bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visual Motion Coherence Responses in Human Visual Cortex
Authors: Rina Andriani , Papanikolaou Amalia , Xiaopeng Zong , Papageorgiou Dorina T. , Keliris Georgios A. , Smirnakis Stelios M. 
Published: October 2021

1AbstractRandom dot kinematograms (RDKs) have recently been used to train subjects with cortical scotomas to perform direction of motion discrimination, partially restoring visual motion perception. To study recovery of visual perception, it is important to understand how visual areas in normal subjects and subjects with cortical scotomas respond to RDK stimuli. Studies in normal subjects have shown that Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) responses in human area hV5/MT+ increase monotonically with coherence, in general agreement with electrophysiology studies in primates. However, RDK responses in prior studies were obtained while the subject was performing fixation, not a motion discrimination condition. Furthermore, BOLD responses were gauged against a baseline condition of uniform illumination or static dots, potentially decreasing the specificity of responses for the spatial integration of local motion signals (motion coherence). Here we revisit this question starting from a baseline RDK condition of no coherence, thereby isolating the component of BOLD response due specifically to the spatial integration of local motion signals. In agreement with prior studies, we found that responses in area hV5/MT+ of healthy subjects were monotonically increasing when subjects fixated without performing a motion discrimination task. In contrast, when subjects were performing an RDK direction of motion discrimination task, responses in area hV5/MT+ remained flat, changing minimally, if at all, as a function of motion coherence. A similar pattern of responses was seen in area hV5/MT+ of subjects with dense cortical scotomas performing direction of motion discrimination for RDKs presented inside the scotoma. Passive RDK presentation within the scotoma elicited no significant hV5/MT+ responses. These observations shed further light on how visual cortex responses behave as a function of motion coherence, helping to prepare the ground for future studies using these methods to study visual system recovery after injury.
An improved vector for baculovirus-mediated protein production in mammalian cells
Authors: Guo Wenjun , Wang Mengmeng , Chen Lei 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBacMam system utilizes baculovirus to deliver exogenous genes into mammalian cells and is extensively used for recombinant production of eukaryotic proteins. Here, we described an improved BacMam vector (pBMCL1, Addgene#178203) which allows convenient tracing of virus production, provides higher infection efficiency towards mammalian cells, minimizes unwanted transcription of toxic genes in insect cells, and provides the capability for co-expression of multiple proteins via a single virus. We demonstrate the successful application of the pBMCL1 vector for the expression of not only the human TRPC3 channel but also the heteromeric KATP channel.
Freestanding hydrogel lumens for modeling blood vessels and vasodilation
Authors: Dostie Ashley M. , Lea Hannah G. , Lee Ulri N. , van Neel Tammi L. , Berthier Erwin , Theberge Ashleigh B. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractLumen structures exist throughout the human body, and the vessels of the circulatory system are essential for carrying nutrients and oxygen and regulating inflammation. Vasodilation, the widening of the blood vessel lumen, is important to the immune response as it increases blood flow to a site of inflammation, raises local temperature, and enables optimal immune system function. A common method for studying vasodilation uses excised vessels from animals; major drawbacks include heterogeneity in vessel shape and size, time-consuming procedures, sacrificing animals, and differences between animal and human biology. We have developed a simple, user-friendly in vitro method to form freestanding cell-laden hydrogel rings from collagen and quantitatively measure the effects of vasodilators on ring size. The hydrogel rings are composed of collagen I and can be laden with human vascular smooth muscle cells, a major cellular and structural component of blood vessels, or lined with endothelial cells in the lumen. The methods presented include a 3D printed device (which is amenable to future fabrication by injection molding) and commercially available components (e.g., Teflon tubing or a syringe) to form hydrogel rings between 2.6-4.6 mm outer diameter and 0.79-1.0 mm inner diameter. Here we demonstrate a significant difference in ring area in the presence of a known vasodilator, fasudil (p<0.0001). Our method is easy to implement and provides a foundation for a medium-throughput solution to generating vessel model structures for future investigations of the fundamental mechanisms of vasodilation (e.g., studying uncharacterized endogenous molecules that may have vasoactivity) and testing vasoactive drugs.
Major complex trait for early de novo programming ‘CoV-MAC-TED’ detected in human nasal epithelial cells infected by two SARS-CoV-2 variants is promising for designing therapeutic strategies
