bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuro-COVID-19 is more than anosmia: clinical presentation, neurodiagnostics, therapies, and prognosis
Authors: Schweitzer Finja , Kleineberg Nina N. , Göreci Yasemin , Onur Oezguer A. , Franke Christiana , Warnke Clemens
Published: March 2021

Purpose of review

To provide an overview on current knowledge of neurological symptoms and complications of COVID-19, and to suggest management concepts.

Recent findings

Headache, dizziness, excessive tiredness, myalgia, anosmia/hyposmia, and ageusia/dysgeusia are common nonspecific neurological manifestations during early COVID-19 disease found in the majority of patients. Less frequent but more severe and specific neurological manifestations include Guillain--Barré syndrome, encephalopathy, encephalitis/meningitis, epileptic seizures, and cerebrovascular events. Beyond standard neurological examination, these require a more extensive work-up, including cerebrospinal fluid assessment, neurophysiological evaluation, neuroimaging, and cognitive testing. Symptomatic treatment is advisable unless the neurological complication's immune pathogenesis is proven.

Neurological manifestations of COVID-19 occur during the acute, para-infectious, and ‘recovery’ phase. Therapeutic management depends on the clinical presentation and neurological work-up.
Flavobacterium baculatum sp. nov., a carotenoid and flexirubin-type pigment producing species isolated from flooded paddy field
Authors: Chhetri Geeta , Kim Jiyoun , Kim Inhyup , Kang Minchung , Lee Byungjo , Jang Wonhee , Seo Taegun
Published: March 2021

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, asporogenous, motile by gliding, dull-yellow, long rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated SNL9T, was isolated from a flooded paddy field near Dongguk University, Republic of Korea. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that SNL9T represents a member of the genus

Flavobacterium

and is most closely related to

Flavobacterium ummariense

DS-12T (96.2%) and

Flavobacterium viscosum

YIM 102796T (96.3%). The average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization (DDH) values with

F. ummariense

DS-12T and

F. viscosum

YIM 102796T were 89.3/39.1 and 87.1/33 %, respectively. The major fatty acids of SNL9T were identified as iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (comprising C16  :  1ω6c and/or C16  :  1ω7c) and summed feature 9 (comprising iso-C17 : 1ω9c and/or 10 methyl C16 : 0). SNL9T contained MK-6 as the major respiratory quinone. The polar lipids were phoshatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminophosphoglycolipid, three unidentified aminoglycolipids, two unidentified glycolipids and one unidentified phosphoglycolipid. The DNA G+C content was 34.2 mol%. SNL9T produces carotenoid and flexirubin-type pigments. Among them, carotenoids are particularly valuable for the biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries due to their antioxidant activity. Aryl polyenes (APE) pigments were also found in SNL9T which are responsible for yellow pigment in bacteria. They are stored in the bacterial membrane and protect the bacteria from oxidative stress, particularly from reactive oxygen species. In this paper, we describe a novel isolate, SNL9T, which protect itself from the attack of free radicals using specific natural products in the membrane. Because of their anti-oxidation properties, aryl polyenes may also be of interest to the cosmetic industry. On the basis of the results of phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, SNL9T represents a novel species of the genus

Flavobacterium

, for which the name Flavobacterium baculatum sp. nov. is proposed. The type is SNL9T (=KACC 21170T=NBRC 113746T).
Different potato virus Y strains frequently co-localize in single epidermal leaf cells and in the aphid stylet
Authors: Mondal Shaonpius , Ghanim Murad , Roberts Alison , Gray Stewart M.
Published: March 2021

Single aphids can simultaneously or sequentially acquire and transmit multiple potato virus Y (PVY) strains. Multiple PVY strains are often found in the same field and occasionally within the same plant, but little is known about how PVY strains interact in plants or in aphid stylets. Immuno-staining and confocal microscopy were used to examine the spatial and temporal dynamics of PVY strain mixtures (PVYO and PVYNTN or PVYO and PVYN) in epidermal leaf cells of ‘Samsun NN’ tobacco and ‘Goldrush’ potato. Virus binding and localization was also examined in aphid stylets following acquisition. Both strains systemically infected tobacco and co-localized in cells of all leaves examined; however, the relative amounts of each virus changed over time. Early in the tobacco infection, when mosaic symptoms were observed, PVYO dominated the infection although PVYNTN was detected in some cells. As the infection progressed and vein necrosis developed, PVYNTN was prevalent. Co-localization of PVYO and PVYN was also observed in epidermal cells of potato leaves with most cells infected with both viruses. Furthermore, two strains could be detected binding to the distal end of aphid stylets following virus acquisition from a plant infected with a strain mixture. These data are in contrast with the traditional belief of spatial separation of two closely related potyviruses and suggest apparent non-antagonistic interaction between PVY strains that could help explain the multitude of emerging recombinant PVY strains discovered in potato in recent years.
Universal Rule for Covid 19 and Herd Immunity in the US
Authors: Kuriyan Jacob G.
Published: March 2021

A new Universal rule for Covid 19 data is derived in this paper using the SIR model.

