bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women exposure to Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and bisphenol A (BPA) from different residing areas in Italy: data from the LIFE PERSUADED project
Authors: Carli Fabrizia , Tait Sabrina , Busani Luca , Ciociaro Demetrio , Latta Veronica Della , Pala Anna Paola , Deodati Annalisa , Raffaelli Andrea , Pratesi Filippo , Conte Raffaele , Maranghi Francesca , Tassinari Roberta , Fabbrizi Enrica , Toffol Giacomo , Cianfarani Stefano , Rocca Cinzia La , Gastaldelli Amalia ,   LIFE PERSUADED Project Group
Published: June 2022

Phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) are plasticizers used in many industrial products that can act as endocrine disruptors. In the frame of the LIFE PERSUADED project, we measured the urinary concentrations of BPA and Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites in 900 Italian women enrolled between 2015 and 2017 and living in North, Centre and South of Italy in both rural and urban areas.

The whole cohort, representative of the Italian female adult population, was exposed to DEHP and BPA with measurable levels above the limit of detection (LOD) in more than 99% and 95% of the samples, respectively. The exposure patterns differed for the two chemicals in the three macro-areas with the highest urinary levels for DEHP in South compared to Central and Northern Italy and for BPA in Northern compared to Central and Southern Italy. BPA levels were higher in women living in urban areas, whereas no difference between areas was observed for DEHP. The estimated daily intake of BPA was 0.11 μg/kg per day, about 36-fold below the current temporary Tolerable Daily Intake of 4 μg/kg per day established by the European Food Safety Authority in 2015. The analysis of cumulative exposure showed a positive correlation between DEHP and BPA.

These results suggest to further limit the exposure to DEHP and BPA through specific legislative measures.
Computational Identification of Ligand-Receptor Pairs that Drive Human Astrocyte Development
Authors: Voss AJ , Lanjewar SN , Sampson MM , King A , Hill E , Sing A , Sojka C , Sloan SA
Published: June 2022

Extrinsic signaling between diverse cell types is crucial to nervous system development. Ligand binding is a key driver of developmental processes, but it remains a significant challenge to disentangle how collections of these signals act cooperatively to affect changes in recipient cells. In the developing human brain, cortical progenitors transition from neurogenesis to gliogenesis in a stereotyped progression that is influenced by extrinsic ligands. Therefore, we sought to use the wealth of published genomic data in the developing human brain to identify and then test novel ligand combinations that act synergistically to drive gliogenesis. Using computational tools, we identified ligand-receptor pairs that are expressed at appropriate developmental stages, in relevant cell types, and whose activation is predicted to cooperatively stimulate complimentary astrocyte gene signatures. We then tested a group of five neuronally-secreted ligands and validated their synergistic contributions to astrocyte development within both human cortical organoids and primary fetal tissue. We confirm cooperative capabilities of these ligands far greater than their individual capacities and discovered that their combinatorial effects converge on AKT/mTOR signaling to drive transcriptomic and morphological features of astrocyte development. This platform provides a powerful agnostic framework to identify and test how extrinsic signals work in concert to drive developmental processes.

HIGHLIGHTS

Computational prediction of active ligand-receptor pairs in the developing brain

Synergistic contributions of predicted ligands drive astrocyte development

Ligands induce transcriptomic and morphological features of mature astrocytes

Cooperative ligand activity converges on AKT/mTOR signaling
Highly-Automated, High-Throughput Replication of Yeast-based Logic Circuit Design Assessments
Authors: Goldman Robert P. , Moseley Robert , Roehner Nicholas , Cummins Bree , Vrana Justin D. , Clowers Katie J. , Bryce Daniel , Beal Jacob , DeHaven Matthew , Nowak Joshua , Higa Trissha , Biggers Vanessa , Lee Peter , Hunt Jeremy P. , Mosqueda Lorraine , Haase Steven B. , Weston Mark , Zheng George , Deckard Anastasia , Gopaulakrishnan Shweta , Stubbs Joseph F. , Gaffney Niall I. , Vaughn Matthew W. , Maheshri Narendra , Mikhalev Ekaterina , Bartley Bryan , Markeloff Richard , Mitchell Tom , Nguyen Tramy , Sumorok Daniel , Walczak Nicholas , Myers Chris , Zundel Zach , Hatch Benjamin , Scholz James , Colonna-Romano John , Mosqueda Lorraine
Published: June 2022

We describe an experimental campaign that replicated the performance assessment of logic gates engineered into cells of S. cerevisiae by Gander, et al. Our experimental campaign used a novel high throughput experimentation framework developed under DARPA’s Synergistic Discovery and Design (SD2) program: a remote robotic lab at Strateos executed a parameterized experimental protocol. Using this protocol and robotic execution, we generated two orders of magnitude more flow cytometry data than the original experiments. We discuss our results, which largely, but not completely, agree with the original report, and make some remarks about lessons learned.
Decreasing Wapl dosage partially corrects transcriptome phenotypes in Nipbl-/+ embryonic mouse brain
Authors: Kean Connor M. , Tracy Christopher J. , Mitra Apratim , Van Winkle Matthew T , Gebert Claudia M , Noeker Jacob , Calof Anne L. , Lander Arthur D. , Kassis Judith A. , Pfeifer Karl
Published: June 2022

