bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The sucrose transport regulator OsDOF11 mediates cytokinin degradation during rice development
Authors: Wu Yunfei , Wang Leilei , Ansah Ebenezer Ottopah , Peng Wangmenghan , Zhang Weiyang , Li Peng , An Gynheung , Xiong Fei
Published: March 2022

Photosynthetic tissues are dynamic structures whose homeostasis depends on the coordination of two antagonistic processes: self-maintenance and supporting sink tissues. The balance of these processes determines plant development, which might be mediated by cytokinin. However, little is known about the link between sucrose transport signaling and cytokinin. Rice (Oryza sativa) DNA BINDING WITH ONE FINGER11 (OsDOF11) is a transcription factor that mediates sucrose transport by inducing the expression of sucrose transporter genes. Here, we found that OsDOF11 loss-of-function mutants showed a semi-dwarf phenotype with a smaller cell length due to increased cytokinin content in source tissues. RNA sequencing and reverse transcription quantitative PCR analyses revealed that genes involved in cytokinin signaling and metabolism were affected in osdof11 mutants. Yeast one-hybrid, dual-luciferase reporter, and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments showed that OsDOF11 directly binds to the promoter regions of O. sativa CYTOKININ OXIDASE/DEHYDROGENASE4 (OsCKX4). Moreover, mutation of osckx4 in the osdof11 osckx4 double mutant rescued the semi-dwarf phenotype of the osdof11 mutant. Interestingly, exogenous application of kinetin promoted OsDOF11 expression earlier than OsCKX4, and overexpression of O. sativa VIN3-LIKE 2 caused an increase in active cytokinin levels and induced OsDOF11 transcript levels. Taken together, our results suggest a model in which both a sucrose transport regulator (OsDOF11) and cytokinin via OsCKX4 establish a feedback loop to maintain dynamic tissue homeostasis.
Public policies versus market factors: What drives ethanol expansion in Brazil?
Authors: Sant'Anna Ana Claudia , Xia Tian , Bergtold Jason S
Published: March 2022

Concerns about energy security, rural development, and the environment have driven biofuel expansion. Different policy and market drivers, such as designated areas for biofuel feedstock production and blend mandates, have played an important role in biofuel expansion in different countries. Understanding how policy and market drivers influence biofuel supply and demand can provide guidelines for countries seeking to expand biofuel production into new regions. The case of Brazil serves as an important example. In just over 10 years, the Cerrado region of Brazil, specifically the states of Goias and Mato Grosso do Sul, experienced a six-fold expansion in ethanol production, becoming the second largest production region in Brazil. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of policies and market drivers on ethanol expansion in the Cerrado region using a market equilibrium modeling approach. Results elucidate the role that market and policy drivers, including areas designated for sugarcane production, blend mandates, and energy taxes, play in influencing ethanol expansion into an already intensive agricultural region of the country. The findings from this study have implications for sustainable biofuel production in other regions of the world.
Currency Carry Trade by Trucks: The Curious Case of China’s Massive Imports from Itself
Authors: Liu Xuepeng , Tang Heiwai , Wang Zhi , Wei Shang-Jin
Published: March 2022

With capital controls, the standard financial market transactions needed for currency carry trade are hard to implement. Using detailed trade data reported by both the mainland Chinese and Hong Kong’s governments, we present evidence that indirect currency carry trade likely takes place via round-trip reimports. We also show that greater state control in terms of more state-owned firms does not reduce such “carry trade by trucks.”
AN EVALUATION OF THE OCCUPATIONAL EXTERNAL RADIATION EXPOSURE OF PERSONNEL IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE PRACTICES (2010–2020)
Authors: Sahmaran T , Atılgan H I , Nur S , Sahutoğlu G , Yalcın H
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to examine the radiation doses received by personnel working in the Nuclear Medicine Department between 2010 and 2020. The data obtained were compared with the dosages recommended by international authorities. The UNSCEAR 2008 report stated that the worldwide annual average effective dose to which personnel were exposed when monitored between 2000 and 2002 was 0.70 and 1.40 mSv, respectively. In this report, 0.7 mSv refers to the dose of all monitored personnel, and 1.4 mSv refers to the dose above the detection limit. In this study, the annual average effective dose value for personnel exposed to radiation was calculated as 1.65 mSv. This value represents the dose above the detection limit. Although the individual dose results are below the recommended annual dose limit, it should not be forgotten that more effort should be made to reduce radiation doses using the as low as reasonable achievable principles.
Cytomegalovirus Infection Associated with Smaller Total Cortical Surface Area in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Andreou Dimitrios , Jørgensen Kjetil Nordbø , Nerland Stener , Yolken Robert H , Haukvik Unn K , Andreassen Ole A , Agartz Ingrid
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) congenital infection and in immunodeficiency can have deleterious effects on human cortex. In immunocompetent adults, the putative association between CMV infection and cortical measures has not been explored. We hypothesized that CMV exposure is associated with smaller cortical surface area or cortical thinning mainly in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Study Design

We included 67 adult patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and 262 adult healthy controls. We measured circulating CMV IgG antibody concentrations with solid-phase immunoassay techniques. We measured the total cortical surface area, regional cortical surface areas and the overall mean cortical thickness based on T1-weighted MRI scans processed in FreeSurfer v6.0.