It relates infection and removal rates and is validated by the global Covid 19 data. Over 186,000 data points, from 190 countries and the states of the US, for the period April 1 to December 12, 2020 - fall on a single line, as the Universal rule predicts, transcending geography, ethnicity and race.

The Universal rule requires that Herd immunity begin when just 25% of the population is vaccinated. With the anticipated 100 million vaccinations in the first 100 days of the Biden administration, Herd immunity may be imminent in the US.

The Universal rule promotes a temporary stasis with continuing infections and hospitalizations and becomes a barrier to runaway infections, making it practically impossible to reach Herd immunity, as Sweden discovered. Reduced infected population seems to be a third option to stifle the epidemic - a little known accomplishment, first by North Dakota and subsequently by twelve other U.S. states, including South Dakota.
Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in Juba, South Sudan: a population-based study
Authors: Wiens Kirsten E. , Mawien Pinyi Nyimol , Rumunu John , Slater Damien , Jones Forrest K. , Moheed Serina , Caflish Andrea , Bior Bior K. , Jacob Iboyi Amanya , Lako Richard Lino Loro , Guyo Argata Guracha , Olu Olushayo Oluseun , Maleghemi Sylvester , Baguma Andrew , Hassen Juma John , Baya Sheila K. , Deng Lul , Lessler Justin , Demby Maya N. , Sanchez Vanessa , Mills Rachel , Fraser Clare , Charles Richelle C. , Harris Jason B. , Azman Andrew S. , Wamala Joseph F.
Published: March 2021

Background

Relatively few COVID-19 cases and deaths have been reported through much of sub-Saharan Africa, including South Sudan, although the extent of SARS-CoV-2 spread remains unclear due to weak surveillance systems and few population-representative serosurveys.

Methods

We conducted a representative household-based cross-sectional serosurvey in Juba, South Sudan. We quantified IgG antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain and estimated seroprevalence using a Bayesian regression model accounting for test performance.

Results

We recruited 2,214 participants from August 10 to September 11, 2020 and 22.3% had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers above levels in pre-pandemic samples. After accounting for waning antibody levels, age, and sex, we estimated that 38.5% (32.1 - 46.8) of the population had been infected with SARS-CoV-2. For each RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 case, 104 (87-126) infections were unreported. Background antibody reactivity was higher in pre-pandemic samples from Juba compared to Boston, where the serological test was validated. The estimated proportion of the population infected ranged from 30.1% to 60.6% depending on assumptions about test performance and prevalence of clinically severe infections.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 has spread extensively within Juba. Validation of serological tests in sub-Saharan African populations is critical to improve our ability to use serosurveillance to understand and mitigate transmission.
Acceptance and intake of COVID-19 vaccines among older Germans
Authors: Malesza Marta , Wittmann Erich
Published: March 2021

The main aim of this study was to investigate the various factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and actual intake among older Germans aged over 75 years old (N = 1037). We found that the intention to get vaccinated or intake of the COVID-19 vaccine were positively related to the perceptions of becoming infected, perceptions of the severity of the potential long-term effects, the vaccine’s efficacy, and the benefits of vaccination. Meanwhile, the intention to get the vaccine or vaccine intake were decreased by perceptions of the negative side-effects and the general impediments to vaccination.
The Induction of Pyrenoid Synthesis by Hyperoxia and its Implications for the Natural Diversity of Photosynthetic Responses inChlamydomonas
Authors: Neofotis Peter , Temple Joshua , Tessmer Oliver L. , Bibik Jacob , Norris Nicole , Poliner Eric , Lucker Ben , Wijetilleke Sarathi , Withrow Alecia , Sears Barbara , Mogos Greg , Frame Melinda , Hall David , Weissman Joseph , Kramer David M.
Published: March 2021

In algae, it is well established that the pyrenoid, a component of the carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM), is essential for efficient photosynthesis at low CO2. However, the signal that triggers the formation of the pyrenoid has remained elusive. Here, we show that, inChlamydomonas reinhardtii, the pyrenoid is strongly induced by hyperoxia, even at high CO2or bicarbonate levels. These results suggest that the pyrenoid can be induced by a common product of photosynthesis specific to low CO2or hyperoxia. Consistent with this view, the photorespiratory by-product, H2O2, induced the pyrenoid, suggesting that it acts as a signal. Finally, we show evidence for linkages between genetic variations in hyperoxia tolerance, H2O2signaling, and pyrenoid morphologies.
Bayesian Multivariate Growth Mixture Modeling of Longitudinal Data: An Application to Alzheimer’s Disease Study
Authors: Lin Wenyi , Donohue Michael C. , Insel Philip , Schwartzman Armin , Thompson Wesley K.
Published: March 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) studies often collect longitudinal biomarker measures of multiple cohorts at different stages of disease and follow these biomarkers with a relatively short period of time. The heterogeneity of the longitudinal patterns of biomarkers can be ubiquitous across both individual trajectories and cognitive domains. We propose a flexible Bayesian multivariate growth mixture model to identify distinct longitudinal patterns of data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) study. A Gibbs sampling is implemented for achieving the Bayesian inference. We perform a simulation study to demonstrate the adequate performance of our proposed approach and apply the model to identify three latent cognitive decline patterns among patients from the ADNI study.
Sequence features around cleavage sites are highly conserved among different species and a critical determinant for RNA cleavage position across eukaryotes
Authors: Ueno Daishin , Yamasaki Shotaro , Sadakiyo Yuta , Teruyama Takumi , Demura Taku , Kato Ko
Published: March 2021