Cohesin rings interact with DNA and modulate expression of thousands of genes. NIPBL loads cohesin onto chromosomes and WAPL takes it off. Heterozygous mutations in NIPBL lead to a developmental disorder called Cornelia de Lange syndrome. Nipbl heterozygous mice are a good model for this disease but mutations in WAPL were not known to cause disease or gene expression changes in mammals. Here we show dysregulation of >1000 genes in WaplΔ/+ embryonic mouse brains. The patterns of dysregulation are highly similar to Nipbl heterozygotes, suggesting that Wapl mutations may also cause disease in humans. Since WAPL and NIPBL have opposite effects on cohesin’s association with DNA, we asked whether a heterozygous Wapl mutation could correct phenotypes seen in Nipbl heterozygous mice. In fact, both gene expression and embryonic growth are partially corrected. Our data are consistent with the view that cohesin dynamics play a key role in regulating gene expression.
Comprehensive characterization of the transcriptional response to COVID-19 in multiple organs reveals shared signatures across tissues
Authors:   The COVID Tissue Atlas Consortium, Granados Alejandro A , Bucher Simon , Agrawal Aditi , Song Hanbing , Chen Ann T , Peng Tien , Neff Norma , Pisco Angela Oliveira , Huang Franklin , Wang Bruce
Published: June 2022

Infection by Coronavirus SARS-CoV2 is a severe and often deadly disease that has implications for the respiratory system and multiple organs across the human body. While the effects in the lung have been extensively studied, less is known about COVID-19’s cellular impact across other organs. Here we contribute a single-nuclei RNA sequencing atlas comprising six human organs across 20 autopsies where we analyzed the transcriptional changes due to COVID-19 in multiple cell types. Computational cross-organ analysis for endothelial cells and macrophages identified systemic transcriptional changes in these cell types in COVID-19 samples. In addition, analysis of signaling pathways from multiple datasets showed several systemic dysregulations of signaling interaction in different cell types. Altogether, the COVID Tissue Atlas enables the investigation of both cell type-specific and cross-organ transcriptional responses to COVID-19, providing insights into the molecular networks affected by the disease and highlighting novel potential targets for therapies and drug development.
Assortative mixing in micro-architecturally annotated brain connectomes
Authors: Bazinet Vincent , Hansen Justine Y. , Vos de Wael Reinder , Bernhardt Boris C. , van den Heuvel Martijn P. , Misic Bratislav
Published: June 2022

The wiring of the brain connects micro-architecturally diverse neuronal populations. The conventional graph model encodes macroscale brain connectivity as a network of nodes and edges, but abstracts away the rich biological detail of each regional node. Regions are different in terms of their microscale attributes, many of which are readily available through modern technological advances and data-sharing initiatives. How is macroscale connectivity related to nodal attributes? Here we investigate the systematic arrangement of white-matter connectivity with respect to multiple biological annotations. Namely, we formally study assortative mixing in annotated connectomes by quantifying the tendency for regions to be connected with each other based on the similarity of their micro-architectural attributes. We perform all experiments using four cortico-cortical connectome datasets from three different species (human, macaque and mouse), and consider a range of molecular, cellular and laminar annotations, including gene expression, neurotransmitter receptors, neuron density, laminar thickness and intracortical myelin. Importantly, we disentangle the relationship between neural wiring, regional heterogeneity and spatial embedding using spatial autocorrelation-preserving null models. We show that mixing between micro-architecturally diverse neuronal populations is supported by long-distance connections. Using meta-analytic decoding, we find that the arrangement of connectivity patterns with respect to biological annotations shape patterns of regional functional specialization. Specifically, regions that connect to biologically similar regions are associated with executive function; conversely, regions that connect with biologically dissimilar regions are associated with memory function. By bridging scales of cortical organization, from microscale attributes to macroscale connectivity, this work lays the foundation for next-generation annotated connectomics.
Demes: a standard format for demographic models
Authors: Gower Graham , Ragsdale Aaron P. , Bisschop Gertjan , Gutenkunst Ryan N. , Hartfield Matthew , Noskova Ekaterina , Schiffels Stephan , Struck Travis J. , Kelleher Jerome , Thornton Kevin R.
Published: June 2022

