bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporally-precise basolateral amygdala activation is required for the formation of taste memories in gustatory cortex
Authors: Arieli Elor , Gerbi Ron , Shein-Idelson Mark , Moran Anan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractLearning to associate malaise with the intake of novel food is critical for survival. Since food poisoning may take hours to affect, animals developed brain circuits to transform the current novel taste experience into a taste memory trace (TMT) and bridge this time lag. Ample studies showed that the basolateral amygdala (BLA), the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) and the gustatory cortex (GC) are involved in TMT formation and taste-malaise association. However, how dynamic activity across these brain regions during novel taste experience promotes the formation of these memories is currently unknown. We used the conditioned taste aversion (CTA) learning paradigm in combination with short-term optogenetics and electrophysiological recording in rats to test the hypothesis that temporally specific activation of BLA projection neurons is essential for TMT formation in the GC, and consequently CTA. We found that late-epoch (LE, >800ms), but not the early epoch (EE, 200-700ms), BLA activation during novel taste experience is essential for normal CTA, for early c-Fos expression in the GC (a marker of TMT formation) and for the subsequent changes in GC ensemble palatability coding. Interestingly, BLA activity was not required for intact taste identity or palatability perceptions. We further show that BLA-LE information is transmitted to GC through the BLA→NBM pathway where it affects the formation of taste memories. These results expose the dependence of long-term memory formation on specific temporal windows during sensory responses and the distributed circuits supporting this dependence.SignificanceConsumption of a novel taste may result in malaise and poses a threat to animals. Since the effects of poisoning appear only hours after consumption, animals must store the novel taste’s information in memory until they associate it with its value (nutritious or poisonous). Here we elucidate the neuronal activity patterns and circuits that support the processing and creation of novel-taste memories in rats. Our results show that specific patterns of temporal activation in the basolateral amygdala transmitted across brain areas are important for formation of taste memory and taste-malaise association. These findings may shed light on long-term activity-to-memory transformation in other sensory modalities.
Flocked swab might be one main reason causing the high false-negative rate in COVID-19 screening----the advantages of a novel silicone swab
Authors: Zhou Jianye , Bai Zhongtian , Liu Xiaoping , Guo Yaqiong , Jiang Nan , Li Xiaodong , Zhang Xiaohui , Li Zhiqiang , Li Yonghong , Ma Zhongren , Zhao Jin 
Published: March 2020

SummaryRNA testing using RT-PCR can provide direct evidence for diagnoses of COVID-19 which has brought unexpected disasters and changes to our human society. However, the absorption of cotton swab for RNA lysates may lead to a low concentration of detectable RNA, which might be one of the main reasons for the unstable positive detecting rate. We designed and manufactured a kind of silicone swab with concave-convex structure, and further compared the effects of silicone and cotton swab on RNA extraction. Principal component analysis and Paired Wilcoxcon test suggested that a higher RNA concentration and A260/A280 would be obtained using silicone swab. The results indicated that our silicone swab had a more excellent ability to sample than the cotton swab, characterized by the higher quantity and quality of extracted RNA. Thus, we advised that the current cotton swabs need to be improved urgently in COVID-19 diagnoses and the process of “sample collection” and “sample pre-processing” must be standardized and emphasized.HighlightsThe current cotton swabs need to be improved urgently in COVID-19 screening.
Depth and turbidity affectin situpumping activity of the Mediterranean spongeChondrosia reniformis(Nardo, 1847)
Authors: Gokalp Mert , Kuehnhold Holger , de Goeij Jasper M. , Osinga Ronald 
Published: March 2020

