bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atheroprone shear stress stimulates noxious endothelial extracellular vesicle uptake by MCAM and PECAM-1 cell adhesion molecules
Authors: Coly Pierre-Michaël , Chatterjee Shruti , Mezine Fariza , Jekmek Christelle El , Devue Cécile , Nipoti Thomas , Corona Maribel Lara , Dingli Florent , Loew Damarys , van Niel Guillaume , Boulanger Chantal M.
Published: January 2023

Atherosclerotic lesions mainly form in arterial areas exposed to low shear stress (LSS), where endothelial cells express a senescent and inflammatory phenotype. Conversely, high shear stress (HSS) has atheroprotective effects on the endothelium. Endothelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles have been shown to regulate inflammation, senescence and angiogenesis and therefore play a crucial role in vascular homeostasis and disease. While previous studies have shown links between hemodynamic forces and extracellular vesicle release, the exact consequences of shear stress on the release and uptake of endothelial EVs remains elusive. Our aim is therefore to decipher the interplay between these processes in endothelial cells exposed to atheroprone or atheroprotective shear stress.

Confluent human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were exposed to either LSS or HSS for 24 hours. Large and small EVs were isolated from conditioned medium by sequential centrifugation and size exclusion chromatography. They were characterized by TEM, Western blot analysis of EV markers, tunable resistive pulse sensing, flow cytometry and proteomics. Uptake experiments were performed using fluorescently-labeled EVs and differences between groups were assessed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy.

We found that levels of large and small EVs in HUVEC conditioned media were fifty and five times higher in HSS than in LSS conditions, respectively.In vivoandin vitrouptake experiments revealed greater EV incorporation by cells exposed to LSS conditions compared to HSS. Additionally, endothelial LSS-EVs appeared to have a greater affinity for HUVECs than HSS-EVs or EVs derived from platelets, red blood cells, granulocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Proteomic analysis revealed that LSS-EVs were enriched in adhesion proteins such as PECAM1, MCAM, which were involved in EV uptake by endothelial cells. LSS-EVs also carried mitochondrial material, which may be involved in elevating reactive oxygen species levels in recipient cells.

These findings suggest that endothelial shear stress has a significant impact during EV biogenesis and uptake. Given the major role of EVs and shear stress in vascular health, deciphering the relation between these processes may yield innovative strategies for the early detection and treatment of endothelial dysfunction.
The formation of brain shape in human newborns
Authors: Krohn Stephan , von Schwanenflug Nina , Romanello Amy , Valk Sofie L. , Madan Christopher R. , Finke Carsten
Published: January 2023

The neonatal period represents a critical phase of human brain development. During this time, the brain shows a dramatic increase in size, but it remains largely unclear how the morphology of the human brain develops in earlypost-partumlife. Here we show that human newborns undergo a rapid formation of brain shape, beyond the expected growth in brain size. Using fractal analysis of structural neuroimaging data, we show that brain shape (i) strongly reflects infant maturity beyond differences in brain size, (ii) significantly outperforms brain size in predicting infant age at scan (mean error ~4 days), (iii) detects persistent alterations in prematurely born infants that are not captured by brain size, (iv) is consistently more sensitive to genetic similarity among neonates, and (v) is superior in predicting which newborns are twin siblings, with up to 97% accuracy. These findings identify the formation of brain shape as a fundamental maturational process in human brain development.
Mechanically induced topological transition of spectrin regulates its distribution in the mammalian cortex
Authors: Ghisleni Andrea , Bonilla-Quintana Mayte , Crestani Michele , Fukuzawa Atsushi , Rangamani Padmini , Gauthier Nils
Published: January 2023

The cell cortex is a dynamic assembly that ensures cell integrity during passive deformation or active response by adapting cytoskeleton topologies with poorly understood mechanisms. The spectrin meshwork ensures such adaptation in erythrocytes and neurons. Erythrocytes rely on triangular-like lattices of spectrin tetramers, which in neurons are organized in periodic arrays. We exploited Expansion Microscopy to discover that these two distinct topologies can co-exist in other mammalian cells such as fibroblasts. We show through biophysical measurements and computational modeling that spectrin provides coverage of the cortex and, with the intervention of actomyosin, erythroid-like lattices can dynamically transition into condensates resembling neuron-like periodic arrays fenced by actin stress fibers. Spectrin condensates experience lower mechanical stress and turnover despite displaying an extension close to the contour length of the tetramer. Our study sheds light on the adaptive properties of spectrin, which ensures protection of the cortex by undergoing mechanically induced topological transitions.
Adaptation to an acid microenvironment promotes pancreatic cancer organoid growth and drug resistance in a p53-dependent manner
Authors: Stigliani Arnaud , Ialchina Renata , Yao Jiayi , Czaplinska Dominika , Dai Yifan , Andersen Henriette Berg , Andersson Robin , Pedersen Stine Falsig , Sandelin Albin
Published: January 2023