Authors: Costa José Hélio , Aziz Shahid , Noceda Carlos , Arnholdt-Schmitt Birgit 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundEarly metabolic reorganization was only recently recognized as essentially integrated part of immunology. In this context, unbalanced ROS/RNS levels that connected to increased aerobic fermentation, which linked to alpha-tubulin-based cell restructuration and control of cell cycle progression, was identified as major complex trait for early de novo programming (‘CoV-MAC-TED’) during SARS-CoV-2 infection. This trait was highlighted as critical target for developing early anti-viral/anti-SARS-CoV-2 strategies. To obtain this result, analyses had been performed on transcriptome data from diverse experimental cell systems. A call was released for wide data collection of the defined set of genes for transcriptome analyses, named ‘ReprogVirus’, which should be based on strictly standardized protocols and data entry from diverse virus types and variants into the ‘ReprogVirus Platform’. This platform is currently under development. However, so far an in vitro cell system from primary target cells for virus attacks that could ideally serve for standardizing data collection of early SARS-CoV-2 infection responses was not defined.ResultsHere, we demonstrate transcriptome level profiles of the most critical ‘ReprogVirus’ gene sets for identifying ‘CoV-MAC-TED’ in cultured human nasal epithelial cells. Our results (a) validate ‘Cov-MAC-TED’ as crucial trait for early SARS-CoV-2 reprogramming for both tested virus variants and (b) demonstrate its relevance in cultured human nasal epithelial cells.ConclusionIn vitro-cultured human nasal epithelial cells proved to be appropriate for standardized transcriptome data collection in the ‘ReprogVirus Platform’. Thus, this cell system is highly promising to advance integrative data analyses by help of Artificial Intelligence methodologies for designing anti-SARS-CoV-2 strategies.
Differences in spike generation instead of synaptic inputs determine the feature selectivity of two retinal cell types
Authors: Wienbar Sophia , Schwartz Gregory William 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe output of spiking neurons depends both on their synaptic inputs and on their intrinsic properties. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the spiking projection neurons of the retina, comprise over 40 different types in mice and other mammals, each tuned to different features of visual scenes. The circuits providing synaptic input to different RGC types to drive feature selectivity have been studied extensively, but there has been substantially less research aimed at understanding how the intrinsic properties of RGCs differ and how those differences impact feature selectivity. Here, we introduce an RGC type in the mouse, the Bursty Suppressed-by-Contrast (bSbC) RGC, whose contrast selectivity is shaped by its intrinsic properties. Surprisingly, when we compare the bSbC RGC to the OFF sustained alpha (OFFsA) RGC that receives similar synaptic input, we find that the two RGC types exhibit starkly different responses to an identical stimulus. We identified spike generation as the key intrinsic property behind this functional difference; the bSbC RGC undergoes depolarization block in conditions where the OFFsA RGC maintains a high spike rate. Pharmacological experiments, imaging, and compartment modeling demonstrate that these differences in spike generation are the result of differences in voltage-gated sodium channel conductances. Our results demonstrate that differences in intrinsic properties allow these two RGC types to detect and relay distinct features of an identical visual stimulus to the brain.
Pseudomonas aeruginosacytochrome P450 CYP168A1 is a fatty acid hydroxylase that metabolizes arachidonic acid to the vasodilator 19-HETE
Authors: Tooker Brian C. , Kandel Sylvie E. , Work Hannah M. , Lampe Jed N. 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTPseudomonas aeruginosais a gram-negative opportunistic human pathogen that is highly prevalent in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). A major problem in treating CF patients infected withP. aeruginosais the development of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, the identification of novelP. aeruginosaantibiotic drug targets is of the upmost urgency. The genome ofP. aeruginosacontains four putative cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) of unknown function that have never before been characterized. Analogous to some of the CYPs fromM. tuberculosis, theP. aeruginosaCYPs may be important for growth and colonization of the CF patient’s lung. In this study, we cloned, expressed, and characterized CYP168A1 fromP. aeruginosaand identified it as a sub-terminal fatty acid hydroxylase. Spectral binding data and computational modeling of substrates and inhibitors suggest that CYP168A1 has a large, expansive active site preferring long chain fatty acids and large hydrophobic inhibitors. Furthermore, metabolism experiments confirm that the enzyme is capable of hydroxylating arachidonic acid, an important inflammatory signaling molecule present in abundance in the CF lung, to 19-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (19-HETE;Km= 41.1 µM,Vmax= 222 pmol/min/nmol P450), a potent vasoconstrictor which may play a role in the pathogen’s ability to colonize the mammalian lung. Metabolism of arachidonic acid is subject to substrate inhibition and is also inhibited by the presence of ketoconazole. This study points to the discovery of a new potential drug target that may be of utility in treating drug resistantP. aeruginosa.
Expression level of the reprogramming factor NeuroD1 is critical for neuronal conversion efficiency from different cell types
Authors: Matsuda-Ito Kanae , Matsuda Taito , Nakashima Kinichi 
Published: October 2021

