bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Functionalized Self-Bonding MXene for Minimal-invasive Jet-injected Neural Interface and Tissue Healing
Authors: Sha Baoning , Zhao Shengzhuo , Gu Minling , Zhao Guannan , Wang Liping , Bi Guo-Qiang , Du Zhanhong
Published: October 2021

Implantable central and peripheral neural interfaces have great potential in treating various nerve injuries and diseases. Still, limitations of surgery trauma, handling inconvenience, and biocompatibility issues of available materials and techniques significantly hinder the peripheral nerve interface for research and clinical purposes. MXenes have great potential as bioelectronics materials for excellent hydrophilicity, conductivity, and biocompatibility. However, their application in bioelectronic interface has been limited due to the poor oxidation stability and fast tissue clearance. Here, we developed a minimal-invasive jet-injected neural interface using MXene nanosheets with strong redox stability, tissue adhesion, conductivity, and good self-bonding properties. We also develop a minimal-invasive jet injector to implant the optimized MXene suspension into the damaged sciatic nerve and establish a neural interface through tissue adhesion and self-bonding. We use this neural interface to promote nerve regeneration and perform electrophysiology recording on moving mice. We prove that the nanosheets can mitigate cellular inflammation, promote tissue healing, and record high-quality electrophysiology signals for predicting joint movement. Thus, our material and implantation strategy together form a novel minimal-invasive neural interface, facilitating the collection and analysis of large-scale living body data to solve the challenge of neurological diseases of the peripheral or even the central nervous system.
Profiling of Nascent Lariat Intermediates Reveals Key Genetic Determinants of the Timing of Human Co-transcriptional Splicing
Authors: Zeng Yi , Zeng Huilin , Fair Benjamin J , Krishnamohan Aiswarya , Hou Yichen , Hall Johnathon M , Ruthenburg Alexander J , Li Yang I , Staley Jonathan P
Published: October 2021

As splicing is intimately coupled with transcription, understanding splicing mechanisms requires an understanding of splicing timing, which is currently limited. Here, we developed CoLa-seq (co-transcriptionallariatsequencing), a genomic assay that reports splicing timing relative to transcription through analysis of nascent lariat intermediates. In human cells, we mapped 165,282 branch points and characterized splicing timing for over 70,000 introns. Splicing timing varies dramatically across introns, with regulated introns splicing later than constitutive introns. Machine learning-based modeling revealed genetic elements predictive of splicing timing, notably the polypyrimidine tract, intron length, and regional GC content, which illustrate the significance of the broader genomic context of an intron and the impact of co-transcriptional splicing. The importance of the splicing factor U2AF in early splicing rationalizes surprising observations that most introns can splice independent of exon definition. Together, these findings establish a critical framework for investigating the mechanisms and regulation of co-transcriptional splicing.

Highlights

CoLa-seq enables cell-type specific, genome-wide branch point annotation with unprecedented efficiency.

CoLa-seq captures co-transcriptional splicing for tens of thousands of introns and reveals splicing timing varies dramatically across introns.

Modeling uncovers key genetic determinants of splicing timing, most notably regional GC content, intron length, and the polypyrimidine tract, the binding site for U2AF2.

Early splicing precedes transcription of a downstream 5’ SS and in some cases accessibility of the upstream 3’ SS, precluding exon definition.
Negative catalysis by the editing domain of class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases
Authors: Zivkovic Igor , Ivkovic Kate , Cvetesic Nevena , Gruic-Sovulj Ita
Published: October 2021

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARS) translate the genetic code by loading tRNAs with the cognate amino acids. The errors in amino acid recognition are cleared at the AARS editing domain through hydrolysis of misaminoacyl-tRNAs. This ensures faithful protein synthesis and cellular fitness. Using Escherichia coli isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase (IleRS) as a model enzyme, we demonstrated that the class I editing domain clears the non-cognate amino acids well-discriminated at the synthetic site with the same rates as the weakly-discriminated fidelity threats. This unveiled low selectivity suggests that evolutionary pressure to optimize the rates against the amino acids that jeopardize translational fidelity did not shape the editing site. Instead, we propose that editing was shaped to safeguard cognate aminoacyl-tRNAs against hydrolysis. Misediting is prevented by the residues that promote negative catalysis through destabilisation of the transition state comprising cognate amino acid. Such powerful design allows broad substrate acceptance of the editing domain along with its exquisite specificity in the cognate aminoacyl-tRNA rejection. Editing proceeds by direct substrate delivery to the editing domain (in cis pathway). However, we found that class I IleRS also releases misaminoacyl-tRNAIle and edits it in trans. This minor editing pathway was up to now recognized only for class II AARSs.
Increased Functional Connectivity Characterises the Prodromal Phase of the Migraine Cycle
Authors: Stankewitz Anne , Mayr Astrid , Schulz Enrico
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Episodic migraine is reflected by cyclic changes in behaviour and cortical processing. We aimed to identify how Functional connectivities change over the entire migraine cycle.

