bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asynchronous influenza vaccination and adverse maternal-child health outcomes in the Brazilian semiarid, 2013 to 2018: the INFLUEN-SA Study
Authors: Q Filho José , Junior Francisco S , Lima Thaisy BR , AF Viana Vânia , Burgoa Jaqueline SV , Soares Alberto M , M Leite Álvaro , Herron Simone A , Newland Hunter L , Sarnaik Kunaal S , Hanson Gabriel F , Papin Jason A , Moore Sean R , Lima Aldo AM
Published: August 2020

Recent models indicate seasonal influenza transmission in Brazil begins annually in the semiarid state of Ceará (pop. 8.8M)—before vaccine campaigns begin. To assess the extent and maternal-child health consequences of this misalignment, we tracked severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), influenza, and influenza immunizations from 2013-2018. Of 3,297 SARI cases, 145 (4%) occurred in pregnancy. Vaccine coverage was >80%; however, campaigns often occurred during or after peak influenza. Birth weights nadired and prematurity increased 30-40 weeks following peak influenza, by a magnitude of 40g and 10.7% to 15.5%, respectively. We identified 61 babies of mothers with gestational SARI; they weighed 10% less at birth (P = 0·019) and were more often premature (OR: 2.944; 95% CI: 1.100 – 7.879) relative to controls (n=122). Mistiming of influenza vaccination adversely impacts pregnancy and birth outcomes in Ceará, with critical implications for influenza transmission dynamics nationally.
Anxiety and media exposure during COVID-19 outbreak in Kuwait
Authors: Alasousi Lulua , al Hammouri Sara , Al-abdulhadi Sara al
Published: August 2020

Background

Rising fear and panic among public during COVID19 pandemic increase concern regarding anxiety cases in Kuwait. Media capture our attention during this period looking for daily virus update lead to more fear. Our purpose of this study to examine the relationship between anxiety and media exposure among Kuwaiti during COVID19 outbreak

Method

cross sectional study among Kuwaiti citizen between age23-55yrs old was conducted from April,21,2020 to May,15,2020 using online survey. Total of 1230 participants involve in the current study after exclusion criteria removed. Beside demographic data and media exposure anxiety was assessed using generalized anxiety disorder scale GAD-7, multivariable regression was used to identify the correlation between anxiety and media exposure

Result

the result show that there is positive correlation between media exposure and anxiety during COVID19 outbreak in Kuwait (p<.001), furthermore it revealed that there is significant relationship between the frequency of exposure and anxiety(<.001)

Conclusion

from this study we can understand that during COVID19 pandemic exposure to media can cause anxiety therefore measures should be taken by the governments to fight misinformation and physician should pay more attention to mental health disease during this period.
Mutational landscape and dominant lineages in the SARS-CoV-2 infections in the state of Telangana, India
Authors: Gupta Asmita , Sabarinathan Radhakrishnan , Bala Pratyusha , Donipadi Vinay , Vashisht Divya , Katika Madhumohan Rao , Kandakatla Manohar , Mitra Debashis , Dalal Ashwin , Bashyam Murali Dharan
Published: August 2020

The novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing COVID-19 has rapidly turned into a pandemic, infecting millions and causing ~7 million deaths across the globe. In addition to studying the mode of transmission and evasion of host immune system, analysing the viral mutational landscape constitutes an area under active research. The latter is expected to impart knowledge on the emergence of different clades, subclades, viral protein functions and protein-protein and protein–RNA interactions during replication/transcription cycle of virus and response to host immune checkpoints. In this study we have attempted to bring forth the viral genomic variants defining the major clade(s) as identified from samples collected from the state of Telangana, India.
Age-specific mortality and immunity patterns of SARS-CoV-2 infection in 45 countries
Authors: O’Driscoll Megan , Santos Gabriel Ribeiro Dos , Wang Lin , Cummings Derek A.T. , Azman Andrew S. , Paireau Juliette , Fontanet Arnaud , Cauchemez Simon , Salje Henrik
Published: August 2020

The number of COVID-19 deaths is often used as a key indicator of SARS-CoV-2 epidemic size. However, heterogeneous burdens in nursing homes and variable reporting of deaths in elderly individuals can hamper comparisons of deaths and the number of infections associated with them across countries. Using age-specific death data from 45 countries, we find that relative differences in the number of deaths by age amongst individuals aged <65 years old are highly consistent across locations. Combining these data with data from 15 seroprevalence surveys we demonstrate how age-specific infection fatality ratios (IFRs) can be used to reconstruct infected population proportions. We find notable heterogeneity in overall IFR estimates as suggested by individual serological studies and observe that for most European countries the reported number of deaths amongst ≥65s are significantly greater than expected, consistent with high infection attack rates experienced by nursing home populations in Europe. Age-specific COVID-19 death data in younger individuals can provide a robust indicator of population immunity.
The Effect of Area Deprivation on COVID-19 Risk in Louisiana
Authors: Madhav KC , Oral Evrim , Straif-Bourgeois Susanne , Rung Ariane L. , Peters Edward S.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Louisiana currently has the highest per capita case count for COVID-19 in the United States and disproportionately affects the Black or African American population. Neighborhood deprivation has been observed to be associated with poorer health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between neighborhood deprivation and COVID-19 in Louisiana.