The harsh environments in poorly perfused tumor regions have been proposed to select for traits that may drive cancer aggressiveness. Here, we tested the hypothesis that tumor acidosis interacts with driver mutations to exacerbate cancer hallmarks, including drug resistance, in pancreatic cancer. We gradually adapted mouse organoids from normal pancreatic duct (mN) and early PDAC (mP, with KRAS G12V mutation and +/- p53 knockout), from pH 7.4 (physiological level) to 6.7, representing acidic tumor niches. Acid adaptation rewired organoid transcriptional activity, increased viability and, strikingly, increased Gemcitabine- and Erlotinib resistance. Importantly, this response only occurred in organoids expressing wild-type p53 and was most pronounced when acid-adapted cells were returned to physiological pH (mimicking increased perfusion or invasion). While the acid adaptation transcriptional change was overall not highly similar to that induced by drug adaptation of the organoids, acid adaptation induced expression of cytidine deaminase (Cda) and ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2 (Rrm2), both associated with Gemcitabine resistance, and inhibition of these proteins partially restored Gemcitabine sensitivity. Thus, adaptation to the acidic tumor microenvironment increases drug resistance even after cells leave this niche, and this is in part dependent on acid-adaptation-induced transcriptional upregulation ofCdaandRrm2.
When and how sales manager feedback contributes to sales performance: the role of emotional labor and cross-selling
Authors: Shin Yuhyung , Hur Won-Moo , Moon Tae Won
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to test the mediating effect of cross-selling behavior (CSB) on the relationship between sales manager feedback (i.e. output and behavioral) and sales performance, and the moderating effect of emotional labor (i.e. deep and surface acting) on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used two-wave multisource data: survey and objective sales performance (sales revenue) data collected from 300 door-to-door salespeople working at a South Korean cosmetics company.

Findings

The relationship between output feedback and sales performance was mediated by CSB. In addition, the positive relationship between output feedback and CSB was weakened by deep and surface acting, whereas that between behavioral feedback and CSB was strengthened by deep acting. Specifically, behavioral feedback had a positive relationship with CSB when salespeople engaged in a high level of deep acting. This relationship was not significant for low and medium levels of deep acting. The authors’ supplementary analyses indicated no significant three-way interaction effect between output feedback, behavioral feedback and emotional labor on CSB.

Research limitations/implications

Data collection from door-to-door salespeople in a single cosmetics company undermines the generalizability of the present findings.

Practical implications

By exploring the boundary conditions that strengthen or weaken the effectiveness of manager feedback, this study provides insights into how the two types of manager feedback can be effectively used to promote CSB and sales performance.

Originality/value

This study offers a nuanced understanding of the relative roles of output and behavioral feedback in CSB and the differential moderating effects of emotional labor on the two types of manager feedback.
Employers’ perspectives of effective continuing education and training in Singapore
Authors: Leow Anthony , Chua Shuyi , Billett Stephen , Le Anh Hai
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Employers often claim that the lack of employee competence is a limitation in their enterprises’ success and viability. Consequently, employers are important stakeholders in considerations for workforce continuing education and training (CET) policies and practices. Hence, the authors undertook an exploratory investigation to understand how employers perceive provisions of CET offered through tertiary education institutions and how they might be improved.

Design/methodology/approach

Overall, 40 employers from a range of industry sectors in Singapore were surveyed and interviewed about effective CET for their employees.

Findings

These employers reported preferring one-on-one training in the workplace and being willing to invest in their employees’ training so long employees remained committed to their companies. They value online education, but prefer that it is combined with workplace or face-to-face learning experiences. They proposed effective CET trainers as those with relevant industry knowledge and teaching skills and effective CET learners as those who were self-motivated, goal oriented and open-minded.

Originality/value

A study of such nature that focusses on the perspectives of employers, as opposed to employees and educators, has not been undertaken before in Singapore. Given Singapore’s increasing emphasis on lifelong learning and the workplace as a vital site for that learning, the lessons learnt here transcend national boundaries and may serve as a useful reference for other countries that seek to provide inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning for all.
Training prospective technical education graduates for school-to-work transition: insights from university–industry links
Authors: Chukwuedo Samson Onyeluka , Nnajiofor Francisca Nebechi , Auta Mohammed Adamu , Odogwu Ikechukwu Chidiebere
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Following the tenets of experiential learning theory (ELT) and social cognitive theory (SCT), this study aims to investigate the influence of higher technology education students' placement experiences (work-related learning by teaching practice [WLTP] and by industry attachment [WLIA]) on learning self-efficacy (LSE) and perceived employability skills (PES) (namely, perceived future network [PFN], perceived expected experiences [PEE]), perceived future personal characteristics (PFPC), perceived future labour market knowledge (PFLMK) and perceived future skills (PFS).

Design/methodology/approach

Using two-wave surveys (T1 & T2), data were collected from technical education students (N = 257) in Nigerian universities. At T1, LSE and PES were measured, while WLTP, WLIA, LSE and PES were measured at T2. The repeated measure t-test, and structural equation modelling were applied for statistical analyses.

