bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neural excitability increases with axonal resistance between soma and axon initial segment
Authors: Fékété Aurélie , Ankri Norbert , Brette Romain , Debanne Dominique 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe position of the axon initial segment (AIS) is thought to play a critical role in neuronal excitability. In particular, empirical studies have found correlations between a distal shift in AIS position and a reduction of excitability. Yet, theoretical work has suggested that the neuron should become more excitable as the distance between soma and AIS is increased, because of increased electrical isolation. Specifically, resistive coupling theory predicts that the action potential (AP) threshold decreases with the logarithm of the axial resistance (Ra) between the middle of the AIS and the soma. However, no direct experimental evidence has been provided so far to support this theoretical prediction. We therefore examined how changes in Raat the axon hillock impact the voltage threshold (Vth) of the somatic AP in L5 pyramidal neurons. Increasing Raby mechanically pinching the axon between the soma and the AIS was found to lower the spike threshold by ~6 mV. Conversely, decreasing Raby replacing a weakly mobile ion (gluconate) by a highly mobile ion (chloride) elevated the spike threshold. All Ra-dependent changes in spike threshold could be reproduced in a Hodgkin-Huxley compartmental model. We conclude that in L5 pyramidal neurons, excitability increases with axial resistance, and therefore with a distal shift of the AIS.
Rapid inactivationin vitroof SARS-CoV-2 in saliva by black tea and green tea
Authors: Ohgitani Eriko , Shin-Ya Masaharu , Ichitani Masaki , Kobayashi Makoto , Takihara Takanobu , Kawamoto Masaya , Kinugasa Hitoshi , Mazda Osam 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSaliva plays major roles in human-to-human transmission of the SARS-CoV-2. Recently we reported that black, green and oolong tea significantly inactivated SARS-CoV-2 within 1 min. Theaflavin-3,3’-di-gallate (TFDG), theasinensin A (TSA) and (-) epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) were involved in the anti-viral activities. Here we examined how long period is required for the compounds to inactivate the virus. We also assessed whether tea inactivates SARS-CoV-2 diluted in human saliva. Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 with 500 μM TFDG or TSA for 10 sec reduced the virus titer to undetectable levels (less than 1/1,000). Black and green tea decreased virus titer to less than 1/100 within 10 sec even in saliva. These findings suggest a possibility that intake of, or gargling with, tea may inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in saliva in infected individuals, which may eventually attenuate spread of COVID-19 within a population, although clinical studies are required to test this hypothesis by determining the intensity and duration of the anti-viral effect of tea in saliva in humans.
SARS-CoV-2 disease severity and transmission efficiency is increased for airborne but not fomite exposure in Syrian hamsters
Authors: Port Julia R. , Yinda Claude Kwe , Owusu Irene Offei , Holbrook Myndi , Fischer Robert , Bushmaker Trenton , Avanzato Victoria A. , Schulz Jonathan E. , van Doremalen Neeltje , Clancy Chad S. , Munster Vincent J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTransmission of SARS-CoV-2 is driven by contact, fomite, and airborne transmission. The relative contribution of different transmission routes remains subject to debate. Here, we show Syrian hamsters are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection through intranasal, aerosol and fomite exposure. Different routes of exposure presented with distinct disease manifestations. Intranasal and aerosol inoculation caused more severe respiratory pathology, higher virus loads and increased weight loss. Fomite exposure led to milder disease manifestation characterized by an anti-inflammatory immune state and delayed shedding pattern. Whereas the overall magnitude of respiratory virus shedding was not linked to disease severity, the onset of shedding was. Early shedding was linked to an increase in disease severity. Airborne transmission was more efficient than fomite transmission and dependent on the direction of the airflow. Carefully characterized of SARS-CoV-2 transmission models will be crucial to assess potential changes in transmission and pathogenic potential in the light of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 evolution.
Comprehensive label-free characterization of extracellular vesicles and their surface proteins
Authors: Priglinger E. , Strasser J. , Buchroithner B. , Weber F. , Wolbank S. , Auer D. , Grasmann E. , Arzt C. , Narzt M-S. , Grillari J. , Preiner J. , Jacak J. , Gimona M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractInterest in mesenchymal stem cell derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) as therapeutic agents has dramatically increased over the last decade. Preclinical studies show that MSC-EVs have anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects, boost wound healing, and improve the integration of allogeneic grafts through immunomodulation. Current approaches to the characterization and quality control of EV-based therapeutics include particle tracking techniques, Western blotting, and advanced cytometry, but standardized methods are lacking. In this study, we established and verified quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) as highly sensitive label-free immunosensing technique for characterizing clinically approved umbilical cord MSC-EVs enriched by tangential flow filtration and ultracentrifugation. Using QCM in conjunction with common characterization