bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting Cortical Signatures of Consciousness using Dynamic Functional Connectivity Graph-Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Grigis Antoine , Gomez Chloé , Tasserie Jordy , Ambroise Corentin , Frouin Vincent , Jarraya Béchir , Uhrig Lynn 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDecoding the levels of consciousness from cortical activity recording is a major challenge in neuroscience. Using clustering algorithms, we previously demonstrated that resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) data can be split into several clusters also called “brain states” corresponding to “functional configurations” of the brain. Here, we propose to use a selfsupervised machine learning method based on artificial neural networks to predict functional brain states across levels of consciousness from rsfMRI. The Functional Connectivity (FC) matrices reflect the brain-state dynamic at a given time. Because it is key to consider the FC topologies, a specific graph-Convolutional Neural Network (gCNN), namely BrainNetCNN, is considered to predict the brain states in awake and anesthetized nonhuman primates. To avoid the circularity that remains in the training stage, where the target is composed of pseudo-labels, recent self-supervised techniques are implemented. Using a linear probe for the prediction, the network achieves a prediction accuracy consistent with state-of-the-art methods lying in [0.655, 0.759] depending on the experimental settings. To put forward the interest of such a representation, the transition probabilities and the set of connections found to be important for predicting a brain state are computed. This latter is directly linked with the level of consciousness. The results demonstrate that deep learning methods are not only able to predict brain states but also provide additional insight into cortical signatures of consciousness with potential clinical consequences for the monitoring of anesthesia and the diagnosis of disorders of consciousness.
Characterization of an α-glucosidase enzyme conserved inGardnerellaspp. isolated from the human vaginal microbiome
Authors: Bhandari Pashupati , Tingley Jeffrey P. , Palmer David R. J. , Abbott D. Wade , Hill Janet E. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractGardnerellaspp. in the vaginal microbiome are associated with bacterial vaginosis, a dysbiosis in which a lactobacilli dominant microbial community is replaced with mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacteria includingGardnerellaspecies. The co-occurrence of multipleGardnerellaspecies in the vaginal environment is common, but different species are dominant in different women. Competition for nutrients, particularly glycogen present in the vaginal environment, could play an important role in determining the microbial community structure. Digestion of glycogen into products that can be taken up and further processed by bacteria requires the combined activities of several enzymes collectively known as amylases, which belong to glycoside hydrolase family 13 (GH13) within the CAZy classification system. GH13 is a large and diverse family of proteins, making prediction of their activities challenging. SACCHARIS annotation of the GH13 family inGardnerellaresulted in identification of protein domains belonging to eight subfamilies. Phylogenetic analysis of predicted amylase sequences from 26Gardnerellagenomes demonstrated that a putative α-glucosidase-encoding sequence, CG400_06090, was conserved in all species in the genus. The predicted α-glucosidase enzyme was expressed, purified and functionally characterized. The enzyme was active on a variety of maltooligosaccharides over a broad pH range (4.0 - 8) with maximum activity at pH 7. TheKm,kcatandkcat/Kmvalues for the substrate 4-nitrophenyl α-D-glucopyranoside were 8.3 μM, 0.96 min-1and 0.11 μM-1min-1respectively. Glucose was released from maltose, maltotriose, maltotetraose and maltopentaose, but no products were detected on thin layer chromatography when the enzyme was incubated with glycogen. Our findings show thatGardnerellaspp. produce an α-glucosidase enzyme that may contribute to the complex and multistep process of glycogen metabolism by releasing glucose from maltooligosaccharides.
Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration impairs nutrient consumption and metabolite transport in human retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Zhang Rui , Engel Abbi L , Wang Yekai , Li Bo , Shen Weiyong , Gillies Mark C , Chao Jennifer , Du Jianhai 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTMitochondrial respiration in mammalian cells not only generates ATP to meet their own energy needs but also couples with biosynthetic pathways to produce metabolites that can be exported to support neighboring cells. However, how defects in mitochondrial respiration influence these biosynthetic and exporting pathways remains poorly understood. Mitochondrial dysfunction in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells is an emerging contributor to the death of their neighboring photoreceptors in degenerative retinal diseases including age-related macular degeneration. In this study, we used targeted-metabolomics and13C tracing to investigate how inhibition of mitochondrial respiration influences the intracellular and extracellular metabolome. We found inhibition of mitochondrial respiration strikingly influenced both the intracellular and extracellular metabolome in primary RPE cells. Intriguingly, the extracellular metabolic changes sensitively reflected the intracellular changes. These changes included substantially enhanced glucose consumption and lactate production, reduced release of pyruvate, citrate and ketone bodies, and massive accumulation of multiple amino acids and nucleosides. In conclusion, these findings reveal a metabolic signature of nutrient consumption and release in mitochondrial dysfunction in RPE cells. Testing medium metabolites provides a sensitive and noninvasive method to assess mitochondrial function in nutrient utilization and transport.
