bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous stereo-EEG and high-density scalp EEG recordings to study the effects of intracerebral stimulation parameters
Authors: Parmigiani S. , Mikulan E. P. , Russo S. , Sarasso S. , Zauli F. M. , Rubino A. , Cattani A. , Fecchio M. , Giampiccolo D. , Lanzone J. , D’Orio P. , del Vecchio M. , Avanzini P. , Nobili L. , Sartori I. , Massimini M. , Pigorini A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Cortico-cortical evoked potentials (CCEPs) recorded by stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) are a valuable clinical tool to investigate brain reactivity and effective connectivity. However, these invasive recordings are spatially sparse since they depend on clinical needs. This sparsity hampers systematic comparisons across-subjects, the detection of the whole-brain spatiotemporal properties of CCEPs, as well as their relationships with classic sensory evoked potentials.

Objective

To demonstrate that CCEPs recorded by high-density electroencephalography (hd-EEG) are sensitive to changes in stimulation parameters and compensate for the limitations typical of invasive recordings.

Methods

SEEG and hd-EEG activities were simultaneously recorded during SPES in drug-resistant epileptic patients (N=36). Changes in stimulation parameters encompassed physical (pulse intensity and width), geometrical (angle and position with respect to white/grey matter) and topological (stimulated cortical area) properties. Differences were assessed by measuring the overall responses and the amplitude of N1 and N2 components of the CCEPs, and by their spectral profiles.

Results

While invasive and non-invasive CCEPs were generally correlated, differences in pulse duration, angle and stimulated cortical area were better captured by hd-EEG. Further, hd-EEG responses to SPES reproduced basic features of responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation and showed a much larger amplitude as compared to typical sensory evoked potentials.

Conclusions

The present results show that macroscale hd-EEG recordings are exquisitely sensitive to variations in SPES parameters, including local changes in physical and geometrical stimulus properties, while providing valuable information about whole-brain dynamics. Moreover, the common reference space across subjects represented by hd-EEG may facilitate the construction of a perturbational atlas of effective connectivity.

Highlights

CCEPs recorded with hd-EEG and SEEG are correlated.

hd-EEG recording is highly sensitive to changes in stimulation parameters.

hd-EEG responses show higher amplitude responses with respect to non-invasive ones.

Simultaneous recordings provide a fixed observation point across subjects.
A nuclear cAMP microdomain suppresses tumor growth by Hippo pathway inactivation
Authors: Drozdz Marek M. , Doane Ashley S. , Alkallas Rached , Desman Garrett , Bareja Rohan , Reilly Michael , Bang Jakyung , Yusupova Maftuna , You Jaewon , Wang Jenny Z. , Verma Akansha , Aguirre Kelsey , Kane Elsbeth , Watson Ian R. , Elemento Olivier , Piskounova Elena , Merghoub Taha , Zippin Jonathan H.
Published: November 2021

cAMP signaling pathways are critical for both oncogenesis and tumor suppression. cAMP signaling is localized to multiple spatially distinct microdomains, but the role of cAMP microdomains in cancer cell biology is poorly understood. We developed a tunable genetic system that allows us to activate cAMP signaling in specific microdomains. We uncovered a previously unappreciated nuclear cAMP microdomain that functionally activates a tumor suppressive pathway in a broad range of cancers by inhibiting YAP, a key effector protein of the Hippo pathway, inside the nucleus. We show that nuclear cAMP induces a LATS-dependent pathway leading to phosphorylation of nuclear YAP solely at serine 397, export of YAP from the nucleus, without YAP protein degradation. Thus, nuclear cAMP inhibition of nuclear YAP is distinct from other known mechanisms of Hippo regulation. Pharmacologic targeting of specific cAMP microdomains remains an untapped therapeutic approach for cancer, and since Hippo pathway deregulation can lead to oncogenesis and chemotherapeutic resistance, drugs directed at the nuclear cAMP microdomain may provide new avenues for the treatment of cancer.
Distinct roles for two Caenorhabditis elegans acid-sensing ion channels in an ultradian clock
Authors: Kaulich Eva , Ackley Brian D. , Tang Yi-Quan , Hardege Iris , Schafer William R. , Walker Denise S.
Published: November 2021

Biological clocks are fundamental to an organism’s health, controlling periodicity of behavior and metabolism. Here, we identify two acid-sensing ion channels, with very different proton sensing properties, and describe their role in an ultradian clock, the defecation motor program (DMP) of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. An ACD-5-containing channel, on the apical membrane of the intestinal epithelium, is essential for maintenance of luminal acidity, and thus the rhythmic oscillations in lumen pH. In contrast, the second channel, composed of FLR-1, ACD-3 and/or DEL-5, located on the basolateral membrane, controls the intracellular Ca2+ wave and forms a core component of the master oscillator that controls timing and rhythmicity of the DMP. flr-1 and acd-3/del-5 mutants show severe developmental and metabolic defects. We thus directly link the proton-sensing properties of these channels to their physiological roles in pH regulation and Ca2+ signaling, the generation of an ultradian oscillator, and its metabolic consequences.