Methods

The Area Deprivation Index (ADI) was calculated and used to classify neighborhood deprivation at the census tract level. A total of 17 US census variables were used to calculate the ADI for each of the 1148 census tracts in Louisiana. The data were extracted from the American Community Survey (ACS) 2018. The neighborhoods were categorized into quintiles as well as low and high deprivation. The publicly available COVID-19 cumulative case counts by census tract was obtained from the Louisiana Department of Health website on July 31, 2020. Descriptive and Poisson regression analyses were performed.

Results

Neighborhoods in Louisiana were substantially different with respect to deprivation. The ADI ranged from 136.00 for the most deprived neighborhood and -33.87 in the least deprived neighborhood. We observed that individuals residing in the most deprived neighborhoods had a 45% higher risk of COVID-19 disease compared to those residing in the least deprived neighborhoods.

Conclusion

While the majority of previous studies were focused on very limited socio-environmental factors such as crowding and income, this study used a composite area-based deprivation index to examine the role of neighborhood environment on COVID-19. We observed a positive relationship between neighborhood deprivation and COVID-19 risk in Louisiana. The study findings can be utilized to promote public health preventions measures besides social distancing, wearing a mask while in public and frequent handwashing in vulnerable neighborhoods with greater deprivation.
Mutualistic interaction withTrichoderma longibrachiatumUENF-F476 boosted plant growth-promotion ofSerratia marcescensUENF-22GI
Authors: de Andrade Reis Régis Josué , Alves Alice Ferreira , dos Santos Pedro Henrique Dias , Aguiar Kamilla Pereira , da Silveira Silvaldo Felipe , Canellas Luciano Pasqualoto , Olivares Fábio Lopes
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

A plethora of bacteria-fungal interactions occurs on the extended fungal hyphae network in soil. The mycosphere of saprophytic fungi can serve as a bacterial niche boosting their survival, dispersion, and activity. Such ecological concepts can be converted to bioproducts for sustainable agriculture. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that the well-characterized beneficial bacteriumSerratia marcescensUENF-22GI can enhance their plant growth-promoting properties by combination withTrichoderma longibrachiatumUENF-F476.

RESULTS

The colony and cell interactions demonstratedS. marcescens and T. longibrachiatumcompatibility. Bacteria cells were able to attach, forming aggregates-biofilms and migrates through fungal hyphae network. Bacterial migration through growing hyphae was confirmed using two-compartment Petri dishes assay. Fungal inoculation increased the bacteria survival rates into the vermicompost substrate over the experimental time. Also,in vitroindolic compound, phosphorus, and zinc solubilization bacteria activities increased in the presence of the fungus. In line with the ecophysiological bacteria fitness, tomato and papaya plantlet growth was boosted by bacteria-fungi combination applied under plant nursery conditions.

CONCLUSION

Mutualistic interaction between mycosphere-colonizing bacteriumS. marcescensUENF-22GI and the saprotrophic fungiT. longibrachiatumUENF-F467 increased the ecological fitness of the bacteria alongside with beneficial potential for plant growth. A proper combination and delivery of compatible beneficial bacteria-fungus represent an open avenue for biological enrichment of plant substrates technologies in agricultural systems.
Unique mutational changes in SARS-CoV-2 genome: A case study for the largest state of India
Authors: Prasad Priti , Prakash Shantanu , Sahu Kishan , Singh Babita , Shukla Suruchi , Mishra Hricha , Khan Danish Nasar , Prakash Om , Bhatt MLB , Barik SK , Asif Mehar H. , Sawant Samir V. , Jain Amita , Bag Sumit Kr.
Published: August 2020

COVID-19 is a global pandemic causing more than 8 million deaths till mid-August, 2020. In India, more than 3 million confirmed cases have been reported although with relatively low death rate of 1.8%. In this study, we sequenced 47 genomes of SARS-CoV-2 from the patients of 13 districts of Uttar Pradesh (UP), the largest state of India using third-generation sequencing technique. The phylogenetic clustering revealed that no UP sample was aligned with the previously defined USA clade, where the mortality was high. We identified 56 distinct SNP variations in the genomes of UP resulting in a unique mutation rate of 1.19% per sequence, which is greater than the value 0.88% obtained for the rest of India. The relatively less death rate in UP indicates that the mutation in the virus is deleterious. Further investigation is required with larger sample size to determine the degree of virulence vis-a-vis SNP variation.
Human skeletal muscle CD90+fibro-adipogenic progenitors are associated with muscle degeneration in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Farup Jean , Just Jesper , de Paoli Frank , Lin Lin , Jensen Jonas Brorson , Billeskov Tine , Sanchez Roman Ines , Cömert Cagla , Møller Andreas Buch , Madaro Luca , Groppa Elena , Fred Rikard Göran , Kampmann Ulla , Pedersen Steen B. , Bross Peter , Stevnsner Tinna , Eldrup Nikolaj , Pers Tune H. , Rossi Fabio M. V. , Puri Pier Lorenzo , Jessen Niels
Published: August 2020