Differential Cetacea Circadian Rhythmicity is associated with the molecular erosion of Cortistatin
Authors: Valente Raul , Alves Luís Q. , Nabais Matilde , Alves Filipe , Sousa-Pinto Isabel , Ruivo Raquel , Castro L. Filipe C. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe ancestors of Cetacea underwent profound morpho-physiological alterations. By displaying an exclusive aquatic existence, cetaceans evolved unique patterns of locomotor activity, vigilant behaviour, thermoregulation and circadian rhythmicity. Deciphering the molecular landscape governing many of these adaptations is key to understand the evolution of phenotypes. Here, we investigate Cortistatin (CORT), a neuropeptide displaying an important role mammalian biorhythm regulation. This neuropeptide is a known neuroendocrine factor, stimulating slow-wave sleep, but also involved in the regulation of energy metabolism and hypomotility inducement. We assessed the functional status ofCORTin 139 mammalian genomes (25 orders), including 30 species of Cetacea. Our findings indicate that cetaceans and other mammals with atypical biorhythms, thermal constraints and/or energy metabolism, have accumulated deleterious mutations inCORT. In light of the pleiotropic action of this neuropeptide, we suggest that this inactivation contributed to a plethora of phenotypic adjustments to accommodate adaptive solutions to specific ecological niches.
A chemical screen identifies a link between lipid metabolism and mRNA translation
Authors: Corman Alba , Kanellis Dimitris C. , Häggblad Maria , Lafarga Vanesa , Bartek Jiri , Carreras-Puigvert Jordi , Fernandez-Capetillo Oscar 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTmRNA translation is one of the most energy-demanding processes for living cells, alterations of which have been frequently documented in human disease. Using recently developed technologies that enable image-based quantitation of overall translation levels, we here conducted a chemical screen to evaluate how medically approved drugs, as well as drugs that are currently under development, influence overall translation levels. Consistent with current knowledge, inhibitors of the mTOR signaling pathway were the most represented class among translation suppresors. In addition, we identified that inhibitors of sphingosine kinases (SPHKs) also reduce mRNA translation levels independently of mTOR. Mechanistically this is explained by an effect of the compounds on the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum, which activates the integrated stress response (ISR). Accordingly, the impact of SPHK inhibitors on translation is alleviated by the concomitant inhibition of ISR kinases. On the other hand, and despite the large number of molecules tested, our study failed to identify chemicals capable of substantially increasing mRNA translation, raising doubts on to what extent translation can be supra-physiologically stimulated in mammalian cells. In summary, our study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the effect of known drugs on protein translation and has helped to unravel a new link between lipid metabolism and mRNA translation in human cells.
Levô in fimo test – A simple test for fecal microbial reconstituted mice
Authors: Aalam SM Musheer , Gamb Scott I , Kashyap Purna , Kannan Nagarajan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHere we report the first method for rapid on-site monitoring of germfree C57BL/6 mice colonized with feces from conventionally raised mice. The method, namedlevô in fimotest, readily distinguishes feces from germfree mice and conventionalized germfree mice based on its properties to float or sink in Trump’s fixative solution. We validated the test using feces from conventionally raised mice, germfree mice and conventionalized germfree mice, and cross-validated using multiple indicators of microbial presence in feces. Levô in fimo test is a simple, cost-effective, instant yet robust method for on-site monitoring of gut microbial reconstitution in germfree mice.
Rheological behaviors of silver conductive pastes with ethyl cellulose
Authors: Hsiang Hsing-I. , Chen Chih-Cheng , Fan Liang-Fang , Cheng Hao-Yin 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
The interaction between the silver powder and organic vehicle largely determines the rheological behavior of silver conductive paste. This study aims to prepare silver conductive paste with an organic vehicle system consisting of ethyl cellulose (EC) and terpineol/butyl carbitol acetate solvent mixtures. The study also aims to measure the rheological behaviors of the silver conductive pastes with different solvent mixtures, EC molecular weights and silver content, to investigate the interaction among the polymer, solvent and silver powder and determine the main factors affecting the thixotropic index and maximum silver content.