RNA degradation is critical for control of gene expression, and endonucleolytic cleavage– dependent RNA degradation is conserved among eukaryotes. Some cleavage sites are secondarily capped in the cytoplasm and identified using the CAGE method. Although uncapped cleavage sites are widespread in eukaryotes, comparatively little information has been obtained about these sites using CAGE-based degradome analysis. Previously, we developed the truncated RNA-end sequencing (TREseq) method in plant species and used it to acquire comprehensive information about uncapped cleavage sites; we observed G-rich sequences near cleavage sites. However, it remains unclear whether this finding is general to other eukaryotes. In this study, we conducted TREseq analyses in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) and budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The results revealed specific sequence features related to RNA cleavage inD. melanogasterandS. cerevisiaethat were similar to sequence patterns inArabidopsis thaliana. Although previous studies suggest that ribosome movements are important for determining cleavage position, feature selection using a random forest classifier showed that sequences around cleavage sites were major determinant for cleaved or uncleaved sites. Together, our results suggest that sequence features around cleavage sites are critical for determining cleavage position, and that sequence-specific endonucleolytic cleavage–dependent RNA degradation is highly conserved across eukaryotes.
Efficient maternofetal transplacental transfer of anti- SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies after antenatal SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination
Authors: Rottenstreich Amihai , Zarbiv Gila , Oiknine-Djian Esther , Zigron Roy , Wolf Dana G. , Porat Shay
Published: March 2021

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during pregnancy and early infancy can result in severe disease. Evaluating the serologic response after maternal vaccination during pregnancy and subsequent transplacental antibody transfer has important implications for maternal care and vaccination strategies.

Objective

To assess maternal and neonatal SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels after antenatal mRNA vaccination.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This study took place at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel in February 2021. Maternal and cord blood sera were collected for antibody measurement from mother/newborn dyads following antenatal vaccination.

Exposure

SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination.

Main outcome and measures

Spike protein (S) and receptor binding domain (RBD) - specific, IgG levels were evaluated in maternal and cord blood sera.

Results

The study cohort consisted of 20 parturients, with a median maternal age of 32 y ears and a median gestational age of 393/7 weeks at the time of delivery. The median time lapsed from the first and second doses of vaccine administration until delivery was 33 [IQR 30-37] and 11 [IQR 9-15] days, respectively. Of the 20 dyads, all women an d infants were positive for anti S- and anti-RBD-specific IgG. Anti-S and anti-RBD-specific IgG levels in maternal sera were positively correlated to their respective concentrations in cord blood (ρs= 0.72; P<0.001 and ρs= 0.72; P <0.001, respectively). Anti-S and anti-RBD-specific IgG titers in cord blood were directly correlated with time lapsed since the administration of the first vaccine dose (ρs= 0.71; P =0.001 and ρs= 0.63; P=0.004, respectively).

Conclusion and Relevance

In this study, SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine administered during pregnancy induced adequate maternal serologic response with subsequent efficient transplacental transfer. Our findings highlight that vaccination of pregnant women may provide maternal and neonatal protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Measurement of Volatile Compounds for Real-time Analysis of Soil Microbial Metabolic Response to Simulated Snowmelt
Authors: Kim Junhyeong , Goldstein Allen H. , Chakraborty Romy , Jardine Kolby , Weber Robert , Sorensen Patrick O. , Wang Shi , Faybishenko Boris , Misztal Pawel K. , Brodie Eoin L.
Published: March 2021