One-Sentence Summary

Two acid-sensing DEG/ENaC channels play distinct roles in controlling different aspects of rhythmic proton and Ca2+ oscillations in the C. elegans intestine.
Differential Methods for Assessing Sensitivity in Biological Models
Authors: Mester Rachel , Landeros Alfonso , Rackauckas Chris , Lange Kenneth
Published: November 2021

Differential sensitivity analysis is indispensable in fitting parameters, understanding uncertainty, and forecasting the results of both thought and lab experiments. Although there are many methods currently available for performing differential sensitivity analysis of biological models, it can be difficult to determine which method is best suited for a particular model. In this paper, we explain a variety of differential sensitivity methods and assess their value in some typical biological models. First, we explain the mathematical basis for three numerical methods: adjoint sensitivity analysis, complex-perturbation sensitivity analysis, and forward-mode sensitivity analysis. We then carry out four instructive case studies. (i) The CARRGO model for tumor-immune interaction highlights the additional information that differential sensitivity analysis provides beyond traditional naive sensitivity methods, (ii) the deterministic SIR model demonstrates the value of using second-order sensitivity in refining model predictions, (iii) the stochastic SIR model shows how differential sensitivity can be attacked in stochastic modeling, and (iv) a discrete birth-death-migration model illustrates how the complex-perturbation method of differential sensitivity can be generalized to a broader range of biological models. Finally, we compare the speed, accuracy, and ease of use of these methods. We find that forward-mode automatic differentiation has the quickest computation time, while the complex-perturbation method is the simplest to implement and the most generalizable.

Author Summary

Over the past few decades, mathematical modeling has become an indispensable tool in the biologist’s toolbox. From deterministic to stochastic to statistical models, computational modeling is ubiquitous in almost every field of biology. Because model parameter estimates are often noisy or depend on poorly understood interactions, it is crucial to examine how both quantitative and qualitative predictions change as parameter estimates change, especially as the number of parameters increase. Sensitivity analysis is the process of understanding how a model’s behavior depends on parameter values. Sensitivity analysis simultaneously quantifies prediction certainty and clarifies the underlying biological mechanisms that drive computational models. While sensitivity analysis is universally recognized to be an important step in modeling, it is often unclear how to best leverage the available differential sensitivity methods. In this manuscript we explain and compare various differential sensitivity methods in the hope that best practices will be widely adopted. In particular, we stress the relative advantages of existing software and their limitations. We also present a new numerical technique for computing differential sensitivity.
Type I interferon shapes brain distribution and tropism of tick-borne flavivirus
Authors: Chotiwan Nunya , Rosendal Ebba , Willekens Stefanie M. A. , Schexnaydre Erin , Nilsson Emma , Lindqvist Richard , Hahn Max , Mihai Ionut Sebastian , Morini Federico , Zhang Jianguo , Ebel Gregory D. , Carlson Lars-Anders , Henriksson Johan , Ahlgren Ulf , Marcellino Daniel , Överby Anna K.
Published: November 2021

Viral tropism within the brain and the role(s) of vertebrate immune response to neurotropic flaviviruses infection is largely understudied. We combined multimodal imaging (cm-nm scale) with single nuclei RNA- sequencing to study Langat virus in wildtype and interferon alpha/beta receptor knockout (Ifnar−/−) mice to visualize viral pathogenesis and define molecular mechanisms. Whole brain viral infection was imaged by Optical Projection Tomography coregistered toex vivoMRI. Infection was limited to grey matter of sensory systems in wildtype mice, but extended into white matter, meninges and choroid plexus inIfnar−/−mice. Cells in wildtype displayed strong type I and II IFN responses, likely due toIfnbexpressing astrocytes, infiltration of macrophages andIfng-expressing CD8+NK cells, whereas inIfnar−/−, the absence of this response contributed to a shift in cellular tropism towards non-activated resident microglia. Multimodal imaging-transcriptomics exemplifies a powerful way to characterize mechanisms of viral pathogenesis and tropism.
A Predictive Energy Landscape Model of Metamorphic Protein Conformational Specificity
Authors: Wrabl James O. , Voortman-Sheetz Keila , Hilser Vincent J.
Published: November 2021

“Metamorphic” proteins challenge state-of-the-art structure prediction methods reliant on amino acid similarity. Unfortunately, this obviates a more effective thermodynamic approach necessary to properly evaluate the impact of amino acid changes on the stability of two different folds. A vital capability of such a thermodynamic approach would be the quantification of the free energy differences between 1) the energy landscape minima of each native fold, and 2) each fold and the denatured state. Here we develop an energetic framework for conformational specificity, based on an ensemble description of protein thermodynamics. This energetic framework was able to successfully recapitulate the structures of high-identity enginerered sequences experimentally shown to adopt either Streptococcus protein GA or GB folds, demonstrating that this approach indeed reflected the energetic determinants of fold. Residue-level decomposition of the conformational specificity suggested several testable hypotheses, notably among them that fold-switching could be affected by local de-stabilization of the populated fold at positions sensitive to equilibrium perturbation. Since this ensemble-based compatibility framework is applicable to any structure and any sequence, it may be practically useful for the future targeted design, or large-scale proteomic detection, of novel metamorphic proteins.