AbstractEffects of depth and turbidity on thein situpumping activity of the Mediterranean spongeChondrosia reniformis(Nardo, 1847) were characterized by measuring osculum diameter, oscular outflow velocity, osculum density per sponge and sponge surface area at different locations around the Bodrum peninsula (Turkey). Outflow velocity was measured using a new method based on video analysis of neutrally buoyant particles moving in the exhalant stream of sponge oscula, which yielded results that were in good comparison to other studies. Using the new method, it was shown that forC. reniformis, oscular outflow had a location-dependent, in most cases positive relationship with oscular size: bigger oscules process more water per cm2of osculum surface. Turbidity and depth both affected sponge pumping in a negative way, but for the locations tested, the effect of depth was more profound than the effect of turbidity. Depth affected all parameters investigated except sponge size, whereas turbidity only affected specific pumping rates normalized to sponge surface area. Deep water sponges had clearly smaller oscula than shallow water sponges, but partially compensated for this lower pumping potential by showing a higher osculum density. Both increasing turbidity and increasing depth considerably decreased volumetric pumping rates ofC. reniformis. These findings have important implications for selecting sites for mariculture of this species.
Inhibition of the αv integrin-TGF-β axis improves natural killer cell function against glioblastoma stem cells
Authors: Shaim Hila , Sanabria Mayra Hernandez , Basar Rafet , Wang Fang , Daher May , Zamler Daniel , Gumin Joy , Gabrusiewicz Konrad , Miao Qi , Dou Jinzhuang , Alsuliman Abdullah , Kerbauy Lucila Nassif , Acharya Sunil , Mohanty Vakul , Banerjee Pinaki , Mendt Mayela , Li Sufang , Lu Junjun , Wei Jun , Fowlkes Natalie Wall , Gokdemir Elif , Ensley Emily L. , Kaplan Mecit , Uprety Nadima , Kassab Cynthia , Li Li , Ozcan Gonca , Shen Yifei , Gilbert April L. , Bdiwi Mustafa , Cortes Ana Karen Nunez , Liu Enli , Yu Jun , Imahashi Nobuhiko , Muniz-Feliciano Luis , Hu Jian , Draetta Giulio , Marin David , Yu Dihua , Mielke Stephan , Eyrich Matthias , Champlin Richard , Chen Ken , Lang Frederick F. , Shpall Elizabeth , Heimberger Amy , Rezvani Katayoun 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACTGlioblastoma, the most aggressive brain cancer, often recurs because glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) are resistant to all standard therapies. Here, we show that patient-derived GSCs, but not normal astrocytes, are highly sensitive to lysis by healthy allogeneic natural killer (NK) cellsin vitro. In contrast, single cell analysis of autologous, tissue infiltrating NK cells isolated from surgical samples of high-grade glioblastoma patient tumors using mass cytometry and single cell RNA sequencing revealed an abnormal phenotype associated with impaired lytic function compared with peripheral blood NK cells from GBM patients or healthy donors. This immunosuppression was attributed to an integrin-TGF-β mechanism, activated by direct cell-cell contact between GSCs and NK cells. Treatment of GSC-engrafted mice with allogeneic NK cells in combination with inhibitors of integrin or TGF-β signaling, or withTGF-β receptor 2gene-edited NK cells prevented GSC-induced NK cell dysfunction and tumor growth. Collectively, our findings reveal a novel mechanism of NK cell immune evasion by GSCs and implicate the integrin-TGF-β axis as a useful therapeutic target to eliminate GSCs in this devastating tumor.
Ad hoc laboratory-based surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 by real-time RT-PCR using minipools of RNA prepared from routine respiratory samples
Authors: Eis-Hübinger Anna M. , Hönemann Mario , Wenzel Jürgen J. , Berger Annemarie , Widra Marek , Schmidt Barbara , Aldabbagh Souhaib , Marx Benjamin , Streeck Hendrik , Ciesek Sandra , Liebert Uwe. G. , Huzly Daniela , Hengel Hartmut , Panning Marcus 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe report a laboratory-based surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 using minipools of respiratory samples submitted for routine diagnostics. We tested a total of 70 minipools resembling 700 samples shortly before the upsurge of cases in Germany. We identified one SARS-CoV-2 positive patient. Our approach proved its concept, is easily adaptable and resource-saving.
Success factors influencing the selection of the location of international firms
Authors: Al Qur’an Marwan 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThis study aims to explore critical success factors contributing to the selection of beneficial foreign markets by Arabian international firms.Design/methodology/approachMultiple case study method was adopted in the study, and thus, two rich-information comparative case studies were purposefully selected from Arabian large firms. Additionally, seven international market selection (IMS) decisions were examined through relying on personal interviews and archival data, and field notes as secondary data resources. Two main stages of analysis were undertaken, i.e. within and cross-case analyses.FindingsThe results showed four critical factors contributing to the selection of beneficial international markets by Arabian firms, i.e. international business experience of the selected management team, the market knowledge about the potential international markets, in-house and external consultations with international business experts and identification of a trustworthy and internationally experienced manager for the international operation.Practical implicationsThe results have important implications to business managers by improving their foreign market selection behavior. Further, the research’s findings can assist less-experienced firms, willing to internationalize their businesses, in enhancing their decision-making process to arrive at beneficial country for their international operations.Originally/valueThe research findings provide significant theoretical contribution to literature review on the internationalization process of firms through addressing critical success factors in IMS decision process. Further, it provides significant methodological contributions in relation to the effectiveness of the case study approach in capturing elements of the IMS process.
Applicability of belief measures for advertising to sponsorship in sport
Authors: Pyun Do Young , Cho Heetae , Leng Ho Keat 
Published: March 2020