Study Results

In the whole sample analysis, we found a significant diagnostic group-by-CMV status interaction on the total surface area (P = .020). Among patients, CMV antibody positivity was significantly associated with smaller total surface area (P = .002, partial eta2 = 0.138) whereas no such association was found in healthy controls (P = .059). Post hoc analysis among patients showed that higher CMV antibody concentrations were also significantly associated with smaller total surface area (P = .038), and that CMV antibody positivity was significantly inversely associated with 14 left and 16 right regional surface areas mainly in the frontal and temporal lobes. CMV infection was not associated with the overall mean cortical thickness.

Conclusions

The results are indicative of a cortical surface area vulnerability to CMV infection in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders but not in healthy controls. CMV infection may contribute to the established cortical surface area aberrations in schizophrenia.
Pugachev five years on: were the trusts really bare trusts?
Authors: Adams Paul
Published: March 2022

In JSC Mezhdunarodniy Promyshlenniy Bank v Pugachev [2017] EWHC 2426 (Ch), Birss J, as he then was, held that certain trusts which conferred wide powers on the settlor were in substance nothing more than bare trusts. This meant that judgment creditors of the settlor could enforce against the trust assets. Despite initial excitement among trusts and civil fraud practitioners, Birss J’s “bare trust” analysis has not been widely adopted in subsequent cases. Five years on, the policy considerations underpinning the decision in Pugachev are as easy to understand as ever, but what of the legal reasoning? Was Birss J right to say that the trusts were bare trusts? Could a better way of making the trust assets available to the settlor’s creditors have been found?
Blood Pressure Lowering for the Secondary Prevention of Stroke
Authors: Funakoshi Shunsuke , Kawazoe Miki , Tada Kazuhiro , Abe Makiko , Arima Hisatomi
Published: March 2022

Hypertension is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for stroke, and greater than 50% of all stroke events are estimated to be attributable to elevated blood pressure (BP). Randomized trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that reducing BP is the most effective and generalizable strategy for preventing recurrent stroke. Based on currently available evidence, BP should be reduced to below 140/90 mmHg in all patients during the chronic post-stroke phase and to below 130/80 mmHg when well-tolerated.
Fecal transplantation can alleviate tic severity in a Tourette syndrome mouse model by modulating intestinal flora and promoting serotonin secretion
Authors: Li Hua , Wang Yong , Zhao Changying , Liu Jian , Zhang Lei , Li Anyuan
Published: March 2022

Background

: Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder with onset in childhood that warrants effective therapies. Gut microbiota can affect central physiology and function via the microbiota–gut-brain axis. Therefore, the gut microbiota plays an important role in some mental illnesses. A small clinical trial showed that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may alleviate TS symptoms in children. Herein, FMT effects and mechanisms were explored in a TS mouse model.

Methods

: TS mice model (TSMO) (n = 80) were established with 3,3′-iminodipropionitrile, and 80 mice were used as controls. Mice were grouped into eight groups and were subjected to FMT with feces from children or mice with or without TS, or were given probiotics. Fecal specimens were collected 3 weeks after FMT. 16S rRNA sequencing, behavioral observation, and serum serotonin (5-HT) assay were performed. Differences between groups were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) tests.

Results

: A total of 18 discriminative microbial signatures (linear discriminant analysis score > 3) that varied significantly between TS and healthy mice (CONH) were identified. A significant increase in Turicibacteraceae and Ruminococcaceae in TSMO after FMT was observed (P 
< 0.05). Compared with non-transplanted TSMO, the symptoms of those transplanted with feces from CONH were alleviated (W = 336, P = 0.046). In the probiotic and FMT experiments, the serum 5-HT levels significantly increased in TSMO that received probiotics (KS = 1.423, P = 0.035) and in those transplanted with feces from CONH (W = 336.5, P = 0.046) compared with TSMO without transplantation.

Conclusions

: This study suggests that FMT may ameliorate TS by promoting 5-HT secretion, and it provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of FMT as a treatment for TS.
Risk factors associated with the progression from keloids to severe keloids
Authors: Liu Ruolin , Xiao Haitao , Wang Ru , Li Wei , Deng Ke , Cen Ying , Xu Xuewen
Published: March 2022

Background:

Keloids are benign fibrous growths that are caused by excessive tissue build-up. Severe keloids exert more significant effects on patients’ quality of life than do mild keloids. We aimed to identify factors associated with the progression from mild keloids to severe keloids, as distinct from those associated with the formation of keloids.

Methods:

In this retrospective case-control study, 251 patients diagnosed with keloids at West China Hospital between November 2018 and April 2021 were grouped according to the severity of lesions (mild [n = 162] or severe [n = 89]). We collected their basic characteristics, living habits, incomes, comorbidities, and keloid characteristics from Electronic Medical Records in the hospital and the patients’ interviews. Conditional multivariable regression was performed to identify the independent risk factors for the progression of keloids.