Impact Statement

Metamorphic proteins are single amino acid sequences capable of adopting more than one structure at equilibrium. Detection and design of these molecules hold great promise for biological understanding and materials engineering, but to do so requires a thermodynamic framework capable of estimating the free energy differences between the two structures and the denatured state. We present such a framework, show it to be effective for the well-studied metamorphic protein GA/GB system, and suggest testable hypotheses for engineering novel fold-switch proteins.
Erythropoietin and IGF-1 signaling synchronize cell proliferation and maturation during erythropoiesis
Authors: Kadri Zahra , Lefevre Carine , Goupille Olivier , Penglong Tipparat , Granger-Locatelli Marine , Fucharoen Suthat , Maouche-Chretien Leila , Leboulch Philippe , Chretien Stany
Published: November 2021

Tight coordination of cell proliferation and differentiation is central to red blood cell formation. Erythropoietin controls the proliferation and survival of red blood cell precursors, while variations in GATA-1/FOG-1 complex composition and concentrations drive their maturation. However, clear evidence of cross-talk between molecular pathways is lacking. Here, we show that erythropoietin activates AKT, which phosphorylates GATA-1 at Ser310, thereby increasing GATA-1 affinity for FOG-1. In turn, FOG-1 displaces pRb/E2F-2 from GATA-1, ultimately releasing free, proproliferative E2F-2. Mice bearing aGata-1S310Amutation suffer from fatal anemia when a compensatory pathway for E2F-2 production involving insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling is simultaneously abolished. In the context of the GATA-1V205Gmutation resulting in lethal anemia, we show that the Ser310 cannot be phosphorylated and that constitutive phosphorylation at this position restores partial erythroid differentiation. This study sheds light on the GATA-1 pathways that synchronize cell proliferation and differentiation for tissue homeostasis.
The prenucleosome, a stable conformational isomer of the nucleosome
Authors: Fei Jia , Torigoe Sharon E. , Brown Christopher R. , Khuong Mai T. , Kassavetis George A. , Boeger Hinrich , Kadonaga James T.
Published: November 2021

Chromatin comprises nucleosomes as well as nonnucleosomal histone–DNA particles. Prenucleosomes are rapidly formed histone–DNA particles that can be converted into canonical nucleosomes by a motor protein such as ACF. Here we show that the prenucleosome is a stable conformational isomer of the nucleosome. It consists of a histone octamer associated with ∼80 base pair (bp) of DNA, which is located at a position that corresponds to the central 80 bp of a nucleosome core particle. Monomeric prenucleosomes with free flanking DNA do not spontaneously fold into nucleosomes but can be converted into canonical nucleosomes by an ATP-driven motor protein such as ACF or Chd1. In addition, histone H3K56, which is located at the DNA entry and exit points of a canonical nucleosome, is specifically acetylated by p300 in prenucleosomes relative to nucleosomes. Prenucleosomes assembled in vitro exhibit properties that are strikingly similar to those of nonnucleosomal histone–DNA particles in the upstream region of active promoters in vivo. These findings suggest that the prenucleosome, the only known stable conformational isomer of the nucleosome, is related to nonnucleosomal histone–DNA species in the cell.
Critical criteria for enhancing consumption intention in restaurants during COVID-19
Authors: Chou Sheng-Fang , Sam Liu Chih-Hsing , Lin Jun-You
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to illustrate the different systems controlling coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and curbing the impact of the virus on the hospitality economy. The author’s clarified the critical attributes of the government, organization management system and consumer behaviour using mediation-moderation models and demonstrated how those critical attributes influenced customer consumption intention during COVID-19 in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this research is mainly distributed through online questionnaires through Facebook and other social media channels to recruit volunteers. Second, the pre-test survey used 100 questionnaires collected from juniors and seniors from a university in northern Taiwan to make predictions. Third, this study also conducted a questionnaire validity analysis, which identified 9 criteria and 34 items. Fourth, the questionnaire collected samples for a total of three months. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses in a sample of 1,098 consumers in Taiwan.

Findings

This study considers government, enterprise and consumer levels and conducts relevant factor analysis from consumers’ perspectives to understand the changes in consumer behaviour under COVID-19 influence. Regarding mediation, this study finds that information and communication mediate the relationships between crisis management and COVID-19 impact. Regarding moderation, this study exposes the critical moderating part of human resources, that hygiene and safety strengthen the relationships between COVID-19 impact and attitude towards life and that perceived anxiety strengthens the relationship between attitude towards life and consumption intention.