Aging and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are associated with impaired skeletal muscle function and degeneration of the skeletal muscle microenvironment. However, the origin and mechanisms underlying the degeneration are not well described in human skeletal muscle. Here we show that skeletal muscles of T2DM patients exhibit pathological degenerative remodeling of the extracellular matrix that was associated with a selective increase of a subpopulation of fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) marked by expression ofTHY1(CD90) - the FAPCD90+. We identified Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling as key regulator of human FAP biology, as it promotes proliferation and collagen production at the expense of adipogenesis, an effect accompanied with a metabolic shift towards glycolytic lactate fermentation. FAPsCD90+showed a PDGF-mimetic phenotype, with high proliferative activity and clonogenicity, increased production of extracellular matrix production and enhanced glycolysis. Importantly, the pathogenic phenotype of T2DM FAPCD90+was reduced by treatment with the anti-diabetic drug Metformin. These data identify PDGF-driven conversion of a sub-population of FAPs as a key event in the pathogenic accumulation of extracellular matrix in T2DM muscles.
An investigation into the critical role of fibre orientation in the ultimate tensile strength and stiffness of human carotid plaque caps
Authors: Johnston R.D. , Gaul R.T. , Lally C.
Published: August 2020

The development and subsequent rupture of atherosclerotic plaques in human carotid arteries is a major cause of ischemic stroke. Mechanical characterization of atherosclerotic plaques can aid our understanding of this rupture risk. Despite this however, experimental studies on human atherosclerotic carotid plaques, and fibrous plaque caps in particular, are very limited. This study aims to provide further insights into atherosclerotic plaque rupture by mechanically testing human fibrous plaque caps, the region of the atherosclerotic lesion most often attributed the highest risk of rupture. The results obtained highlight the variability in the ultimate tensile stress, strain and stiffness experienced in atherosclerotic plaque caps. By pre-screening all samples using small angle light scattering (SALS) to determine the dominant fibre direction in the tissue, along with supporting histological analysis, this work suggests that the collagen fibre alignment in the circumferential direction plays the most dominant role for determining plaque structural stability. The work presented in this study could provide the basis for new diagnostic approaches to be developed, which non-invasively identify carotid plaques at greatest risk of rupture.

Graphical Abstract
CAS-LiveFISH: Simple and versatile imaging of genomic loci in live mammalian cells and early pre-implantation embryos
Authors: Geng Yongtao , Pertsinidis Alexandros
Published: August 2020

Visualizing the 4D genome in live cells is essential for understanding its regulation. Programmable DNA-binding probes, such as fluorescent clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and transcription activator-like effector (TALE) proteins have recently emerged as powerful tools for imaging specific genomic loci in live cells. However, many such systems rely on genetically-encoded components, often requiring multiple constructs that each must be separately optimized, thus limiting their use. Here we develop efficient and versatile systems, based onin vitrotranscribed single-guide-RNAs (sgRNAs) and fluorescently-tagged recombinant, catalytically-inactivated Cas9 (dCas9) proteins. Controlled cell delivery of pre-assembled dCas9-sgRNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes enables robust genomic imaging in live cells and in early mouse embryos. We further demonstrate multiplex tagging of up to 3 genes, tracking detailed movements of chromatin segments and imaging spatial relationships between a distal enhancer and a target gene, with nanometer resolution in live cells. This simple and effective approach should facilitate visualizing chromatin dynamics and nuclear architecture in various living systems.
Antigen Presentation-Independent Reciprocal Immune Modulation byHLA-DRB1Allelic Epitopes that Associate with Autoimmune Disease Risk or Protection
Authors: van Drongelen Vincent , Scavuzzi Bruna Miglioranza , Nogueira Sarah Veloso , Miller Frederick W. , Sawalha Amr H. , Holoshitz Joseph
Published: August 2020

Statistical associations between particular human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and susceptibility to - or protection from - autoimmune diseases have been long observed. Allele-specific antigen presentation (AP) has been widely proposed as a culprit mechanism; however, direct evidence to substantiate that hypothesis is scant. Here we demonstrate AP-independent differential macrophage activation byHLA-DRB1alleles known to associate with autoimmune disease risk or protection with resultant polarization of pro-inflammatory (“M1”) versus anti-inflammatory (“M2”) macrophages, respectively. RNA-sequencing analyses ofin vitro-polarized macrophages in the presence of AP-incompetent short synthetic peptides corresponding to the third allelic hypervariable regions coded by those twoHLA-DRB1alleles showed reciprocal activation of pro- versus anti-inflammatory transcriptomes, with implication of corresponding gene ontologies and upstream regulators. These results identify a previously unrecognized mechanism of differential immune modulation by shortHLA-DRB1-coded allelic epitopes independent of AP, and could shed new light on the mechanistic basis of HLA-disease association.
SARS-CoV-2 infection of human iPSC-derived cardiac cells predicts novel cytopathic features in hearts of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Pérez-Bermejo Juan A. , Kang Serah , Rockwood Sarah J. , Simoneau Camille R. , Joy David A. , Ramadoss Gokul N. , Silva Ana C. , Flanigan Will R. , Li Huihui , Nakamura Ken , Whitman Jeffrey D. , Ott Melanie , Conklin Bruce R. , McDevitt Todd C.
Published: August 2020