Methods

By using longitudinal neuroimaging and a whole-brain connectivity analysis approach, we tested 12 episodic migraine patients across 82 FMRI recordings during spontaneous headache attacks with Follow-up measurements over the pain-free interval without any external stimulation.

Results

We Found that Functional connectivities linearly increased over the interictal interval. In the prodromal phase, we observed the strongest connections between the anterior agranular insula and the posterior orbitofrontal cortex with sensory, motor, and cingulate areas. The strengths of the connections dropped during the headache. Peak connectivity during the prodromal phase and its collapse during the headache can be regarded as a mechanism of normalising cortical processing.

Conclusions

The strongest connections during the ictal phase of the migraine cycle may contribute to the variety of symptoms of migraine attacks including headache, sensory hypersensitivity, and autonomous symptoms. We speculate about a malfunction at the molecular level in agranular frontal and insular regions, which needs to be addressed in subsequent studies.

Article highlights

We investigated functional connectivities over an entire migraine cycle.

We found cycle-related connectivity changes for two proximate agranular regions.

The prodromal increase and the collapse of connectivity during the headache may reflect normalising cortical processing.
Impact of walking speed and motion adaptation on optokinetic nystagmus-like head movements in the blowfly Calliphora
Authors: Longden Kit D. , Schützenberger Anna , Hardcastle Ben J. , Krapp Holger G.
Published: October 2021

The optokinetic nystagmus is a gaze-stabilizing mechanism reducing motion blur by rapid eye rotations against the direction of visual motion, followed by slower syndirectional eye movements minimizing retinal slip speed. Flies control their gaze through head turns controlled by neck motor neurons receiving input directly, or via descending neurons, from well-characterized directional-selective interneurons sensitive to visual wide-field motion. Locomotion increases the gain and speed sensitivity of these interneurons, while visual motion adaptation in walking animals has the opposite effects. To find out whether flies perform an optokinetic nystagmus, and how it may be affected by locomotion and visual motion adaptation, we recorded head movements of blowflies on a trackball stimulated by progressive and rotational visual motion. Flies flexibly responded to rotational stimuli with optokinetic nystagmus-like head movements, independent of their locomotor state. The temporal frequency tuning of these movements, though matching that of the upstream directional-selective interneurons, was only mildly modulated by walking speed or visual motion adaptation. Our results suggest flies flexibly control their gaze to compensate for rotational wide-field motion by a mechanism similar to an optokinetic nystagmus. Surprisingly, the mechanism is less state-dependent than the response properties of directional-selective interneurons providing input to the neck motor system.
Rac1 signaling in microglia is essential for synaptic proteome plasticity and experience-dependent cognitive performance
Authors: Socodato Renato , Almeida Tiago O. , Portugal Camila C. , Santos Evelyn C. S. , Tedim-Moreira Joana , Canedo Teresa , Baptista Filipa I. , Magalhães Ana , Ambrósio António F. , Brakebusch Cord , Rubinstein Boris , Moreira Irina S. , Summavielle Teresa , Pinto Inês Mendes , Relvas João B.
Published: October 2021

Microglial homeostatic functions are fundamental to regulate the central nervous system microenvironment. We use conditional cell-specific gene targeting, RNA-seq profiling, high-throughput proteomics, phosphoproteomics, systems biology, and animal behavior to report a critical role for the RhoGTPase Rac1 in regulating adult microglia physiology. Ablation of Rac1 in adult microglia impaired their ability to sense and interpret the brain microenvironment and affected their capacity to communicate with synapses to drive cognitive performance, both at the steady-state and during experience-dependent plasticity. Overall, our results reveal a novel and central role for Rac1 as a regulator of microglia homeostasis and a molecular driver of the microglia-synapse crosstalk required for context-dependent sociability and learning related to memory.
Nuclear DNA-encoded fragments of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) confound analysis of selection of mtDNA mutations in human primordial germ cells
Authors: Fleischmann Zoë , Annis Sofia , Franco Melissa , Oreshkov Sergey , Popadin Konstantin , Woods Dori C. , Tilly Jonathan L. , Khrapko Konstantin
Published: October 2021

The resilience of the mitochondrial genome to a high mutational pressure depends, in part, on purifying selection against detrimental mutations in the germline. It is crucial to understand the mechanisms of this process. Recently, Floros et al. concluded that much of the purifying selection takes place during the proliferation of primordial germ cells (PGCs) because, according to their analysis, the synonymity of mutations in late PGCs was seemingly increased compared to those in early PGCs. We re-analyzed the Floros et al. mutational data and discovered a high proportion of sequence variants that are not true mutations, but originate from NUMTs, the latter of which are segments of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) inserted into nuclear DNA, up to millions of years ago. This is a well-known artifact in mtDNA mutational analysis. Removal of these artifacts from the Floros et al. dataset abolishes the reported effect of purifying selection in PGCs. We therefore conclude that the mechanism of germline selection of mtDNA mutations remains open for debate, and more research is needed to fully elucidate the timing and nature of this process.
Genome-wide association study of open field behavior in outbred heterogeneous stock rats identifies multiple loci implicated in psychiatric disorders
Authors: Gunturkun Mustafa Hakan , Wang Tengfei , Chitre Apurva S. , Martinez Angel Garcia , Holl Katie , St. Pierre Celine , Bimschleger Hannah , Gao Jianjun , Cheng Riyan , Polesskaya Oksana , Solberg-Woods Leah C. , Palmer Abraham A. , Chen Hao
Published: October 2021