Results:

Eighty-nine patients (35.5%) were classified as having severe keloids. We found the distribution of severe keloids varied with sex, age, excessive scrubbing of keloids, family income, the comorbidity of rheumatism, disease duration, characteristics of the location, location in sites of high-stretch tension, the severity and frequency of pain, the severity of pruritus, and infection. Multivariable analysis revealed significant associations between severe keloids and infection (odds ratio [OR], 3.55; P = 0.005), excessive scrubbing of keloids (OR, 8.65; P = 0.001), low or middle family income (OR, 13.44; P = 0.021), comorbidity of rheumatism (OR, 18.97; P = 0.021), multiple keloids located at multiple sites (OR, 3.18; P = 0.033), and disease duration > 15 years (OR, 2.98; P = 0.046).

Conclusion:

Doctors should implement more active and thorough measures to minimize the progression of mild keloids in patients who have any of the following risk factors: infection, excessive scrubbing of keloids, low or middle family income, comorbidity of rheumatism, multiple keloids located at multiple sites, and disease duration > 15 years.
Donor-derived Cell-free DNA Shows High Sensitivity for the Diagnosis of Pancreas Graft Rejection in Simultaneous Pancreas-kidney Transplantation
Authors: Ventura-Aguiar Pedro , Ramirez-Bajo Maria Jose , Rovira Jordi , Bañón-Maneus Elisenda , Hierro Natalia , Lazo Marta , Cuatrecasas Miriam , Garcia-Criado M.A. , Liang Nathan , Swenerton Ryan K. , Cofan Federic , Cucchiari David , Esforzado Nuria , Montagud-Marrahi Enrique , Oppenheimer Federic , Piñeiro Gaston , Revuelta Ignacio , Torregrosa Vicens , Ahmed Ebad , Soboleva Karina , Kaur Navchetan , Zimmermann Bernhard G. , Al Haj Baddar Nour , Demko Zachary P. , Escrig Cesar , Tabriziani Hossein , Gauthier Philippe , Billings Paul R. , Amor Antonio J. , Ferrer Joana , Campistol Josep M. , Diekmann Fritz
Published: March 2022

Background.

Pancreas graft status in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant (SPKTx) is currently assessed by nonspecific biochemical markers, typically amylase or lipase. Identifying a noninvasive biomarker with good sensitivity in detecting early pancreas graft rejection could improve SPKTx management.

Methods.

Here, we developed a pilot study to explore donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) performance in predicting biopsy-proven acute rejection (P-BPAR) of the pancreas graft in a cohort of 36 SPKTx recipients with biopsy-matched plasma samples. dd-cfDNA was measured using the Prospera test (Natera, Inc.) and reported both as a fraction of the total cfDNA (fraction; %) and as concentration in the recipient’s plasma (quantity; copies/mL).

Results.

In the absence of P-BPAR, dd-cfDNA was significantly higher in samples collected within the first 45 d after SPKTx compared with those measured afterward (median, 1.00% versus 0.30%; median, 128.2 versus 35.3 cp/mL, respectively with both; P = 0.001). In samples obtained beyond day 45, P-BPAR samples presented a significantly higher dd-cfDNA fraction (0.83 versus 0.30%; P = 0.006) and quantity (81.3 versus 35.3 cp/mL; P = 0.001) than stable samples. Incorporating dd-cfDNA quantity along with dd-cfDNA fraction outperformed dd-cfDNA fraction alone to detect active rejection. Notably, when using a quantity cutoff of 70 cp/mL, dd-cfDNA detected P-BPAR with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 93.7%, which was more accurate than current biomarkers (area under curve of 0.89 for dd-cfDNA (cp/ml) compared with 0.74 of lipase and 0.46 for amylase).

Conclusions.

dd-cfDNA measurement through a simple noninvasive blood test could be incorporated into clinical practice to help inform graft management in SPKTx patients.
Perioperative Delta Sodium and Post–Liver Transplant Neurological Complications in Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Berry Kacey , Copeland Timothy , Ku Elaine , Lai Jennifer C.
Published: March 2022

Background.

Hyponatremia before liver transplant (LT) increases risk of post-LT neurological complications in patients with decompensated cirrhosis, but it is unknown to what extent change in sodium from pre- to post-LT influences risk of central nervous system (CNS) sequelae. We assessed the relationship between pre- to post-LT delta sodium and prevalence of CNS complications during LT hospitalization.

Methods.

We performed retrospective single-center chart review of 1265 adults with cirrhosis who underwent LT (2011–2020). Delta sodium is defined as the difference between  maximum sodium within 48 h post-LT and lowest sodium within 7 d pre-LT. Primary outcomes are post-LT CNS events during same hospitalization—encephalopathy, delirium, seizure, coma, osmotic demyelination syndrome, or other altered mental status, determined by International Classification of Diseases codes. Secondary outcome is length of hospital stay post-LT (LOS). Logistic regression modeled association between delta sodium and post-LT CNS outcomes; negative binomial regression modeled LOS.