Snowmelt dynamics are a significant determinant of microbial metabolism in soil and regulate global biogeochemical cycles of carbon and nutrients by creating seasonal variations in soil redox and nutrient pools. With an increasing concern that climate change accelerates both snowmelt timing and rate, obtaining an accurate characterization of microbial response to snowmelt is important for understanding biogeochemical cycles intertwined with soil. However, observing microbial metabolism and its dynamics non-destructively remains a major challenge for systems such as soil. Microbial volatile compounds (mVCs) emitted from soil represent information-dense signatures and when assayed non-destructively using state-of-the-art instrumentation such as Proton Transfer Reaction-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (PTR-TOF-MS) provide time resolved insights into the metabolism of active microbiomes. In this study, we used PTR-TOF-MS to investigate the metabolic trajectory of microbiomes from a subalpine forest soil, and their response to a simulated wet-up event akin to snowmelt. Using an information theory approach based on the partitioning of mutual information, we identified mVC metabolite pairs with robust interactions, including those that were non-linear and with time lags. The biological context for these mVC interactions was evaluated by projecting the connections onto the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) network of known metabolic pathways. Simulated snowmelt resulted in a rapid increase in the production of trimethylamine (TMA) suggesting that anaerobic degradation of quaternary amine osmo/cryoprotectants, such as glycine betaine, may be important contributors to this resource pulse. Unique and synergistic connections between intermediates of methylotrophic pathways such as dimethylamine, formaldehyde and methanol were observed upon wet-up and indicate that the initial pulse of TMA was likely transformed into these intermediates by methylotrophs. Increases in ammonia oxidation signatures (transformation of hydroxylamine to nitrite) were observed in parallel, and while the relative role of nitrifiers or methylotrophs cannot be confirmed, the inferred connection to TMA oxidation suggests either a direct or indirect coupling between these processes. Overall, it appears that such mVC time-series from PTR-TOF-MS combined with causal inference represents an attractive approach to non-destructively observe soil microbial metabolism and its response to environmental perturbation.
The Inflammatory Role of Milk Fat Globule Epidermal Growth Factor VIII in Angiotensin II Induced Arterial Remodeling
Authors: Ni Leng , Liu Lijuan , Zhu Wanqu , Telljohann Richard , Zhang Jing , Monticone Robert E. , McGraw Kimberly R. , Liu Changwei , Morrell Christopher H. , Garrido-Gil Pablo , Labandeira-Garcia Jose Luis , Lakatta Edward G. , Wang Mingyi
Published: March 2021

Background

Angiotensin II (Ang II) and milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor VIII (MFG-E8) are involved in age-associated arterial remodeling; however, the inflammatory role of MFG-E8 in Ang II associated arterial remodeling with aging remains unknown.

Methods and Results

In this study, 30-week-old MFG-E8 knock out (KO) and age-matched wild-type (WT) mice were infused with Ang II or saline. After infusion the with Ang II, the aortic molecular, cellular, and structural remodeling were observed in mice and compared to those infused with saline, but these effects were dependent on the expression of MFG-E8: (1) In the WT mice, Ang II infusion substantially increased intimal-medial thickness, elastic lamina degradation, collagen deposition, and the proliferation of VSMCs; in contrast, in the KO mice, these effects were significantly reduced; (2) In the WT mice, Ang II treatment significantly increased the activation and expression of MMP2, TGF-β1, and its downstream signaling molecule p-SMAD2, and collagen type I production, however, in the KO mice, these molecular effects were significantly reduced; (3) In the WT mice, Ang II treatment increased inflammatory p-NF-κB p65, MCP1, TNF-α, ICAM1, and VCAM1 molecular expression, while conversely, in the KO mice, no significant inflammatory changes were found; (4) Importantly, compared to untreated control mice with a wide range of age from 4-96 weeks, Ang II infused “younger” mice produced an “older” arterial inflammatory phenotype, which was alleviated by MFG-E8 deficiency.

Conclusions

MFG-E8 mediates Ang II associated arterial inflammatory remodeling. Targeting MFG-E8 is a novel molecular approach to curb adverse arterial remodeling during aging and hypertension.

CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE

What Is New?

•

Both Ang II and MFG-E8 increases are involved in proinflammatory arterial remodeling mediating the molecular, cellular and tissue events in aging and hypertension.

•

MFG-E8 is essential for Ang II induced and age-associated adverse arterial remodeling via the increase of proinflammation, intimal medial thickening, elastin fragmentation, collagen deposition, and VSMC proliferation.

What Are the Clinical Implications?

Since MFG-E8 mediates Ang II induced proinflammation in arterial wall remodeling in aging and hypertension, targeting MFG-E8 is a potential molecular approach to curb inflammatory arterial remodeling, maintaining the health of the vascular system during aging and hypertension.
Chimeric spike mRNA vaccines protect against Sarbecoviruschallenge in mice
Authors: Martinez David R. , Schäfer Alexandra , Leist Sarah R. , De la Cruz Gabriela , West Ande , Atochina-Vasserman Elena N. , Lindesmith Lisa C. , Pardi Norbert , Parks Robert , Barr Maggie , Li Dapeng , Yount Boyd , Saunders Kevin O. , Weissman Drew , Haynes Barton F. , Montgomery Stephanie A. , Baric Ralph S.
Published: March 2021

The emergence of SARS-CoV in 2003 and SARS-CoV-2 in 2019 highlights the need to develop universal vaccination strategies against the broaderSarbecovirussubgenus. Using chimeric spike designs, we demonstrate protection against challenge from SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351, bat CoV (Bt-CoV) RsSHC014, and a heterologous Bt-CoV WIV-1 in vulnerable aged mice. Chimeric spike mRNAs induced high levels of broadly protective neutralizing antibodies against high-risk Sarbecoviruses. In contrast, SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination not only showed a marked reduction in neutralizing titers against heterologous Sarbecoviruses, but SARS-CoV and WIV-1 challenge in mice resulted in breakthrough infection. Chimeric spike mRNA vaccines efficiently neutralized D614G, UK B.1.1.7., mink cluster five, and the South African B.1.351 variant of concern. Thus, multiplexed-chimeric spikes can prevent SARS-like zoonotic coronavirus infections with pandemic potential.