Many personality traits are influenced by genetic factors. Rodents models provide an efficient system for analyzing genetic contribution to these traits. Using 1,246 adolescent heterogeneous stock (HS) male and female rats, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of behaviors measured in an open field, including locomotion, novel object interaction, and social interaction. We identified 30 genome-wide significant quantitative trait loci (QTL). Using multiple criteria, including the presence of high impact genomic variants and co-localization of cis-eQTL, we identified 13 candidate genes (Adarb2, Ankrd26, Cacna1c, Clock, Crhr1, Ctu2, Cyp26b1, Eva1a, Fam114a1, Kcnj9, Mlf2, Rab27b, Sec11a) for these traits. Most of these genes have been implicated by human GWAS of various psychiatric traits. For example, Cacna1c, a gene known to be critical for social behavior in rodents and implicated in human schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, is a candidate gene for distance to the social zone. In addition, the QTL region for total distance to the novel object zone, on Chr1 at 144 Mb, is syntenic to a hotspot on human Chr15 (82.5-90.8 Mb) that contains 14 genes associated with psychiatric or substance abuse traits. Although some of the genes identified by this study appear to replicate findings from prior human GWAS, others likely represent novel findings that can be the catalyst for future molecular and genetic insights into human psychiatric diseases. Together, these findings provide strong support for the use of the HS population to study psychiatric disorders.
Genetic architecture underlying variation in floral meristem termination in Aquilegia
Authors: Min Ya , Ballerini Evangeline S. , Edwards Molly B. , Hodges Scott A. , Kramer Elena M.
Published: October 2021

Floral organs are produced by floral meristems (FMs), which harbor stem cells in their centers. Since each flower only has a finite number of organs, the stem cell activity of a FM will always terminate at a specific time point, a process termed floral meristem termination (FMT). Variation in the timing of FMT can give rise to floral morphological diversity, but how this process is fine-tuned at a developmental and evolutionary level is poorly understood. Flowers from the genus Aquilegia share identical floral organ arrangement except for stamen whorl numbers (SWN), making Aquilegia a well-suited system for investigation of this process: differences in SWN between species represent differences in the timing of FMT. By crossing A. canadensis and A. brevistyla, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping has revealed a complex genetic architecture with seven QTL. We identified potential candidate genes under each QTL and characterized novel expression patterns of select candidate genes using in situ hybridization. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to dissect the genetic basis of how natural variation in the timing of FMT is regulated and our results provide insight into how floral morphological diversity can be generated at the meristematic level.
Language experience predicts music processing in ½ million speakers of 54 languages
Authors: Liu Jingxuan , Hilton Courtney B. , Bergelson Elika , Mehr Samuel A.
Published: October 2021

Tonal languages differ from other languages in their use of pitch (tones) to distinguish words. Lifelong experience speaking and hearing tonal languages has been argued to shape auditory processing in ways that generalize beyond the perception oflinguisticpitch to the perception of pitch in other domains like music. To examine this, we first conducted a meta-analysis, finding moderate evidence for this idea, but in studies strongly limited by mostly small sample sizes in only a few tonal languages and countries. This makes it challenging to disentangle the effects of linguistic experience from variability in music training experience, cultural differences, and other potential confounds. To address these issues, we used web-based citizen science to test this question on a global scale. We assessed music perception skill inn= 34, 034 native speakers of 19 tonal languages (e.g., Mandarin, Yoruba) and compared their performance ton= 459, 066 native speakers of other languages, including 6 pitch-accented (e.g., Japanese) and 29 non-tonal languages (e.g., Hungarian). Whether or not participants had taken music lessons, native speakers of all 19 tonal languages had an improved ability to discriminate musical melodies. But this improvement came with a trade-off: relative to speakers of pitch-accented or non-tonal languages, tonal language speakers were also worse at processing the musical beat. These results, which held across tonal languages from a variety of geographic regions and were robust to geographic and demographic variation, demonstrate that linguistic experience shapes music perception ability, with implications for relations between music, language, and culture in the human mind.
Impacts of vaccination and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 variants Alpha and Delta on Coronavirus Disease 2019 transmission dynamics in four metropolitan areas of the United States
Authors: Mallela Abhishek , Chen Ye , Lin Yen Ting , Miller Ely F. , Neumann Jacob , He Zhili , Nelson Kathryn E. , Posner Richard G. , Hlavacek William S.
Published: October 2021