Practical implications

During COVID-19, restaurants should cooperate with the government to reduce the risk of community infection. Therefore, the government also needs to cooperate with restaurant companies to enhance the industrial economy, actively communicate with consumers and provide correct and sufficient information. At the same time, restaurant enterprises also need to have sufficient human resource arrangements, hygiene and safety planning to eliminate consumers’ doubts.

Originality/value

These findings indicate that consumers’ consumption intention to eat out is affected by the COVID-19 impact and attitude towards life. This research also confirms that perceived anxiety has a mediating effect on the relationship between consumer attitudes towards life and consumption intentions. To improve the restaurant economic process, they should consider solutions to reduce consumers’ perception of the COVID-19 impact and fear of eating out.
Engineer-centered enterprise and context-based knowledge: the sources of Chinese competitiveness in grid equipment
Authors: Shen Qunhong , Jiang Ziying , Feng Kaidong
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the competitive source of Chinese firms in an industrial sector of complex product systems. It helps to reveal the organizational innovation developed by Chinese firms in coping with international competition and technological challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a qualitative method of research. The evidences are mainly collected through interviews, field observation and document analysis.

Findings

A pattern of engineer-centered organization is the source of competitiveness of Nanrui (NR) Electric (NREC) in this study. The firm equips its front project teams, and now its overseas branches with developmental human resources and authorizes them the power of decision-making to leverage R&D projects. It is an emerging challenge to the traditional multi-national companies (MNC) pattern, and enables the Chinese firms to build their capabilities on context-based knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

As a single-case study paper, there are limitations about the external validity of its argument. Through the in-depth discussion of the NREC case, this paper aims to generate some clues for future study in the relevant academic community, which can be a useful step to formal theorizing and modeling. That is why the authors develop the paper on a single case. As future directions of research, comparative studies covering more cases not only within the power system control and protection industry but also among different complex technology products industrial sectors are really needed.

Practical implications

For innovative firms from developing countries like China, they need to develop institutional arrangements to incentivize engineers in the frontline, which may help them to build competence upon successful interaction with customers. During the era of globalization, such a pattern may generate special competitiveness over giant multi-nationals or global production networks (GPNs).

Originality/value

The research provides an instructive case on the Chinese rise in industrial sectors of complex product systems. Its findings can not only provide enlightenment for industrial catch-up in developing countries through organizational innovation but also help to initiate a reconsideration of the traditional theorizing of MNC and GPN.
Transient thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic analysis of a bidirectional thrust bearing in start-up and shutdown processes
Authors: Cao Jingwei , Zhai Liming , Luo Yongyao , Ahn Soo-Hwang , Wang Zhengwei , Liu Yan
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the transient thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication mechanism of a bidirectional thrust bearing in a pumped-storage unit, and to propose the transient simulation method of two-way fluid-solid-thermal interaction of thrust bearing.

Design/methodology/approach

The transient fluid-solid-thermal interaction method is used to simulate the three-dimensional lubrication of the thrust bearing, during the start-up and shutdown process of a pumped storage unit. A pad including an oil hole is modelled to analyze the temporal variation of lubrication characteristics, such as the film pressure, thickness and temperature, during the transient operation process.

Findings

The injection of the high-pressure oil sufficiently affects the lubrication characteristics on film, in which the hysteresis phenomena were found between the start-up and shutdown possess.

Originality/value

This paper reveals the transient lubrication mechanism of tilting pad in a thrust bearing, by means of transient fluid-solid-thermal interaction method. Lubrication characteristics are simulated without assuming the temperature relationship between the oil film inlet and the outlet and the heat transfer on the pad free surface. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the safe design and stable operation of thrust bearings.
Development strategy for prefabricated construction projects: a tripartite evolutionary game based on prospect theory
Authors: Dou Yudan , Sun Xiliang , Ji Ankang , Wang Yuna , Xue Xiaolong
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Owing to multiple superiorities to traditional counterparts, prefabricated construction (PC) has gained increasing attention worldwide. The development of PC projects reflects the effects of both policy supervision and PC practice, which aids the government in reasonably identifying the key issues of PC's promotion and rationally improving the policy deployment. However, existing studies fail to address this aspect, especially lacking quantitative exploration. This study explores the micro mechanism of PC's promotion, from the perspective of developing PC projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A tripartite evolutionary game model based on prospect theory of the government, developers and contractors is constructed. After rigorous theoretical deduction, this study adopts Changchun in China as a case city and collects the data using the Delphi technique, policy documents and literature analysis.

Findings

Results indicate that contractors are generally willing to implement PC projects and the government chooses to actively supervise PC's promotion. The negative investment behavior of developers is the main obstacle to promote PC in Changchun currently.