Although COVID-19 causes cardiac dysfunction in up to 25% of patients, its pathogenesis remains unclear. Exposure of human iPSC-derived heart cells to SARS-CoV-2 revealed productive infection and robust transcriptomic and morphological signatures of damage, particularly in cardiomyocytes. Transcriptomic disruption of structural proteins corroborated adverse morphologic features, which included a distinct pattern of myofibrillar fragmentation and numerous iPSC-cardiomyocytes lacking nuclear DNA. Human autopsy specimens from COVID-19 patients displayed similar sarcomeric disruption, as well as cardiomyocytes without DNA staining. These striking cytopathic features provide new insights into SARS-CoV-2 induced cardiac damage, offer a platform for discovery of potential therapeutics, and raise serious concerns about the long-term consequences of COVID-19.
PFRED: A computational platform for siRNA and antisense oligonucleotides design
Authors: Sciabola Simone , Xi Hualin , Cruz Dario , Cao Qing , Lawrence Christine , Zhang Tianhong , Rotstein Sergio , Hughes Jason D , Caffrey Daniel R , Stanton Robert
Published: August 2020

PFRED a software application for the design, analysis, and visualization of antisense oligonucleotides and siRNA is described. The software provides an intuitive user-interface for scientists to design a library of siRNA or antisense oligonucleotides that target a specific gene of interest. Moreover, the tool facilitates the incorporation of various design criteria that have been shown to be important for stability and potency. PFRED has been made available as an open-source project so the code can be easily modified to address the future needs of the oligonucleotide research community. A compiled version is available for downloading athttps://github.com/pfred/pfred-gui/releasesas a java Jar file. The source code and the links for downloading the precompiled version can be found athttps://github.com/pfred.
Soil nutrient availability alters tree carbon allocation dynamics during drought
Authors: Schönbeck Leonie , Li Mai-He , Lehmann Marco M. , Rigling Andreas , Schaub Marcus , Hoch Günter , Kahmen Ansgar , Gessler Arthur
Published: August 2020

Drought alters allocation patterns of carbon (C) and nutrients in trees and eventually impairs tree functioning. Elevated soil nutrient availability might alter the response of trees to drought. We hypothesize that increased soil nutrient availability stimulates root metabolism and carbon allocation to belowground tissues under drought stress. To test this hypothesis, we subjected three-year-oldPinus sylvestrissaplings in open-top cambers during two subsequent years to drought using three different water treatments (100%, 20% and 0% plant available water in the soil) and two soil nutrient regimes (ambient and nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K) fertilization corresponding to 5 g N/m2/yr) and released drought thereafter. We conducted a15N and13C labelling experiment during the peak of the first-year drought by injecting15N labelled fertilizer in the soil and exposing the tree canopies to13C labelled CO2. The abundance of the N and C isotopes in the roots, stem and needles was assessed during the following year. C uptake was slightly lower in drought stressed trees, and extreme drought inhibited largely the N uptake and transport. Carbon allocation to belowground tissues was decreased under drought, but not in combination with fertilization. Our results indicate a potential positive feedback loop, where fertilization improved the metabolism and functioning of the roots, stimulating the source activity and hence C allocation to belowground tissues. This way, soil nutrients compensated for drought-induced loss of root functioning, mitigating drought stress of trees.
Novel cryo-electron tomography structure of Arp2/3 complex in cells reveals mechanisms of branch formation
Authors: Fäßler Florian , Dimchev Georgi , Hodirnau Victor-Valentin , Wan William , Schur Florian KM
Published: August 2020

The actin-related protein (Arp)2/3 complex nucleates branched actin filament networks pivotal for cell migration, endocytosis and pathogen infection. Its activation is tightly regulated and involves complex structural rearrangements and actin filament binding, which are yet to be understood. Here, we report a 9.0Å resolution structure of the actin filament Arp2/3 complex branch junction in cells using cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging. This allows us to generate an accurate model of the active Arp2/3 complex in the branch junction and its interaction with actin filaments. Our structure indicates a central role for the ArpC3 subunit in stabilizing the active conformation and suggests that in the branch junction relocation of the ArpC5 N-terminus and the C-terminal tail of Arp3 is important to fix Arp2 and Arp3 in an actin dimer-like conformation. Notably, our model of the branch junction in cells significantly differs from the previousin vitrobranch junction model.
Threatened terrestrial vertebrates are exposed to human pressures across 94% of Europe’s protected land
Authors: Delsen Dobrochna M. , Kissling W. Daniel , Allan James R.
Published: August 2020