To characterize Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission dynamics in each of the metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) surrounding Dallas, Houston, New York City, and Phoenix in 2020 and 2021, we extended a previously reported compartmental model accounting for effects of multiple distinct periods of non-pharmaceutical interventions by adding consideration of vaccination and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants Alpha (lineage B.1.1.7) and Delta (lineage B.1.617.2). For each MSA, we found region-specific parameterizations of the model using daily reports of new COVID-19 cases available from January 21, 2020 to October 31, 2021. In the process, we obtained estimates of the relative infectiousness of Alpha and Delta as well as their takeoff times in each MSA (the times at which sustained transmission began). The estimated infectiousness of Alpha ranged from 1.1x to 1.4x that of viral strains circulating in 2020 and early 2021. The estimated relative infectiousness of Delta was higher in all cases, ranging from 1.6x to 2.1x. The estimated Alpha takeoff times ranged from February 1 to February 28, 2021. The estimated Delta takeoff times ranged from June 2 to June 26, 2021. Estimated takeoff times are consistent with genomic surveillance data.

One-Sentence Summary

Using a compartmental model parameterized to reproduce available reports of new Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, we quantified the impacts of vaccination and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants Alpha (lineage B.1.1.7) and Delta (lineage B.1.617.2) on regional epidemics in the metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) surrounding Dallas, Houston, New York City, and Phoenix.
On the prediction of human intelligence from neuroimaging: A systematic review of methods and reporting
Authors: Vieira Bruno Hebling , Pedro Pamplona Gustavo Santo , Fachinello Karim , Silva Alice Kamensek , Foss Maria Paula , Garrido Salmon Carlos Ernesto
Published: October 2021

Human intelligence is one of the main objects of study in cognitive neuroscience. Reviews and meta-analyses have proved to be fundamental to establish and cement neuroscientific theories on intelligence. The prediction of intelligence using in vivo neuroimaging data and machine learning has become a widely accepted and replicated result. Here, we present a systematic review of this growing area of research, based on studies that employ structural, functional, and/or diffusion MRI to predict human intelligence in cognitively normal subjects using machine-learning. We performed a systematic assessment of methodological and reporting quality, using the PROBAST and TRIPOD assessment forms and 30 studies identified through a systematic search. We observed that fMRI is the most employed modality, resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) is the most studied predictor, and the Human Connectome Project is the most employed dataset. A meta-analysis revealed a significant difference between the performance obtained in the prediction of general and fluid intelligence from fMRI data, confirming that the quality of measurement moderates this association. The expected performance of studies predicting general intelligence from fMRI was estimated to be r = 0.42 (CI95% = [0.35, 0.50]) while for studies predicting fluid intelligence obtained from a single test, expected performance was estimated as r = 0.15 (CI95% = [0.13, 0.17]). We further enumerate some virtues and pitfalls we identified in the methods for the assessment of intelligence and machine learning. The lack of treatment of confounder variables, including kinship, and small sample sizes were two common occurrences in the literature which increased risk of bias. Reporting quality was fair across studies, although reporting of results and discussion could be vastly improved. We conclude that the current literature on the prediction of intelligence from neuroimaging data is reaching maturity. Performance has been reliably demonstrated, although extending findings to new populations is imperative. Current results could be used by future works to foment new theories on the biological basis of intelligence differences.
Single-Cell Analysis of Human Testis Aging, and Impact of Elevated Body Mass Index
Authors: Nie Xichen , Munyoki Sarah K. , Sukhwani Meena , Schmid Nina , Missel Annika , Emery Benjamin R. , Connect Donor , Stukenborg Jan-Bernd , Mayerhofer Artur , Orwig Kyle E. , Aston Kenneth I. , Hotaling James M. , Cairns Bradley R. , Guo Jingtao
Published: October 2021

Aging human males display reduced reproductive health, however testis aging is poorly understood at the molecular and genomic level. Here, we utilized single-cell RNA-seq to profile over 44,000 cells from both young and older men (>60 years old) – and examined age-related changes in germline development and in the somatic niche. Interestingly, age-related changes in spermatogonial stem cells appeared modest, whereas age-related dysregulation of spermatogenesis and the somatic niche ranged from moderate to severe. Altered pathways included signaling and inflammation in multiple cell types, metabolic signaling in Sertoli cells, hedgehog signaling and testosterone production in Leydig cells, cell death and growth in testicular peritubular cells, and possible developmental regression in both Leydig and peritubular cells. Remarkably, the extent of dysregulation correlated with body mass index in older, but not younger men. Taken together, we reveal candidate molecular mechanisms underlying the complex testicular changes conferred by aging, and their exacerbation by concurrent chronic conditions such as obesity.
Influence of DNA extraction kits on freshwater fungal DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Matsuoka Shunsuke , Sugiyama Yoriko , Nagano Mariko , Doi Hideyuki
Published: October 2021

Background

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is a common technique for efficient biodiversity monitoring, especially of microbes. Recently, the usefulness of aquatic eDNA in monitoring the diversity of both terrestrial and aquatic fungi has been suggested. In eDNA studies, different experimental factors, such as DNA extraction kits or methods, can affect the subsequent analyses and the results of DNA metabarcoding. However, few methodological studies have been carried out on eDNA of fungi, and little is known about how experimental procedures can affect the results of biodiversity analysis. In this study, we focused on the effect of DNA extraction method on fungal DNA metabarcoding using freshwater samples obtained from rivers and lakes.