Findings

The authors found a significant increase in the students' LSE and PES from T1 to T2. Direct associations between WLTP, WLIA, LSE and PES were partly supported. Similarly, WLTP and WLIA have indirect relationships with PES via LSE. However, the result of the indirect effect is partly supported for WLTP and PES relations; but fully supported for WLIA and PES relations.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study is not an experimental design to absolutely justify causality, it has provided valuable empirical evidence that added to the extant literature on higher education students' work-related learning, learning ability and employability skills.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to explore the simultaneous influence of two aspects of students' work placement (WLTP and WLAI) on LSE and employability as well as the changes that occur after the placement.
Over 33 years of the hospitality research: a bibliometric review of the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management
Authors: Sharma Gagan Deep , Taheri Babak , Gupta Mansi , Chopra Ritika
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to proffer a broad overview of publications in the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management (IJCHM) by conducting bibliometric analyses for the duration ranging from 1989 to 2022.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach analyses the top authors, publications, most collaborative countries and top co-occurring keywords and significant themes published in IJCHM with the help of the Scopus database. The study entails performance analyses on IJCHM. A de-duplicating process was used to study the evolution of themes, so that the keywords identified from co-occurrences of authors’ keywords and thematic evolution map were refined to first- and second-order themes, further leading to the development of inductive analysis proposing aggregate themes.

Findings

The findings of this study not only help paint a comprehensive picture of the customer experience, but also illustrate how topics have evolved in the literature and reveal the most relevant upcoming fields of research. The thematic evolution map reveals thematic areas. There is evidence of contributions by authors across the world and spanning a multitude of themes such as business ethics, corporate and firm performance, stakeholders and avenues for the management of disruption, specifically in times of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

Research limitations/implications

Significant trends in authors, publications, nations, authors’ keywords and themes as uncovered by this study can greatly help budding authors understand the expectations and emerging research themes that define the IJCHM.

Originality/value

Through extensive bibliometric analyses, this study has created a historical log of the publications in IJCHM. It has identified the key research trends for future research and presented a conceptual framework based on the keyword analysis map and thematic evolution.
The digitalisation as gender equaliser? The import and export of digitally delivered services in shaping female entrepreneurship in European countries
Authors: Gaweł Aleksandra , Mińska-Struzik Ewa
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The article examines whether cross-border trade in digitally delivered services (DDSs) has an influence on European female entrepreneurship. Two research questions were asked to assess the potential impact of trade in DDSs both on the import and export sides.

Design/methodology/approach

To answer the research questions, the panel data for 26 European countries for the years 2008–2019 were implemented to estimate panel regression models. Based on the results of variance inflation factors (VIFs) and Breusch–Pagan and Hausman tests, the estimations of panel models were conducted for female entrepreneurship as a dependent variable and measures of import and export of digitally delivered services as independent variables.

Findings

The imports of digitally delivered services positively affect female entrepreneurship in European countries, whilst the impact of the export of digitally delivered services is statistically insignificant. The possibility of being a customer of digitally delivered services through its import may become a gender equaliser in entrepreneurship. However, as differences in digital competencies and growth intentions prevent women from acting as the providers of digitally delivered services, the export of DDSs can sustain the existing gender gap in entrepreneurship.

Practical implications

The research findings provide the added value in the field of female entrepreneurship, referring to institutional theory and human capital theory. The import of DDSs seems to support female entrepreneurs through the reduction of cultural distance, whilst the human capital theory gains the perspective of limited digital competencies needed to export DDSs as a pathway to the internationalisation of women's ventures. The practical implications for trade policy, digitalisation and gender equality should aim not only at supporting women's export propensity, but should also focus on the development of their digital competencies.

Originality/value

Instead of commonly used perspective of international entrepreneurship, the authors implemented the lens of cross-border trade to check whether there is a linkage between internationalisation, measured by imports and exports of DDSs and female entrepreneurship. Trade economists neglect the gender dimension in their studies of pro-growth internationalisation. In contrast, research on female entrepreneurship does not consider the potential of cross-border trade in DDSs as a gender equaliser.
Systems thinking for systems leadership: promoting competency development for graduate students in sustainability studies
Authors: Talley Emily K. , Hull R. Bruce
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a case study for teaching specific systems thinking competencies that promote leadership for systems change. It uses leadership as a novel way to identify and organize systems thinking competencies that are important for successful multistakeholder collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to assess learning outcomes across four cohorts of graduate students – with approximately 30 students per cohort – from 2017 to 2020 in the USA. The study examined a one-month-long assignment, out of a year-long program, that focuses on systems leadership for climate change.

Findings

Our findings demonstrate that higher education programs can successfully build these competencies in sustainability students and professionals. Our pedagogical approach enhances students’ systems thinking and leadership competencies.