Protected areas (PAs) are the last refuges for wild biodiversity, yet human pressures (or threats) are increasingly prevalent within their boundaries. Human pressures have the potential to negatively impact species and undermine their conservation, but their overlap with sensitive threatened species in PAs remains rarely quantified. Here, we analyse the co-occurrence of nineteen threatening human activities within the distributions of 146 threatened terrestrial vertebrates in the European Union (EU), accounting for species-specific sensitivities to each pressure and thereby mapping potential human impacts on species within EU PAs. We find that human pressures extend across > 1.022 million km2(94.5%) of EU protected land, with potential negative impacts on threatened species across 1.015 million km2(93.8%). A total of 122 out of 146 species (84%) have > 50% of their EU protected ranges potentially impacted, and 83 out of 146 species (57%) more than 90% of their protected range. More species have a smaller proportion of their protected range potentially impacted in Natura2000 sites than in non-Natura2000 sites, and the same is true for species in nature reserves and wilderness areas compared to less strictly managed PAs. Our results show that threatened species in Europe’s PAs are exposed to immense human pressures, and suggest that areas designated for species conservation are ineffective for halting biodiversity decline. We recommend that the EU Biodiversity Strategy develops and enforces a comprehensive PA threat management program to reduce the negative impacts of human activities on wildlife in European protected lands.
Confocal Laser-Scanning Fluorescence-Lifetime Single-Molecule Localisation Microscopy
Authors: Thiele Jan Christoph , Helmerich Dominic , Oleksiievets Nazar , Tsukanov Roman , Butkevich Eugenia , Sauer Markus , Nevskyi Oleksii , Enderlein Jörg
Published: August 2020

Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) is an important technique that adds another dimension to the intensity and colour information of conventional microscopy. In particular, it allows for multiplexing fluorescent labels that have otherwise similar spectral properties. Currently, the only super-resolution technique that is capable of recording super-resolved images with lifetime information is STimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy. In contrast, all Single-Molecule Localisation Microscopy (SMLM) techniques that employ wide-field cameras completely lack the lifetime dimension. Here, we combine Fluorescence-Lifetime Confocal Laser-Scanning Microscopy (FL-CLSM) with SMLM for realising single-molecule localisation-based fluorescence-lifetime super-resolution imaging (FL-SMLM). Besides yielding images with a spatial resolution much beyond the diffraction limit, it determines the fluorescence lifetime of all localised molecules. We validate our technique by applying it to direct STochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy (dSTORM) and Points Accumulation for Imaging in Nanoscale Topography (PAINT) imaging of fixed cells, and we demonstrate its multiplexing capability on samples with two different labels that differ only by fluorescence lifetime but not by their spectral properties.
Occurrence of extended spectrum β-lactamase and AmpC-producingEscherichia coliin retail meat products from the Maritime Provinces, Canada
Authors: Awosile Babafela , Eisnor Jessica , Saab Matthew E. , Heider Luke , McClure J T.
Published: August 2020

This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance to the extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESC) inEscherichia coliisolates recovered from retail meat products collected in the Maritime Provinces of Canada using both selective and traditional culture methods, and genotypically using multiplex polymerase chain reactions.

ESC-RE. coliwas detected in 33/559 (5.9%) samples using the traditional culture compared to 151/557 (27.1%) samples using the selective culture method. The recovery of ESC-RE. coliisolates was more common in poultry compared to beef and pork (P<0.001). Multi-drug resistance, ESBL, and AmpC phenotypes were more common in chicken-derived isolates than other retail meat products (P<0.001). From the 98 isolates selected, 76 (77.6%) isolates were positive for either ESBL and AmpC β-lactamases or both. Among the 76 isolates,blaCMY-2(78.9%),blaCTXM(46.1%),blaTEM(21.1%), andblaSHV(1.3%) were detected. Among theblaCTXM-producing isolates;blaCTXM-1,blaCTXM-2, andblaCTXM-9phylogenetic groups were detected. β-lactamase genes were detected more in chicken-derived isolates compared to other meat types (P<0.01). This study demonstrated the occurrence of ESBL and AmpC resistance genes in retail meat products in Maritime Provinces of Canada. Also, selective culture significantly improved the recovery of ESC-RE. coliisolates from retail meat samples.
Stellate cell computational modelling predicts signal filtering in the molecular layer circuit of cerebellum
Authors: Rizza Martina Francesca , Locatelli Francesca , Masoli Stefano , Sánchez Ponce Diana , Muñoz Alberto , Prestori Francesca , D’Angelo Egidio
Published: August 2020