Understanding the demographic history of populations is a key goal in population genetics, and with improving methods and data, ever more complex models are being proposed and tested. Demographic models of current interest typically consist of a set of discrete populations, their sizes and growth rates, and continuous and pulse migrations between those populations over a number of epochs, which can require dozens of parameters to fully describe. There is currently no standard format to define such models, significantly hampering progress in the field. In particular, the important task of translating the model descriptions in published work into input suitable for population genetic simulators is labor intensive and error prone. We propose the Demes data model and file format, built on widely used technologies, to alleviate these issues. Demes provides a well-defined and unambiguous model of populations and their properties that is straightforward to implement in software, and a text file format that is designed for simplicity and clarity. We provide thoroughly tested implementations of Demes parsers in multiple languages including Python and C, and showcase initial support in several simulators and inference methods. An introduction to the file format and a detailed specification are available at:https://popsim-consortium.github.io/demes-spec-docs/.
Marine particle microbiomes during a spring diatom bloom contain active sulfate-reducing bacteria
Authors: Siebers R. , Schultz D. , Farza M. S. , Brauer A. , Zühlke D. , Mücke P. A , Wang F. , Bernhardt J. , Teeling H. , Becher D. , Riedel K. , Kirstein I. V. , Wiltshire K. H. , Hoff K.J. , Schweder T. , Urich T. , Bengtsson M. M.
Published: June 2022

Phytoplankton blooms fuel marine food webs with labile dissolved carbon, but also lead to the formation of particulate organic matter composed of living and dead algal cells. These particles contribute to carbon sequestration, yet are also sites of intense algal-bacterial interactions and provide diverse niches for microbes to thrive. We analyzed 16S and 18S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequences obtained from 51 time points and metaproteomes from 3 time points during a spring phytoplankton bloom in the North Sea. Particulate fractions larger than 10 µm diameter were collected at near daily intervals between early March and late May in 2018. Network analysis identified two major modules representing bacteria co-occurring with diatoms and with dinoflagellates, respectively. The diatom network module included known sulfate-reducingDesulfobacterotaas well as potentially sulfur-oxidizingEctothiorhodospiraceae. Metaproteome analyses confirmed presence of key enzymes involved in dissimilatory sulfate reduction, a process known to occur in sinking particles at greater depths. Our results indicate the presence of sufficiently anoxic niches in the particle fraction of an active phytoplankton bloom to sustain sulfate reduction, which may have implications for algal-bacterial interactions and carbon export during blooms.
Diffusion MR imaging in the cortical spinal tract of idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Frankó Edit , Joly Olivier , Coubard Olivier A. , Baudrillard Jean-Claude , Morin Christian , Rousié Dominique
Published: June 2022

Many studies have shown that idiopathic scoliosis is not only a deformity of the spine. It is often associated with neurological impairment without any macroscopic abnormality in the brain. In our previous diffusion MRI study, we demonstrated that children with right-thoracic idiopathic scoliosis had abnormal white matter microstructure of the crossing premotor fibres in the corpus callosum. Based on this, we hypothesized that similar microstructural changes could affect the main descending white matter tracts, the corticospinal tract.

We compared the fractional anisotropy values along the corticospinal tracts in ten patients with right-thoracic and ten patients with left-thoracic idiopathic scoliosis to 49 healthy controls.

We found abnormal left-right asymmetry of the fractional anisotropy values in scoliosis patients at the level of the pons. Whereas at upper levels the values were similar across all groups.

Our results suggest that abnormal sensorimotor integration at the level of the pons is associated with the development of idiopathic scoliosis.
Single nuclei transcriptomics of muscle reveals intra-muscular cell dynamics linked to dystrophin loss and rescue
Authors: Scripture-Adams Deirdre D. , Chesmore Kevin N. , Barthélémy Florian , Wang Richard T. , Nieves-Rodriguez Shirley , Wang Derek W. , Mokhonova Ekaterina I. , Douine Emilie D. , Wan Jijun , Little Isaiah , Rabichow Laura N. , Nelson Stanley F. , Miceli M. Carrie
Published: June 2022

In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, dystrophin loss leads to chronic muscle damage, dysregulation of repair, fibro-fatty replacement, and weakness. We develop methodology to efficiently isolate individual nuclei from frozen skeletal muscle, allowing single nuclei sequencing of irreplaceable archival samples from small samples. We apply this method to identify cell and gene expression dynamics within human DMD and mdx mouse muscle, characterizing treatment effects of dystrophin rescue by exon skipping therapy at single nuclei resolution. DMD exon 23 skipping events are directly observed and increased in myonuclei from treated mice. We describe partial rescue of type IIa and IIx myofibers, expansion of a novel MDSC-like myeloid population, recovery of repair/remodeling M2-macrophage, and repression of inflammatory POSTN1+ fibroblasts in response to exon skipping and partial dystrophin restoration. Use of this method enables exploration of cellular and transcriptomic mechanisms of dystrophin loss and repair.
SARS-CoV-2 Variant Spike and accessory gene mutations alter pathogenesis
Authors: McGrath M.E. , Xue Y. , Dillen C. , Oldfield L. , Assad-Garcia N. , Zaveri J. , Singh N. , Baracco L. , Taylor L. , Vashee S. , Frieman M.
Published: June 2022