PurposeWhile advertising and sponsorship are conceptually different, many studies have used the same measures for both constructs. The assumption is that respondents perceive both domains similarly. The purpose of this study was to test the invariance of the belief measures between the advertising and sponsorship measurement models across different consumer segments and to provide empirical justification for the practice.Design/methodology/approachTwo independent samples were recruited from two different consumer segments: university student consumers (n = 290) and general consumers (n = 324). This study conducted multigroup invariance tests using LISREL 8.80. The measurement and structural invariances were concerned with factor loadings (λ), factor variance and covariance (f) and error variance (θ) metrics.FindingsThe factor patterns of the belief model were generally invariant between the advertising and sponsorship models in both consumer groups. However, the respondents interpreted three items between advertising and sponsorship in different ways: one annoyance/irritation item in the generic consumer group and two falsity/no sense items in the student consumer groups.Originality/valueWhile the invariance test reveals three problematic items, the majority of items seem to be invariant, concluding that the advertising belief scale could be applicable to the sponsorship context.
Value co-creation in B-to-B environments
Authors: Berenguer-Contrí Gloria , G. Gallarza Martina , Ruiz-Molina Maria-Eugenia , Gil-Saura Irene 
Published: March 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the way in which B-to-B relationships are built, based on commitment and trust affecting value co-creation (VcC) and resulting in greater or lesser economic and social satisfaction and the manager’s perception of the delivered value (business customer value) moderating these effects.

Design/methodology/approach
Through a means-end approach, a causal model is estimated with PLS using a sample of 268 hotel managers who rate their relationship with their main partner (travel agency or booking center) in Spain.

Findings
VcC is a) dynamic because it is episodic, where VcC is a mediator between the trust–commitment relationship and two types of satisfaction (economic and social) and b) synergetic, because when the hotel delivers higher levels of business customer value, the effects in the linkages of VcC–satisfaction(s) are intensified. These effects are not significantly different on economic versus social satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications
The empirical paper collects the perception of a single partner (hotel managers) in a single setting (hotels in Spain). The moderating role of business customer value on the VcC–satisfaction(s) relationship should be further analyzed. The paper contributes to the growing literature on B-to-B VcC by translating empirically the theoretical richness of the VcC concept as being dynamic and synergetic.