Methods

DNA was extracted from freshwater samples using the DNeasy PowerSoil kit, which is mainly used to extract microbial DNA from soil, and the DNeasy Blood & Tissue kit, which is commonly used for eDNA studies on animals. We then compared PCR inhibition and fungal DNA metabarcoding results; i.e., operational taxonomic unit (OTU) number and composition of the extracted samples.

Results

No PCR inhibition was detected in any of the samples, and no significant differences in the number of OTUs and OTU compositions were detected between the samples processed using different kits. These results indicate that both DNA extraction kits may provide similar diversity results for the river and lake samples evaluated in this study. Therefore, it may be possible to evaluate the diversity of fungi using a unified experimental method, even with samples obtained for diversity studies on other taxa such as those of animals.
Trait-based mechanistic approach highlights global patterns and losses of herbivore biomass functional diversity
Authors: Berzaghi Fabio , Zhu Dan , Alroy John , Ciais Philippe
Published: October 2021

Mammalian herbivores strongly shape Earth system processes. A lack of global dynamic models of mammal populations limits our understanding of their ecological role at large scales and the consequences of their extinctions. We developed a mechanistic global model of terrestrial herbivore populations simulated with 37 functional groups defined by analyzing eco-physiological traits of all extant herbivores (n = 2599). We coupled this model with a global vegetation model to predict herbivores’ biomass maximum potential (pre-industrial) and at present. Natural ecosystems could have sustained a wild herbivore wet biomass of 330 Mt, comprised of 192 Mt by large (body mass > 5 kg) and 138 Mt by small species. Anthropogenic activity reduced large herbivores biomass by 57%, estimated now at 82 Mt; consequently, small herbivores now dominate global herbivore biomass with 98 Mt (-29%). Losses vary greatly across climatic zones and functional groups, suggesting that size is not the only discriminant feature of biomass decline. Actual evapotranspiration is the most important driver of total, large, and small herbivore biomass and explains 64%, 59%, and 49% of its variation, respectively. Energy and water dependency is high for large herbivores, whose biomass is greater in hot and wet areas, challenging the notion that large herbivore biomass peaks in savannas only. Outside Africa and the Tropics, potential-biomass hotspots occur in areas today dominated by humans; this could undermine the recovery of larger species in certain areas. These herbivore biomass estimates provide a quantitative benchmark for setting conservation and rewilding goals at large spatial scales. The herbivore model and functional classification create new opportunities to integrate mammals into Earth System science and models.
Neural network embedding of functional microconnectome
Authors: Shirakami Arata , Hase Takeshi , Yamaguchi Yuki , Shimono Masanori
Published: October 2021

Our brain works as a complex network system. Experiential knowledge seems to be coded into the organism’s network architecture rather than retaining only properties of individual neurons.

In order to be better able to consider the high complexity of this network architecture, extracting simple rules through both automated as well as interpretable analysis of topological patterns will be necessary in order to allow more useful observations of interrelationships within the complex neural architecture.

By combining these two types of analysis methods, we could automatically compress and naturally interpret topological patterns of functional connectivities, which produced electrical activities from many neurons simultaneously from acute slices of mice brain for 2.5 hours [Kajiwara et al. 2021].

As the first type of analysis, this study trained an artificial neural network system called Neural Network Embedding (NNE), and automatically compressed the functional connectivities into only small (25%) dimensions.

As the second type of analysis, we widely compared the compressed features with ~15 representative network metrics, having clear interpretations, including > 5 centrality-type metrics and newly developed network metrics, that quantify degrees or ratio of hubs distanced by several-nodes from initially focused hubs.

As the result, although we could give interpretations for only 55-60% of the extracted features, these new metrics, together with the commonly utilized network metrics, enabled interpretations for 80-100% features, using automated analysis.