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a major public health crisis. Despite the development and deployment of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, the pandemic persists. The continued spread of the virus is largely driven by the emergence of viral variants, which can evade the current vaccines through mutations in the Spike protein. Although these differences in Spike are important in terms of transmission and vaccine responses, these variants possess mutations in the other parts of their genome which may affect pathogenesis. Of particular interest to us are the mutations present in the accessory genes, which have been shown to contribute to pathogenesis in the host through innate immune signaling, among other effects on host machinery. To examine the effects of accessory protein mutations and other non-spike mutations on SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, we synthesized viruses where the WA1 Spike is replaced by each variant spike genes in a SARS-CoV-2/WA-1 infectious clone. We then characterized the in vitro and in vivo replication of these viruses and compared them to the full variant viruses. Our work has revealed that non-spike mutations in variants can contribute to replication of SARS-CoV-2 and pathogenesis in the host and can lead to attenuating phenotypes in circulating variants of concern. This work suggests that while Spike mutations may enhance receptor binding and entry into cells, mutations in accessory proteins may lead to less clinical disease, extended time toward knowing an infection exists in a person and thus increased time for transmission to occur.

Significance

A hallmark of the COVID19 pandemic has been the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants that have increased transmission and immune evasion. Each variant has a set of mutations that can be tracked by sequencing but little is known about their affect on pathogenesis. In this work we first identify accessory genes that are responsible for pathogenesis in vivo as well as identify the role of variant spike genes on replication and disease in mice. Isolating the role of Spike mutations in variants identifies the non-Spike mutations as key drivers of disease for each variant leading to the hypothesis that viral fitness depends on balancing increased Spike binding and immuno-evasion with attenuating phenotypes in other genes in the SARS-CoV-2 genome.
Estimating somatic mutation rates by Duplex Sequencing in non-model organisms: Daphnia magna as a case study
Authors: Sobel Eli , Coate Jeremy E. , Schaack Sarah
Published: June 2022

Somatic mutations are evolutionarily important as determinants of individual organismal fitness, as well as being a focus of clinical research on age-related disease, such as cancer. Identifying somatic mutations and quantifying mutation rates, however, is extremely challenging and genome-wide somatic mutation rates have only been reported for a few model organisms. Here, we describe the application of Duplex Sequencing on bottlenecked WGS libraries to quantify genome-wide somatic base substitution rates in Daphnia magna. Daphnia, historically an ecological model system, has more recently been the focus of mutation studies, in part because of its high germline mutation rates. Using our protocol and pipeline, we estimate a somatic mutation rate of 2.14 × 10−7 substitutions per site (in a genotype where the germline rate is 3.60 × 10−9 substitutions per site per generation). To obtain this estimate, we tested multiple dilution levels to maximize sequencing efficiency, and developed bioinformatic filters needed to minimize false positives when a high quality reference genome is not available. In addition to laying the groundwork for estimating genotypic variation in rates of somatic mutations within D. magna, we provide a framework for quantifying somatic mutations in other non-model systems, and also highlight recent innovations to single molecule sequencing that will help to further refine such estimates.
Deep Learning Based Registration of Serial Whole-slide Histopathology Images in Different Stains
Authors: Roy Mousumi , Wang Fusheng , Teodoro George , Bhattarai Shristi , Bhargava Mahak , Rekha T Subbanna , Aneja Ritu , Kong Jun
Published: June 2022

For routine pathology diagnosis and imaging based biomedical research, Whole-Slide Image (WSI) analyses have been largely limited to a 2D tissue image space. For a more definitive tissue representation to support fine-resolution spatial and integrative analyses, it is critical to extend such tissue based investigations to a 3D tissue space with spatially aligned serial tissue WSIs in different stains, such as Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) biomarkers. However, such WSI registration is technically challenged by the overwhelming image scale, the complex histology structure change, and the significant difference in tissue appearances in different stains. We propose a novel translation based deep learning registration network CycGANRegNet that spatially aligns serial WSIs stained in H&E and by IHC biomarkers without prior deformation information for the model training. First, synthetic IHC images are produced from H&E slides through a robust image synthesis algorithm. Next, the synthetic and the real IHC images are registered through a Fully Convolutional Network with multi-scaled deformable vector fields and a joint loss optimization. We perform the registration at the full image resolution, retaining the tissue details in the results. Evaluated with a dataset of 76 breast cancer patients with one H&E and two IHC serial WSIs for each patient, CycGANRegNet outperforms multiple state-of-the-art deep learning based and conventional pathology image registration methods. Our results suggest that CycGAN-RegNet can produce promising registration results with serial WSIs in different stains, enabling integrative 3D tissue-based biomedical investigations.
U1 snRNP suppresses microRNA biogenesis by alternative intronic polyadenylation in melanoma
Authors: Vorlova Sandra , Blahetek Gina , Barbieri Ruggero , Kerstan Yvonne , Rosa Annabelle , Bundalo Maja , Egg Manuel , Butt Elke , Henke Erik , Dölken Lars , Houben Roland , Schilling Bastian , Fischer Utz , Erhard Florian , Zernecke Alma
Published: June 2022