Originality/value

We advance the understanding and teaching of systems thinking by integrating it with the direction, alignment and commitment model of leadership. Reframing systems thinking through the lens of leadership offers an important innovation and focus to the theory of systems thinking, and the pedagogy of building competencies sustainability professionals need.
Multilevel governance, community and emergency management during the pandemic: migrants in Japan
Authors: Milly Deborah J.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Building on perspectives from the study of multilevel governance, migrants' inclusion and emergency management, this article asks how differences across national regulations for foreign residents, work eligibility and access to national emergency supports intersected with local approaches in responding to migrants.

Design/methodology/approach

This article examines national policy adjustments and parallel subnational governance early in the pandemic for three groups of foreign residents: international students, technical interns and co-ethnics with long-term visas, primarily Brazilians and Peruvians. It uses Japanese-language documents to trace national policy responses. To grasp subnational governance, the article analyzes coverage in six Japanese regional newspapers from northern, central and western Japan, for the period of April 1 to October 1, 2020.

Findings

National policies obstructed or enabled migrants' treatment as members of the local community but did not dictate this membership, which varied according to migrant group. Migrants' relationship to the community affected available supports.

Originality/value

The article brings together perspectives on multilevel governance, emergency management and migrants' inclusion. It exposes how different migrant groups' ties to the local community affected access to supports.
The influence of the physical work environment on retail employees
Authors: Kearney Treasa , Coughlan Joseph , Kennedy Aileen
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Despite repeated calls for research to explore the effects of the physical work environment on employees within the servicescape literature, gaps in knowledge remain. There is a need to understand the nature, influence and impact of environmental stimuli (e.g. music, colour) on employees. Extant research remains ambiguous on whether employees perceive individual stimuli within their work environment or perceive and interact with their physical work environment as a holistic experience. This study aims to explore the influence of environmental stimuli on employees within their physical work environment and the effect on their satisfaction and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage approach was applied, with expert interviews followed by an employee survey which was analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

This research validates a holistic physical work environment construct, consisting of five dimensions: Colour & Design, Cleanliness & Odour, Music, Lighting and Layout. This study provides empirical evidence of the impact of environmental work stimuli on employee satisfaction, a relationship which is mediated by pleasure.

Originality/value

Firstly, this study examines the neglected side of servicescape research: employees. Secondly, the findings support the view that employees do not perceive individual elements of their physical work environment as distinct and separate elements but rather perceive, and interact with, their physical work environment as an integrated whole. Evidence of how environmental stimuli at work increase employee job satisfaction is a key takeaway for retail practitioners focussed on improving service experiences for all actors.
The use of textile materials for respiratory protection in times of pandemics: a systematic review and analysis
Authors: Paim Ana Aline Mendes , de Andrade Morgana Carneiro , Steffens Fernanda
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Given the COVID-19 Pandemic outbreak and the role of medical textiles for protection, this study aims to identify the leading research foci on using textile materials for personal protection in pandemic situations.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review and systemic analysis of the literature on the subject were performed using the process knowledge development – constructivist (ProKnow-C) methodology.

Findings

A bibliographic portfolio with 16 relevant studies was obtained. This portfolio represents the main focus of this research field, including the main filtration mechanisms, ways of disinfecting N95 respirators and proposed methods to evaluate the filtration efficiency of different materials with potential for mask development.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time the ProKnow-C methodology was used in the textile field. Thus, future studies can benefit from using the Proknow-C for selecting and analyzing relevant textile studies following a systematic approach.
Study of lawsone and its modified disperse dyes derived by triple cascade reaction: dyeing performance on nylon and polyester fabrics
Authors: Patel Nilam C. , Desai Dipen H. , Patel Paresh N.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a novel protocol for the synthesis of disperse dyes derived by a triple cascade reaction with lawsone in presence of Zn acetate as a catalyst. The developed novel scaffolds have efficient dyeing properties on nylon and polyester fibers.

Design/methodology/approach

This report demonstrates an effectual triple cascade protocol for the synthesis of novel disperse dyes derived from various polynuclear carbaldehyde, urea and lawsone. The Zn acetate was found to be an effective catalyst for this reaction. Their dyeing performance has been studied on nylon and polyester fabrics. The wash fastness, sublimation fastness, color assessment, determination of percentage exhaustion and fixation properties were applied to both the dyed fabrics.

Findings

The obtained results indicate that the Zn acetate is an efficient catalyst for the developed triple cascade protocol. The prepared novel disperse dye greatly impacted their dyeing properties on nylon and polyester fibers. They have shown brilliant shades, higher affinity, adsorption capacity, superior tinctorial strength than the lawsone. The percentage exhaustion value, fixation value, color strength (K/s) value, washing and sublimation fastness properties have been found very well in all dyed nylon samples compared to polyester samples. These results discloses that these disperses dyes are very useful to the growing importance of nylon and polyester fibers.

Research limitations/implications

The present protocol synthesizes the racemic mixture of the prepared molecules.

