bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The toll-like receptor 7 agonist imiquimod increases ethanol self-administration and induces expression of toll-like receptor related genes
Authors: Lovelock Dennis F. , Liu Wen , Langston Sarah E. , Liu Jiaqi , Van Voorhies Kalynn , Giffin Kaitlin A. , Vetreno Ryan P. , Crews Fulton T. , Besheer Joyce
Published: October 2021

Background

There is growing evidence that immune signaling may be involved in both the causes and consequences of alcohol abuse. Toll-like receptor (TLR) expression is increased by alcohol consumption and is implicated in AUD, and specifically TLR7 may play an important role in ethanol consumption.

Methods

We administered the TLR7-specific agonist imiquimod in male and female Long-Evans rats to determine 1) gene expression changes in brain regions involved in alcohol reinforcement, the nucleus accumbens core and anterior insular cortex, in rats with and without an alcohol history, and 2) whether TLR7 activation could modulate operant alcohol self-administration.

Results

Interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) was dramatically increased in both sexes at both 2 and 24 h post-injection regardless of alcohol history, while TLR3 and 7 gene expression changes were region- and sex-specific. The pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα was increased 24h post-injection in rats with an alcohol self-administration history but this effect did not persist after four injections, suggesting molecular tolerance. In both males and females, ethanol consumption was increased 24 h after imiquimod injections with sex-specific differences: in females this effect emerged following the first injection but in males this increase did not occur until the third injection, suggesting sex differences in adaptation to repeated TLR7 activation. Notably, imiquimod reliably induced weight loss, indicating that sickness behavior persisted across repeated injections.

Conclusion

These findings show that TLR7 activation can modulate alcohol drinking in an operant self-administration paradigm, and suggest that TLR7 and IRF7 signaling pathways may be a viable druggable target for treatment of AUD.
Mouse lemur, a new animal model to investigate cardiac pacemaker activity in primates
Authors: DiFrancesco Mattia L. , Davaze Romain , Torre Eleonora , Mesirca Pietro , Marrot Manon , Lautier Corinne , Fontes Pascaline , Cuoq Joёl , Fernandez Anne , Lamb Ned , Pifferi Fabien , Mestre-Francés Nadine , Mangoni Matteo E. , Torrente Angelo G.
Published: October 2021

Background

Gray mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus) are the smallest and most ancestral primates known. Their size falls in between that of mice and rats, and their genetic proximity to humans makes them an emerging model to study age-related neurodegeneration. Since mouse lemurs replicate similar senescence processes of humans, they constitute a useful model for studying cardiovascular dysfunctions. However, their cardiac physiology is unknown. Thus, we investigated the cardiac pacemaker activity generated by the sinoatrial node (SAN) of mouse lemurs, presenting the first characterization of heart automaticity in nonhuman primates.

Methods and Results

We recorded cardiac automaticity in mouse lemurs and in their SAN tissues and pacemaker myocytes. Mouse lemurs have a heart rate (HR) in between those of mice and rats and a similar generation of the SAN electrical impulse. Their SAN myocytes express the main pacemaker currents at densities similar to mice: the hyperpolarization-activated current (If) and the L-type (Ica,L) and T-type (Ica,T) calcium currents. Conversely, their ventricular depolarization resembles that of large mammals and despite the small size of mouse lemurs, the total number of heartbeats in their life corresponds to what can be attained by humans.

Using muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) from mouse lemurs, we also differentiated pacemaker-like (PML) cells showing spontaneous automaticity and expressing markers of native SAN myocytes (HCN4 and connexin-45).

Conclusions

Our characterization of heart automaticity in Microcebus murinus provides new opportunities for comparative cardio-physiology studies in primates and with humans and for testing molecules that could modulate age-related dysfunctions of heart rate.
Statistics of antibody binding to the spike protein explain the dependence of COVID 19 infection risk on antibody concentration and affinity
Authors: Williams David E
Published: October 2021

The increase of COVID-19 breakthrough infection risk with time since vaccination has a clear relationship to the decrease of antibody concentration with time. The empirically-observed dependence on blood IgG anti-receptor binding domain antibody concentration of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine efficacy against infection has a rational explanation in the statistics of binding of antibody to spike proteins on the virus surface, leading to blocking of binding to the receptor: namely that the probability of infection is the probability that a critical number of the spike proteins protruding from the virus are unblocked. The model is consistent with the observed antibody concentrations required to induce immunity and with the observed dependence of vaccine efficacy on antibody concentration and thus is a useful tool in the development of models to relate, for an individual person, risk of infection given measured antibody concentration. It can be used to relate population breakthrough infection risk to the distribution across the population of antibody concentration, and its variation with time.
Nelfinavir induces cytotoxicity towards high-grade serous ovarian cancer cells, involving induction of the unfolded protein response, modulation of protein synthesis, DNA damage, lysosomal impairment, and potentiation of toxicity caused by proteasome inhibition
Authors: Subeha Mahbuba R , Goyeneche Alicia A , Bustamante Prisca , Lisio Michael A. , Burnier Julia V. , Telleria Carlos M.
Published: October 2021