Activation of intronic polyadenylation signals results in premature cleavage and polyadenylation (PCPA). The majority of mammalian miRNAs are also located within intronic regions of protein-coding genes and are transcriptionally co-expressed with their host genes. Here we show that U1-dependent PCPA by telescripting dysregulates miRNA biogenesis. When U1 is reduced, miR-211 levels are decreased as a direct consequence of activation of a newly identified alternative intronic polyadenylation signal located upstream of miR-211 within its host gene TRPM1. Various melanoma cell lines revealed decreased U1 levels and a shift from full-length to truncated TRPM1 isoforms with concomitant decreased miR-211 expression. Modulation of TRPM1 alternative polyadenylation (APA) by morpholino oligonucleotides inhibits and potentially restores miR-211 expression to endogenous levels. This mechanism of intronic PCPA and its effects on miRNA biogenesis represents a previously unrecognized layer of gene expression regulation suitable for therapeutic modulation.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of Reduced Achilles Subtendons Relative Displacement on Healthy Elderly Walking: A Simulation Study
Authors: Khosrotabar Morteza , Aftabi Hamidreza , Karimpour Morad , Ahmadabadi Majid Nili
Published: June 2022

Walking in healthy elderly people is characterized by lower performance. Since conventional training programs have had limited success in improving gait performance, it is essential to identify underlying causes of walking deficits in healthy elderly adults. Recent studies have qualitatively shown that the decreased relative displacement of Achilles subtendons is likely the primary contributor to lower propulsion in the elderly’s walking by creating a higher dependency on their triceps-surae muscle functions. Due to the invasive nature of experimental investigations, in this study, we developed a computational model and analyzed the effects of reduced Achilles subtendons relative displacement on the total metabolic rate and muscles’ force profiles during normal walking. Our musculoskeletal simulations revealed a 17% increase in the total metabolic rate in elderly adults whose Achilles subtendons were restricted to have no relative displacement. Changing the restriction level resulted in significant changes in the force distribution of the plantar flexor muscles, notably, a 40% reduction in the Medial Gastrocnemius and a 124% increase in the Soleus forces during the propulsion phase of walking. Also, we quantitatively presented the higher dependency of triceps-surae muscle functions regarding the limitation on their corresponding Achilles subtendons’ relative displacement. The results of this study confirm the experimental observations and can be used as initial insight into devising novel rehabilitation training programs with the focus on improving Achilles subtendons relative displacement.
In silico investigation of cytochrome bc1 molecular inhibition mechanism against Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Muscat Stefano , Grasso Gianvito , Scapozza Leonardo , Danani Andrea
Published: June 2022

Chagas’ disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the kinetoplastid protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. The only therapies are the nitroheterocyclic chemicals nifurtimox and benznidazole that cause various adverse effects. The need to create safe and effective medications to improve medical care remains critical. The lack of verified T. cruzi therapeutic targets hinders medication research for Chagas’ disease. In this respect, cytochrome bc1 has been identified as a promising therapeutic target candidate for antibacterial medicines of medical and agricultural interest. Cytochrome bc1 belongs to the mitochondrial electron transport chain and transfers electrons from ubiquinol to cytochrome c1 by the action of two catalytic sites named Qi and Qo. The two binding sites are highly selective, and specific inhibitors exist for each site. Recent studies identified the Qi site of the cytochrome bc1 as a promising drug target against T. cruzi. However, a lack of knowledge of the drug mechanism of action unfortunately hinders the development of new therapies. In this context, knowing the cause of binding site selectivity and the mechanism of action of inhibitors and substrates is crucial for drug discovery and optimization processes. In this paper, we provide a detailed computational investigation of the Qi site of T. cruzi cytochrome b to shed light on the molecular mechanism of action of known inhibitors and substrates. Our study emphasizes the action of inhibitors at the Qi site on a highly unstructured portion of cytochrome b that could be related to the biological function of the electron transport chain complex.
Foxn1 overexpression promotes thymic epithelial progenitor cell proliferation and mTEC maintenance, but does not prevent thymic involution
Authors: Li Jie , Wachsmuth Lucas P. , Xiao Shiyun , Condie Brian G. , Manley Nancy R.
Published: June 2022