Results.

Median age was 59 y, 36% were female, and median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 20. Median delta sodium was 8 mmol/L (interquartile range, 5–11). One hundred ninety-four (15%) experienced post-LT CNS complications. In multivariable analysis, controlling for confounders including pre-LT hyponatremia, every 5 mmol/L increase in delta sodium associated with 47% greater odds of CNS complication (95% confidence interval, 22%-77%). Delta sodium also associated with 7% increased LOS in adjusted regression (95% confidence interval, 3%-12%).

Conclusions.

Adult LT recipients with higher perioperative delta sodium shifts displayed a higher risk of post-LT CNS complications, even after adjusting for pre-LT sodium. LT recipients, even those with pre-LT hyponatremia, may benefit from maintenance of stable serum sodium levels to minimize post-LT CNS complications.
Benchmarking the topological accuracy of bacterial phylogenomic workflows using in silico evolution
Authors: van der Putten Boas C. L. , Huijsmans Niek A. H. , Mende Daniel R. , Schultsz Constance
Published: March 2022

Phylogenetic analyses are widely used in microbiological research, for example to trace the progression of bacterial outbreaks based on whole-genome sequencing data. In practice, multiple analysis steps such as de novo assembly, alignment and phylogenetic inference are combined to form phylogenetic workflows. Comprehensive benchmarking of the accuracy of complete phylogenetic workflows is lacking. To benchmark different phylogenetic workflows, we simulated bacterial evolution under a wide range of evolutionary models, varying the relative rates of substitution, insertion, deletion, gene duplication, gene loss and lateral gene transfer events. The generated datasets corresponded to a genetic diversity usually observed within bacterial species (≥95 % average nucleotide identity). We replicated each simulation three times to assess replicability. In total, we benchmarked 19 distinct phylogenetic workflows using 8 different simulated datasets. We found that recently developed k-mer alignment methods such as kSNP and ska achieve similar accuracy as reference mapping. The high accuracy of k-mer alignment methods can be explained by the large fractions of genomes these methods can align, relative to other approaches. We also found that the choice of de novo assembly algorithm influences the accuracy of phylogenetic reconstruction, with workflows employing SPAdes or skesa outperforming those employing Velvet. Finally, we found that the results of phylogenetic benchmarking are highly variable between replicates. We conclude that for phylogenomic reconstruction, k-mer alignment methods are relevant alternatives to reference mapping at the species level, especially in the absence of suitable reference genomes. We show de novo genome assembly accuracy to be an underappreciated parameter required for accurate phylogenomic reconstruction.
Elevated human impact on islands increases the introduction and extinction status of native insular reptiles
Authors: Jesse Wendy A.M. , Ellers Jacintha , Behm Jocelyn E. , Costa Gabriel C. , Hedges S. Blair , Helmus Matthew R.
Published: March 2022

Species ranges are changing in the Anthropocene, the ranges of introduced species are expanding, while extinction-prone species are contracting. Introductions and extinctions are both caused by how species respond to human impacts, but it is unknown why the ranges of some species expand and some contract. Here, we test that this opposite response of human impact is due to introduced and extinction-prone species falling at opposite ends of geographic, evolutionary, or ecological trait continua. We constructed a database of native range maps, traits, phylogenetic relationships, and the introduction and extinction-prone status of squamate reptiles with ranges native to the Western Hemisphere. Across >3,000 snake and lizard species (88% of known native squamates), 142 had been introduced elsewhere and 483 were extinction-prone (i.e., extinct, vulnerable, threatened). To explain variation in status, we first tested if the same human-impacted regions in the Americas contained the native ranges of species of either status. Second, we tested for phylogenetic signal in species status. Finally, we tested the explanatory power of multiple trait continua. The native ranges of introduced and extinction-prone reptiles were clustered in island regions with high human impact vs. mainland regions with lower human impact. Phylogenetic signal was weak for status, but introduced and extinction-prone species were clustered in different clades. All geographic and ecological traits that explained both statuses supported the opposite ends hypothesis. Introduced species had larger, edgier ranges, while extinction-prone species had smaller, simpler ranges. Introduced species were mostly herbivorous/omnivorous, while extinction-prone species were mostly carnivorous. Introduced species produced larger clutches, while extinction-prone species were smaller in body size. In the Anthropocene, the naive ranges of introduced and extinction-prone species are in the same human-impacted regions where trait continua, having opposite effects, determine whether species ranges expand or contract in the continuing face of global change.
Porous yet Dense matrices: using ice to shape collagen 3D cell culture systems with increased physiological relevance
Authors: Parisi Cleo , Thiébot Bénédicte , Mosser Gervaise , Trichet Léa , Manivet Philippe , Fernandes Francisco M.
Published: March 2022