The result demonstrates not only the fact that the NNE method surpasses limitations of commonly used human-made variables, but also the possibility that acknowledgement of our own limitations drives us to extend interpretable possibilities by developing new analytic methodologies.
Nandrolone supplementation promotes AMPK activation and divergent18[FDG] PET brain connectivity in adult and aged mice
Authors: Strogulski N.S. , Kopczinski A , De Oliveira V.G. , Carteri R.B. , Hansel G , Venturin G.T. , Greggio S , DaCosta J.C. , De Bastiani M.A. , Rodolphi M.S. , Portela L.V.
Published: October 2021

Decreased anabolic androgen levels are followed by impaired brain energy support and sensing with loss of neural connectivity during physiological aging, providing a neurobiological basis for hormone supplementation. Here, we investigated whether nandrolone decanoate (ND) administration mediates hypothalamic AMPK activation and glucose metabolism, thus affecting metabolic connectivity in brain areas of adult and aged mice. Metabolic interconnected brain areas of rodents can be detected by positron emission tomography using18FDG-mPET. Albino CF1 mice at 3 and 18 months of age were separated into 4 groups that received daily subcutaneous injections of either ND (15 mg/kg) or vehicle for 15 days. At thein vivobaseline and on the 14thday,18FDG-mPET analyses were performed. Hypothalamic pAMPKT172/AMPK protein levels were assessed, and basal mitochondrial respiratory states were evaluated in synaptosomes. A metabolic connectivity network between brain areas was estimated based on18FDG uptake. We found that ND increased the pAMPKT172/AMPK ratio in both adult and aged mice but induced18FDG uptake and mitochondrial basal respiration only in adult mice. Furthermore, ND triggered rearrangement in the metabolic connectivity of adult mice and aged mice compared to age-matched controls. Altogether, our findings suggest that ND promotes hypothalamic AMPK activation, and distinct glucose metabolism and metabolic connectivity rearrangements in the brains of adult and aged mice.
Cortico-Subcortical Interactions in Overlapping Communities of Edge Functional Connectivity
Authors: Chumin Evgeny J , Faskowitz Joshua , Esfahlani Farnaz Zamani , Jo Youngheun , Merritt Haily , Tanner Jacob , Cutts Sarah A. , Pope Maria , Betzel Richard , Sporns Olaf
Published: October 2021

Both cortical and subcortical regions can be functionally organized into networks. Regions of the basal ganglia are extensively interconnected with the cortex via reciprocal connections that relay and modulate cortical function. Here we employ an edge-centric approach, which computes co-fluctuations among region pairs in a network to investigate the role and interaction of subcortical regions with cortical systems. By clustering edges into communities, we show that cortical systems and subcortical regions couple via multiple edge communities, with hippocampus and amygdala having a distinct pattern from striatum and thalamus. We show that the edge community structure of cortical networks is highly similar to one obtained from cortical nodes when the subcortex is present in the network. Additionally, we show that the edge community profile of both cortical and subcortical nodes can be estimates solely from cortico-subcortical interactions. Finally, we used a motif analysis focusing on edge community triads where a subcortical region coupled to two cortical regions and found that two community triads where one community couples the subcortex to the cortex were overrepresented. In summary, our results show organized coupling of the subcortex to the cortex that may play a role in cortical organization of primary sensorimotor/attention and heteromodal systems and puts forth the motif analysis of edge community triads as a promising method for investigation of communication patterns in networks.
Overground Gait Kinematics and Muscle Activation Patterns in the Yucatan Mini Pig
Authors: Mirkiani Soroush , Roszko David A. , O’Sullivan Carly L. , Faridi Pouria , Hu David S. , Fang Daniel , Everaert Dirk G. , Toossi Amirali , Robinson Kevin , Mushahwar Vivian K.
Published: October 2021

A growing number of spinal cord injury, neuromodulation, and cell therapy studies on porcine models, especially the Yucatan minipigs (YMPs), have been recently reported. This is due to the large similarities between human and porcine neuroanatomy and biomechanics. To assess treatment modalities and locomotor recovery in this model, there is an obvious need for detailed characterization of normative overground gait in neurologically intact YMPs. The objective of this study was to assess gait biomechanics and the effect of overground walking speed on gait parameters, kinematics, and electromyographic (EMG) activity in the hindlimb muscles of YMPs. Nine neurologically-intact adult YMPs were trained to walk overground in a straight line. Whole-body kinematics and EMG activity of hindlimb muscles were recorded and analyzed at 6 different speed ranges (0.4-0.59, 0.6-0.79, 0.8-0.99, 1.0-1.19, 1.2-1.39, and 1.4-1.6 m/s). A MATLAB program was developed to detect strides and gait events automatically from motion-captured data. Significant decreases in stride duration, stance and swing times and an increase in stride length were observed with increasing speed. A transition in gait pattern occurred at the 1.0m/s walking speed. Significant increases in the range of motion of the knee and ankle joints were observed at higher speeds. Also, the points of minimum and maximum knee and ankle joint angles occurred earlier in the gait cycle at higher speeds. The onset of EMG activity in the biceps femoris muscle occurred significantly earlier in the gait cycle with increasing speed. A comprehensive characterization of overground walking in neurologically-intact YMPs is provided. These normative measures set the basis against which the effects of future interventions on locomotor capacity in YMPs can be compared.
Post-entry, spike-dependent replication advantage of B.1.1.7 and B.1.617.2 over B.1 SARS-CoV-2 in an ACE2-deficient human lung cell line
Authors: Niemeyer Daniela , Schroeder Simon , Friedmann Kirstin , Weege Friderike , Trimpert Jakob , Richter Anja , Stenzel Saskia , Jansen Jenny , Emanuel Jackson , Kazmierski Julia , Pott Fabian , Jeworowski Lara M. , Olmer Ruth , Jaboreck Mark-Christian , Tenner Beate , Papies Jan , Heinze Julian , Walper Felix , Schmidt Marie L. , Heinemann Nicolas , Möncke-Buchner Elisabeth , Veith Talitha , Baumgardt Morris , Hoffmann Karen , Widera Marek , Thao Tran Thi Nhu , Balázs Anita , Schulze Jessica , Mache Christin , Morkel Markus , Ciesek Sandra , Hanitsch Leif G. , Mall Marcus A. , Hocke Andreas C. , Thiel Volker , Osterrieder Klaus , Wolff Thorsten , Martin Ulrich , Corman Victor M. , Müller Marcel A. , Goffinet Christine , Drosten Christian
Published: October 2021