The transcription factor FOXN1 is essential for fetal thymic epithelial cell (TEC) differentiation and proliferation. In the postnatal thymus, Foxn1 levels vary widely between different TEC subsets, from low or undetectable in putative TEC progenitors to highest in the most differentiated TEC subsets. Correct Foxn1 expression is also required to maintain the postnatal microenvironment, as premature down-regulation of Foxn1 causes a rapid involution-like phenotype, while transgenic over-expression can cause thymic hyperplasia and/or delayed involution. In the current study, we investigated a K5.Foxn1 transgene that drives Foxn1 over-expression in TECs, but does not cause hyperplasia, nor does it delay or prevent aging-related involution. Similarly, this transgene cannot rescue thymus size in Foxn1lacZ/lacZ mice that undergo premature involution due to reduced Foxn1 levels. However, K5.Foxn1 transgenics do maintain TEC differentiation and cortico-medullary organization with aging both alone and in hypomorphic Foxn1lacZ/lacZ mice. Analysis of candidate TEC markers showed co-expression of progenitor and differentiation markers as well as increased proliferation in Plet-1+ TECs associated with Foxn1 expression. These results demonstrate that the functions of FOXN1 in promoting TEC proliferation and differentiation are separable and context-dependent, and suggest that modulating Foxn1 levels can regulate the balance of proliferation and differentiation in TEC progenitors.
To explain and to predict: analysis of opportunity recognition on the relationship between personal factors, environmental factors and entrepreneurs' performance
Authors: Alim Md. Abdul , Tan Kim-Lim , Jee Teck Weng , Voon Boo Ho , Hossain Md. Julhaz , Mia Md. Uzzal
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper focuses on the factors that affect entrepreneurs' performance in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the context of a developing nation. Despite the advances in this literature, examination of opportunity recognition in the same model with personal factors and environmental factors on entrepreneurs' performance is lacking.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative survey was carried out and the data sample of 198 SMEs entrepreneurs in Bangladesh was collected using quota sampling technique. Partial least squares-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The study found that the direct effect of personal and environmental factors significantly influences entrepreneurs' performance and opportunity recognition, and opportunity recognition significantly influences entrepreneurs' performance. The results further indicated that opportunity recognition mediates the relationships between environmental factors and entrepreneurs' performance, but not on the relationships between personal factors and entrepreneurs' performance.

Practical implications

The findings from the study guide SMEs entrepreneurs' performance by utilizing the opportunity recognition more efficiently and effectively. The study further enhances practitioners' understanding of the drivers and motivations of entrepreneurs within a developing nation context.

Originality/value

Although some previous studies already exist that discuss SMEs entrepreneurs' performance, there have been few studies focusing on opportunity recognition and mediation role of opportunity recognition, and far lesser in the context of a developing nation.
Opening up to innovation: emotional intelligence as an intrapersonal resource
Authors: Winton Bradley G. , Sabol Misty A.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

There is no innovation without ideas. More than ever before, these ideas are increasingly difficult to express in a changing environment ripe with emotions. Today's organizations need to understand why their employees may or may not develop, voice and implement innovative ideas in the face of this emotional tension. Current literature focuses on external factors that empower employees to innovate. This research attempts to shift the focus to the individual by investigating the relationship between emotional intelligence, openness to experience and innovation voicing behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a quantitative survey among 288 US-based workers to test a mediated model of emotional intelligence, openness to experience and innovation-focused promotive voice. The authors assessed both the measurement and structural models through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), while controlling for a range of variables with the potential to confound construct measurements.

Findings

The findings validated the positive effect of emotional intelligence on openness to experience, while also finding a significant impact of openness to experience on innovation-focused promotive voice. More importantly, evidence suggests that openness to experience mediates the relationship between emotional intelligence and innovation focused promotive voice.

Originality/value

These findings shed new light on why employees might start the innovation process by developing and, ultimately, voicing innovative ideas. Further, this new insight focuses on the impact of intrapersonal factors as it relates to innovation and attempts to fill a gap in what is known about innovative behavior.
Study of the slipper/swash plate pair loaded with a step motor-spring mechanism in the axial piston pump
Authors: Wang Haiji , Shi Guanglin
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to propose the slipper/swash plate pair loaded with a step motor-spring mechanism to reduce the energy consumption under different rotating rate conditions. The relationship between the operating conditions, oil film thickness and energy consumption is analyzed. The system dynamic model of the slipper/swash plate pair loaded with a step motor-spring mechanism is introduced. Based on the results of the experiment, the PI controller and step motor-spring mechanism are useful for reducing energy consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces the energy consumption of the slipper/swash plate pair. A system dynamic model of the slipper/swash plate pair loaded with a step motor-spring mechanism is introduced too. In the experiment, three step motor and S-type force sensor are used to control the oil film thickness.

Findings

PI controller and the step motor-spring mechanism are useful for controlling the oil film thickness and reducing the energy consumption under different rotating rate conditions. The accuracy of the oil film thickness control is acceptable and the response time is a bit long

Originality/value

PI controller and the step motor-spring mechanism are useful for controlling the oil film thickness and reducing the energy consumption under different rotating rate conditions. The accuracy of the oil film thickness control is acceptable and the response time is a bit long.
Mapping data ethics curricula
Authors: Reeve Jonathan , Zaugg Isabelle , Zheng Tian
Published: June 2022

Purpose

As data-driven tools increasingly shape our life and tech ethics crises become strikingly frequent, data ethics coursework is urgently needed. The purpose of this study is to map the field of data ethics curricula, tracking relations between courses, instructors, texts and writers, and present a proof-of-concept interactive website for exploring these relations. This method is designed to be used in curricular research and development and provides multiple vantage points on this multidisciplinary field.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use data science methods to foster insights about the field of data ethics education and literature. The authors present a semantic, linked open data graph in the Resource Description Framework, along with proof-of-concept analyses and an exploratory website. Its framework is open-source and language-agnostic, providing the seed for future contributions of code, syllabi and resources from the global data ethics community.