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a significant cause of mortality among women worldwide. Traditional treatment consists of platinum-based therapy; however, rapid development of platinum resistance contributes to lower life expectancy, warranting newer therapies to supplement the current platinum-based protocol. Repurposing market-available drugs as cancer therapeutics is a cost- and time-effective way to avail new therapies to drug-resistant patients. The anti-HIV agent nelfinavir (NFV) has shown promising toxicity against various cancers; however, its role against HGSOC is unknown. Here, we studied the effect of NFV against HGSOC cells obtained from patients along disease progression and carrying different sensitivities to platinum. NFV triggered, independently of platinum sensitivity, a dose-dependent reduction of HGSOC cell number and viability, and a parallel increase in hypo-diploid DNA content. Moreover, a dose-dependent reduction of clonogenic survival of cells escaping the acute toxicity was indicative of long-term residual damage. In addition, dose- and time-dependent phosphorylation of H2AX indicated NFV-mediated DNA damage, which was associated with decreased survival and proliferation signals driven by the AKT and ERK pathways. NFV also mediated a dose-dependent increase in endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecules associated with long-term inhibition of protein synthesis and concurrent cell death; such events were accompanied by a proapoptotic environment, signaled by increased phospho- eIF2α, ATF4, and CHOP, increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and cleaved executer caspase-7. Finally, we show that NFV potentiates the short-term cell cycle arrest and long-term toxicity caused by the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. Overall, ourin vitrostudy demonstrates that NFV can therapeutically target HGSOC cells of differential platinum sensitivities via several mechanisms, suggesting its prospective repurposing benefit considering its good safety profile.
SERCA function is impaired in skeletal and cardiac muscles from young DBA/2J mdx mice
Authors: Cleverdon Riley EG , Whitley Kennedy C , Marko Daniel M , Hamstra Sophie I , Braun Jessica L , Roy Brian D , MacPherson Rebecca EK , Fajardo Val A
Published: October 2021

The DBA/2J (D2) mdx mouse has emerged as a more severe model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy when compared to the traditional C57BL/10 (C57) mdx mouse. Here, we questioned whether sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) function would differ in muscles from young D2 and C57 mdx mice. In gastrocnemius muscles, both D2- and C57 mdx mice exhibited signs of impaired Ca2+ uptake, however, this was more severe in D2 mdx mice. Maximal SERCA activity was lowered only in D2 mdx gastrocnemius muscles and not C57 mdx muscles. Furthermore, in the left ventricle and diaphragm, Ca2+ uptake was impaired in C57 mdx muscles with lowered rates of Ca2+ uptake compared with C57 WT mice, whereas in muscles from D2 mdx mice, rates of Ca2+ uptake were unattainable due to the severe impairments in their ability to transport Ca2+. Overall, our study demonstrates that SERCA function is drastically impaired in young D2 mdx mice.
Transmission ofKlebsiellastrains and plasmids within and between Grey-headed flying fox colonies
Authors: Vezina Ben , Judd Louise M. , McDougall Fiona K. , Boardman Wayne S.J. , Power Michelle L. , Hawkey Jane , Brisse Sylvain , Monk Jonathan M. , Holt Kathryn E. , Wyres Kelly L.
Published: October 2021

The Grey-headed flying fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) is an endemic Australian fruit bat, known to carry pathogens with zoonotic potential. We recently showed these bats harbour the bacterial pathogensKlebsiella pneumoniaeand closely related species in theK. pneumoniaespecies complex (KpSC). However, the dynamics ofKlebsiellatransmission and gene flow within flying fox colonies were not explored and remain poorly understood.

Here we report a high-resolution genomic comparison of 39KpSC isolates from Greyheaded flying foxes. Illumina whole genome sequences (n=39) were assembledde novoand the Kleborate genotyping tool was used to infer sequence types (STs). Oxford Nanopore sequences were generated for 13 isolates (one for each distinct ST) in order to generate high-quality completed reference genomes. Read mapping and variant calling was used to identify single nucleotide variants (SNVs) within each ST, using the relevant reference genome.In silicogenome-scale metabolic models were generated to predict and compare substrate usage to 59 previously publishedKpSC models for isolates from human and environmental sources, which indicated no distinction on the basis of metabolic capabilities.

High-resolution genome comparisons identified five putative strain transmission clusters (four intra- and one inter-colony, n=2-15 isolates each, ≤25 pairwise SNVs). Inter-colony transmission ofKlebsiella africanawas found between two flying fox populations located within flying distance. The 13 completed genomes harboured 11 plasmids, all of which showed 37-98% coverage (mean 73%) and ≥95% identity to those previously reported from human-associatedKpSC. Comparison of plasmids from different flying fox associatedKpSC indicated an interspecies horizontal plasmid transmission betweenK. pneumoniaeandK. africanafor a 98 kbp plasmid, pFF1003.