Epidemiological data demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) B.1.1.7 and B.1.617.2 are more transmissible and infections are associated with a higher mortality than non-VOC virus infections. Phenotypic properties underlying their enhanced spread in the human population remain unknown. B.1.1.7 virus isolates displayed inferior or equivalent spread in most cell lines and primary cells compared to an ancestral B.1 SARS-CoV-2, and were outcompeted by the latter. Lower infectivity and delayed entry kinetics of B.1.1.7 viruses were accompanied by inefficient proteolytic processing of spike. B.1.1.7 viruses failed to escape from neutralizing antibodies, but slightly dampened induction of innate immunity. The bronchial cell line NCI-H1299 supported 24- and 595-fold increased growth of B.1.1.7 and B.1.617.2 viruses, respectively, in the absence of detectable ACE2 expression and in a spike-determined fashion. Superior spread in NCI-H1299 cells suggests that VOCs employ a distinct set of cellular cofactors that may be unavailable in standard cell lines.
An energy-autonomous UAV swarm concept to support sea-rescue and maritime patrol missions in the Mediterranean sea
Authors: Sendner Franz-Michael
Published: October 2021

Purpose

For the crews and assets of the European Union’s (EU’s) Joint Operations available today, but a vast area in the Mediterranean Sea to monitor, detection of small boats and rafts in distress can take up to several days or even fail at all. This study aims to outline how an energy-autonomous swarm of Unmanned Aerial System can help to increase the monitored sea area while minimizing human resource demand.

Design/methodology/approach

A concept for an unattended swarm of solar powered, unmanned hydroplanes is proposed. A swarm operations concept, vehicle conceptual design and an initial vehicle sizing method is derived. A microscopic, multi-agent-based simulation model is developed. System characteristics and surveillance performance is investigated in this delimited environment number of vehicles scale. Parameter variations in insolation, overcast and system design are used to predict system characteristics. The results are finally used for a scale-up study on a macroscopic level.

Findings

Miniaturization of subsystems is found to be essential for energy balance, whereas power consumption of subsystems is identified to define minimum vehicle size. Seasonal variations of solar insolation are observed to dominate the available energy budget. Thus, swarm density and activity adaption to solar energy supply is found to be a key element to maintain continuous aerial surveillance.

Research limitations/implications

This research was conducted extra-occupationally. Resources were limited to the available range of literature, computational power number and time budget.

Practical implications

A proposal for a probable concept of operations, as well as vehicle preliminary design for an unmanned energy-autonomous, multi-vehicle system for maritime surveillance tasks, are presented and discussed. Indications on path planning, communication link and vehicle interaction scheme selection are given. Vehicle design drivers are identified and optimization of parameters with significant impact on the swarm system is shown.

Social implications

The proposed system can help to accelerate the detection of ships in distress, increasing the effectiveness of life-saving rescue missions.

Originality/value

For continuous surveillance of expanded mission theatres by small-sized vehicles of limited endurance, a novel, collaborative swarming approach applying in situ resource utilization is explored.
Frontline employee-driven change in hospitality firms: an analysis of receptionists’ personality on implemented suggestions
Authors: González-González Tamara , García-Almeida Desiderio J. , Viseu João
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Frontline employees’ suggestions are relevant for employee-driven organisational change because their knowledge is partially constructed from direct contact with customers and indirectly with competitors. The employee’s personality is a paramount individual characteristic that can exert a major potential influence on the proposal and implementation of those suggestions. This study aims to discuss the impact of the personality dimensions in the Big Five model (i.e. extraversion, neuroticism, conscientiousness, agreeableness and openness to experience) on suggestions generated by frontline employees and implemented in their firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was prepared based on a review of the academic literature. The 5 presented hypotheses were tested with data from 167 frontline employees from hotels in Tenerife (Spain).