Standardin vitrocell culture is one of the pillars of biomedical science. However, there is increasing evidence that 2D systems provide biological responses that are often in disagreement within vivoobservations, partially due to limitations in reproducing the native cellular microenvironment. 3D materials that are able to mimic the native cellular microenvironment to a greater extent tackle these limitations. Here, we report Porous yet Dense (PyD) type I collagen materials obtained by ice-templating followed by topotactic fibrillogenesis. These materials combine extensive macroporosity, favouring the cell migration and nutrients exchange, as well as dense collagen walls, which mimic locally the Extracellular Matrix. When seeded with Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts (NHDFs), PyD matrices allow for a faster and more extensive colonisation when compared with equivalent Non-Porous matrices. The textural properties of the PyD materials also impact cytoskeletal and nuclear 3D morphometric parameters. Due to the effectiveness in creating a biomimetic 3D environment for NHDFs and the ability to promote cell culture for more than 28 days without subculture, we anticipate that PyD materials could configure an important step towardsin vitrosystems applicable to other cell types and with higher physiological relevance.
Antiviral State of CD1c+ cDC contributes to Increased Maturation and Activation of Cytotoxic Natural Killer cells in Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Sánchez-Cerrillo I , Calvet-Mirabent M , Triguero-Martínez A , Calzada-Fraile D , Delgado-Arévalo C , Valdivia-Mazeyra M , Ramírez-Huesca M , Vázquez de Luis E , Benguría-Filippini A , Moreno-Vellisca R , Adrados de Llano M , de la Fuente H , Tsukalov Ilya , Roy-Vallejo E , Ramiro A , Sánchez-Madrid F , Dopazo A , González Álvaro I , Castañeda S , Martin-Gayo E
Published: March 2022

Objective

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder characterized by damage of exocrine glands and linked to IFN responses and the induction of autoreactive adaptive immune cells. However, the role of innate immune cells in pSS pathology remains understudied.

Methods

We studied differential phenotypical characteristics of different NK cell, conventional dendritic cell (cDC) and monocyte subsets in the blood and salivary glands from pSS individuals. Transcriptional patterns of circulating cDC and Mo from pSS and healthy controls were also compared. Finally, in vivo alterations in these cell populations in the salivary gland were investigated in a mouse model.

Results

Here, we identified CD16+ CD56hi NK cells enriched in pSS patients which associates with higher natural cytotoxic function and increased proportions of circulating CD64+ CD1c+ cDC exhibiting antiviral transcriptional IFN signatures. CD64hi cDC and NK cell were detected infiltrated into the salivary glands from pSS patients and a murine SS model. CD1c+ cDC from patients with pSS expressed high levels of ligands for activating NK receptors and increased ability to activate NK cells ex vivo. Finally, the antiviral RIG-I and DDX60 sensors regulated the expression of NK cell receptor ligands on CD1c+ cDC.

Conclusions

Therefore, the interplay of CD1c+ cDCs and NK cells could contribute to pSS pathology.
Estimating Cuff-less Continuous Blood Pressure from Fingertip Photoplethysmogram Signals with Deep Neural Network Model
Authors: Chen Yu
Published: March 2022

Objective

Blood pressure (BP) is an important physiological index reflecting cardiovascular function. Continuous blood pressure monitoring helps to reduce the prevalence and mortality of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we aim to estimate systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values continuously based on fingertip photoplethysmogram (PPG) waveforms using deep neural network models.

Methods

Two models were proposed and both models consisted of three stages. The only difference between them was the method of extracting features from PPG signals in the first stage. Model 1 adopted Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM), while the other used convolutional neural network. Then, the residual connection was applied to multiple stacked LSTM layers in the second stage, following by the third stage with two fully connected layers.

Results

Our proposed models outperformed other methods based on similar dataset or framework, while in our proposed models, the model 2 was superior to model 1. It satisfied the standard of Association for the Advancement of the Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and obtained grade A for SBP and DBP estimation according to the British Hypertension Society (BHS) standard. The mean error (ME) and standard deviation (STD) for SBP and DBP estimations were 0.21 ± 6.40 mmHg and 0.19 ±4.71 mmHg, respectively.

Conclusion

Our proposed models could extract important features of fingertip PPG waveforms automatically and realize cuff-less continuous BP monitoring, which can be helpful in the identification and early treatment of abnormal blood pressure, thus may reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular malignant events.
Base editing derived models of human WDR34 and WDR60 disease alleles replicate retrograde IFT and hedgehog signaling defects and suggest disturbed Golgi protein transport
Authors: Antony Dinu , Güleç Elif Yýlmaz , Bakey Zeineb , Schüle Isabel , Kim Gwang-Jin , Skatulla Ilona , Brunner Han G. , Arnold Sebastian J. , Schmidts Miriam
Published: March 2022

Cytoplasmic Dynein-2 or IFT-dynein is the only known retrograde motor for intraflagellar transport, enabling protein trafficking from the ciliary tip to the base. Dysfunction of WDR34 and WDR60, the two intermediate chains of this complex, causes Short Rib Thoracic Dystrophy (SRTD), human skeletal chondrodysplasias with high lethality. Complete loss of function of WDR34 or WDR60 is lethal in vertebrates and individuals with SRTD carry at least one putative hypomorphic missense allele. Gene knockout is therefore not suitable to study the effect of these human missense disease alleles.