These data indicate thatKpSC are able to transmit directly via flying fox populations or indirectly via a common source, and that these isolates can harbour plasmids with similarity to those found in human derivedKpSC, indicating gene flow is occurring between isolates from Grey-headed flying foxKpSC and human clinical isolates.
Epigenetic-structural changes in X chromosomes promote Xic pairing during early differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Komoto Tetsushi , Fujii Masashi , Awazu Akinori
Published: October 2021

X chromosome inactivation center (Xic) pairing is robustly observed during the differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells from female mouse embryos, and this process is related to X chromosome inactivation, the circadian clock, intra-nucleus architecture, and metabolism. However, the mechanisms underlying the identification and approach of X chromosome pairs in the crowded nucleus are unclear. To elucidate the driving force of Xic pairing, we developed a coarse-grained molecular dynamics model of intranuclear chromosomes in ES cells and in cells 2 days after the onset of differentiation (2-days cells) by considering intrachromosome epigenetic-structural feature-dependent mechanics. The analysis of the experimental data showed X-chromosomes change to specifically softer than autosomes during the cell differentiation by the rearrangement of their distributions of open-close chromatin regions, and the simulations of these models exhibited such softening promoted the mutual approach of the Xic pair. These findings suggested that local intrachromosomal epigenetic features may contribute to the regulation of cell species-dependent differences in intranuclear architecture.
Hoxb5 reprograms murine multipotent blood progenitors into hematopoietic stem cell-like cells
Authors: Huang Dehao , Zhao Qianhao , Weng Qitong , Zhang Qi , Wang Kaitao , Liu Lijuan , Xia Chengxiang , Wang Tongjie , Xiong Jiapin , Liu Xiaofei , Guan Yuxian , Geng Yang , Dong Fang , Cheng Hui , Wang Jinyong , Zhang Mengyun , Hu Fangxiao
Published: October 2021

The expression of transcription factor Hoxb5 specifically marks the functional hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in mice. However, our recent work demonstrated that ectopic expression of Hoxb5 exerted little effect on HSC but could convert B cell progenitors into functional T cells in vivo. Thus, cell type- and development stage-specific roles of Hoxb5 in hematopoietic hierarchy await more extensive exploration. Here, with a mouse strain engineered with conditional expression of Hoxb5, we unveiled that induced expression of Hoxb5 in mouse multipotent progenitor cells (MPP) led to the generation of a de novo Sca1+cKit+Mac1+CD48+ (Mac1+CD48+SK) cell type, which has the ability to repopulate long-term multi-lineage hematopoiesis in serial transplant recipients. RNA-seq analyses showed that Mac1+CD48+SK cells exhibited an acquired machinery of DNA replication and cell division, which resembled nature fetal liver HSC cells (FL HSC). In short, our current study uncovers that Hoxb5 is able to empower MPP with self-renewal potential, thereby providing new strategies to reprogram blood progenitor cells into HSC-like cells.
Widespread sex ratio polymorphism inCaenorhabditisnematodes
Authors: Huang Yun , Lo Yun-Hua , Hsu Jung-Chen , Le Tho Son , Yang Fang-Jung , Chang Tiffany , Braendle Christian , Wang John
Published: October 2021

Although equal sex ratio is ubiquitous and represents an equilibrium in evolutionary theory, biased sex ratios are predicted for certain local conditions. Cases of sex ratio bias have been mostly reported for single species, but little is known about its evolution above the species level. Here, we surveyed progeny sex ratios in 23 species of the nematode genusCaenorhabditis, including 19 for which we tested multiple strains. For the species with multiple strains, 5 species had female-biased and 2 had non-biased sex ratios in all strains, respectively. The other 12 species showed polymorphic sex ratios across strains. Female-biased sex ratios could be due to sperm competition whereby X-bearing sperm outcompete nullo-X sperm during fertilization. In this model, when sperm are limited allowing all sperm to be used, sex ratios are expected to be equal. However, in assays limiting mating to a few hours, most strains showed similarly biased sex ratios compared to unlimited mating experiments, except that oneC. beceistrain showed significantly reduced female bias compared to unlimited mating. Our study shows frequent polymorphism in sex ratios withinCaenorhabditisspecies and that sperm competition alone cannot explain the sex ratio bias.
The route of vaccine administration determines whether blood neutrophils undergo long-term phenotypic modifications
Authors: Feraoun Yanis , Palgen Jean-Louis , Joly Candie , Tchitchek Nicolas , Marcos-Lopez Ernesto , Dereuddre-Bosquet Nathalie , Gallouet Anne-Sophie , Contreras Vanessa , Lévy Yves , Martinon Frédéric , Le Grand Roger , Beignon Anne-Sophie
Published: October 2021

Innate immunity modulates adaptive immunity and defines the magnitude, quality, and longevity of antigen-specific T- and B- cell immune memory. Various vaccine and administration factors influence the immune response to vaccination, including the route of vaccine delivery.