Practical implications

The conclusions are applicable to other comparable regions. This study is of value to promote PC with high efficiency and effect.

Originality/value

The tripartite evolutionary game model based on prospect theory proposed in this study is conducive to reveal the essence of PC's promotion. This is an important breakthrough in extant studies, with a broad applicability in the PC domain beyond China.
Optimisation of porous slab parameters for jet-impingement microchannel heat sink performance enhancement
Authors: Pandey Jyoti , Ansari Mohd. Zahid , Husain Afzal
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Porous media can provide excellent performance in thermal energy transport applications. This study aims to optimise the square porous slabs (placed in the middle of the channel) parameters to enhance the cooling performance of the jet-impingement microchannel heat sink.

Design/methodology/approach

Three levels of each design parameters, i.e. porous slab side, porous slab height, type of material, permeability and quadratic drag factor, are studied; and an L27 orthogonal array is adopted to generate the design points in the specified design space. Optimum designs of the porous media slabs are achieved to minimise the maximum-wall temperature, thermal resistance and pressure drop and maximise the average heat transfer coefficient and figure of merit (FOM).

Findings

Results exhibited that the porous media material and permeability are the most, whereas drag factor is the least significant factors with respect to the overall performance of the heat sink. The optimum value of FOM for the proposed hybrid heat sink model belongs to the set of design variables, i.e. 0.4 mm slab side, 0.6 mm slab height, 5 × 10−11 m2 permeability, 0.21 drag factor and copper as substrate material.

Originality/value

This study proposes a novel design and a hybrid approach to investigate and optimise the hydrothermal performance of jet impingements on porous slabs inserted in the microchannels.
The learning organization and organizational learning in the public sector: a review and research agenda
Authors: Anand Amitabh , Brix Jacob
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to propose a new research agenda for the theories of “organizational learning” and the “learning organization” in relation to the public sector. The research agenda can be used by researchers to make explicit accounts of how and where the results from their studies advance the current state-of-the-art in the intersection between public sector and organizational learning and/or the learning organization.

Design/methodology/approach

A combined systematic and bibliometric review methodology is applied based on the research that has been published in the past three decades.

Findings

Through an analysis of 238 journal publications obtained from the Scopus database, the authors determine the leading authors, countries, highly cited papers and take the stock of current literature. Similarly, by analyzing papers published between 2010 and 2020, the authors identify current tendencies and emerging themes of organizational learning and learning organization in the public sector and offer avenues for future research.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is potentially the first, fully refereed study published reporting on a bibliometric and a systematic review of organizational learning and learning organization in the public sector.
A Literature Review on the Dual Effect of Corporate Tax Planning and Managerial Power on Executive Compensation Structure*
Authors: Hlaing Khin Phyo , Stapleton Andrea
Published: November 2021

In this study, we review the extant literature on factors affecting the level and structure of executive compensation, with a specific focus on the power dynamic between firms and their executives. In doing so, we explore the competing effects of corporate tax planning and managerial power on executive compensation structure. We consider the theoretical underpinnings and related empirical findings regarding executive compensation structure and propose new avenues for future research that may deepen our understanding of factors influencing executive compensation structure.
Early pregnancy regulates expression of complement components in ovine liver
Authors: Feng Pengfei , Yang Gengxin , Zhang Weifeng , Zhang Leying , Wu Jiaxuan , Yang Ling
Published: November 2021

Complement pathways participate in the regulation of innate immune system, and complement activation is inhibited in normal pregnancy. The liver plays key roles in the modulation of immunity and tolerance, but it is unclear that early pregnancy induces the changes in expression of complement components in the ovine maternal liver. The aim of the present study was to explore the expression of complement components in the liver using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Maternal livers were collected on Day 16 of the estrous cycle and Days 13, 16, and 25 of gestation. The results indicated that early pregnancy suppressed the expression of C1q, C1r, C1s, C2, C4a, C5b, and C9 in the maternal liver, but C3 expression was increased. In addition, C3 protein was located in the endothelial cells of the proper hepatic arteries and portal veins and hepatocytes. In summary, the downregulaltion of C1q, C1r, C1s, C2, C4a, C5b, and C9 may be involved in the suppression of complement activation, and upregulation of C3 is related to the modulation of maternal immune tolerance in ovine liver.
The mineralocorticoid receptor in skin disease
Authors: Pérez Paloma
Published: November 2021