SummarySeveral transcription factors, including NeuroD1, have been shown to act as neuronal reprogramming factors (RFs) that induce neuronal conversion from somatic cells. However, it remains unexplored whether expression levels of RFs in the original cells affect reprogramming efficiency. Here, we show that the neuronal reprogramming efficiency from two distinct glial cell types, microglia and astrocytes, is substantially dependent on the expression level of NeuroD1: low expression failed to induce neuronal reprogramming, whereas elevated NeuroD1 expression dramatically improved reprogramming efficiency in both cell types. Moreover, even under conditions where NeuroD1 expression was too low to induce effective conversion by itself, combined expression of three RFs (Ascl1, Brn2, and NeuroD1) facilitated the breaking down of cellular barriers, inducing neuronal reprogramming. Thus, our results suggest that a sufficiently high expression level of RFs or alternatively their combinatorial expression, is the key to achieving efficient neuronal reprogramming from different cells.Highlights▪High expression of NeuroD1 is required for neuronal conversion.▪Multiple infections with NeuroD1-expressing virus enhance neuronal reprogramming▪Combinatorial expression of NeuroD1 with other RFs facilitates neuronal conversioneTOC blurbIn this article, Matsuda-Ito et al. demonstrate that the efficacy of conversion into neurons from two distinct glial cells, microglia and astrocytes, depends on the NeuroD1 expression level. They also show that increased NeuroD1 expression alone enables efficient neuronal reprogramming in non-reactive astrocytes that were previously shown to be difficult to convert into neurons.
Barriers to environmental sustainability practices of multinational mining companies in Ghana: an institutional complexity perspective
Authors: Amoah Prince , Eweje Gabriel 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the barriers to the environmental sustainability practices of large-scale mining companies throughout a mine lifecycle, analysed in the context of the plural and competing logics and tensions in the broader institutional environment.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper used a qualitative methodology based on multiple cases involving multinational mining companies, regulators and other major stakeholder groups, as it offers an opportunity for analytical generalisations where the empirical results are compared to previously established theories.

Findings
The empirical results indicate that the environmental sustainability barriers are embedded within gaps in Ghana’s natural resources governance framework. The gaps arise out of contradictory interests and values, which hinder the direction and practices of large-scale mining companies.

Research limitations/implications
The findings may only apply to the context of this study and is inadequate as the basis for assessing the effectiveness or otherwise of specific initiatives of large-scale mining firms in Ghana.

Practical implications
This study have implications on how large-scale mining companies and their stakeholders define their values and goals, and engage in a dynamic process to accommodate the multiple and competing logics by implementing effective structures at the organisational and institutional levels.

Originality/value
This paper contributes to the sustainability and institutional complexity perspective by showing that plural logics are often contradictory, but may also be complementary in situations of complicit commonality, hindering sustainable outcomes. The authors argue that this is one of the few studies that have examined the barriers to environmental sustainability explicated in the context of institutional complexity.
Towards real-time magnetic dosimetry simulations for inductive charging systems
Authors: Haussmann Norman , Zang Martin , Mease Robin , Clemens Markus , Schmuelling Benedikt , Bolten Matthias 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
Inductive charging systems for electrically powered cars produce a magneto-quasistatic field and organism in the vicinity might be exposed to that field. Magneto-quasistatic fields induce electric fields in the human body that should not exceed limits given by the International Commission of Non-Ionizing Radiation protection (ICNIRP) to ensure that no harm is done to the human body. As these electric fields cannot be measured directly, they need to be derived from the measured magnetic flux densities. To get an almost real-time estimation of the harmfulness of the magnetic flux density to the human body, the electric field needs to be calculated within a minimal computing time. The purpose of this study is to identify fast linear equations solver for the discrete Poisson system of the Co-Simulation Scalar Potential Finite Difference scheme on different graphics processing unit systems.

Design/methodology/approach
The determination of the exposure requires a fast linear equations solver for the discrete Poisson system of the Co-Simulation Scalar Potential Finite Difference (Co-Sim. SPFD) scheme. Here, the use of the AmgX library on NVIDIA GPUs is presented for this task.

Findings
Using the AmgX library enables solving the equation system resulting from an ICNIRP recommended human voxel model resolution of 2 mm in less than 0.5 s on a single NVIDIA Tesla V100 GPU.

