquitination. These findings provide new insights into Parkin and USP30’s role in cell apoptosis and physiological and pathological functions of USP30 beyond mitophagy.
KTD1 is a yeast defense factor against K28 killer toxin
Authors: Andreev Ilya , Giovanetti Simone M. , Urtecho Guillaume , Shriner Daniel , Bloom Joshua S. , Sadhu Meru J.
Published: October 2021

Secreted protein toxins are widely used weapons in conflicts between organisms. Killer yeast produce killer toxins that inhibit the growth of nearby sensitive yeast. We investigated variation in resistance to the killer toxin K28 across diverse natural isolates of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae population and discovered a novel defense factor, which we named KTD1, that is an important determinant of K28 toxin resistance. KTD1 is a member of the DUP240 gene family of unknown function. We uncovered a putative role of DUP240 proteins in killer toxin defense and identified a region that is undergoing rapid evolution and is critical to KTD1’s protective ability. Our findings implicate KTD1 as a key factor in the defense against killer toxin K28.
A modified cut-set method for mechanical subassembly identification
Authors: Gulivindala Anil Kumar , Bahubalendruni M.V.A. Raju , Kumar Inkulu Anil , Varupala S.S. Vara Prasad , K. SankaranarayanaSamy
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to perform a comparative assessment on working of the existed subassembly identification (SI) methods, which are widely practiced during the product development stage and to propose an improved method for solving the SI problem in assembly sequence planning (ASP).

Design/methodology/approach

The cut-set method is found as a suitable method among various knowledge-based methods such as the theory of loops, theory of connectors and theory of clusters for the workability enhancement to meet the current requirements. Necessary product information is represented in the matrix format by replacing the traditional AND/OR graphs and the advanced predicates are included in the evaluation criteria.

Findings

The prominent methods in SI are followed a few of the predicates to avoid complexity in solution generation. The predicate consideration is found as the most influencing factor in eliminating the infeasible part combinations at SI. However, the quality of identified subassemblies without advanced predicates is not influencing the solution generation phase but practical applicability is affecting adversely.

Originality/value

The capability of performing SI by the cut-set method is improved to deal with the complex assembly configurations. The improved method is tested by applying on different assembly configurations and the effectiveness is compared with other existent methods of ASP along with the conventional method.
Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride as a highly efficient corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in hydrochloric acid solution
Authors: Wei Xiaojing , Wang Jue , Shi Xin , Zhou Feng , Gao Duolong , Wen Xiaohu , Zhong Xiankang
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to discover a highly efficient corrosion inhibitor for 45# steel in hydrochloric acid solution and reveal the mechanism of inhibitors.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, electrochemical measurements, weight loss measurements, surface characterization and theoretical calculation are used to evaluate the inhibition performance and reveal the mechanism of inhibitors.

Findings

Results show that didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), especially in combination with dodecane phenol plyoxyethylene, could provide a good protection performance for the carbon steel in hydrochloric acid. The N atoms and long alkyl chains in DDAC molecular structure play the vital role.

Originality/value

Usually, DDAC is used as the compound chemical disinfectant in oilfield sterilization, medicine and health. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has shown that it can mitigate the corrosion of carbon steels in HCl solution.
Analysis and numerical solution of dynamic Jiles–Atherton model applied to hysteresis modeling for giant magnetostrictive materials
Authors: Rong Ce , He Zhongbo , Xue Guangming , Liu Guoping , Dai Bowen , Zhou Zhaoqi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Owing to the excellent performance, giant magnetostrictive materials (GMMs) are widely used in many engineering fields. The dynamic Jiles–Atherton (J-A) model, derived from physical mechanism, is often used to describe the hysteresis characteristics of GMM. However, this model, despite cited by many different literature studies, seems not to possess unique expressions, which may cause great trouble to the subsequent application. This paper aims to provide the rational expressions of the dynamic J-A model and propose a numerical computation scheme to obtain the model results with high accuracy and fast speed.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes different published papers and provides a reasonable form of the dynamic J-A model based on functional properties and physical explanations. Then, a numerical computation scheme, combining the Newton method and the explicit Adams method, is designed to solve the modified model. In addition, the error source and transmission path of the numerical solution are investigated, and the influence of model parameters on the calculation error is explored. Finally, some attempts are made to study the influence of numerical scheme parameters on the accuracy and time of the computation process. Subsequently, an optimization procedure is proposed.