The functional properties of cerebellar stellate cells and the way they regulate molecular layer activity are still unclear. We have measured stellate cells electroresponsiveness and their activation by parallel fiber bursts. Stellate cells showed intrinsic pacemaking, along with characteristic responses to depolarization and hyperpolarization, and showed a marked short-term facilitation during repetitive parallel fiber transmission. Spikes were emitted after a lag and only at high frequency, making stellate cells to operate as delay-high-pass filters. A detailed computational model summarizing these physiological properties allowed to explore different functional configurations of the parallel fiber – stellate cell – Purkinje cell circuit. Simulations showed that, following parallel fiber stimulation, Purkinje cells almost linearly increased their response with input frequency but such an increase was inhibited by stellate cells, which leveled the Purkinje cell gain curve to its 4 Hz value. When reciprocal inhibitory connections between stellate cells were activated, the control of stellate cells over Purkinje cell discharge was maintained only at very high frequencies. These simulations thus predict a new role for stellate cells, which could endow the molecular layer with low-pass and band-pass filtering properties regulating Purkinje cell gain and, along with this, also burst delay and the burst-pause responses pattern.
Synchronization and resilience in the Kuramoto white matter network model with adaptive state-dependent delays
Authors: Park Seong Hyun , Lefebvre Jeremie
Published: August 2020

White matter pathways form a complex network of myelinated axons that regulate signal transmission in the nervous system and play a key role in behaviour and cognition. Recent evidence reveals that white matter networks are adaptive and that myelin remodels itself in an activity-dependent way, during both developmental stages and later on through behaviour and learning. As a result, axonal conduction delays continuously adjust in order to regulate the timing of neural signals propagating between different brain areas. This delay plasticity mechanism has yet to be integrated in computational neural models, where conduction delays are oftentimes constant or simply ignored. As a first approach to adaptive white matter remodelling, we modified the canonical Kuramoto model by enabling all connections with adaptive, phase-dependent delays. We analyzed the equilibria and stability of this system, and applied our results to two oscillator and large dimensional networks. Our joint mathematical and numerical analysis demonstrates that plastic delays act as a stabilizing mechanism promoting the network’s ability to maintain synchronous activity. Our work also shows that global synchronization is more resilient to perturbations and injury towards network architecture. Our results provide key insights about the analysis and potential significance of activity-dependent myelination in large-scale brain synchrony.
Collegiate athlete brain data for white matter mapping and network neuroscience
Authors: Caron Bradley , Stuck Ricardo , McPherson Brent , Bullock Daniel , Kitchell Lindsey , Faskowitz Joshua , Kellar Derek , Cheng Hu , Newman Sharlene , Port Nicholas , Pestilli Franco
Published: August 2020

We describe a dataset of processed data with associated reproducible preprocessing pipeline collected from two collegiate athlete groups and one non-athlete group. The dataset shares minimally processed diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) data, three models of the diffusion signal in the voxel, full-brain tractograms, segmentation of the major white matter tracts as well as structural connectivity matrices. There is currently a paucity of similar datasets openly shared. Furthermore, major challenges are associated with collecting this type of data. The data and derivatives shared here can be used as a reference to study the effects of long-term exposure to collegiate athletics, such as the effects of repetitive head impacts. We use advanced anatomical and dMRI data processing methods publicly available as reproducible web services at brainlife.io.
A CRISPR Screen Identifies Myc-associated Zinc Finger Protein (MAZ) as an Insulator Functioning at CTCF boundaries inHoxClusters
Authors: Ortabozkoyun-Kara Havva , Huang Pin-Yao , Cho Hyunwoo , Narendra Varun , Leroy Gary , Skok Jane A. , Tsirigos Aristotelis , Mazzoni Esteban O. , Reinberg Danny
Published: August 2020

The essential CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is critical to three-dimensional (3D) genome organization. CTCF binding insulates active and repressed genes within theHoxclusters upon differentiation, but such binding does not participate in boundary formation in all cell types, such as embryonic stem cells. We conducted a genome-wide CRISPR knockout screen to identify genes required for CTCF boundary activity at theHoxAcluster, complemented by novel biochemical approaches. This screen identified Myc-associated zinc finger protein (MAZ) as a CTCF insulator co-factor, among other candidates listed herein. MAZ depletion or specific deletion of MAZ motifs within theHoxclusters led to de-repression of posteriorHoxgenes immediately after CTCF boundaries upon differentiation, which phenocopied deletion of the proximal CTCF motifs. Similar to CTCF, MAZ interacted with the cohesin subunit, RAD21. Upon loss of MAZ, local contacts within topologically associated domains (TADs) were disrupted, as evidenced by HiC analysis. Thus, MAZ is a novel factor sharing insulation properties with CTCF and contributing to the genomic architectural organization.