Sentence

Chimerized RBD, NTD, and S2 spike mRNA-LNPs protect mice against epidemic, zoonotic, and pandemic SARS-like viruses
Rapid characterization of complex genomic regions using Cas9 enrichment and Nanopore sequencing
Authors: Bruijnesteijn Jesse , van der Wiel Marit , de Groot Natasja G. , Bontrop Ronald E.
Published: March 2021

Long-read sequencing approaches have considerably improved the quality and contiguity of genome assemblies. Such platforms bear the potential to resolve even extremely complex regions, such as multigenic families and repetitive stretches of DNA. Deep sequencing coverage, however, is required to overcome low nucleotide accuracy, especially in regions with high homopolymer density, copy number variation, and sequence similarity, such as theMHCandKIRgene clusters of the immune system. Therefore, we have adapted a targeted enrichment protocol in combination with long-read sequencing to efficiently annotate complex genomic regions. Using Cas9 endonuclease activity, segments of the complexKIRgene cluster were enriched and sequenced on an Oxford Nanopore Technologies platform. This provided sufficient coverage to accurately resolve and phase highly complexKIRhaplotypes. Our strategy facilitates rapid characterization of large and complex multigenic regions, including its epigenetic footprint, in multiple species, even in the absence of a reference genome.
Acute myeloid leukemia cells are targeted by the naturally occurring CXCR4 antagonist EPI-X4
Authors: Kaiser Lisa M. , Harms Mirja , Sauter Daniel , Rawat Vijay PS , Glitscher Mirco , Groß Rüdiger , Hildt Eberhard , Münch Jan , Buske Christian
Published: March 2021

This manuscript has been withdrawn by the authors as no consent could be achieved with regard to data contribution. Based on this no agreement on authorship and/or listing in the acknowledgement section was reached. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Understanding the Evolution of Nutritive Taste in Animals: Insights from Biological Stoichiometry and Nutritional Geometry
Authors: Demi Lee M. , Taylor Brad W. , Reading Benjamin J. , Tordoff Michael G. , Dunn Robert R.
Published: March 2021

A major conceptual gap in taste biology is the lack of a general framework for understanding the evolution of different taste modalities among animal species. We turn to two complementary nutritional frameworks, biological stoichiometry theory and nutritional geometry, to develop hypotheses for the evolution of different taste modalities in animals. We describe how the attractive tastes of Na, Ca, P, N and C containing compounds are consistent with principles of both frameworks based on their shared focus on nutritional imbalances and consumer homeostasis. Specifically, we suggest that the evolution of multiple nutritive taste modalities can be predicted by identifying individual elements that are typically more concentrated in the tissues of animals than plants. Additionally, we discuss how consumer homeostasis can inform our understanding of why some taste compounds (i.e., Na, Ca and P salts) can be either attractive or aversive depending on concentration. We also discuss how these complementary frameworks can help to explain the phylogenetic distribution of different taste modalities and improve our understanding of the mechanisms that lead to loss of taste capabilities in some animal lineages. The ideas presented here will stimulate research that bridges the fields of evolutionary biology, sensory biology and ecology.
Impairing one sensory modality enhances another by reprogramming peptidergic circuits inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Valperga Giulio , Bono Mario de
Published: March 2021

Animals that lose one sensory modality often show augmented responses to other sensory inputs. The mechanisms underpinning this cross-modal plasticity are poorly understood. To probe these mechanisms, we perform a forward genetic screen for mutants with enhanced O2perception inC. elegans. Multiple mutants exhibiting increased responsiveness to O2concomitantly show defects in other sensory responses. One mutant,qui-1, defective in a conserved NACHT/WD40 protein, abolishes pheromone-evoked Ca2+responses in the ADL chemosensory neurons. We find that ADL’s responsiveness to pre-synaptic input from O2- sensing neurons is heightened inqui-1and other sensory defective mutants resulting in an enhanced neurosecretion. Expressingqui-1selectively in ADL rescues both thequi-1ADL neurosecretory phenotype and enhanced escape from 21% O2. Profiling of ADL neurons indicates its acquired O2-evoked neurosecretion is the result of a transcriptional reprogramming that up-regulates neuropeptide signalling. We show that the conserved neuropeptide receptor NPR-22 is necessary and sufficient in ADL to enhance its neurosecretion levels. Sensory loss can thus confer cross-modal plasticity by re-wiring peptidergic circuits.
A simplified SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus neutralization assay
Authors: Donofrio Gaetano , Franceschi Valentina , Macchi Francesca , Russo Luca , Rocci Anna , Marchica Valentina , Costa Federica , Giuliani Nicola , Ferrari Carlo , Missale Gabriele
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 is an ongoing pandemic caused by the highly infectious coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that is engaging worldwide scientific research to find a timely and effective eradication strategy. Great efforts have been put into anti-COVID-19 vaccine generation in an effort to protect the world population and block SARS-CoV-2 spread. To validate the protective efficacy of the vaccination campaign and effectively control the pandemy, it is necessary to quantify the neutralizing antibodies induction by vaccination, since they have been established to be a correlate of protection. In this work a SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus neutralization assay, based on a replication incompetent lentivirus expressing an adapted form of CoV-2 S protein and an ACE2/TMPRSS2 stably expressing cell line, have been minimized in term of protocol steps without loss of accuracy. The goal of the present simplified neutralization system is to improve SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaign by means of an easy and accessible approach to be performed in any medical laboratory, maintaining the sensitivity and quantitative reliability of classical serum neutralization assays. Further this assay can be easily adapted to different coronaviruses variants by simply modifying the pseudotyping vector.
Generalized reverse projection method for grating-based phase tomography
Authors: Wu Zhao , Gao Kun , Wang Zhili , Wang Shengxiang , Zhu Peiping , Ren Yuqi , Tian Yangchao
Published: March 2021