Findings

A rational form of the dynamic J-A model is concluded in this paper. Using the proposed numerical calculation scheme, the maximum calculation error, while computing the modified model, can remain below 2 A/m under different model parameter combinations, and the computation time is always less than 0.5 s. After optimization, the calculation speed can be enhanced with the computation accuracy guaranteed.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first one trying to provide a rational form of the dynamic J-A model among different citations. No other research studies focus on designing a detailed computation scheme targeting the fast and accurate calculation of this model as well. And the performance of the proposed calculation method is validated in different conditions.
Effectiveness of human resource records management strategies at a university in Ghana
Authors: Adom-Nyankey Kofi , Andoh Raphael Papa Kweku
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Human resource records are very important in the successful management of organisations. Despite their importance, they are ignored in records management studies. This study aims to bring to the limelight human resource records management issues that are overlooked despite the numerous studies on records management by examining the effectiveness of human resource records management strategies at a university in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive survey was used in this study. A combination of census and simple random sampling was used to administer questionnaires to administrators who handle master or working personal files regularly. Data of 228 respondents was processed using SPSS and analysed in frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation.

Findings

This study revealed that while most vital documents were found on staff personal files, some documents like medical reports, passport pictures and birth certificates were somewhat unavailable. It was also found that the University had no human resource records policy in its corporate strategic thrust, which is a barrier to effective human resource records management, but the records creation strategies were effective. However, regarding the maintenance, and retention and disposition of human resource records, the strategies were ineffective. Overall, the findings fell short of the ISO 15489 framework for managing records.

Originality/value

This study seeks to bring to the fore human resource records management issues that seem to be overlooked despite the numerous studies on records management.
Evaluating methods for estimating whole house air infiltration rates in summer: implications for overheating and indoor air quality
Authors: Roberts Ben M. , Allinson David , Lomas Kevin J.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Accurate values for infiltration rate are important to reliably estimate heat losses from buildings. Infiltration rate is rarely measured directly, and instead is usually estimated using algorithms or data from fan pressurisation tests. However, there is growing evidence that the commonly used methods for estimating infiltration rate are inaccurate in UK dwellings. Furthermore, most prior research was conducted during the winter season or relies on single measurements in each dwelling. Infiltration rates also affect the likelihood and severity of summertime overheating. The purpose of this work is to measure infiltration rates in summer, to compare this to different infiltration estimation methods, and to quantify the differences.

Design/methodology/approach

Fifteen whole house tracer gas tests were undertaken in the same test house during spring and summer to measure the whole building infiltration rate. Eleven infiltration estimation methods were used to predict infiltration rate, and these were compared to the measured values. Most, but not all, infiltration estimation methods relied on data from fan pressurisation (blower door) tests. A further four tracer gas tests were also done with trickle vents open to allow for comment on indoor air quality, but not compared to infiltration estimation methods.

Findings

The eleven estimation methods predicted infiltration rates between 64 and 208% higher than measured. The ASHRAE Enhanced derived infiltration rate (0.41 ach) was closest to the measured value of 0.25 ach, but still significantly different. The infiltration rate predicted by the “divide-by-20” rule of thumb, which is commonly used in the UK, was second furthest from the measured value at 0.73 ach. Indoor air quality is likely to be unsatisfactory in summer when windows are closed, even if trickle vents are open.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for those using dynamic thermal modelling to predict summertime overheating who, in the absence of a directly measured value for infiltration rate (i.e. by tracer gas), currently commonly use infiltration estimation methods such as the “divide-by-20” rule. Therefore, infiltration may be overestimated resulting in overheating risk and indoor air quality being incorrectly predicted.

Originality/value

Direct measurement of air infiltration rate is rare, especially multiple tests in a single home. Past measurements have invariably focused on the winter heating season. This work is original in that the tracer gas technique used to measure infiltration rate many times in a single dwelling during the summer. This work is also original in that it quantifies both the infiltration rate and its variability, and compares these to values produced by eleven infiltration estimation methods.
Informal entrepreneurship and women's empowerment – the case of street vendors in urban Colombia
Authors: Pineda Duque Javier Armando , Castiblanco Moreno Suelen Emilia
Published: October 2021

Purpose

International development organizations promote access to resources through self-employment as one of the main strategies to achieve women's empowerment. However, many self-employees are more similar to informal workers than to successful entrepreneurs affecting women's control over resources and their empowerment process. This article analyzes the relationship between informal entrepreneurship and female empowerment in the context of an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed a sample of 295 female street vendors in Bogotá – Colombia. Contingency and correlational analysis is performed.

Findings

Evidence is found about the expansion of women's capacity to make decisions about resource allocation and time managing because of informal entrepreneurship. Nevertheless, these decisions are not strategic nor given in a context with several options. Several structural constraints to the exercise of agency limit empowerment to an individual process dependent on circumstances instead of a collective process resulting in changes in women's social conditions.

Research limitations/implications

This research allows for a better understanding of the potentialities and opportunities these entrepreneurships offer to women and what strategies could be implemented to take advantage of them.

Practical implications

Despite their characteristics, informal entrepreneurship has potentialities to improve female empowerment especially when factors beyond economic rationality, such as personal, familial and sociocultural, are considered.

Originality/value

The authors discuss the category of informal entrepreneurship in emerging economies and evaluate the success of this type of entrepreneurship with a gender point of view by incorporating empowerment as measure.