Originality/value
This paper adds quantitative evidence to theoretical assumptions on VcC as dynamic and synergetic. The quantitative modelling proves VcC as a true mediator, in a chain of variables in a B-to-B setting.
Comparative analysis of environment losses in steel manufacturing supply chain using Taguchi loss function and design of experiments
Authors: Goyal Shishir , Agarwal Aman , Routroy Srikanta 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to compare and evaluate the environmental performance of steel supply chains considering relevant environmental loss factors using Taguchi loss function (TLF) and design of experiments (DOE).Design/methodology/approachThe different environmental loss factors in steel manufacturing supply chain were studied and the significant factors were identified. Their combined contributions along the significant factors were estimated using TLF and DOEs comparing environment losses at different scenarios.FindingsThe proposed methodology using TLF and DOEs was applied to three Indian steel manufacturing companies (Company A, Company B and Company C). The Company A with minimal average environmental loss score is found to be operating its supply chain with higher efficiency and has better environmental performance compared to the other two companies (B and C).Research limitations/implicationsThe results obtained are based on the study carried out in three Indian steel manufacturing companies. Therefore, the results cannot be generalized.Practical implicationsThis paper will definitely show the direction for comparative environmental performance assessment of manufacturing industries in general and steel industries in specific considering environmental loss factors and environmental conditions. It determines individual performance across each environmental loss factor and their combined impact.Originality/valueAlthough there is a need to have comparative performance analysis with respect to environmental losses among steel companies in developing countries such as India, but hardly any study has been reported in this direction. This work will definitely add the value to the supply chain literature in general and environment losses in steel manufacturing supply chain in specific.
The role of supply chain integration in strengthening the performance of not-for-profit organizations: evidence from the food banking industry
Authors: Ataseven Cigdem , Nair Anand , Ferguson Mark 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThis paper investigates the inter-relationships among supply integration, demand integration and internal integration in the context of food banking.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes survey data from managers at 71 different food banks in the US combined with secondary data gathered from Feeding America's website to provide model controls and an objective measure of food bank performance. The performance metric is the amount of food distributed per food insecure individual in the food bank's service area. Theoretically developed hypotheses were tested using seemingly unrelated regression techniques and a Monte Carlo simulation-based mediation analysis.FindingsWhile the previous research on integration relationships on for-profit supply chains has shown that managing internal integration forms the foundation for integrating with suppliers and customers, the findings indicate that, for not-for-profit food banks, external integration should precede internal integration and that demand integration has a stronger influence on performance than supply integration.Research limitations/implicationsThe heavy reliance of food banks on external partners necessitates an internal integration structure that supplements and builds upon these external relationships. The basic programs thus developed have a direct impact on the amount of food distributed per food insecure individual.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the humanitarian supply chain management literature by analyzing supply chain integration and its performance implications in a slow onset disaster setting.
Enhanced sensitivity of fiber SPR sensor by metal nanoparticle
Authors: Liu Chunlan , Gao Yang , Gao YaChen , Wei Yong , Wu Ping , Su Yudong 
Published: March 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to clarify the relationship between the performance of the metal nanoparticles and the sensitivity of the fiber surface plasma resonance (SPR) sensor. It proposes modeling the sensing effects of a single-mode fiber SPR sensor with a cone angle structure decorated with metal nanoparticles. This study uses the metal nanoparticles to the realize enhanced sensitivity of refractive index sensing.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper opted for an exploratory study using a simulation approach of finite-difference time-domain (FDTD). Specifically, the effect of size, the material and the shape of the metal nanoparticle on sensing performance are investigated theoretically.

Findings
In conclusion, it is evident that the localized SPR (LSPR) effect weakens as the diameter of the gold nanosphere increases, the SPR effect enhances and the SPR sensitivity increases first and then decreases. The metal nanoparticle with the different materials and different shapes also have different LSPR and SPR sensitivity and wavelength length dynamic range. The investigation shows that, by changing parameters, the reflection spectra of the fiber SPR sensor exhibit an obvious transition from LSPR to SPR characteristics, and enhanced sensitivity of the refractive index is realized.