Findings

This method provides a convenient means of exploring an overview of the field of data ethics’ social and textual relations. For educators designing or refining a course, the authors provide a method for curricular introspection and discovery of transdisciplinary curricula.

Research limitations/implications

The syllabi the authors have collected are self-selected and represent only a subset of the field. Furthermore, this method exclusively represents a course’s assigned literature rather than a holistic view of what courses teach. The authors present a prototype rather than a finished product.

Originality/value

This curricular survey provides a new way of modeling a field of study, using existing ontologies to organize graph data into a comprehensible overview. This framework may be repurposed to map the institutional knowledge structures of other disciplines, as well.
A three-stage grey evaluation method for assessing the performance of interdisciplinary organizations
Authors: Yi Yang , Zhu Jianjun , Tong Huagang
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study constructs a three-stage evaluation model for interdisciplinary organizations to solve their ranking problems effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-stage interdisciplinary organization evaluation model abounds the key problems of “who will evaluate the projects?” and “how to evaluate the projects?”. In the first stage, the authors build a consensus maximization model to identify the selected experts based on the interval grey number because of the uncertainty in assessment. In the second stage, considering the reliability of the experts, the authors calculate the reliability of the experts based on historical data. Meanwhile, considering the gradual changes of the experts, the dynamic weighting method is obtained based on the clustering method. In the third stage, considering decision-makers regret psychological behavior, the authors construct a cross-organizational performance evaluation model based on consensus expectations.

Findings

First, for selecting the experts responsible for assessing interdisciplinary organizations, the consensus-reaching method can effectively avoid cognitive bias. Second, during the assessment, the authors obtained more reasonable results by considering the psychological changes of experts based on regret theory. Third, based on the results, the cross-organization of colleges focused on the achievements of talent training, cross effects, and system construction.

Practical implications

Our study could help organizations establish a suitable assessment mechanism and promote interdisciplinary development.

Originality/value

First, considering the importance of selecting the experts, the authors use the consensus-reaching process for expert selection. This method could guarantee most experts' preferences. Then, the authors propose a two-stage dynamic weighting method, including a pre-determined and adjusted process. The dynamic method can better perform the preferences of experts. Third, the authors studied the assessment in interdiscipline. In addition, based on the framework and considering the features of the interdiscipline, the authors use the grey number to perform the uncertain preferences of the experts using regret theory.
Does visual attention help? Towards better understanding and predicting users’ good abandonment behavior in mobile search
Authors: Wu Dan , Zhang Shutian
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Good abandonment behavior refers to users obtaining direct answers via search engine results pages (SERPs) without clicking any search result, which occurs commonly in mobile search. This study aims to better understand users' good abandonment behavior and perception, and then construct a good abandonment prediction model for mobile search with improved performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, an in situ user mobile search experiment (N = 43) and a crowdsourcing survey (N = 1,379) were conducted. Good abandonment behavior was analyzed from a quantitative perspective, exploring users' search behavior characteristics from four aspects: session and query, SERPs, gestures and eye-tracking data.

Findings

Users show less engagement with SERPs in good abandonment, spending less time and using fewer gestures, and they pay more visual attention to answer-like results. It was also found that good abandonment behavior is often related to users' perceived difficulty of the searching tasks and trustworthiness in the search engine. A good abandonment prediction model in mobile search was constructed with a high accuracy (97.14%).

Originality/value

This study is the first to explore eye-tracking characteristics of users' good abandonment behavior in mobile search, and to explore users' perception of their good abandonment behavior. Visual attention features are introduced into good abandonment prediction in mobile search for the first time and proved to be important predictors in the proposed model.
Biological Flora of Britain and Ireland:Knautia arvensis
Authors: Varga Sandra , Soulsbury Carl D. , John Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2022

This account presents information on all aspects of the biology ofKnautia arvensis(L.) Coult. (Field Scabious) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of theBiological Flora of Britain and Ireland: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history and conservation.

Knautia arvensisis a perennial hemicryptophyte, with a tap root system, and bluish‐lilac inflorescences. It is native in Britain. It occurs predominantly on well‐drained to moderately dry soils such as dry grassy fields, pastures, roadsides and dry hedge banks. It has a vast Eurasian native distribution.