The reverse projection protocol results in fast phase-contrast imaging thanks to its compatibility with conventional computed-tomography scanning. Many researchers have proposed variants. However, all these reverse projection methods in grating-based phase-contrast imaging are built on the hypothesis of the synchronous phase of reference shifting curves in the whole field of view. The hypothesis imposes uniformity and alignment requirements on the gratings, thus the field of view is generally limited. In this paper, a generalized reverse projection method is presented analytically for the case of non-uniform reference in grating-based phase tomography. The method is demonstrated by theoretical derivation, numerical simulations and synchrotron radiation experiments. The influence of imaging position to sensitivity, and the phase-wrapping phenomenon are also discussed. The proposed method combines the advantages of the high efficiency of the reverse projection method and the universal applicability of the phase-stepping method. The authors believe that the method would be used widely in fast and dose-constrained imaging.
Structure, ferroelasticity and Goldilocks zone phase transitions in C3H5N2Al(SO4)2·6H2O
Authors: Zarychta Bartosz , Czapla Zbigniew , Przesławski Janusz , Szklarz Przemysław
Published: March 2021

The single crystal growth and sequence of reversible phase transition are described for C3H5N2Al(SO4)2·6H2O. Thermal and structural analyses combined with dielectric studies and optical observations revealed the structural phase transition at T
1 = 339/340 K (I↔II) and T
2 = 347/348 K (II↔III) on heating and cooling, respectively. Both phase transitions are of the first-order type. The symmetry changes from monoclinic to trigonal phase. At 293 K, the large crystals are usually divided into numerous domains of the ferroelastic type that disappear above T
1 on heating and reappear below T
1 on cooling. The domain structure pattern is characteristic for the transition between trigonal and monoclinic phases. The changes of entropy and clear increase of permittivity at T
1 provide evidence for the order–disorder character of this phase transition. The transition at T
2 seems to be displacive.
Crystallographic characterization of (C5H4SiMe3)3U(BH4)
Authors: Windorff Cory J. , Cross Justin N. , Scott Brian L. , Kozimor Stosh A. , Evans William J.
Published: March 2021

New syntheses have been developed for the synthesis of (borohydrido-κ3
H)tris[η5-(trimethylsilyl)cyclopentadienyl]uranium(IV), [U(BH4)(C8H13Si)3] or Cp′3U(BH4) (Cp′ = C5H4SiMe3) and its structure has been determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. This compound crystallized in the space group P\overline{1} and the structure features three η
5-coordinated Cp′ rings and a κ
3-coordinated (BH4)− ligand.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of (Z)-3-methyl-4-(thiophen-2-ylmethylidene)isoxazol-5(4H)-one
Authors: Laroum Rima , Benouatas Assia , Hamdouni Noudjoud , Zemamouche Wissame , Boudjada Ali , Debache Abdelmadjid
Published: March 2021

The title compound, C9H7NO2S crystallizes with two independent molecules (A and B) in the asymmetric unit with Z = 8. Both molecules are almost planar with a dihedral angle between the isoxazole and thiophen rings of 3.67 (2)° in molecule A and 10.00 (1) ° in molecule B. The packing of molecules A and B is of an ABAB... type along the b-axis direction, the configuration about the C=C bond is Z. In the crystal, the presence of C—H...O, C—H... N and π–π interactions [centroid–centroid distances of 3.701 (2) and 3.766 (2) Å] link the molecules into a three-dimensional architecture. An analysis of Hirshfeld surfaces shows the importance of C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds in the packing mechanism of the crystalline structure.
Adaptive memory red deer algorithm for cross-dock truck scheduling with products time window
Authors: Zhou Binghai , Zong Shi
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The cross-docking strategy has a significant influence on supply chain and logistics efficiency. This paper aims to investigate the most suitable and efficient way to schedule the transfer of logistics activities and present a meta-heuristic method of the truck scheduling problem in cross-docking logistics. A truck scheduling problem with products time window is investigated with objectives of minimizing the total product transshipment time and earliness and tardiness cost of outbound trucks.

Design/methodology/approach

This research proposed a meta-heuristic method for the truck scheduling problem with products time window. To solve the problem, a lower bound of the problem is built through a novel two-stage Lagrangian relaxation problem and on account of the NP-hard nature of the truck scheduling problem, the novel red deer algorithm with the mechanism of the heuristic oscillating local search algorithm, as well as adaptive memory programming was proposed to overcome the inferior capability of the original red deer algorithm in the aspect of local search and run time.