Design/methodology/approach
The rheological behaviors of silver conductive pastes with different solvent mixtures, EC molecular weights and silver content were investigated using viscometer.

Findings
The shear thinning became significant with increasing EC molecular weight. The EC solvation with higher molecular weight in solvent is better than that of EC with lower molecular weight. This leads to a stronger interaction between the silver powder and EC with higher molecular weight and consequently good silver particle dispersion. The relative viscosity of silver conductive paste at 10 s−1 increases significantly with increasing silver content, but the relative viscosity at 100 s−1 is much less sensitive to the silver content. The viscosities at low and high shear rate can be increased by increasing the silver content and EC molecular weight, respectively.

Originality/value
The interaction among the polymer, solvent and silver powder was investigated for the silver paste with high solid content. The main factors affecting the viscosities at high and low shear rates, thixotropic index and maximum silver content were determined.
The impact of sewing thread's tensile behavior and laundering process on the seam puckering of elastic and normal fabrics
Authors: Kamali Reyhaneh , Mesbah Yasaman , Mousazadegan Fatemeh 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe aim of the present study is to consider the influence of the tensile behavior of fabric and sewing thread on the seam appearance.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, the formation of seam puckering on two elastic and normal woven fabrics was explored. In order to prepare samples, various sewing threads were applied. Test specimens were sewn under five different thread tension levels. Then the appearance of samples was evaluated subjectively to determine their seam puckering grade before and after the laundering process.FindingsThe obtained outcomes of this study present that although sewing thread tension increment decreases the seam pucker ranking in the similar sewing condition, elastic fabrics have a greater seam pucker grade compared to the normal fabric due to the fabric extension and contraction during sewing and after sewing process, respectively. In addition, the elastic strain of the sewing thread is the key factor that determined sewing thread's tendency to make seam puckering. Moreover, the laundry process due to the relaxation of the sewing thread decreases the seam pucker grade.Originality/valueThe consistency of the tensile property of fabric and sewing thread is a crucial parameter in improving the seam appearance and obtaining a smooth seam.
Secondary school structure, organisational learning capacity and learning organisations: a systemic contribution
Authors: Barnard Peter A. 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the influence of a school's operational structure on organisational learning capacity (OLC), and how this either supports or disables any aspiration as a learning organisation.Design/methodology/approachTwo organisational working models are described, one based on same-age structure and another that uses multi-age organisation. These are systemically examined to test for OLC and subsequent potential to develop as learning organisations.FindingsSchools using same-age organisational structure have restricted feedback mechanisms that inhibit their ability to develop OLC. Schools that have adopted multi-age structures have extensive information feedback mechanisms; consequently, they have a higher OLC and the potential to develop as a quasi learning organisation.Practical implicationsThis paper intervenes at a time when interest in the concepts of OLC, transformative learning, and the idea developing schools as learning organisations is increasing. The danger of this development is to repeat the reformational mistakes of the past by failing to reflect on ingrained organisational assumptions. This paper encourages schools to reflect on their organisational strategy.Originality/valueThis paper fills a gap in the research literature by offering a practical analysis of two organisational systems, to show how structure impacts on OLC and aspirations to develop as a learning organisation.
Interpersonal and IT-enabled communication in platform transactions: the contingent role of contract completeness and technology usage
Authors: Yang Qian , Qian Liping , Zhao Xiande 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThis paper assesses whether communication via interpersonal and IT channels accounts for short-term financial performance and long-term orientation and how these effects are influenced by contract completeness and technology usage in platform builder-platform participant relationships.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual model and hypotheses are validated through a moderated regression of 384 survey responses from platform participant.FindingsThe empirical results indicate that interpersonal and IT-enabled communication contribute to both short-term financial gains and long-term orientation. The coexistence of interpersonal communication and IT-enabled communication has a synergetic effect on long-term orientation. Contract completeness positively moderates the effect of interpersonal communication on short-term performance while negatively moderating its effect on long-term orientation. Furthermore, contract completeness undermines the effect of IT-enabled communication on short-term performance. Technology usage enhances the effectiveness of interpersonal communication in generating long-term orientation.Originality/valueFirst, diverging from the extant research treating communication as a single dimension construct, this study differentiates communication on media channels and shows their separate and synergetic effects on short-term performance and long-term orientation. Second, our empirical findings indicate that the effects of communication are influenced by governance practices, which extends the communication literature. Third, previous studies have presented conflicting results concerning the role of governance mechanisms in inter-firm relationships. By showing that governance mechanisms also either support or suppress communication in generating performance for platform participants, this study extends the existing research on governance mechanisms. Finally, by regarding technology usage as a transactional governance mechanism, this study furthers our understanding of the role of technology in interfirm relationships.