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR or NR3C2) is expressed in all types of cells from the different skin compartments. The binding and activation by glucocorticoids has a higher affinity than that on the closely related glucocorticoid receptor (GR or NR3C1). As both corticosteroid receptors are co‐express in the skin and considering the therapeutic relevance of glucocorticoids to combat skin inflammatory diseases, it was proposed that several of the major side effects of topical glucocorticoids, such as skin atrophy and delayed wound healing, were due to unintended activation of the MR. Indeed, cutaneous MR blockade using genetic and pharmacological approaches in mice and human reduced corticosteroid‐associated skin atrophy in conditions of endogenous and pharmacological glucocorticoid excess. Although data support the safety of topical MR antagonists combined with glucocorticoid, it is crucial to address the efficacy of treatment in skin inflammatory conditions and its impact on the overall metabolism.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Emerging Fields for Therapeutic Targeting of the Aldosterone‐Mineralocorticoid Receptor Signaling Pathway. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.13/issuetoc
The power‐structure model of non‐profit governance
Authors: Bruni‐Bossio Vincent , Kaczur Melanie
Published: November 2021

Research Question/Issue

The Power‐Structure Model of Non‐Profit Governance provides an understanding of the types of power exhibited by different stakeholders in nonprofit organizations.

Research Findings/Insights

This qualitative study involved 21 semistructured interviews with board chairs of socially focused nonprofits. A grounded theory‐based approach was used to code extracted data into grouped concepts and to develop the model. Findings from the study indicate that (1) the reward and legitimate power of funders trumps almost all the other types of power in a nonprofit organization, (2) a board's legitimate power over management cannot surmount management's informational power, and (3) there may be a power struggle between the board chair's informational/referent power and the board members' expert/referent power.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

The Power‐Structure Model of Non‐Profit Governance, which was conceived using theory and qualitative data, incorporates French and Raven's (1959) five types of social power to outline the power structure of nonprofits and how it differs from the traditional organizational structure. The model offers new perspectives on researching power and decision making in organizations and how appropriate governance can help to reduce power asymmetry between the CEO and the board.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

The Power‐Structure Model of Non‐Profit Governance offers insight for policy makers into the types of power available to different actors in organizations, how they use this power, and how this power structure plays out in various organizations.
Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis with dermatomyositis‐like features: A case report with dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy findings
Authors: Farabi Banu , Jamgochian Marielle , Rao Babar K.
Published: November 2021

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH) is an insidious‐onset, non‐Langerhans‐cell histiocytosis (NLCH) affecting the joints and skin. Early diagnosis is important to prevent destructive arthritis and disease‐related complications. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a technique that allows the visualization of the epidermis and superficial dermis noninvasively on a horizontal plane with quasi‐histologic images of the skin. RCM features of NLCH including Rosai‐Dorfman disease, adult xanthogranuloma (AXG), and juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) have been reported. However, RCM features of MRH have not been described previously. Here we present the RCM features of a case of MRH with dermoscopic and histopathologic features.
Vulnerability of refugees: Some reflections on definitions and measurement practices
Authors: Mendola Daria , Pera Alessandra
Published: November 2021

The legal and policy discourse on refugees has been mainly focusing on the labelling of particularly vulnerable persons or groups, while it has neglected to offer reflections on the effects of definitions and assessment practices over the creation of stereotypes and of biases in the identification of beneficiaries of protection. The aim of this paper was to offer some reflections on the how categories of vulnerability defined by international and supranational law are operationalised and implemented in the practice of the vulnerability assessment inside the humanitarian organisations. Our analysis shows that the vagueness of the legal definitions affects the way in which humanitarian organisations operationalise it. It also shows that the complexity of the relationships among the various vulnerability dimensions has generally been underrated in both scholarly writings and humanitarian practices. Thus, we outline the basis for alternative responses by the agencies engaged in vulnerability assessment practices.
Using smartphone technology to improve prospective memory functioning: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Scullin Michael K. , Jones Winston E. , Phenis Richard , Beevers Samantha , Rosen Sabra , Dinh Kara , Kiselica Andrew , Keefe Francis J. , Benge Jared F.
Published: November 2021

Background

A decline in the ability to perform daily intentions—known as prospective memory—is a key driver of everyday functional impairment in dementia. In the absence of effective pharmacological treatments, there is a need for developing, testing, and optimizing behavioral interventions that can bolster daily prospective memory functioning. We investigated the feasibility and efficacy of smartphone‐based strategies for prospective memory in persons with cognitive impairment.

Methods

Fifty‐two older adults (74.79 ± 7.20 years) meeting diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia were enrolled in a 4‐week randomized controlled trial. Participants were trained to use a digital voice recorder app or a reminder app to off‐load prospective memory intentions. Prospective memory was assessed using experimenter‐assigned tasks (e.g., call the laboratory on assigned days), standardized questionnaires, and structured interviews. Secondary dependent measures included days of phone and app usage, acceptability ratings, quality of life, and independent activities of daily living.

Results

Participant ratings indicated that the intervention was acceptable and feasible. Furthermore, after the four‐week intervention, participants reported improvements in daily prospective memory functioning on standardized questionnaires (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.285) and the structured interview (p < 0.001, d = 1.75). Participants performed relatively well on experimenter‐assigned prospective memory tasks (51.7% ± 27.8%), with performance levels favoring the reminder app in Week 1, but reversing to favor the digital recorder app in Week 4 (p = 0.010, ηp2 = 0.079). Correlational analyses indicated that greater usage of the digital recorder or reminder app was associated with better prospective memory performance and greater improvements in instrumental activities of daily living (completed by care partners), even when controlling for condition, age, baseline cognitive functioning, and baseline smartphone experience.