We studied the dynamics of innate cell responses in blood using a preclinical model of non-human primates immunized with a live attenuated vaccinia virus, Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA), and mass cytometry. We previously showed that MVA induces a strong, early, and transient innate response, but also late phenotypic modifications of blood myeloid cells after two months when injected subcutaneously. Here, we show that the early innate effector cell responses and plasma inflammatory cytokine profiles differ between subcutaneous and intradermal vaccine injection. Additionally, we show that the intradermal administration fails to induce more highly activated/mature neutrophils long after immunization, in contrast to subcutaneous administration.

Different batches of antibodies, staining protocols and generations of mass cytometers were used to generate the two datasets that were compared. Mass cytometry data were analyzed in parallel using the same analytical pipeline based on three successive clustering steps, including SPADE, and categorical heatmaps were compared using the Manhattan distance to measure the similarity between cell cluster phenotypes.

Overall, we show that the vaccine per se is not sufficient for the late phenotypic modifications of innate myeloid cells, which are evocative of innate immune training. Its route of administration is also crucial, likely by influencing the early innate response, and systemic inflammation, and the vaccine biodistribution.
Eukaryotic CRFK cells motion characterized with atomic force microscopy
Authors: Zamora-Ceballos Maria , Barcena Juan , Mertens Johann
Published: October 2021

We performed a time-lapse imaging with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) of the motion of eukaryotic CRFK (Crandell-Rees Feline Kidney) cells adhered onto a glass surface and anchored to other cells in culture medium at 37°C. The main finding is a gradient in the spring constant of the actomyosin cortex along the cells axis. The rigidity increases at the rear of the cells during motion. This observation as well as a dramatic decrease of the volume suggests that cells may organize a dissymmetry in the skeleton network to expulse water and drive actively the rear edge.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of di-μ-chlorido-bis[(acetonitrile-κN)chlorido(ethyl 5-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylate-κ2
N
2,O)copper(II)]
Authors: Vynohradov Oleksandr S. , Pavlenko Vadim A. , Kucheriv Olesia I. , Golenya Irina A. , Petlovanyi Denys , Shova Sergiu
Published: October 2021

The title compound, [Cu2Cl4(C5H10N2O2)2(CH3CN)2] or [Cu2(μ2-Cl)2(CH3—Pz-COOCH2CH3)2Cl2(CH3CN)2], was synthesized using a one-pot reaction of copper powder, copper(II) chloride dihydrate and ethyl 5-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylate (CH3—Pz-COOCH2CH3) in acetonitrile under ambient conditions. This complex consists of discrete binuclear molecules with a {Cu2(μ2-Cl)2} core, in which the Cu...Cu distance is 3.8002 (7) Å. The pyrazole-based ligands are bidentate coordinated, leading to the formation of two five-membered chelate rings. The coordination geometry of both copper atoms (ON2Cl3) can be described as distorted octahedral on account of the acetonitrile coordination. A Hirshfeld surface analysis suggests that the most important contributions to the surface contacts are from H...H (40%), H...Cl/Cl...H (24.3%), H...O/O...H (11.8%), H...C/C...H (9.2%) and H...N/N...H (8.3%) interactions.
Signal reconstruction and disturbance observer-based fault-tolerant control for civil aircrafts
Authors: Ma Xinjian , Liu Shiqian , Cheng Huihui , Lyu Weizhi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the sensor fault-tolerant control (FTC) for civil aircraft under exterior disturbance.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a three-step cubature Kalman filter (TSCKF) is designed to detect and isolate the sensor fault and to reconstruct the sensor signal. Meanwhile, a nonlinear disturbance observer (NDO) is designed for disturbance estimation. The NDO and the TSCKF are combined together and an NDO-TSCKF is proposed to solve the problem of sensor faults and bounded disturbances simultaneously. Furthermore, an FTC scheme is designed based on the nonlinear dynamic inversion (NDI) and the NDO-TSCKF.

Findings

The method is verified by a Cessna 172 aircraft model under bias gyro fault and constant angular rate disturbance. The proposed NDO-TSCKF has the ability of signal reconstruction and disturbance estimation. The proposed FTC scheme is also able to solve the sensor fault and disturbance simultaneously.

Research limitations/implications

NDO-TSCKF is the novel algorithm used in sensor signal reconstruction for aircraft. Then, disturbance observer-based FTC can improve the flight control system performances when the system with faults.

Practical implications

The NDO-TSCKF-based FTC scheme can be used to solve the sensor fault and exterior disturbance in flight control. For example, the bias gyro fault with constant angular rate disturbance of a civil aircraft is studied.

Social implications

Signal reconstruction for critical sensor faults and disturbance observer-based FTC for civil aircraft are useful in modern civil aircraft design and development.