methods, we were able to specifically detect EVs via EV (CD9, CD63, CD81) and MSC (CD44, CD49e, CD73) markers and gauge their prevalence. Additionally, we characterized the topography and elasticity of these EVs by atomic force microscopy (AFM), enabling us to distinguish between EVs and non-vesicular particles (NVPs) in a therapeutic formulation. This measurement modality makes it possible to identify EV sub-fractions, discriminate between EVs and NVPs, and to characterize EV surface proteins, all with minimal sample preparation and using label-free measurement devices with low barriers of entry for labs looking to widen their spectrum of characterization techniques. Our combination of QCM with impedance measurement (QCM-I) and AFM measurements provides a robust multi-marker approach to the characterization of clinically approved EV formulations and opens the door to improved quality control.
A comprehensive motifs-based interactome of the C/EBPα transcription factor
Authors: Ramberger Evelyn , Sapozhnikova Valeria , Kowenz-Leutz Elisabeth , Zimmermann Karin , Nicot Nathalie , Nazarov Petr V. , Perez-Hernandez Daniel , Reimer Ulf , Mertins Philipp , Dittmar Gunnar , Leutz Achim 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe pioneering transcription factor C/EBPα coordinates cell fate and cell differentiation. C/EBPα represents an intrinsically disordered protein with multiple short linear motifs and extensive post-translational side chain modifications (PTM), reflecting its modularity and functional plasticity. Here, we combined arrayed peptide matrix screening (PRISMA) with biotin ligase proximity labeling proteomics (BioID) to generate a linear, isoform specific and PTM-dependent protein interaction map of C/EBPα in myeloid cells. The C/EBPα interactome comprises promiscuous and PTM-regulated interactions with protein machineries involved in gene expression, epigenetics, genome organization, DNA replication, RNA processing, and nuclear transport as the basis of functional C/EBPα plasticity. Protein interaction hotspots were identified that coincide with homologous conserved regions of the C/EBP family and revealed interaction motifs that score as molecular recognition features (MoRF). PTMs alter the interaction spectrum of multi-valent C/EBP-motifs to configure a multimodal transcription factor hub that allows interaction with multiple co-regulatory components, including BAF/SWI-SNF or Mediator complexes. Combining PRISMA and BioID acts as a powerful strategy to systematically explore the interactomes of intrinsically disordered proteins and their PTM-regulated, multimodal capacity.Key pointsIntegration of proximity labeling and arrayed peptide screen proteomics refines the interactome of C/EBPα isoformsHotspots of protein interactions in C/EBPα mostly occur in conserved short linear motifsInteractions of the BAF/SWI-SNF complex with C/EBPα are modulated by arginine methylation and isoform statusThe integrated experimental strategy suits systematic interactome studies of intrinsically disordered proteins
Emerging SARS-CoV-2 diversity revealed by rapid whole genome sequence typing
Authors: Moustafa Ahmed M. , Planet Paul J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundDiscrete classification of SARS-CoV-2 viral genotypes can identify emerging strains and detect geographic spread, viral diversity, and transmission events.MethodsWe developed a tool (GNUVID) that integrates whole genome multilocus sequence typing and a supervised machine learning random forest-based classifier. We used GNUVID to assign sequence type (ST) profiles to each of 69,686 SARS-CoV-2 complete, high-quality genomes available from GISAID as of October 20th 2020. STs were then clustered into clonal complexes (CCs), and then used to train a machine learning classifier. We used this tool to detect potential introduction and exportation events, and to estimate effective viral diversity across locations and over time in 16 US states.ResultsGNUVID is a scalable tool for viral genotype classification (available at https://github.com/ahmedmagds/GNUVID) that can be used to quickly process tens of thousands of genomes. Our genotyping ST/CC analysis uncovered dynamic local changes in ST/CC prevalence and diversity with multiple replacement events in different states. We detected an average of 20.6 putative introductions and 7.5 exportations for each state. Effective viral diversity dropped in all states as shelter-in-place travel-restrictions went into effect and increased as restrictions were lifted. Interestingly, our analysis showed correlation between effective diversity and the date that state-wide mask mandates were imposed.ConclusionsOur classification tool uncovered multiple introduction and exportation events, as well as waves of expansion and replacement of SARS-CoV-2 genotypes in different states. Combined with future genomic sampling the GNUVID system could be used to track circulating viral diversity and identify emerging clones and hotspots.
A prevalent focused human antibody response to the influenza hemagglutinin head interface
Authors: McCarthy Kevin R. , Lee Jiwon , Watanabe Akiko , Kuraoka Masayuki , Robinson-McCarthy Lindsey R. , Georgiou George , Kelsoe Garnett , Harrison Stephen C. 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTNovel animal influenza viruses emerge, initiate pandemics and become endemic seasonal variants that have evolved to escape from prevalent herd immunity. These processes often outpace vaccine-elicited protection. Focusing immune responses on conserved epitopes may impart durable immunity. We describe a focused, protective antibody response, abundant in memory and serum repertoires, to a conserved region at the influenza hemagglutinin head interface. Structures of eleven examples, eight reported here, from seven human donors demonstrate the convergence of responses on a single epitope. The eleven are genetically diverse, with one class having a common, IGκV1-39, light chain. All of the antibodies bind HAs from multiple serotypes. The lack of apparent genetic restriction and potential for elicitation by more than one serotype may explain their abundance. We define the head interface as a major target of broadly protective antibodies with the potential to influence the outcomes of influenza infection.