Conclusions

Older adults with cognitive disorders can learn smartphone‐based memory strategies and doing so benefits prospective memory functioning and independence.
Tannin‐based bio‐adhesives for the wood panel industry as sustainable alternatives to petrochemical resins
Authors: Arias Ana , González‐García Sara , Feijoo Gumersindo , Moreira Maria Teresa
Published: November 2021

The development of natural‐based adhesives is a key aspect in reducing the consumption of fossil resources, in adapting to legislation on the use of formaldehyde and in ensuring the sustainability of the wood panel industry. This study focuses on five alternatives for tannin‐based adhesives (tannin‐paraformaldehyde, tannin‐glyoxal, tannin‐hexamine, tannin non‐isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) with ammonium hydroxide and tannin NIPU with HDMA bio‐adhesives) as potential proposals for the substitution of synthetic adhesives currently used: Urea‐formaldehyde (UF), Phenol‐formaldehyde (PF) and melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF). Modeling and simulation tools were used for the conceptual design of the reaction stage of the bio‐adhesives due to the lack of real data from industrial scale production systems. The life cycle assessment methodology was used to identify the environmental impacts associated with the production processes of these bio‐adhesives. The results obtained showed that tannin NIPU bio‐adhesive with ammonium hydroxide has the best environmental profile, although the other alternative bio‐adhesives also show good environmental profiles compared to synthetic adhesives. Sensitivity analyses have been carried out after evaluating the main hot spots in the production processes. In all of them, reductions of the environmental impacts have been observed, with the replacement of DMC by EC and the reduction of energy consumption being the options that showed the greatest improvements.
Illness uncertainty, self‐perceived burden and quality of life in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhang Nan , Tang Xiao‐Qiong , Lu Kai , Dong Qian , Kong Ling‐Na , Jiang Tian‐Tian , Xu Liu‐Yue
Published: November 2021

Aims and objectives

To investigate the relationship between illness uncertainty, self‐perceived burden and quality of life and explore the mediating role of self‐perceived burden between illness uncertainty and quality of life in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia.

Background

Patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia need long‐term, potentially lifelong therapy to control the disease, which affects their quality of life. There is a need for exploring potentially changeable factors to develop interventions. Little is known about the effects of illness uncertainty and self‐perceived burden on quality of life in this population.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A convenience sample of 248 patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia was recruited from four university hospitals from February to August 2020. Participants were assessed with the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, Self‐Perceived Burden Scale, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. The STROBE checklist was used to report the results.

Results

Illness uncertainty and self‐perceived burden were negatively associated with quality of life in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia. Self‐perceived burden partially mediated the relationship between illness uncertainty and quality of life. The indirect effect was −0.101, accounting for 22.9% of the total effect.

Conclusion

The findings revealed the relationship between illness uncertainty, self‐perceived burden and quality of life in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia. Self‐perceived burden exerted a mediating role between illness uncertainty and quality of life in this population.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study alerts healthcare providers to pay attention to patients’ illness uncertainty and self‐perceived burden, which can contribute to develop effective interventions to improve the quality of life among patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia in the clinical practice.
Defence responses triggered by Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei in non‐host wheat genotypes results in a decrease in Puccinia triticina infection
Authors: Barna Balázs , Máté Gabriella , Preuss Jutta , Harrach Borbála Dorottya , Gullner Gábor , Manninger Klára , Fodor József
Published: November 2021

Non‐host resistance is the resistance of plants against all so‐called non‐adapted pathogens, and is considered the most durable and efficient immune system of plants. We investigated barley powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei, Bgh)‐triggered defence responses in seven wheat genotypes, and the induction of resistance by this non‐host pathogen to challenge infection with leaf rust, Puccinia triticina Eriks (formerly known as Puccinia recondita f.sp. tritici). Bright‐field and ultraviolet microscopy revealed that although the germination of conidia on non‐host wheat leaves was generally lower than on host barley leaves, the 100% germination on Mv Mambó and only 50% germination on Mv 1 wheat genotypes are the two extremes. If we consider only the germinated conidia, papilla formation was the most frequently observed interaction on Mv 2 (90%) and Mv 4 (88%) genotypes. Epidermal cell death was pronounced on Mv Mambó (31%), but rare on Mv 2 (10%) and Mv 4 (11%), and a mesophyll hypersensitive response could even be detected. At sites of penetration attempts accumulation of H2O2 was shown by 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine staining. Ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione S‐transferase and catalase enzyme activities were augmented by 24.5%, 40.4%, and 21.5%, respectively, in wheat leaves 2 days after Bgh infection. Primary inoculation with Bgh, although with high variability, reduced the number of pustules in all wheat genotypes at first and third leaf stages upon inoculation with leaf rust races 12 and 61 by 10%–70% depending on the genotype, leaf stage and rust race.
Actions in phygital space: Work solidarity and collective action among app‐based cab drivers in India
Authors: Parth Shalini , Bathini Dharma Raju , Kandathil George
Published: November 2021