Originality/value
This paper fulfills an identified need to study how the sensitivity of the fiber SPR sensor can be enhanced by the metal nanoparticle. After the optimization of parameters, the sensitivity of 5,140 nm/RIU is achieved, which provides a new research direction for sensitivity enhancement of fiber SPR sensor.
Clinical significance of endothelial vasodilatory function evaluated by EndoPAT in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Aozasa Naohiko , Hatano Masaru , Saigusa Ryosuke , Nakamura Kouki , Takahashi Takehiro , Toyama Tetsuo , Sumida Hayakazu , Tamaki Zenshiro , Maki Hisataka , Minatsuki Shun , Komuro Issei , Sato Shinichi , Asano Yoshihide 
Published: March 2020

AbstractEndothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of vasculopathy associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry is a rapid and non‐invasive technique to assess peripheral microvascular endothelial function by measuring changes in digital pulse volume during reactive hyperemia. Low scores of the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) imply an impaired vasodilatory response and, accordingly, impaired endothelial and vascular health. To investigate the clinical significance of the RHI in SSc patients, RHI values were measured in 43 SSc patients and 10 healthy controls. In diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) patients, RHI values were significantly decreased compared with healthy controls, and inversely correlated with disease duration. In total SSc patients, there was a significant inverse correlation between RHI values and skin score, and interstitial lung disease was associated with the decrease in RHI values. Among vascular symptoms, the current and past history of digital ulcers was seen more frequently in patients with decreased RHI values than in those with normal RHI values. Although no SSc patients had pulmonary arterial hypertension, an inverse correlation was evident between RHI values and mean pulmonary arterial pressure measured by right heart catheterization. These results indicate that the decrease in RHI values is associated with skin fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, digital ulcers and pulmonary vascular involvement leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension, supporting the canonical idea that endothelial dysfunction is a critical event underlying the development of tissue fibrosis and vascular complications in SSc.
Introduction: Meritocracy in Perspective. The Rise of the Meritocracy 60 Years On
Authors: Civil David , Himsworth Joseph J. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSixty years after its publication, Michael Young’s The Rise of the Meritocracy remains one of the most important texts for understanding the changing intellectual politics of postwar Britain. Young’s fictional vision of a meritocratic society explores the consequences of a society where each citizen is judged according to the formula ‘I.Q. + Effort = Merit’. The successful meritocrats hoard ever‐greater rewards for themselves, crystallising into a rigid and repressive elite who rule over an increasingly powerless and depressed underclass. While the concept has evolved and adapted, the language of meritocracy is one of the great survivors of postwar British politics. In an age characterised by the rise of populist leaders and movements, as well as a backlash against educated ‘liberal elites’, revisiting, reinterpreting and re‐evaluating Young’s influential satire and the central place the concept of meritocracy occupies in the history of postwar Britain has never been more important.
A Proposal for Simultaneous Reform of the House of Commons and House of Lords
Authors: Dennison James 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe disproportional electoral system of the House of Commons is increasingly contested, while the undemocratic composition of the House of Lords has been criticised for a century. I first argue that simultaneous reform of both chambers creates the opportunity for far more optimal outcomes than possible under attempts to reform just one chamber. I then argue that bicameralism should continue so that the UK can be represented in two, currently convoluted, ways: as a singular polity in partisan terms and as both an aggregate of constituencies and union of nations, in geographic terms. The former would best take place in a reformed House of Commons, responsible for government formation, and composed of around 300 MPs elected by ‘pure’ proportional representation. The latter would best take place in a reformed House of Lords of around 300 peers, elected by plurality voting from single‐member constituencies. Together, these reforms would improve governance, representation, legitimacy, accountability and the robustness of the union, while retaining celebrated facets of the status quo such as simplicity and the direct constituency link.