Findings

Theory analysis and simulation experiments on an industrial case of a cross-docking center with a product’s time window are conducted in this paper. Satisfactory results show that the performance of the red deer algorithm is enhanced due to the mechanism of heuristic oscillating local search algorithm and adaptive memory programming and the proposed method efficiently solves the real-world size case of truck scheduling problems in cross-docking with product time window.

Research limitations/implications

The consideration of products time window has very realistic significance in different logistics applications such as cold-chain logistics and pharmaceutical supply chain. Furthermore, the novel adaptive memory red deer algorithm could be modified and applied to other complex optimization scheduling problems such as scheduling problems considering energy-efficiency or other logistics strategies.

Originality/value

For the first time in the truck scheduling problem with the cross-docking strategy, the product’s time window is considered. Furthermore, a mathematical model with objectives of minimizing the total product transshipment time and earliness and tardiness cost of outbound trucks is developed. To solve the proposed problem, a novel adaptive memory red deer algorithm with the mechanism of heuristic oscillating local search algorithm was proposed to overcome the inferior capability of genetic algorithm in the aspect of local search and run time.
Teachers' knowledge creation through “learning keeping” and reflective writing in lesson study: a case study in a Basque country school
Authors: Khokhotva Olga , Elexpuru-Albizuri Iciar
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The paper describes two reflective instruments: a reflective diary (RD) and a joint learning protocol (JLP) for teachers' knowledge creation in lesson study (LS), reflects on teachers' reactions and encountered challenges and draws inferences on how teachers' learning and knowledge creation could be facilitated more effectively in LS through “learning keeping.”

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative case study of an action research project utilizes the data collected through the narrative inquiry within an LS initiative with four English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers in a school in Spain.

Findings

The study suggests that the incorporation of reflective writing in LS as a method of keeping records of teachers' individual and collective reflections should be considered “a good practice” and yet another important mechanism facilitating teachers' learning in LS.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by its scope since the applied LS model suggests carrying out three consecutive cycles rather than two.

Originality/value

Firstly, the two proposed instruments could be of practical value to educators and facilitators employing LS as an approach to teachers' professional learning. Secondly, the study adds to the discussion on the mechanisms fostering teachers' learning in LS by emphasizing “learning keeping” as a form of record-keeping through reflective writing. Thirdly, the study is set in the new for the LS community context, in the autonomous community of the Basque Country, Spain.
Transformational leadership and employee voice for product and process innovation in SMEs
Authors: Rasheed Muhammad Athar , Shahzad Khuram , Nadeem Sajid
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of transformational leadership on the innovation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through employee voice behaviors. Drawing from the upper echelon theory, it is hypothesized that employee voice is the mediating mechanism through which transformational leadership affects the process and product innovation in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 169 SMEs of Pakistan through an online self-administered questionnaire. The proposed hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

Findings confirm that transformational leadership positively affects both process and product innovation in SMEs and employee voice behavior mediates between these relationships.

Originality/value

This research contributes to both theoretical and practical domains by providing evidence that encouraging employees to raise their voice positively impacts product and process innovation and transformational leadership is a potential organizational factor to shape employee voice and process and product innovation. To the best knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the mediating role of employee voice between transformational leadership and process and product innovation in SMEs and developing country’s context.
Knowledge-sharing mechanisms: human resource practices and trust
Authors: Yu Huajiang , Takahashi Yoshi
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study sought to examine the detailed mechanism of employee perceptions of commitment-based human resource practices (CBHRPs) to employee knowledge-sharing behavior (i.e. knowledge collection and knowledge contribution) by unveiling the “black box” of trust in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data from 383 employees in China's Top Innovators in 2016, path analysis was used to test six hypotheses.

Findings

Employee perceptions of CBHRPs, namely, selection, incentives and training and development, were positively related to employees' trust in coworkers, supervisors and the organization, which in turn was positively related to employees' knowledge collection and contribution behavior. Trust in the workplace fully mediated the relationship between employee perceptions of CBHRPs and employee knowledge sharing. Among CBHRPs, training and development practices had the strongest effects on employees' knowledge-sharing behavior. Among trust, trust in coworkers was found to be the closest related to knowledge-sharing behavior. Knowledge contribution was more related to CBHRPs through trust than knowledge collection was.

Practical implications

Organizations can employ CBHRPs to enhance trust in the workplace and encourage employees to contribute toward and collect knowledge. Organizations need to pay more attention to employees' long-term investment, such as employee training and development. Organizations can perform human resource practices consistently and ensure that all employees are aware of practices in use to enhance employees' understanding of these practices.

Originality/value

This study provides a detailed understanding of the relationship between human resource management and knowledge sharing. It also presents new empirical evidence in the research fields of human resource management and knowledge management, with implications for the development of employees' knowledge-sharing behavior.
Host city transportation issues: conceptualization, scale development, and validation
Authors: Ribeiro Tiago , Cunha de Almeida Victor Manoel
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Planning and managing the transportation services for Olympic host cities is a complex task. This paper contributes to the event management literature by presenting empirical evidence of the public transportation issues using a case study of a local community-focused Olympic host city. Key factors underpinning transportation issues outcomes are identified.