The yin and yang nature of coopetition activities: non-linear effects and the moderating role of competitive intensity for internationalised firms
Authors: Crick James M. , Crick Dave 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThis paper draws upon the Yin and Yang concept of Chinese philosophy within a Western context to examine coopetition, namely, the interplay between cooperation and competition. Although coopetition activities should positively affect company performance, earlier research involving this relationship has typically been linear in nature and without moderating factors. Consequently, underpinned by resource-based theory and the relational view, the purpose of this investigation is to examine the non-linear (inverted U-shaped) link between coopetition and company performance under the moderating role of competitive intensity.Design/methodology/approachCollection of survey data involved a sample of 101 internationalising wine producers in New Zealand. Following a check of the statistical data for all major assessments of reliability and validity (together with common method variance), testing the research hypotheses and control paths took place through hierarchical regression. Furthermore, 20 semi-structured interviews helped explain the underlying mechanisms behind the quantitative results.FindingsCoopetition had a non-linear (inverted U-shaped) relationship with market performance. Surprisingly, competitive intensity yielded a negative moderation effect. The mixed methods results highlighted that firms must strike an effective balance between the paradoxical forces of cooperativeness and competitiveness across their product-market strategies.Originality/valueThis investigation contributes to the existing literature by developing and testing a conceptual framework examining the nature of the relationship between coopetition activities and market performance – using non-linear (inverted U-shaped) and moderating effects. It addresses a debate between two schools-of-thought concerning the impact of competitive intensity on the coopetition paradox. Additionally, this study helps to explain the coopetition construct through the Yin and Yang concept to highlight how the paradoxical forces of cooperativeness and competitiveness can create harmful outcomes for organisations if they do not manage them effectively (across domestic and international markets).
Exploring the mechanism of social media addiction: an empirical study from WeChat users
Authors: Cao Xiongfei , Gong Mingchuan , Yu Lingling , Dai Bao 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe problematic use of social media progressively worsens among a large proportion of users. However, the theory-driven investigation into social media addiction behavior remains far from adequate. Among the countable information system studies on the dark side of social media, the focus lies on users' subjective feelings and perceived value. The technical features of the social media platform have been ignored. Accordingly, this study explores the formation of social media addiction considering the perspectives of users and social mediaper seon the basis of extended motivational framework and attachment theory.Design/methodology/approachThis study investigates the formation of social media addiction with particular focus on WeChat. A field survey with 505 subjects of WeChat users was conducted to investigate the research model.FindingsResults demonstrate that social media addiction is determined by individuals' emotional and functional attachment to the platform. These attachments are in turn influenced by motivational (perceived enjoyment and social interaction) and technical (informational support, system quality and personalization) factors.Originality/valueFirst, this study explains the underlying mechanism of how users develop social media addiction. Second, it highlights the importance of users' motivations and emotional dependence at this point. It also focuses on the technical system of the platform that plays a key role in the formation of addictive usage behavior. Third, it extends attachment theory to the context of social media addictive behavior.
Study on multi-section continuum robot wire-tension feedback control and load manipulability
Authors: Yeshmukhametov Azamat Nurlanovich , Koganezawa Koichi , Buribayev Zholdas , Amirgaliyev Yedilkhan , Yamamoto Yoshio 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a novel hybrid pre-tension mechanism for continuum manipulators to prevent wire slack and improve continuum robot payload capacity, as well as to present a new method to control continuum manipulators’ shape.

Design/methodology/approach
This research explains the hardware design of a hybrid pre-tension mechanism device and proposes a mathematic formulation wire-tension based on robot design. Also, the wire-tension control method and payload estimation model would be discussed.

Findings
Wire-tension is directly related to the continuum manipulators’ rigidity and accuracy. However, in the case of robot motion, wires lose their tension and such an issue leads to the inaccuracy and twist deformation. Therefore, the proposed design assists in preventing any wire slack and derailing the problem of the wires.

Originality/value
The novelty of this research is proposed pre-tension mechanism device design and control schematics. Proposed pre-tension mechanism designed to maintain up to eight wires simultaneously.