Neural precursor cells contribute to decision-making by tuning striatal connectivity via secretion of IGFBPL-1
Authors: Butti Erica , Cattaneo Stefano , Bacigaluppi Marco , Cambiaghi Marco , Scotti Giulia , Brambilla Elena , Sferruzza Giacomo , Ripamonti Maddalena , Simeoni Fabio , Cacciaguerra Laura , Zanghì Aurora , Quattrini Angelo , Fesce Riccardo , Panina-Bordignon Paola , Giannese Francesca , Cittaro Davide , Kuhlmann Tanja , D’Adamo Patrizia , Rocca Maria Assunta , Taverna Stefano , Martino Gianvito 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe adult brain retains endogenous neural stem/precursors cells (eNPCs) in two major neurogenic niches, the subgranular zone (SGZ) in the hippocampus and the subventricular zone (SVZ). While in humans and rodents the SGZ contributes to memory functions by generating new neurons that integrate into hippocampal circuitry, the role of eNPCs of the SVZ is less clear. SVZ-eNPCs contribute to the generation of new neurons fated to the olfactory bulb (OB) in rodents but not in humans where they are thought to contribute to striatal neurogenesis as a result of tissue damage.Here, we show in mice and humans a novel non-neurogenic physiological role of adult SVZ-eNPCs in supporting cognitive functions by regulating striatal neuronal activity. We first provide evidence that GABAergic transmission between parvalbumin-expressing fast-spiking interneurons (FSIs) and medium spiny neurons (MSNs) is tuned by SVZ-eNPCs via secretion of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein Like 1 (IGFBPL-1) that, in turn, regulates the Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1) signalling cascade. Consistently, selective ablation of SVZ-eNPCs and in vivo disruption of the IGF-signalling determine the impairment of intrastriatal coherence. A finding associated with a higher failure rate of GABAergic transmission mediated by FSIs and with striatum-related behavioural dysfunctions impairing decision making. Human validation studies revealed IGFBPL-1 expression in the SVZ and in foetal and induced-pluripotent stem cell-derived NPCs as well as a strong correlation in neurological patients between SVZ pathological damage, reduction of striatum volume and impairment of information processing speed.All in all, our results highlight a novel non-neurogenic homeostatic role exerted by SVZ-eNPCs on striatal GABAergic neurons that might contribute to cognitive processes involving decisions-making tasks.
Business group opportunism: the difference in real earnings management between parent firms and nonparent firms
Authors: Alawag Glenny 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to understand real earnings management behavior in the context of a parent–subsidiary relationship. It explores the differences between business groups and firms that do not have controlled subsidiaries and provides potential explanations for any measured difference.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses the random-effects generalized least squares (GLS) estimation to find the difference between the real earnings management behavior of business groups, represented by the ultimate parent firms and the nonparent firms from 73 countries.FindingsThe results show that ultimate parent firms have lower abnormal production costs and abnormal discretionary expenses than nonparent firms. In contrast, parent firms have higher abnormal cash flow from operations (CFO) than nonparent firms. The results are unexpected because abnormal production costs usually have a dominant direct relationship with abnormal CFO. The results indicate that business groups use a route different from manipulating production costs and discretionary expenses.Research limitations/implicationsThe results reveal that parent firms use a route different from manipulating production costs and discretionary expenses. The results can be used to extend the discussion to specific business group cases, such as tracing the route or allocation of real earnings management (REM) pressure from a parent firm to its listed and private subsidiaries, and if the consolidation of minority voting rights and the transitivity of control affect the behavior in its subsidiaries.Originality/valueInstead of the degree of diversification or affiliation, this paper investigates REM behavior based on the parent firm's control of its subsidiaries. With this approach, the study argues that business groups prefer a route other than manipulating production costs and discretionary expenses. The results may redirect the attention of regulators to the activities of parent firms that need more policing.
Assessing stakeholder network engagement
Authors: Okazaki Shintaro , Plangger Kirk , Roulet Thomas , Menéndez Héctor D. 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
With the popularity of social media platforms, firms have now tangible means not only to reach out to their stakeholders, but also to closely monitor those interactions. Yet, there are limited methodological advances on how to measure a firm’s stakeholder networks, and the level of engagement firms have with these networks. Drawn upon the customer engagement and stakeholder theory literature, this study aims to propose an approach to calculate a firm’s stakeholder network engagement (SNE) index.