Using CRISPR single base editors, we recreated three different patient missense alleles in cilia-APEX-IMCD3 cells. Consistent with previous findings in dynein-2 full loss of function models and patient fibroblasts, mutant cell lines showed hedgehog signaling defects as well as disturbed retrograde IFT. Transcriptomics analysis revealed differentially regulated expression of genes associated with various biological processes, including G-protein-coupled receptor signaling as well extracellular matrix composition, endochondral bone growth and chondrocyte development. Further, we also observed differential regulation of genes associated with Golgi intracellular transport, including downregulation of Rab6b, a GTPase involved in Golgi-ER retrograde protein trafficking and interacting with components of cytoplasmic dynein-1, in mutant ciliated and non-ciliated clones compared to controls. In addition to providing cellular model systems enabling investigations of the effect of human SRTD disease alleles, our findings indicate non-ciliary functions for WDR34 and WDR60 in addition to the established roles as components of the retrograde IFT motor complex in cilia.
Structural basis for ultrapotent neutralization of human metapneumovirus
Authors: Banerjee Avik , Huang Jiachen , Rush Scott A. , Murray Jackelyn , Gingerich Aaron D. , Royer Fredejah , Hsieh Ching-Lin , Tripp Ralph A. , McLellan Jason S. , Mousa Jarrod J.
Published: March 2022

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a leading cause of morbidity and hospitalization among children worldwide, however, no vaccines or therapeutics are currently available for hMPV disease prevention and treatment. The hMPV fusion (F) protein is the sole target of neutralizing antibodies. To map the immunodominant epitopes on the hMPV F protein, we isolated a panel of human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and the mAbs were assessed for binding avidity, neutralization potency, and epitope specificity. We found the majority of the mAbs target diverse epitopes on the hMPV F protein, and we discovered multiple mAb binding approaches for antigenic site III. The most potent mAb, MPV467, which had picomolar potency, was examined in prophylactic and therapeutic mouse challenge studies, and MPV467 limited virus replication in mouse lungs when administered 24 hrs before or 72 hrs after viral infection. We determined the structure of MPV467 in complex with the hMPV F protein using cryo-electron microscopy to a resolution of 3.3 Å, which revealed a complex novel prefusion-specific epitope overlapping antigenic sites II and V on a single protomer. Overall, our data reveal new insights into the immunodominant antigenic epitopes on the hMPV F protein, identify a new mAb therapy for hMPV F disease prevention and treatment, and provide the discovery of a unique pre-fusion-specific epitope on the hMPV F protein.
Modelling the factors in the adoption of artificial intelligence in Indian management institutes
Authors: Shant Priya Samant , Jain Vineet , Priya Meenu Shant , Dixit Sushil Kumar , Joshi Gaurav
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine which organisational and other factors can facilitate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in Indian management institutes and their interrelationship.

Design/methodology/approach

To determine the factors influencing AI adoption, a synthesis-based examination of the literature was used. The interpretative structural modelling (ISM) method is used to determine the most effective factors among the identified ones and the inter-relationship among the factors, while the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method is used to analyse the cause-and-effect relationships among the factors in a quantitative manner. The approaches used in the analysis aid in understanding the relationship among the factors affecting AI adoption in management institutes of India.

Findings

This study concludes that leadership support plays the most significant role in the adoption of AI in Indian management institutes. The results from the DEMATEL analysis also confirmed the findings from the ISM and Matrice d’ Impacts croises- multiplication applique and classment (MICMAC) analyses. Remarkably, no linkage factor (unstable one) was reported in the research. Leadership support, technological context, financial consideration, organizational context and human resource readiness are reported as independent factors.

Practical implications

This study provides a listing of the important factors affecting the adoption of AI in Indian management institutes with their structural relationships. The findings provide a deeper insight about AI adoption. The study's societal implications include the delivery of better outcomes by Indian management institutes.

Originality/value

According to the authors, this study is a one-of-a-kind effort that involves the synthesis of several validated models and frameworks and uncovers the key elements and their connections in the adoption of AI in Indian management institutes.
Sugar-energy bioelectricity in energy trading environments: reasons for the lack of competitiveness
Authors: Ferraresi de Araujo Geraldo Jose , Ronquim Filho Adhemar , Cezarino Luciana Oranges , Liboni Lara Bartocci
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Renewables such as sugar-energy biomass can contribute to national electrical security, job creation and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. However, after the auction of reserve energy, in 2008, exclusive biomass, in the regulated contracting environment (RCE), the authors observe that this energy environment has lost competitiveness in the auctions. Thus, a study on the present theme is justified, based on the problem: What are the reasons for the lack of competitiveness of sugar-energy bioelectricity in the Auctions of the RCE of the National Electric Energy Agency? The purpose of this study is to understand the situation of sugar-energy bioelectricity in the Brazilian market.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review was conducted through the Scientific Electronic Library Online database, as well as the survey of primary documents at Sugarcane Industry Union and Electric Energy Trading Chamber.