Originality/value

This is the research paper studies on the signal reconstruction and FTC scheme for civil aircraft. The proposed NDO-TSCKF is better than the current reconstruction filter because the failed sensor signal can be reconstructed under disturbances. This control scheme has a better fault-tolerant capability for sensor faults and bounded disturbances than using regular NDI control.
Selling science: optimizing the research funding evaluation and decision process
Authors: Vinkenburg Claartje J. , Ossenkop Carolin , Schiffbaenker Helene
Published: October 2021

Purpose

In this contribution to EDI's professional insights, the authors develop practical and evidence-based recommendations that are developed for bias mitigation, discretion elimination and process optimization in panel evaluations and decisions in research funding. An analysis is made of how the expectation of “selling science” adds layers of complexity to the evaluation and decision process. The insights are relevant for optimization of similar processes, including publication, recruitment and selection, tenure and promotion.

Design/methodology/approach

The recommendations are informed by experiences and evidence from commissioned projects with European research funding organizations. The authors distinguish between three aspects of the evaluation process: written applications, enacted performance and group dynamics. Vignettes are provided to set the stage for the analysis of how bias and (lack of) fit to an ideal image makes it easier for some than for others to be funded.

Findings

In research funding decisions, (over)selling science is expected but creates shifting standards for evaluation, resulting in a narrow band of acceptable behavior for applicants. In the authors' recommendations, research funding organizations, evaluators and panel chairs will find practical ideas and levers for process optimization, standardization and customization, in terms of awareness, accountability, biased language, criteria, structure and time.

Originality/value

Showing how “selling science” in research funding adds to the cumulative disadvantage of bias, the authors offer design specifications for interventions to mitigate the negative effects of bias on evaluations and decisions, improve selection habits, eliminate discretion and create a more inclusive process.
Systematic mapping: educational and social entrepreneurship innovations (2015–2020)
Authors: Montes-Martínez Ruth , Ramírez-Montoya María Soledad
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to analyze recent publications (2015–2020) that refer to educational and social entrepreneurship to identify the primary emerging themes and gaps of entrepreneurship research and management that would be helpful for future studies and entrepreneurial ventures.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used systematic mapping to review 92 research articles that address educational innovation and social entrepreneurship. All the articles were published between 2015 and January 2020 and were found in the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases.

Findings

The data analysis identified the following: the articles most frequently cited, the journals that published the highest number of relevant articles, the geographical distribution of these publications and their authors, the context of the research, the lines and themes that emerged, and the gaps in the literature regarding the research and management of educational and social entrepreneurship.

Research limitations/implications

The search for articles was limited to educational and social entrepreneurship innovations and the English language; thus, studies published in other languages were not analyzed.

Originality/value

The analysis of this research allowed us to review concepts and identify research methods employed and thematic lines analyzed. Therefore, the work is of value for educational and social entrepreneurs and researchers who wish to examine such concepts or focus on areas not yet fully explored.
A framework for scheduling IoT application jobs on fog computing infrastructure based on QoS parameters
Authors: Kaur Mandeep , Sandhu Rajinder , Mohana Rajni
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to verify that if applications categories are segmented and resources are allocated based on their specific category, how effective scheduling can be done?.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a scheduling framework for IoT application jobs, based upon the Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, which works at coarse grained level to select a fog environment and at fine grained level to select a fog node. Fog environment is chosen considering availability, physical distance, latency and throughput. At fine grained (node selection) level, a probability triad (C, M, G) is anticipated using Naïve Bayes algorithm which provides probability of newly submitted application job to fall in either of the categories Compute (C) intensive, Memory (M) intensive and GPU (G) intensive.

Findings

Experiment results showed that the proposed framework performed better than traditional cloud and fog computing paradigms.

Originality/value

The proposed framework combines types of applications and computation capabilities of Fog computing environment, which is not carried out to the best of knowledge of authors.
Developing key competencies in sustainability through project-based learning in graduate sustainability programs
Authors: Birdman Jodie , Wiek Arnim , Lang Daniel J.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This research aims to investigate the role of project-based-learning within graduate sustainability curricula through the lens of key competence development. Project-based learning has become a widely recommended pedagogy for sustainability education. It is hypothesized that through collaboration, student autonomy and real-world application, students develop key competencies for sustainability. This paper also aims to examine the connection between project-based learning and competence development on a program level from the student perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This two-year comparative case study follows the project-based-learning journeys of nine graduate sustainability students from three programs: the Master’s of Sustainability at Arizona State University, the Master’s of Sustainability Science at Leuphana University of Lüneburg and the Global Sustainability Science Master’s, an ASU and Leuphana collaboration. Over four semesters, the students each took part in four competence-oriented self-assessments and interviews to map their perceived learning throughout their programs. Additional contextual information was gathered from program and course materials and descriptions, instructor interviews and in vivo observations.