Design/methodology/approach

The Rio 2016 Olympic city was selected as a case study. To develop a scale of public transportation issues, four stages of scale development were conducted: a construct definition and content domain; item generation and expert review; a quantitative study for the purification of the scale; and a quantitative study to validation of the scale. Data were collected among local citizens who lived in the Olympic host city (n = 513).

Findings

The construct of public transportation issues was assigned to five main categories: planning, infrastructures, information, insecurity and urban mobility. The scale shows internal consistency, reliability, construct validity and nomological validity. Transport issues perceived of Olympic host city tend to increase the negative social impact perceived among local citizens.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the harmful impacts discussion of hosting sport mega-events and introduces the transportation issues that the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) needs to know when hosting the Olympic Games. The scale application for the future Olympic host countries is discussed.
Design and performance evaluation of vertical axis wind turbine for wind energy harvesting at railway
Authors: Thadani Hashwini Lalchand , Zaaba Fadia Dyni , Mohammad Shahrizal Muhammad Raimi , Jaspal Singh Jaj Arjun Singh Jaj A. , Go Yun Ii
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to design an optimum vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) and assess its techno-economic performance for wind energy harvesting at high-speed railway in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This project adopted AutoCAD and ANSYS modeling tools to design and optimize the blade of the turbine. The site selected has a railway of 30 km with six stops. The vertical turbines are placed 1 m apart from each other considering the optimum tip speed ratio. The power produced and net present value had been analyzed to evaluate its techno-economic viability.

Findings

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 0020 blade has been carried out. For a turbine with wind speed of 50 m/s and swept area of 8 m2, the power generated is 245 kW. For eight trains that operate for 19 h/day with an interval of 30 min in nonpeak hours and 15 min in peak hours, total energy generated is 66 MWh/day. The average cost saved by the train stations is RM 16.7 mil/year with battery charging capacity of 12 h/day.

Originality/value

Wind energy harvesting is not commonly used in Malaysia due to its low wind speed ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 m/s. Conventional wind turbine requires a minimum cut-in wind speed of 11 m/s to overcome the inertia and starts generating power. Hence, this paper proposes an optimum design of VAWT to harvest an unconventional untapped wind sources from railway. The research finding complements the alternate energy harvesting technologies which can serve as reference for countries which experienced similar geographic constraints.
Association between shift work and cognitive performance on the Trail Making Test in emergency department health officers
Authors: Sun Jessica , Stewart Patrick , Chiew Angela , Becker Therese , Siu William , Varndell Wayne , Chan Betty S
Published: March 2021

Objective

Shift work has been proposed to disturb alertness and decrease cognitive efficiency. However, studies so far have had varied findings. The aim of the present study was to compare cognitive function following shifts at different times of the day in an Australian ED context.

Methods

A prospective, self‐controlled observational study was conducted on medical and nursing staff at a tertiary referral centre and regional hospital ED. Participants were required to complete the Trail Making Test (TMT), a neurocognitive test consisting of two parts (TMT‐A and TMT‐B), at baseline (at the start of the day) and at the end of their shift (day, evening or night). Related samples Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were used to compare post‐shift TMT performance to baseline in medical and nursing staff.

Results

Over a 5‐month period, 140 ED staff were recruited including 109 doctors and 31 nurses. After a night shift, medical staff (n = 85) and nursing staff (n = 29) took longer to complete the TMT‐B by 3.4 s (P < 0.001) and 7.1 s (P = 0.01), respectively, compared to baseline. Post‐evening shift, medical staff (n = 59) took longer to complete the TMT‐A by 0.3 s (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Night shift work was associated with a longer TMT time. This may indicate a decrease in cognitive performance, in particular, visual attention, processing speed, task switching and executive function and may implicate the quality of care for patients and worker safety.
“I don't have time for drama”: Managing risk and uncertainty through network avoidance*
Authors: Fader Jamie J.
Published: March 2021

This study employs in‐depth interviews (n = 45) with men 25–34 years in age who live in a Philadelphia neighborhood heavily impacted by mass incarceration. It asks the following: 1) How do they perceive risk? 2) How do they organize their daily routines in response to it? 3) Are there racial differences in perceptions and adaptations to risk? Nearly all of the men of color in the study reported staying in their houses and avoiding public spaces, viewing them as unpredictable and posing an unacceptable level of risk. They worried about “drama” or the potential for interactions with others to lead to attention by the police. Their practice of “network avoidance” often meant a complete lack of engagement in their community. Network avoidance is a racialized adaptation to the expansion of the criminal legal apparatus and the unpredictable nature of men's interactions with its agents and enforcers. It reproduces the effects of incarceration by essentially turning their homes into prisons. Network avoidance effectively erases young men of color from the public sphere in the same way that incarceration removes them from their communities, with considerable costs for the men themselves and for their neighborhoods.