Findings

The reasons for lack of competitiveness in RCE electricity auctions are: distant location of transmission lines; difficulties in obtaining licensing; delay in responses from environmental agencies; difficulties in securing financing for electricity generation projects for distilleries; non-pricing of positive environmental externalities as adequate disposal of waste; and the non-recovery of the cost of retrofit of the plants. The present situation may create economic, social and ecological circumstances adverse for Brazilian development, such as a lack of employment and income generation, loss of international currencies from imports of technologies not developed and produced in the country and more significant inefficiency greenhouse gas mitigation.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is in the contribution to the scarce literature on the understanding of the reasons for the lack of competitiveness of the Brazilian sugarcane sector in auctions of the regulated energy environment, based on SWOT analysis and, based on this understanding, to propose solutions for the expansion of this important matrix energy.
Investigation on wear of biopolymer parts produced by 3D printing in lubricated sliding conditions
Authors: Zagorski Mihail , Todorov Georgi , Nikolov Nikolay , Sofronov Yavor , Kandeva Mara
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of the printing temperature on several tribological parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

Polylactic acid (PLA) samples are produced at different printing temperatures. Results for the influence of the printing temperature on linear wear, wear intensity, wear resistance, roughness and microhardness in condition of reverse sliding friction of tribosystems with two different types of counterbodies were obtained.

Findings

In view of the experiments performed and a thorough analysis of the data obtained, it can be concluded that the printing temperature of PLA parts is directly related to their wear resistance – the higher the printing temperature, the greater the wear resistance, i.e. when making PLA machinery elements (which are working under conditions of friction and wear, e.g. gears, plain bearings and so on), it is appropriate to print them at a higher temperature.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the topic of this study is original and essential for future developments.
Effectiveness of virtual reality technologies in digital entrepreneurship: a comparative study of two types of virtual agents
Authors: Ben Saad Sihem , Choura Fatma
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The rapid progress of information and communication technologies enables business creators to access a wide variety of tools. These tools facilitate electronic exchanges and interactions with customers and companies. The purpose of this study is to test and compare the effectiveness of two virtual reality technologies, the avatar and anthropomorphic virtual agents, on consumers’ psychological states and perceived realism.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental survey was conducted to measure the potential superiority of the anthropomorphic virtual agent over the avatar and to identify the determining characteristics of the anthropomorphic virtual agent’s effectiveness. An experimental website was designed for the purpose of the study. A total of 1,262 internet users participated in the experiment.

Findings

Results confirm the superiority of the anthropomorphic virtual agent over the avatar in affecting consumers’ flow state, telepresence experience and perceived realism. These findings can be explained by the humanized characteristics of this type of agent (i.e. verbal and nonverbal language).

Originality/value

The originality of this research lies in the study of different forms of social interactivity. This latter has been little studied and essentially treated with a dichotomous perspective (presence/absence of a virtual agent). New trends in digital marketing challenge entrepreneurs to be proactive and to anticipate customers’ behavior on their online stores. That is why, virtual reality technologies, namely, anthropomorphic agents, can be considered as a relevant tool to engage in efficient inbound marketing strategies. Today, the development of intelligent technologies encourages entrepreneurs operating online to design more interactive, realistic and humanized virtual merchant environments that are more adapted to the realities of the new consumption trends and environment.
The intelligent academic library: review of AI projects & potential for Caribbean libraries
Authors: Duncan Adrian St. Patrick
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in aspects of Caribbean academic libraries for greater levels of efficacy as well as overall widespread reach and access. This paper will further emphasize the importance of AI in fostering a smooth workforce, reducing opportunities for error, while maximizing on resource output for Caribbean academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an extensive literature and content analysis, the research assessed various literatures from across the world, in wide ranging sectors, to attest to the plausibility of AI implementation in Caribbean academic libraries.

Findings

Revealing the possibilities for fostering great levels of efficacy as well as saves time and reduces the possibility for inefficiencies in the system through smoother check in and out as well as more accountability.[AQ3]

Research limitations/implications

This research focused primarily on proposing the use of AI in the daily operations of the academic library. It further attested to the implementations and application efficacy for intelligent academic libraries.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of the kind for Caribbean academic libraries and brought light to the fact that presently academic libraries can benefit from greater levels of efficacy and accuracy through the careful employment of AI in certain key areas in academic libraries. This study further reports about the impact of AI on academic libraries.
When firms go international: deliberate or random?
Authors: Vinhas da Silva Rui , Ferreira-Lopes Alexandra , Carvalho Helena , Duarte José
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The net outward investment position (NOIP) indicator is insufficient for the purposes of understanding firms’ internationalization decision-making behaviour. The indicator does not allow for the withdrawal of insights into the structure of an economy and is a weak predictor of the degree of foreign direct investment. The purpose of this paper is to argue that a typology of firms aggregated according to intrinsic characteristics of those firms is a better predictor of the degree of internationalization of an economy than the NOIP.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a database of 2,133 firms located in Portugal with international operations, made available by AICEP, a government agency. This paper uses multiple correspondence and cluster analyses to build a typology of firms and obtains evidence of common characteristics of the constituent groups.