One Sentence Summary

MAZ is identified as an insulator functioning at CTCF boundaries delimiting active and repressed genes atHoxclusters
Roles of lysosomotropic agents on LRRK2 activation and Rab10 phosphorylation
Authors: Kuwahara Tomoki , Funakawa Kai , Komori Tadayuki , Sakurai Maria , Yoshii Gen , Eguchi Tomoya , Fukuda Mitsunori , Iwatsubo Takeshi
Published: August 2020

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), the major causative gene product of autosomal-dominant Parkinson’s disease, is a protein kinase that phosphorylates a subset of Rab GTPases. Since pathogenic LRRK2 mutations increase its ability to phosphorylate Rab GTPases, elucidating the mechanisms of how Rab phosphorylation is regulated by LRRK2 is of great importance. We have previously reported that chloroquine-induced lysosomal stress facilitates LRRK2 phosphorylation of Rab10 to maintain lysosomal homeostasis. Here we reveal that Rab10 phosphorylation by LRRK2 is potently stimulated by treatment of cells with a set of lysosome stressors and clinically used lysosomotropic drugs. These agents commonly promoted the formation of LRRK2-coated enlarged lysosomes and extracellular release of lysosomal enzyme cathepsin B, the latter being dependent on LRRK2 kinase activity. In contrast to the increase in Rab10 phosphorylation, treatment with lysosomotropic drugs did not increase the enzymatic activity of LRRK2, as monitored by its autophosphorylation at Ser1292 residue, but rather enhanced the molecular proximity between LRRK2 and its substrate Rab GTPases on the cytosolic surface of lysosomes. Lysosomotropic drug-induced upregulation of Rab10 phosphorylation was likely a downstream event of Rab29 (Rab7L1)-mediated enzymatic activation of LRRK2. These results suggest a regulated process of Rab10 phosphorylation by LRRK2 that is associated with lysosomal overload stress, and provide insights into the novel strategies to halt the aberrant upregulation of LRRK2 kinase activity.
Structural Insight into DNA Recognition by CCT/NF-YB/YC Complexes in Plant Photoperiodic Flowering
Authors: Shen Cuicui , Liu Haiyang , Guan Zeyuan , Yan Junjie , Zheng Ting , Yan Wenhao , Wu Changyin , Zhang Qifa , Yin Ping , Xing Yongzhong
Published: August 2020

CONSTANS, CONSTANS-LIKE, and TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION1 (CCT) domain-containing proteins are a large family unique to plants. They transcriptionally regulate photoperiodic flowering, circadian rhythms, vernalization, and other related processes. Through their CCT domains, CONSTANS and HEADING DATE1 (HD1) coordinate with the NUCLEAR FACTOR Y (NF-Y) B/C dimer to specifically target a conserved ‘CCACA’ motif within the promoters of their target genes. However, the mechanism underlying DNA recognition by the CCT domain remains unclear. Here we determined the crystal structures of the rice (Oryza sativa) NF-YB/YC dimer and the florigen gene Heading date 3a (Hd3a)-bound HD1CCT/NF-YB/YC trimer with resolutions of 2.0 Å and 2.55 Å, respectively. The CCT domain of HD1 displays an elongated structure containing two α-helices and two loops, tethering Hd3a to the NF-YB/YC dimer. Helix α2 and loop 2 are anchored into the minor groove of the ‘CCACA’ motif, which determines the specific base recognition. Our structures reveal the interaction mechanism among the CCT domain, NF-YB/YC dimer, and the target DNA. These results not only provide insight into the network between the CCT proteins and NF-Y subunits, but also offer potential approaches for improving productivity and global adaptability of crops by manipulating florigen expression.
The relationship between food heritage and clan culture: is “familiness” the missing link in SMEs?
Authors: Khatami Fahimeh , Ferraris Alberto , De Bernardi Paola , Cantino Valter
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper empirically tests the relationship between food heritage, familiness, and clan culture, thus, highlighting the pivotal role of familiness in building robustly competitive food firms based on clan culture and food heritage.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach adopted is based on a quantitative analysis with data from one eco-tourist city in Iran (Torqabeh). In this regard, we developed a structured questionnaire surveying 98 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the food industry. We then used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to carry out the analysis.

Findings

The results indicate the significant positive relationship between food heritage and clan culture, and highlight the role of familiness as a strong mediator, which is also associated with a strong relationship between food heritage and clan culture.

Research limitations/implications

In the present study, the main limitation was linked to the small sample size and data collection, which took place in only a single city; however, further research could overcome this limitation by investigating SMEs from a heterogeneous geographical context.

Originality/value

The value of this research relates to studies that have examined food heritage as a possible antecedent of familiness. Moreover, the novelty of this research is to study the concept of familiness in improving resource-based views and organizational theories.
Simulated business effectiveness: learning and performance outcomes
Authors: Stamatelatos Anna , Brooks Robert
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study investigates simulated business learning and performance effectiveness during a simulation task. The learning and performance outcomes of two groups of postgraduate student participants are investigated namely: (a) participants who do not struggle with the task and (b) participants who do struggle with completing the task.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment was conducted using a simulated business, which was manipulated into two initial commencement formats: positive initial format (PIF) and negative initial format (NIF). Individual performance on the task was measured via achievement of performance targets whilst individual learning was measured via causal cognitive maps.

Findings

Participants using PIF did not struggle with completing the task and achieved higher performance outcomes compared to participants using NIF, who struggled with completing the task. In addition, the positive association between learning and performance was significantly reduced for participants using NIF who struggled with completing the task

Research limitations/implications

This study’s findings are tentative as the sample size is small and several moderator/mediator variables, which may influence the findings (i.e. student learning style/instructor style/cognitive factors), are outside the scope of the study and thus not included.