Findings

The defining aspects of project-based learning including collaboration, student autonomy and real-world connection do contribute to students’ self-perceived competence development. Student-driven and program-driven project-based learning experiences equally foster this result, as long as the pedagogical challenges of balancing support and student independence associated with each are mitigated through instructor actions, program design or individual student coping skills.

Originality/value

The results of this research can support higher education institutions in designing sustainability programs aimed at competence development through project-based learning. The focus on the curricular and program level combined with repeated overtime student-reported attribution to specific courses and activities bridges the gap between individual course case studies and theoretical recommendations for curriculum design. In addition to length and depth, this study also forefronts student experience of curricula as delivered.
AI-powered learning application use and gratification: an integrative model
Authors: Chang Younghoon , Lee Seongyong , Wong Siew Fan , Jeong Seon-phil
Published: October 2021

Purpose

As the center of the fourth industrial revolution, artificial intelligence (AI) has marked its presence in various disciplines including the education field in the form of AI-powered learning applications. The purpose of this study is to build a research model capturing the relationships among use contexts, user gratification, attitude, learning performance and continuous intention to use an AI-powered English learning application.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the use and gratification theory, use contexts and the belief-attitude-intention theory, this paper uses a quantitative approach based on a survey method for data collection and structural equation modeling for analysis. A total of 478 students from an international university in Guangdong, China, participated in the survey after using Liulishuo for two weeks.

Findings

The results showed that perceived use contexts affected all variables associated with gratifications-obtained and gratification-opportunities. With the exception of social integrativeness, all other gratification-based factors significantly affected attitude. The attitude in turn significantly influenced learning performance and continuous use intention.

Originality/value

Mobile AI-powered learning applications are at the center of research on technology-enhanced learning in the age of media and technology convergence. The study is timely and contributes to the discussion of the roles of use context and gratifications on technology users’ attitudes and behavioral intentions.
A retrospection of methodological pluralism in the Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction (2005-2020)
Authors: Tembo Chipozya Kosta , Akintola Adeyemi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper presents a review of research methodologies used in addressing problems in the financial management of property and construction journals from 2005 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis of 258 research papers published in the Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction was carried out, enabling the exploration of research approaches, epistemology, strategies, data collection and data analysis methods used in addressing problems researched in the area of financial management of property and construction

Findings

The findings show that quantitative approaches and methods dominate, whereas qualitative and mixed methods were prominent in-depth understanding of a topics were needed. Interestingly, almost a third of the publications did not adopt quantitative approaches. In some journal issues, there was relatively high use of qualitative and multi-method approaches and up to 12% of the articles published over the past 16 years could be described as based on pragmatism.

Research limitations/implications

An important implication of this paper is that a conventionally number-based area of research does not preclude the use of qualitative and mixed approaches. The findings are only generalisable to the Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction.

Practical implications

Financial management researchers could benefit greatly by considering pluralistic approaches more in the design of their studies.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is an original synthesis of the articles published between 2005 and 2020. It provides new insight into the use of research methodologies by authors and how they have been combined to address their research problems. It further investigates an old issue or question about methodological choice-making using new evidence and original empirical work.
Professional learning for secondary teachers of English learners in an urban school district: examining systems of support
Authors: Weddle Hayley , Yoshisato Mariko , Hopkins Megan
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Although schools across the United States are becoming increasingly linguistically and culturally diverse, many teachers remain underprepared to work with students classified as English learners (ELs), especially at the secondary level. Acknowledging the importance of developing systems of support for teachers of ELs, this paper examines the district- and school-level factors shaping secondary teachers' access to EL-focused professional learning in one large urban school district.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine teachers' access to EL-focused professional learning, the authors draw on 49 in-depth interviews with district leaders and staff from nine secondary schools. Data analysis was guided by a structure, culture and agency theoretical framework.

Findings

Findings revealed that decreased structural support, in terms of both fiscal and human resources, constrained teachers' access to EL-related professional learning. Further, the district culture was characterized by limited understanding of ELs' backgrounds and assets. While some school leaders exercised agency to bolster EL-focused professional learning for teachers, such supports were rare.

Practical implications

Findings help to contextualize secondary teachers' feelings of unpreparedness to serve ELs, illuminating several factors that district and school leaders should attend to in order to bolster the development of professional capital for teachers of ELs at the secondary level.

Originality/value

While prior research outlines the importance of designing systems of support for EL-focused professional learning, this study highlights specific structural and cultural factors shaping such systems.
A study on the effects of electrical and thermal stresses on void formation and migration lifetime of Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solder joints
Authors: Li Yanruoyue , Fu Guicui , Wan Bo , Wu Zhaoxi , Yan Xiaojun , Zhang Weifang
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of electrical and thermal stresses on the void formation of the Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu (SAC305) lead-free ball grid array (BGA) solder joints and to propose a modified mean-time-to-failure (MTTF) equation when joints are subjected to coupling stress.