Findings

Results show the relevance of frontline employees’ three characteristics of personality regarding the employee-driven organisational change. Thus, their extraversion, neuroticism and lack of direction tend to be relevant drivers of the suggestion and implementation of change.

Practical implications

Frontline employees act as change agents in hospitality firms. Managers should develop recruitment processes that allow to select individuals prone to proposing innovative suggestions and creating a friendlier system for submitting and defending them.

Originality/value

Employee-driven organisational change becomes crucial for the survival and growth of hospitality firms. Relatively few studies have been conducted on the role of frontline employees as change facilitators in the sector. This study contributes to shedding light on this research gap from a personality approach and the study also provides practical implications to increase valid suggestions in the hospitality sector.
Post-operative management of flexor tendon injuries at zone II and flexor pollicis longus – a survey of Irish practice
Authors: Spirtos Michelle , Naughton Mary , Carr Emma , Stapleton Tadhg , O'Donnell Michelle
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The post-operative management of flexor tendon injuries has been the focus of considerable exploration and there continues to be variation in approaches and methods of mobilisation. The purpose of this paper is to explore therapy management following repair to flexor tendons at zone II and flexor pollicis longus (FPL) (all zones) in Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive survey questionnaire design through an online format was used. Therapists were recruited through the Irish Association of Hand Therapists, the national bodies for occupational therapy and physiotherapy, and therapy managers in acute hospitals, with 29 therapists participating in the study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the survey data.

Findings

Patients were generally seen three to five days following surgery. Early active mobilisation approaches were favoured by all but one therapist, with 62% using the Belfast protocol and 34% the Manchester Short Splint (MSS) protocol. Each early active protocol exercise session commences with passive motion followed by graded active flexion. Tenodesis is incorporated by the majority of respondents within the first four weeks. Therapy programme and splints are modified based on patient presentation. Resistance exercises are commenced from week seven. Patient compliance was identified as the most influential factor in the post-operative intervention approach taken.

Originality/value

This study provides the first Irish profile of current practice in the post-operative management of flexor tendon repairs at zone II and FPL which has not previously been reported. Further research should explore the reasoning behind the interventions chosen and also the implications for practice of changes to surgical techniques.
The impact of cross-functional coordination on customer coordination and operational performance: an information processing view
Authors: Li Siyu , Wang Kedi , Huo Baofeng , Zhao Xiande , Cui Xiling
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of cross-functional coordination (cross-functional system, process and team coordination) on customer coordination (customer strategic and operational coordination) and operational performance. Following the lens of information processing theory (IPT), this study examines the diverse mechanisms of cross-functional coordination practices in enhancing firms’ information processing capabilities (IPCs) to cope with the higher information processing demands resulting from customer coordination, finally improving operational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data collected from 410 Chinese manufacturers, the authors use the structural equation modeling method to test the theoretical model.

Findings

The authors found that cross-functional system coordination is positively associated with customer operational coordination (COC) but not customer strategic coordination (CSC). Cross-functional process coordination increases both customer strategic and operational coordination. Cross-functional team coordination significantly promotes CSC but not COC. Both customer operational and strategic coordination facilitate operational performance.

Originality/value

This research pioneers in identifying three dimensions of cross-functional coordination based on IPT and examine their distinct impacts on various customer coordination activities. The authors distinguish two customer coordination dimensions and reveal their effects on operational performance. This research contributes to the development of IPT. Additionally, this study provides guidelines for managers to coordinate internal departments and collaborate with external customers to enhance firms’ operational performance.
Path to sustainable luxury brand consumption: face consciousness, materialism, pride and risk of embarrassment
Authors: Islam Tahir , Wang Ying , Ali Ahsan , Akhtar Naeem
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the roles of face consciousness, materialism and emotions play in sustainable luxury brand consumption (SLBC) among Millennials in a Collective society.

Design/methodology/approach

Three experimental design studies using scenario-based methodologies along with the survey method were conducted in China to test the proposed research model.

Findings

Study 1 shows that face consciousness negatively and significantly affects SLBC, and this effect is mediated by materialism. Study 2 reveals that when Millennials experienced great authentic pride, there is a positive association between face consciousness and SLBC. Furthermore, Study 3 reveals that when Millennials are exposed to a high risk of embarrassment, materialists’ willingness to engage in SLBC increases.

Research limitations/implications

The current research has significant theoretical implications for studying SLBC, especially among young consumers. This study contributes to a better understanding of the relationships among face consciousness, materialism, pride, risk of embarrassment and SLBC in a Collective culture context, where luxury consumption is valued.

Originality/value

Sustainable luxury consumption is a new and under-examined research area. This research extends the SLBC literature in the context of a collective society and provides empirical evidence for sustainable consumption and luxury consumption in general. The research also contributes to the literature by examining the moderating role of self-conscious emotion in the relationship between face consciousness and SLBC.