Practical implications

Causal cognitive mapping results and students’ self-assessment of learning during simulated business debriefing, may further help instructors/students identify the differences in individual learning outcomes between those who have and have not struggled with increasing simulated business performance.

Originality/value

By using an experiment and causal cognitive mapping to measure individual learning, this study contributes further empirical evidence to the literature.
Academics’ preferences for office spaces
Authors: Hopland Arnt O. , Kvamsdal Sturla
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate preferences for office spaces among academic staff at a university. The authors consider differences across age groups, seniority, position type and current office situation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an empirical investigation of survey data using descriptive statistics and regression analyses. The sample consists of 485 academic employees at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

Findings

Staff in individual offices are substantially more satisfied with their office space than those who share office space. Moreover, those in large offices are more satisfied than those in smaller. Large offices are occupied by staff with high seniority, and staff with large offices tend to host meetings more frequently than their colleagues. However, it is not clear whether differences in office spacing reflect real needs or mostly status.

Originality/value

Understanding which office spaces that stimulate the best research and higher education is of great importance when policy makers plan resource allocation.
Multi-component modeling and classification for failure propagation of an offshore wind turbine
Authors: Bezzaoucha Fatima Souad , Sahnoun M’hammed , Benslimane Sidi Mohamed
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Improving reliability is a key factor in reducing the cost of wind energy, which is strongly influenced by the cost of maintenance operations. In this context, this paper aims to propose a degradation model that describes the phenomenon of fault propagation to apply proactive maintenance that will act on the cause of failure to prevent its reoccurrence as well as to improve future system designs.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted consists in identifying the different components of a wind turbine, their causes and failure modes, and then, classifying these components according to their causes of failure.

Findings

The result is a classification of the different components of a wind turbine according to their failure causes. From the obtained classification, the authors observed that the failure modes for one component are a failure cause for another component, which describes the phenomenon of failure propagation.

Originality/value

The different classifications existing in the literature depend on the nature, position and function of the different components. The classification of this study consists in grouping the components of a wind turbine according to their failure causes to develop a degradation model considering the propagation of failure in the field of wind turbines.
Remaking and reinforcing mathematics and technology with programming – teacher perceptions of challenges, opportunities and tools in K-12 settings
Authors: Humble Niklas , Mozelius Peter , Sällvin Lisa
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse and discuss K-12 mathematics and technology teachers' perceptions on integrating programming in their teaching and learning activities, and perceptions on different programming tools.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of a case study was used, with data collected from three instances of a professional development programming course for K-12 teachers in mathematics and technology.

Findings

The findings show that there are perceived challenges and opportunities with learning and integrating programming, and with different programming tools. Many teachers perceive programming as fun, but lack the time to learn and implement it, and view different programming tools as both complementary to each other and with individual opportunities and challenges.

Practical implications

The practical implication of the research is that it can provide guidance for teachers and other stakeholders that are in the process of integrating programming in K-12 education. Further, the research provides useful information on teachers' experiences on working with different programming tools.

Social implications

The social implication of the research is that the overall aim of the nation-wide integration process might not succeed if the challenges identified in this study are not addressed, which could have negative effects on the development of students' digital competence.

Originality/value

The value of the research is that it identifies important challenges and opportunities for the integration of programming. That is, that many teachers perceive the different programming tools available as complimentary to each other, but are hesitating about what is expected of the integration. Findings could also be valuable for future course design of the teacher professional development.
Climate resilience and varietal choice: a path analytic model for rice in Bangladesh
Authors: Prasada D.V.P.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Rice is the primary staple crop in South Asia and is cultivated mainly on lowland ecosystems usually fed by the monsoon. With increasing climatic volatility, exclusively rain-fed rice paddies have experienced a triple threat in droughts, floods and salinity. This study investigates the linkages of these abiotic stresses on yield and subsequent farmer decisions on varietal choice.

Design/methodology/approach

A path analytic model is conceptualized where the relationship between yield (conditional on abiotic stresses) and the varietal choice decision is mediated by adaptation motive (latent construct) and market exposure (observed construct). The path model is validated using 2,523 observations from Bangladesh farmers to obtain parameter estimates for direct effects and mediated effects indicated above.

Findings

Findings reveal that drought and flood impacts, in contrast to salinity impacts, are influential to both yield and varietal choice. The adaptation motive, however, is clear only in the case of salinity. Time preference of farmers and previous exposure to climate shocks predict adaptation motive substantively. The study reveals that market exposure is also a significant mediator of varietal choice in addition to the mediating effect of adaptation.

Research limitations/implications

The study adopts a path analytic model which is able to capture direct, indirect and mediated effects between exogenous factors and varietal choice decision. While the models provide conclusive statistical evidence to the above hypotheses, within-area variations of behavior may not be captured adequately by the method.

Originality/value

Analyzing the complexity of varietal decision-making choice using a path analytical model is a novel contribution to the literature. The application itself is unique to the context applied. The findings complement the literature on varietal adoption in the context of climate resilient paddy systems.