Practical implications

Developed protocol can be used for various other triple cascade processes. Also these molecules can be used for dyeing of other fabrics.

Social implications

With the help of commercialization of prepared molecules, it may provide the better alternative of the current disperse dyes. This may affect the various segments of society.

Originality/value

This report represents a novel protocol for the synthesis of modified novel disperse dyes with an efficient dyeing properties on nylon and polyester fibers.
The clinical use of urinary mitochondrial DNA in adult surgical critical care patients with acute kidney injury
Authors: Abayasekara Kiara , Sullo Nikol
Published: January 2023

Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects 47% of adult surgical critical care patients (ASCCPs). AKI is induced through a common oxidative stress pathway resulting in mitochondrial and tubular cell injury with increased urinary mitochondrial DNA (UmtDNA) excretion. UmtDNA is an emerging and readily sampled novel biomarker for varied surgical critical care cohorts. This review aimed to determine the clinical use of UmtDNA genes (ND1 and COX3) in AKI in ASCCPs. PubMed, MEDLINE and Web of Science databases were searched. Eligibility criteria were based on the patient/problem, intervention, comparison and outcome framework. Methodological quality of studies was assessed with the Newcastle‐Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. WebPlot Digitizer version 4.4 was used to extract UmtDNA data from graphs and UmtDNA ratios were statistically analysed with PRISM version 9.1.0 (GraphPad Software). Six human studies (n = 391) with three translational murine models (n = 112) satisfied inclusion criteria. One sample t test suggested significantly high UmtDNA‐ND1 ratios in progressive/severe AKI (or delayed renal transplant graft function) to no AKI (or immediate renal transplant graft function) and increased UmtDNA‐COX3 ratios approached significance. Sensitivities and specificities for UmtDNA ranged from 68% to 85% and 52% to 83.6%, respectively, comparable with new biomarkers, neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule‐1. Weak correlation was observed with serum creatinine. These findings were complemented in translational murine AKI experiments with significantly elevated ND1 and COX3. From bench to clinical practice, UmtDNA appears to be a promising novel biomarker of progressive/severe AKI (or delayed graft function). Large prospective, multi‐centre studies reporting standardised UmtDNA findings should clarify use of UmtDNA in ASCCP‐AKI management.
Biologically inspired herding of animal groups by robots
Authors: King Andrew J. , Portugal Steven J. , Strömbom Daniel , Mann Richard P. , Carrillo José A. , Kalise Dante , de Croon Guido , Barnett Heather , Scerri Paul , Groß Roderich , Chadwick David R. , Papadopoulou Marina
Published: January 2023

A single sheepdog can bring together and manoeuvre hundreds of sheep from one location to another. Engineers and ecologists are fascinated by this sheepdog herding because of the potential it provides for ‘bio‐herding’: a biologically inspired herding of animal groups by robots. Although many herding algorithms have been proposed, most are studied via simulation.

There are a variety of ecological problems where management of wild animal groups is currently impossible, dangerous and/or costly for humans to manage directly, and which may benefit from bio‐herding solutions.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) now deliver significant benefits to the economy and society. Here, we suggest the use of UAVs for bio‐herding. Given their mobility and speed, UAVs can be used in a wide range of environments and interact with animal groups at sea, over the land and in the air.

We present a potential roadmap for achieving bio‐herding using a pair of UAVs. In our framework, one UAV performs ‘surveillance’ of animal groups, informing the movement of a second UAV that herds them. We highlight the promise and flexibility of a paired UAV approach while emphasising its practical and ethical challenges. We start by describing the types of experiments and data required to understand individual and collective responses to UAVs. Next, we describe how to develop appropriate herding algorithms. Finally, we describe the integration of bio‐herding algorithms into software and hardware architecture.
‘Fossils’: A new, fast and open‐source protocol to simulate muscle‐driven biomechanical loading of bone
Authors: Chatar Narimane , Boman Romain , Fallon Gaudichon Valentin , MacLaren Jamie A. , Fischer Valentin
Published: January 2023

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a computational method used to predict the behaviour (stresses, strains and deformation) of a structure under predefined loading conditions. It can be applied to different biological structures, such as bone, to study defined muscle‐driven scenarios. However, as muscle is an extremely complex structure to model, evolutionary biologists usually model muscle forces indirectly. In 2007, the BONELOAD MATLAB routine was developed to distribute muscle forces on a surface defined by the user. This routine then had to be coupled with a pre‐existing FEA software (e.g. Strand7) to perform the analyses and has been widely used ever since.

In this manuscript, we present a new method to run muscle‐driven finite element simulations on a bone by distributing muscle forces on their insertions area, all within a single environment. We apply this protocol in three different situations: two biting simulations (unilateral and bilateral) and a shoulder flexion simulation.

We demonstrate how to prepare the mesh, delineate the muscle origins and insertions, define the constraints, adjust material properties, choose a loading scenario (uniform, tangential or tangential‐plus‐normal), and extract the results.