Reproduction occurs through the production of seeds and rhizomes, thoughK. arvensispossesses very limited clonal growth. It has a gynodioecious breeding system. Flowers are nectariferous and insect pollinated, showing sexual dimorphism in several traits. The hermaphroditic flowers are protandrous and self‐compatible. Flowers are mainly pollinated by butterflies (Lepidoptera), Hymenoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera.

Knautiais a genus noteworthy for its high occurrence of hybridisation and polyploidy.Knautia arvensishas the widest distribution within the genus, and hybridisation both within members of the same group and with taxa of other groups is frequently reported.

Although declining in natural habitats within England,K. arvensisis increasingly being sown within wildflower seed mixtures used in restoration schemes across the country, as it is a late flowering species that provides a good source of nectar for pollinators.
Thomas Sinclair and the Political Representation of Presbyteria 1892–1912
Authors: Holmes Richard
Published: June 2022

Thomas Sinclair was a Belfast merchant who exercised a crucial influence on the formation of Ulster Unionism in the period 1886–1912. He had been a leading Presbyterian Liberal; but on Gladstone's conversion to Irish home rule became president of the Liberal Unionists, and worked over the next decades to secure the alliance of Presbyterian Liberals and Conservatives to resist home rule. This article will consider the extent to which a Presbyterian Liberal element remained within this unionist alliance by examining a series of elections, in which former Liberals challenged the policy of Thomas Sinclair and the unionist candidates he backed. It will focus on two pressure groups, the Presbyterian Unionist Voters Association (PUVA) and the Russellites, on the links between them, and on the role of one‐time Liberal Unionist MP, T.W. Russell.
Impacts and Opportunities at the Climate–Land Use–Energy–Water Interface: An Urgent Call for Dialogue
Authors: Jacobs Kathy , Holway Jim , Hanak Ellen , Quay Ray , Sternlieb Faith , Udall Brad
Published: June 2022

Historically, managers of land, energy, and water systems have not recognized the importance of the collective interconnections of these systems. It is simpler to think about these intersections as two‐dimensional rather than multi‐dimensional puzzles. However, in the context of climate change, the multiple intersections between systems need to be examined. Failure to consider those connections can result in under‐appreciated risks, missed opportunities, and costly mistakes. Additionally, issues have different implications over time and spatial scales, and when considered in local contexts, are more nuanced and complex. Recent events also emphasize the critical need to consider social and environmental justice and to engage a range of interests in decision‐making processes. As policy makers, resource managers, and researchers, we must ask ourselves the tough questions that will lead to innovation and creative solutions. Questions about the potential unintended consequences and the political, social, economic, natural and/or ecological, hydrological, and technical feasibility of actually implementing solutions have largely gone unanswered. We call on our colleagues to work together on these challenges; to develop and use integrated tools like scenario planning and anticipatory decision frameworks; and collaborate on creating a “virtuous intersection.” Join us in analyzing and implementing policy at the climate–land–energy–water interface.
A single‐center COVID‐19 vaccine experience with CoronaVac and BNT162b2 in familial Mediterranean fever patients
Authors: Güven Serdar Can , Karakaş Özlem , Atalar Ebru , Konak Hatice Ecem , Akyüz Dağlı Pınar , Kayacan Erdoğan Esra , Armağan Berkan , Gök Kevser , Doğan İsmail , Maraş Yüksel , Erden Abdulsamet , Erten Şükran , Küçükşahin Orhan , Omma Ahmet
Published: June 2022

Aim

To determine frequency of adverse events and attacks related to vaccination in recipients of CoronaVac and BNT162b2 in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients, and to search whether history of prior COVID‐19 or a booster dose increases occurrence of adverse events/attacks.

Methods

FMF patients were surveyed for administration of any COVID‐19 vaccine and vaccine‐related adverse events or FMF attacks. Demographic, clinical, vaccine‐related data, history of COVID‐19 infection before or after vaccination, adherence to FMF treatment during vaccination were collected.

Results

A total of 161 vaccinated FMF patients were included. Ninety‐three patients out of 161 had reported suffering from an adverse event/attack after a vaccine dose. There were 54.7% of BNT162b2 recipients who reported any adverse event after any vaccine dose in comparison to 29.9% of CoronaVac recipients (P < .001). There were 22.2% of BNT162b2 recipients who reported suffering from a FMF attack within 1 month after vaccination in comparison to 19.4% of CoronaVac recipients (P = .653). When patients with or without adverse event/attack were compared, no significant differences were observed in means of demographics, comorbid diseases, disease duration, total vaccine doses, or treatments adhered to for FMF. Rates of adverse events/attacks were similar between patients with and without prior COVID‐19. In booster recipients, adverse events/attacks were most frequent after the booster dose.

Conclusions

A considerable number of FMF patients suffered from vaccine‐related adverse events/attacks, particularly with BNT162b2. No serious events or mortalities due to vaccination were detected. Demographics, clinical characteristics and prior history of vaccination did not significantly affect these results. We observed an increased rate of adverse events/attacks with booster dose administration.