Design/methodology/approach

The samples of the BGA package were subjected to a migration test at different currents and temperatures. Voltage variation was recorded for analysis. Scanning electron microscope and electron back-scattered diffraction were applied to achieve the micromorphological observations. Additionally, the experimental and simulation results were combined to fit the modified model parameters.

Findings

Voids appeared at the corner of the cathode. The resistance of the daisy chain increased. Two stages of resistance variation were confirmed. The crystal lattice orientation rotated and became consistent and ordered. Electrical and thermal stresses had an impact on the void formation. As the current density and temperature increased, the void increased. The lifetime of the solder joint decreased as the electrical and thermal stresses increased. A modified MTTF model was proposed and its parameters were confirmed by theoretical derivation and test data fitting.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the effects of coupling stress on the void formation of the SAC305 BGA solder joint. The microstructure and macroscopic performance were studied to identify the effects of different stresses with the use of a variety of analytical methods. The modified MTTF model was constructed for application to SAC305 BGA solder joints. It was found suitable for larger current densities and larger influences of Joule heating and for the welding ball structure with current crowding.
Lean Six Sigma for the improvement of company processes: the Schnell S.p.A. case study
Authors: Murmura Federica , Bravi Laura , Musso Fabio , Mosciszko Aleksandra
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study is to develop an in-depth case study on the implementation on Lean six sigma (LSS) in Schnell S.p.A., Italian company leader of an important multinational industrial group, highlighting the benefits that can be achieved from a careful application of this method, the main challenges and organizational learning from its implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has been developed with a qualitative approach, creating a single in-depth case study, with the participant observation of researchers in the project which lasted 4 months. Periodic weekly meetings were done with the working group to exchange feedback on the development of the project to share opinions and data.

Findings

A project has been developed to stabilize the procurement process of a pull-type production cell, which experienced delays in supply lead times. The causes of the problems in their process of managing the supply of the production cell were found and some inefficiencies in the internal process of fulfillment of supply orders have been intercepted, the optimization of which has allowed the generation of an automatic system for sending supply orders, coming directly from the production line.

Originality/value

This study described the path and dynamics of the transformation process that business organizations undertake for optimizing their profitability and competitive advantage, placing emphasis on an innovative methodology for conducting business process improvement projects, which constitutes its operating philosophy on the effective and efficient use of company resources and skills, to guarantee to the company the achievement of a lasting and defensible competitive advantage over time.
Evaluation of G2013 (α‐L‐guluronic acid) efficacy on PC‐3 cells through inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors
Authors: Bagherian Zahra , Mirshafiey Abbas , Mohsenzadegan Monireh , Farajollahi Mohammad M.
Published: October 2021

Given multiple treatment strategies for prostate cancer, its mortality rate is still high; therefore, novel treatment strategies seem necessary. G2013 or α‐L‐guluronic acid is a new patented drug with immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the property of G2013 on inflammatory molecules involved in tumorigenesis of prostate cancer. MTT assay was used to assess the effect of the drug on the proliferation of PC‐3 cells. Expression of interleukin 8 (IL‐8), Nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MYD‐88), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2), matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2), and MMP‐9 genes were studied in the PC‐3 cells treated with 25 (low dose) or 50 (high dose) µg/mL of G2013 for 24 h using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) technique. Protein expression of NF‐κB and protein activities of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 were assayed using flow cytometry and gelatin zymography, respectively. The expression of COX‐2 (p = 0.007 at low dose), MMP‐2 (p = 0.023 at low dose, p = 0.002 at high dose), NF‐κB (p = 0.004 at low dose) and IL‐8 (p < 0.0001 in both doses) genes, NF‐κB protein (p < 0.0001 in both doses), and MMP‐2 activity (p < 0.0001 in both doses) were significantly reduced in the presence of G2013 as compared to the control group. Cancer cell proliferation was also inhibited under 10–500 µg/mL G2013 treatment. Our results revealed that G2013 has the potential to inhibit PC‐3 cell proliferation and reduce the expression of tumour‐promoting mediators, COX‐2, MMP‐2, NF‐κB, and IL‐8 involved in the progression and metastasis of prostate cancer.
Evaluating the significance of cash transfers on household consumption
Authors: Muchiri Steve , Choi Sun‐Ki
Published: October 2021

The Old Age Pension (OAP) to elderly South Africans is one of the biggest programs in developing countries. It's a vital income source to many households because it puts a significant cash transfer into the hands of many poor households, and the sharp increase in its take‐up at the minimum eligibility age further demonstrates its importance. This paper estimates the OAP's impact on households’ food security, quality of water and sanitation facilities, where the last two are essential public health‐related outcomes. We find that the OAP has a significant and positive impact on food security, but not on the quality of drinking water and sanitation. We attribute the latter to the high fixed costs associated with access to quality drinking water and proper sanitation services and their nature as a form of public good. The paper further attempts to understand whether gender influences these outcomes.
Fentanyl transdermal patches: Extraction and evaluation of a novel disposal method using NarcX®
Authors: Palmer Corianna M. , Canfield Jeremy R. , Sprague Jon E. , Oechsle Crystal M. , Worst Travis J.
Published: October 2021