Our automated script meshes the 3D model, defines the constraints and distributes muscle forces within a single simulation software: ‘Metafor’ (nonlinear solver, owned and distributed by Gesval S.A) or ‘Fossils’ (a new open‐source linear static solver developed in the frame of this work). ‘Metafor’ and ‘Fossils’ can perform the entire protocol (from the meshing to the muscle‐induced simulations) on high‐resolution volumetric meshes (millions of tetrahedra) and rapidly, exceeding the processing time of other widely used software protocols by up to four times. We demonstrate that the results obtained from our protocol are highly congruent with brands such as Strand7. Thus, our protocol opens up the possibility to routinely and rapidly simulate the behaviour of high‐precision muscle‐driven FE models containing millions of tetrahedra.
Pharmacological administration of 3α,5α‐THP into the nucleus accumbens core increases 3α,5α‐THP expression and reduces alcohol self‐administration
Authors: Ornelas Laura C. , Boero Giorgia , Van Voorhies Kalynn , O'Buckley Todd K. , Besheer Joyce , Morrow A. Leslie
Published: January 2023

Background

Alcohol affects multiple circuits in the brain, mainly disrupting the delicate balance between inhibitory γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission and excitatory glutamate signaling in brain areas involved in reward circuits. These include the amygdala, nucleus accumbens (Acb), and ventral tegmental area (VTA). This action impairs circuits that regulate behavioral control of craving and alcohol seeking and intake. Studies in both rodent models and postmortem human brain of patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) have highlighted the association between the loss of GABAergic inhibition and the development of addiction. The neurosteroid (3α,5α)‐3‐hydroxypregnan‐20‐one (3α,5α‐THP) is a potent positive modulator of GABAA receptors. Chronic alcohol consumption reduces 3α,5α‐THP levels, resulting in decreased GABA inhibition. We previously demonstrated that enhancing neurosteroid biosynthesis by overexpression of the cholesterol side‐chain cleavage enzyme P450scc decreased alcohol intake in male alcohol‐preferring rats (P‐rats). While most of the evidence of alcohol‐induced alterations comes from studies in male subjects, some data show that females are more vulnerable to alcohol's effects than males.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the ability of 3α,5α‐THP direct infusions in two brain regions that contribute to alcohol reinforcement, the VTA and Acb core (AcbC), to regulate alcohol self‐administration in female P‐rats.

Results

Administration of 3α,5α‐THP into the AcbC increased 3α,5α‐THP‐positive cell expression in this area and reduced alcohol self‐administration. By contrast, 3α,5α‐THP infusion into the VTA did not significantly affect alcohol self‐administration, though trends for a reduction were found.

Conclusions

Our results show that local increases in 3α,5α‐THP in the AcbC may alter mesolimbic activity that drives a reduction in alcohol self‐administration.
Outdoor recreation alters terrestrial vertebrate scavenger assemblage and carrion removal in a protected Mediterranean wetland
Authors: Orihuela‐Torres A. , Sebastián‐González E. , Pérez‐García J. M.
Published: January 2023

Outdoor recreation has increased in recent decades, with an intensification after the COVID‐19 lockdown. Previous studies have shown that disturbances from this activity may affect species behaviour and fitness, but its effect on ecological processes has been overlooked. Here, we test the impact of outdoor recreation on terrestrial vertebrate scavenger assemblage and scavenging patterns in El Hondo Natural Park, a Mediterranean wetland located in south‐eastern Spain. We placed 185 carcasses monitored with camera traps between February 2020 and May 2021 in two areas: ‘public access area’, where visitors can freely access and carry out outdoor recreation, and ‘restricted area’, where visitors are not allowed. Our results showed that outdoor recreation altered the scavenger assemblage composition, especially affecting large species such as raptors. Non‐native species scavenged almost four times more often on carcasses in public access areas than in the restricted areas, showing that human activities promote the presence of non‐native species. Furthermore, vertebrates completely consumed 68.2% of the carcasses in the restricted area, decreasing to 46.7% in the public access area. In the restricted area, consumption time was shorter (111.8 vs. 157.5 h) and consumed biomass by vertebrate scavengers was larger (73.9 vs. 52.2%) than in public access area, evidencing that outdoor recreation also affects scavenging processes. Our study shows that outdoor recreation profoundly alters not only the scavenger assemblage but also key ecological processes such as carrion removal. This highlights the urgency of regulating tourism and maintaining restricted areas to preserve biodiversity and ecological processes, especially in highly anthropized landscapes.
MAST4 controls cell cycle in spermatogonial stem cells
Authors: Lee Seung‐Jun , Kim Ka‐Hwa , Lee Dong‐Joon , Kim Pyunggang , Park Jinah , Kim Seong‐Jin , Jung Han‐Sung
Published: January 2023

Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) self‐renewal is regulated by reciprocal interactions between Sertoli cells and SSCs in the testis. In a previous study, microtubule‐associated serine/threonine kinase 4 (MAST4) has been studied in Sertoli cells as a regulator of SSC self‐renewal. The present study focused on the mechanism by which MAST4 in Sertoli cells transmits the signal and regulates SSCs, especially cell cycle regulation. The expression of PLZF, CDK2 and PLZF target genes was examined in WT and Mast4 KO testes by Immunohistochemistry, RT‐qPCR and western blot. In addition, IdU and BrdU were injected into WT and Mast4 KO mice and cell cycle of SSCs was analysed. Finally, the testis tissues were cultured in vitro to examine the regulation of cell cycle by MAST4 pathway. Mast4 KO mice showed infertility with Sertoli cell‐only syndrome and reduced sperm count. Furthermore, Mast4 deletion led to decreased PLZF expression and cell cycle progression in the testes. MAST4 also induced cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) to phosphorylate PLZF and activated PLZF suppressed the transcriptional levels of genes related to cell cycle arrest, leading SSCs to remain stem cell state. MAST4 is essential for maintaining cell cycle in SSCs via the CDK2‐PLZF interaction. These results demonstrate the pivotal role of MAST4 regulating cell cycle of SSCs and the significance of spermatogenesis.
Presença Iny Karajá: Cultura material e visual das bonecas Ritxoko em museus
Authors: de Andrade Rita Morais , Duarte Cândido Manuelina Maria
Published: January 2023

Os museus enfrentam o desafio da falta de informações em sua documentação museológica de objetos etnográficos, especialmente aqueles coletados de povos indígenas em diversos contextos coloniais e pós‐coloniais contextos. O projeto de pesquisa PPK apresentado neste trabalho tem como objetivo contribuir para o aprimoramento da documentação sobre bonecos indígenas Iny Karajá (ritxoko) que foram identificadas em coleções de museus ao redor do mundo. Espera‐se que o destaque dado às coleções pouco ou nunca estudadas em seus museus de origem produza conhecimento que fundamente exposições, ações educativas e outras formas de extroversão das coleções ao público. A fim de atingir o objetivo, o projeto PPK estuda as trajetórias das bonecas e das coleções dos museus, visando ainda especificidades como o estudo das vestimentas e adornos corporais das bonecas. As metodologias de pesquisa participativa têm se mostrado crucial, pois o contato interpessoal entre pesquisadores/instituições e os grupos indígenas Iny Karajá fornecem novos dados e uma nova compreensão dos artefatos no contexto das práticas museais. A informação tem sido organizada numa base de dados que estará disponível na plataforma digital Tainacan. A utilidade dessas descobertas para o campo do museal é conhecer e divulgar com maior precisão as coleções de bonecas Iny Karajá, atender a Recomendação da UNESCO sobre a Proteção e Promoção de Museus e Coleções (2015); e considerar a indumentária ritxoko, buscando afastar a produção indígena do nicho “étnico” nos museus.
Gauging DNA degradation among common insect trap preservatives
Authors: Ruppert Laura‐Sophia , Segelbacher Gernot , Staab Michael , Winiger Nathalie
Published: January 2023

Genetic methods for species identification are becoming increasingly popular and can accelerate insect monitoring. However, obtaining good DNA quality and quantity from insect traps remains a challenge for field studies. Ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and Renner solution have been previously suggested as suitable preservatives for the collection of genetic material, but a systematic overview of their performance under compromising field conditions is lacking. Here we experimentally test whether and how different preservatives affect DNA quality under different conditions and evaluate how choice of preservative may affect metabarcoding and more demanding downstream applications (e.g., RADseq). For this, we used the house cricket, Acheta domesticus (L.) (Orthoptera: Gryllidae), and tested propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and Renner solution for their ability to preserve DNA over 27 days in various dilutions and temperatures. DNA quality was measured as DNA fragmentation and success rates in PCR amplifying a COI fragment of 658, 313, or 157 bp. Undiluted propylene glycol and ethylene glycol always retained high molecular weight DNA at room temperature. No high molecular weight DNA was preserved at 37 °C or in any dilution. Nevertheless, the COI sequence could be amplified from samples at every condition. Renner solution did not preserve high molecular weight DNA and fragmentation increased over time at 37 °C until amplification was impossible. The results suggest that propylene glycol and ethylene glycol are suitable preservatives for collecting both genetic and morphological material, but dilution or high temperatures compromise their ability to preserve high molecular weight DNA. For genomic approaches requiring high DNA quality, additional preservatives may need to be tested.
Widespread triazole pesticide use affects infection dynamics of a global amphibian pathogen
Authors: Barbi Andrea , Goessens Tess , Strubbe Diederik , Deknock Arne , Van Leeuwenberg Robby , De Troyer Niels , Verbrugghe Elin , Greener Mark , De Baere Siegrid , Lens Luc , Goethals Peter , Martel An , Croubels Siska , Pasmans Frank
Published: January 2023