Design/methodology/approach
After deriving the SNE index formula mathematically, this study illustrates how the SNE index functions using eight firms’ online corporate social responsibility (CSR) networks across four diverse industries.

Findings
This study proposes and illustrates a new approach of capturing the SNE in a stakeholder network for use by academic and practical researchers.

Research limitations/implications
Researchers can use the SNE index to assess engagement in stakeholder networks in various contexts.

Practical implications
Managers can use the SNE index to assess, benchmark and improve the nature and quality of their CSR strategies to derive greater return on their CSR investments.

Originality/value
Building on the stakeholder, communication and network analysis literatures, this study conceptualises SNE in four theoretical dimensions, namely, diffusion, accessibility, interactivity and influence. Then, an index that measures SNE is mathematically derived and empirically illustrated.
Grey correlation analysis on the synergistic development between innovation-driven strategy and marine industrial agglomeration: based on China's coastal provinces
Authors: Xu Sheng , Yue Qingde , Lu Binbin 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy is of practical significance for improving the quality and efficiency of economic growth and accelerating the transformation of economic development mode. The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of innovation-driven strategies on marine industry agglomeration and industrial transformation.Design/methodology/approachIn traditional grey correlation analysis, when the positive and negative areas cancel each other out during the integration process, the calculation result of the correlation degree is often inconsistent with the qualitative analysis. For this reason, from the perspective of curve similarity, this paper constructs two response curves through the relative change area of the two curves and the relative area change ratio of similar degree, thus constructing an improved grey relational model.FindingsThe authors find that the innovation investment has a better correlation with marine industrial agglomeration. It also found that Guangdong Province has the highest degree of correlation between innovation indicators and marine industrial agglomeration. Much beyond the authors’ expectation, in the areas where marine industrial agglomeration is high, the synergistic effect is not obvious by using the location entropy method.Originality/valueThe improved grey correlation analysis method can effectively overcome the phenomenon that the positive and negative areas cancel each other in the integration process of the original algorithm, and it can also effectively measure the negative correlation between variables. This paper explores the impact of innovation drive on the agglomeration of marine industries, which is of great significance to the sustainable development of marine economy.
Cash waqf model for micro enterprises’ human capital development
Authors: Mohd Thas Thaker Mohamed Asmy , Amin Md Fouad , Mohd Thas Thaker Hassanudin , Khaliq Ahmad , Allah Pitchay Anwar 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
The present paper aims to propose a viable alternative model for human capital development (HCD), termed as the integrated cash waqf micro enterprises investment (ICWME-I) model, which is expected to contribute to the development of micro enterprises in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach
This is a conceptual paper for the development of the ICWME-I model. It is purely qualitative in nature, using content analysis. It comprehensively reviews the literature related to HCD issues faced by micro enterprises and existing studies related to cash waqf (Islamic endowment) to construct the ICWME-I model.

Findings
The proposed ICWME-I model is specially designed for HCD of micro enterprises. It is an appropriate initiative to upgrade micro enterprises through HCD programmes by ensuring proper utilization of cash waqf funds to build modern training centres at subsidized costs with state-of-the-art facilities. The training centres would subsidize the participation fees of micro enterprises and provide them with facilities to undertake education and training programmes, as well as other kinds of activities for upgrading, improving and enhancing human capital capacity and skills of micro enterprises. The potential challenges of the ICWME-I model are also highlighted in this study.

Research limitations/implications
This paper attempts to construct the ICWME-I model based on an extensive review of literature related to micro enterprises, cash waqf and HCD. Among its major limitations is the fact that the ICWME-I model is not empirically validated and tested in this research. This can be carried out in future studies.

Practical implications
The present study could have an enormous impact on micro entrepreneurs via HCD programmes. The most important impact would be on government budgets, as this ICWME-I model is expected to generate its own funds from cash waqf for micro enterprises’ HCD.

Originality/value
This paper brings forward an original and viable model to develop human capital for micro enterprises development. This model involves the building of training centres using cash waqf raised from donors.