Findings

This paper identifies a typology of firms characterized by five types differentiated by firm age, length of internationalization process, sector of economic activity, legal status and psychological/cultural proximity. These variables suggest an evolutionary, iterative, self-learning approach to internationalization, which can be better explained by the combined use of the investment development path (IDP) framework, the Uppsala Evolutionary School and Vernon’s product life cycle theory. Additionally, this paper finds that the most striking differences between developed and developing host countries are in terms of the economic sector, legal status of the firm and belonging (or not) to an economic group.

Originality/value

This paper establishes a link between the IDP framework, the Uppsala Evolutionary School and Vernon’s product life cycle theory, using a categorization of firms made according to selected characteristics to understand the internationalization of firms.
Prison is not an appropriate place for pregnant offenders
Authors: Steer Philip J.
Published: March 2022

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on Abirami Kirubarajan et al., pp. 1460–1472 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471‐0528.17137
The distinctiveness of public sector HRM: A four‐wave trend analysis
Authors: Knies Eva , Borst Rick T. , Leisink Peter , Farndale Elaine
Published: March 2022

Given the rhetoric that human resource management (HRM) models adopted by public and private organisations are becoming more similar, this study questions whether the traditional distinction between public and private sector HRM is still relevant. Building from institutional theory, we study continuity and change using four‐wave data from eight European countries. We find that the traditional public sector investment in employee well‐being continues to be distinctive only for HRM practices aimed at equal opportunities. Private sector organisations, on the other hand, make greater use of performance‐oriented HRM practices including compensation and benefits, performance appraisal data, and modern development and career management practices. Cross‐sector convergence is explained through coercive and mimetic isomorphic change, while persistent differences indicate that time‐honoured public sector values are less susceptible to change. This study provides a much‐needed update of the public‐private comparison and a trend analysis of developments over time.
Stability and viability of synbiotic microgels incorporated into liquid, Greek and frozen yogurts
Authors: Cezarino Eliza Cristina , Guedes Silva Karen Cristina , Souza Almeida Flávia , Kawazoe Sato Ana Carla
Published: March 2022

The viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus when co‐encapsulated with fructooligosaccharides in alginate–gelatin microgels, for incorporation into liquid, Greek, and frozen yogurts, during storage and in vitro‐simulated digestion was studied. Liquid yogurt provided the highest viability for the encapsulated probiotics during storage, followed by frozen and Greek formulations when compared to free probiotics, highlighting the influence of microencapsulation, yogurt composition, and storage conditions. Addition of up to 20% of probiotic (AG) and symbiotic (AGF) microgels did not cause significant changes in the liquid and frozen yogurts’ apparent viscosity (ηap); however, it decreased ηap for the Greek yogurt, indicating that microgels can alter product acceptability in this case. Both AG and AGF microparticles improved viability of cells face to gastric conditions for liquid and frozen yogurts, delivering cells in the enteric stage. Summarizing, liquid yogurt was the most appropriate for probiotic viability during storage, while frozen yogurt presented better protection along digestibility.
Characterization of a β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase with transglycosylation activity from Metarhizium sp. A34
Authors: Kurakake Masahiro , Amai Yukari
Published: March 2022

In applications of chitin, one of the most abundant resources on earth, human milk oligosaccharides with many health functions were synthesized by transglycosylation of β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase. Synthesis of new transfer products can be expected by other β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidases in nature. A total of 38 microorganisms that secrete β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidases with transglycosylation activity were isolated from a soil screen. Using N,N′‐diacetylchitobiose as the substrate, the transfer ratio increased with a decrease in substrate degradation when it was less than 60%. Metarhizium sp. A34 β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase had high transglycosylation activity and showed a maximum production of the oligosaccharides against the substrate degradation where (GlcNAc)5 and (GlcNAc)4 were produced in addition to (GlcNAc)3. The maximum curve was attributed to a sequential reaction of transglycosylation followed by hydrolysis where oligosaccharides are an intermediate product and are hydrolyzed in a second step. The purified β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase from Metarhizium sp. A34 had an optimal pH of 5 and was stable from pH 7 to 8. At pH 5, it had an optimal temperature of 40°C and was stable up to 30°C for 30 min. This enzyme had high thermostability up to 55°C when bound to the cell wall. The acceptor specificity for the transglycosylation reaction was enhanced for lower molecular weight sugar alcohols in the order of glycerin (C3), erythritol (C4), and xylitol (C5). The transfer product with glycerin was identified as 1‐O‐β‐d‐N‐acetylglucosaminyl glycerin, which may prove useful as a starting material for new glycolipids in food applications.

Practical Application

Metarhizium sp. A34 β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase produced 1‐O‐β‐d‐N‐acetylglucosaminyl glycerin through the transglycosylation. Chitin oligosaccharides of the donor are obtained by hydrolysis of chitin. 1‐O‐β‐d‐N‐Acetylglucosaminyl glycerin may be useful to start material for the synthesis of new glycolipids. High thermostability of this enzyme is useful to prevention of contamination in the transglycosylation reaction.