The sixth mass extinction is a consequence of complex interplay between multiple stressors with negative impact on biodiversity. We here examine the interaction between two globally widespread anthropogenic drivers of amphibian declines: the fungal disease chytridiomycosis and antifungal use in agriculture. Field monitoring of 26 amphibian ponds in an agricultural landscape shows widespread occurrence of triazole fungicides in the water column throughout the amphibian breeding season, together with a negative correlation between early season application of epoxiconazole and the prevalence of chytrid infections in aquatic newts. While triazole concentrations in the ponds remained below those that inhibit growth ofBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis, they bioaccumulated in the newts' skin up to tenfold, resulting in cutaneous growth‐suppressing concentrations. As such, a concentration of epoxiconazole, 10 times below that needed to inhibit fungal growth, prevented chytrid infection in anuran tadpoles. The widespread presence of triazoles may thus alter chytrid dynamics in agricultural landscapes.
Subjects to freedom: The entanglements of desire in Upland Indonesia
Authors: Donzelli Aurora
Published: January 2023

This article draws on fieldwork in upland Indonesia to explore how discursive genres mediate political and affective transformations. Since the millennium, IMF‐driven governance reforms have disseminated novel ideals of transparent accountability, representative democracy, and individual entrepreneurialism, which at once presuppose and generate a market‐oriented subject endowed with the freedom to express desires and choose among multiple options. Transnational discursive genres play a key role in these transformations by foregrounding a consumerist notion of desire as a site of emancipatory imagining. These discursive technologies are, however, only partially successful. By describing their partial uptake I discuss the predicaments posed by the ethnographic scrutiny of reformist rationalities emerging in post‐authoritarian contexts. Indeed, while the emancipatory promise of democratic reforms irradiating from transnational lending agencies undermines entrenched social hierarchies, the emphasis on individual aspirations may also conceal new forms of subjection to capitalist valorization, whereby individuals are turned into bundles of measurable desires.
Flucht nach vorne (seeking refuge in the future): Trauma, agency, and the fantasy of onward flight among refugees in Berlin
Authors: Bialas Ulrike , Sohail Jagat
Published: January 2023

This article is based on fieldwork we each conducted with refugees in Berlin between 2016 and 2021. We were both puzzled by our interlocutors’ repeated professed desires to leave Germany, often when their lives here were improving. We wondered how they could possibly fantasize about repeating the experiences of their initial flight, which were deeply wounding and traumatic. We argue against a reading of trauma and agency as existing in opposition to or in spite of each other. We revisit the moment of trauma to uncover the transformative potential built into it—a crucial step in explaining the puzzling desires of our interlocutors for onward flight. We contrast popular notions of agentive mobility with the German term Flucht nach vorne (literally, “onward flight”) to indicate the complex contradictions, and even “unreason,” built into these fantasies.
Prediction of individual trigeminal pain sensitivity from gray matter structure within the sensorimotor network
Authors: Niddam David M. , Wu Yu‐Te , Pan Li‐Ling Hope , Chen Yung‐Lin , Wang Shuu‐Jiun
Published: January 2023

Objective

To determine whether multivariate pattern regression analysis based on gray matter (GM) images constrained to the sensorimotor network could accurately predict trigeminal heat pain sensitivity in healthy individuals.

Background

Prediction of individual pain sensitivity is of clinical relevance as high pain sensitivity is associated with increased risks of postoperative pain, pain chronification, and a poor treatment response. However, as pain is a subjective experience accurate identification of such individuals can be difficult. GM structure of sensorimotor regions have been shown to vary with pain sensitivity. It is unclear whether GM structure within these regions can be used to predict pain sensitivity.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, structural magnetic resonance images and pain thresholds in response to contact heat stimulation of the left supraorbital area were obtained from 79 healthy participants. Voxel‐based morphometry was used to extract segmented and normalized GM images. These were then constrained to a mask encompassing the functionally defined resting‐state sensorimotor network. The masked images and pain thresholds entered a multivariate relevance vector regression analysis for quantitative prediction of the individual pain thresholds. The correspondence between predicted and actual pain thresholds was indexed by the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and the mean squared error (MSE). The generalizability of the model was assessed by 10‐fold and 5‐fold cross‐validation. Non‐parametric permutation tests were used to estimate significance levels.

Results

Trigeminal heat pain sensitivity could be predicted from GM structure within the sensorimotor network with significant accuracy (10‐fold: r = 0.53, p < 0.001, MSE = 10.32, p = 0.001; 5‐fold: r = 0.46, p = 0.001, MSE = 10.54, p < 0.001). The resulting multivariate weight maps revealed that accurate prediction relied on multiple widespread regions within the sensorimotor network.

Conclusion

A multivariate pattern of GM structure within the sensorimotor network could be used to make accurate predictions about trigeminal heat pain sensitivity at the individual level in healthy participants. Widespread regions within the sensorimotor network contributed to the predictive model.