This study delineates the microprocesses of solidarity development and the subsequent collective actions of gig workers in India amidst multiple structural constraints. Using netnography, semi‐structured interviews and direct observation, we show how digitally naive app‐based cab drivers amalgamate physical and digital spaces, construct a phygital space free of managerial gaze and leverage it to bond and bridge, create webs of care and share and resist multiple oppressive forces, individually and collectively. Thus, we broaden the conceptualisation of worker agency beyond labour‐management antagonism and extend the extant literature on solidarity development and resistance in gig work by identifying a spatial enabler, phygital free space and the expansive role of relationship‐based commitment. Relationship‐based commitment not only functions as a membership mobiliser but also helps mobilise collective resistance when interwoven with an external threat‐based identity created through injustice framing.
Airflow restriction mask induces greater central fatigue after a non‐exhaustive high‐intensity interval exercise
Authors: Da Silva Kleber J. , Da Silva Lucas C. , Felippe Leandro C. , Silva‐Cavalcante Marcos D. , Franco‐Alvarenga Paulo E. , Learsi Sara , Ataide‐Silva Thays , Bertuzzi Romulo , Lima‐Silva Adriano E. , Ferreira Guilherme A.
Published: November 2021

The airflow restriction mask (ARM) is a practical and inexpensive device for respiratory muscle training. Wearing an ARM has recently been combined with high‐intensity interval exercise (HIIE), but its effect on neuromuscular fatigue is unknown. The present study investigated the effects of ARM wearing on neuromuscular fatigue after an HIIE session. Fourteen healthy men performed two HIIE sessions (4 × 4 min at 90% HRmax, 3 min recovery at 70% HRmax) with or without an ARM. Neuromuscular fatigue was quantified via pre‐ to post‐HIIE changes in maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), voluntary activation (VA, central fatigue), and potentialized evoked twitch force at 100, 10, and 1 Hz (peripheral fatigue). Blood pH and lactate were measured before and after the HIIE session, while HR, SpO2, dyspnea, physical sensation of effort (P‐RPE), and Task Effort and Awareness (TEA) were recorded every bout. The exercise‐induced decrease in MVC was higher (p < 0.05) in the ARM (−28 ± 12%) than in the Control condition (−20 ± 11%). The VA decreased (p < 0.05) in the ARM (−11 ± 11%) but not in the control condition (−4 ± 5%, p > 0.05). Pre‐ to post‐HIIE declines in evoked twitch at 100, 10, and 1 Hz were similar (p > 0.05) between ARM and control conditions (ARM: −18 ± 10, −43 ± 11 and −38 ± 12%; Control: −18 ± 14, −43 ± 12 and −37 ± 17%). When compared with the control, the HIIE bout wearing ARM was marked by higher heart rate, plasma lactate concentration, dyspnea, P‐RPE and TEA, as well as lower SpO2 and blood pH. In conclusion, ARM increases perceptual and physiological stress during a HIIE, which may lead to a greater post‐exercise central fatigue.
Molecular basis of weak A subgroups in the Korean population: Identification of three novel subgroup‐causing variants in the ABO regulatory regions
Authors: Kim Tae Yeul , Yu HongBi , Seo Ji Young , Cho Duck
Published: November 2021

Background

Recent studies on Chinese and Japanese populations have shown that weak ABO subgroups could be caused by variants in the major regulatory regions of ABO, the proximal promoter, +5.8‐kb site, and CCAAT‐binding factor/NF‐Y binding site. We investigated the molecular basis of weak A subgroups in the Korean population.

Study design and methods

This study included 11 samples suspected to have a weak A subgroup. These samples were subjected to sequencing analysis of ABO exons 6 and 7. If no subgroup‐causing variants were detected in this region, exons 1–5 and three major regulatory regions were sequenced.

Results

Sequencing analysis of exons 6 and 7 detected two known subgroup alleles (ABO*AW.10, n = 5; ABO*AEL.02, n = 2). The remaining four samples contained a sequence variant in the proximal promoter (g.4944C>T, n = 1; g.4954G>T, n = 1) or +5.8‐kb site (g.10843T>C, n = 1; g.10935C>T, n = 1). Notably, three of the four variants (g.4944C>T, g.4954G>T, and g.10843T>C) have not been reported previously in weak ABO subgroups.

Conclusion

This study provides the first evidence that alterations in the proximal promoter and + 5.8‐kb site could account for a substantial proportion of weak A subgroups in the Korean population.