Currently, there is no known commercially available product for disposing of used fentanyl transdermal patches. To eliminate the potential for harm and abuse, a proper disposal method is needed–one that neutralizes the dangerous amount of residual fentanyl that remains after therapeutic use of the fentanyl patch. The patent‐pending liquid solution of activated carbon, known as NarcX®, was investigated as a potential fentanyl adsorbing agent. In order to determine the amount of fentanyl remaining after a patch is treated with NarcX®, here, we utilized hexanes to first dissolve the patch adhesive and then followed with liquid‐liquid extraction with methanol to recover the fentanyl. Using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS‐MS), the extracts obtained with this method yielded between 85% and 117% recovery of fentanyl from new and unused patches. Further optimization of this method allowed for a quantitative evaluation of NarcX®‐treated fentanyl patches. 100 µg/h Apotex brand fentanyl patches were exposed to NarcX® for 1, 24, 48, and 72 h. NarcX® was shown to adsorb fentanyl from the patches with varying degrees of success, demonstrating an average of 66.98 ± 0.75% fentanyl adsorption after 72 h. These findings suggest that more work is needed to successfully neutralize the fentanyl patches in their entirety using NarcX®; however, this work does demonstrate proof of concept.
The biogenic amine‐producing bacteria from craft beer and their kinetic analysis between growth characteristics and biogenic amine formation in beer
Authors: Yu Zhimin , Fu Wei , Fu Yang , Tang Wenzhu , Li Rong , Li Xianzhen
Published: October 2021

Craft beer because of its fresh flavor, unique taste, and rich nutrition is becoming more popular to consumers. Compared with industry beer, craft beer is often nonfiltered and nonpasteurized, for this reason, it has a short shelf life and is more susceptible to microbial spoilage, which may cause the quality deterioration of craft beer and the formation of biogenic amine as a harmful factor for consumer's health. In this study, the 23 beer‐spoilage bacteria were isolated from craft beer, which were identified as 15 Lactobacillus (L.) brevis, 3 L. plantarum, 1 L. parabuchneri, 2 L. paracasei, and 2 Pediococcus damnosus. Among 23 beer‐spoilage isolates, 20 representatives were able to form tyramine, histamine, putrescine, cadaverine, and/or tryptamine in MRS broth. The nine Lactobacillus strains were incubated in beer and produced tyramine, histamine, putrescine, cadaverine, and/or tryptamine during beer storage process. Logistic and Gompertz model could be adopted to respectively describe the kinetics of microorganism growth and biogenic amine formation. The relationship between the biogenic amines and biomass was simulated by Luedeking–Piret model very well, and showed that the formation of biogenic amine was mainly bacteria growth‐associated in beer. These findings may be helpful for finding the preventive measures to control biogenic amine formation and for enhancing the safety of craft beer.

Practical Application

The selection of the biogenic amine‐producing spoilage bacteria from craft beer and the investigation their kinetics of the growth and biogenic amines production under beer environmental conditions was very helpful for finding preventive measures to eliminate or reduce biogenic amine formation and for appropriate increase in food safety.
In silico and in vivo analyses reveal key metabolic pathways enabling the fermentative utilization of glycerol in Escherichia coli
Authors: Clomburg James M. , Cintolesi Angela , Gonzalez Ramon
Published: October 2021

Most microorganisms can metabolize glycerol when external electron acceptors are available (i.e. under respiratory conditions). However, few can do so under fermentative conditions owing to the unique redox constraints imposed by the high degree of reduction of glycerol. Here, we utilize in silico analysis combined with in vivo genetic and biochemical approaches to investigate the fermentative metabolism of glycerol in Escherichia coli. We found that E. coli can achieve redox balance at alkaline pH by reducing protons to H2, complementing the previously reported role of 1,2‐propanediol synthesis under acidic conditions. In this new redox balancing mode, H2 evolution is coupled to a respiratory glycerol dissimilation pathway composed of glycerol kinase (GK) and glycerol‐3‐phosphate (G3P) dehydrogenase (G3PDH). GK activates glycerol to G3P, which is further oxidized by G3PDH to generate reduced quinones that drive hydrogenase‐dependent H2 evolution. Despite the importance of the GK‐G3PDH route under alkaline conditions, we found that the NADH‐generating glycerol dissimilation pathway via glycerol dehydrogenase (GldA) and phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)‐dependent dihydroxyacetone kinase (DHAK) was essential under both alkaline and acidic conditions. We assessed system‐wide metabolic impacts of the constraints imposed by the PEP dependency of the GldA‐DHAK route. This included the identification of enzymes and pathways that were not previously known to be involved in glycerol metabolisms such as PEP carboxykinase, PEP synthetase, multiple fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatases and the fructose phosphate bypass.