Originality/value
This work is one essential advancement to determine the exposure of humans from wireless charging system in near real-time from in situ magnetic flux density measurements.
University archives: the research road travelled and the one ahead
Authors: Chrysanthopoulos Christos , Drivas Ioannis , Kouis Dimitrios , Giannakopoulos Georgios 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
University archives (UA) are the bridge between the past and the present and serve as a beacon for highlighting the contribution of academic institutions to society. Although the UA topic was introduced and formalized in the 1950s, the scientific research interest has increased significantly in the past two decades. This paper aims to provide insights into the UA research topic during the previous 15 years.

Design/methodology/approach
The combination of two well-established methods for performing literature review was deployed, aiming to identify, select and assess the research documents. Based on the selection criteria, 49 documents presenting research efforts around the UA topic were finally examined from the Scopus citation index. The selected studies have been classified into three main topics: strategic management of UA and the derived challenges, the educational contribution of UA and the strategic information systems for UA.

Findings
Some of the main findings are the lack of well-defined administrative policies, the low level of awareness and archival consciousness within the universities, the inadequacy of university archivists’ educational and training background, the need to use UA for building relationships with alumni and society, and finally, the need for metadata standardization by the UA management systems.

Originality/value
As a literature review around UA has not been conducted before, the reader will gain insights into the methods and research designs that other scholars had already applied to designate useful findings and results.
Self-compassion: the influences on the university students’ life satisfaction during the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Abdel Azeem Hani Abdel Hafeez , Al-Abyadh Mohammed Hasan Ali 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
This study investigates the relationship between self-compassion and life satisfaction, and there is a significant statistical correlation between some dimensions of the self-compassion scale (family, self-kindness, common human feelings and mental alertness).

Design/methodology/approach
The researcher used the Self-Compassion scale prepared by Neff (2003) translated by the researchers, in a sample of 150 students in Egypt, and Multidimensional Student’s Life Satisfaction Scale, developed by Huebner et al. (1998) translated by the researchers.

Findings
The results of the study showed that self-compassion is high in university students. The study also showed a negative correlation with the dimension of psychological self-judgment and life satisfaction, as it indicated the possibility of predicting life satisfaction through the dimensions of self-compassion, except for the dimensions of isolation and autism, and excessive communication with the self. It also indicated that there are no differences between males and females as far as the variable of self-compassion, as well as the absence of differences between males and females as far as the variable of satisfaction with life is concerned. However, the family dimension showed a difference in favor of males.

Originality/value
The inclusion of extension programs to develop self-compassion for various segments of society in light of the continuing corona pandemic, and paying attention to religious counseling programs that support the use of spiritual values in self-strengthening which is reflected in the strengthening of psychological resilience and thus a sense of satisfaction with life.
Stakeholder management in the alleviation of legal and regulatory disputes in public-private partnership projects in South Africa
Authors: Dithebe Khotso , Thwala Wellington Didibhuku Didibhuku , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Edwards David J. , Hayhow Susan , Talebi Saeed 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce the use of critical success factors (CSFs) of stakeholder management as a possible solution to reduce disputes experienced because of legal and regulatory issues in public–private partnership (PPP) projects.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper’s epistemological positioning adopted positivism and deductive reasoning to investigate the dispute phenomena on PPP projects. A survey strategy was adopted using a structured questionnaire and closed-ended Likert scales to collate primary data. Questionnaires were distributed to South African construction professionals using both purposive and snowballing non-probability sampling techniques. Data was analysed using summary statistical analysis of the CSFs identified from literature.

Findings
This study revealed that among the 19 CSFs identified, five factors were highlighted that could contribute to the alleviation of disputes between stakeholders in PPP projects, namely, adequate project planning and control; effective leadership; appropriate strategies for the management of stakeholders; confirmation of clear goals and objectives of the project; and effective communication.

Originality/value
The strength of this study lies in the evaluation and use of CSFs of stakeholder management as a possible solution to minimise or even avoid disputes as a result of legal and regulatory issues in PPP projects. By integrating the CSFs, the legal and contractual misconceptions of the PPP initiative are clarified. Such work represents a novel contribution to procurement practice in South Africa and maybe to other countries internationally who are grappling with similar issues.
Prediction of recycled coarse aggregate concrete mechanical properties using multiple linear regression and artificial neural network
Authors: Patil Suhas Vijay , Balakrishna Rao K. , Nayak Gopinatha 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
Recycling construction waste is a promising way towards sustainable development in construction. Recycled aggregate (RA) is obtained from demolished concrete structures, laboratory crushed concrete, concrete waste at a ready mix concrete plant and the concrete made from RA is known as RA concrete. The purpose of this study is to apply multiple linear regressions (MLRs) and artificial neural network (ANN) to predict the mechanical properties, such as compressive strength (CS), flexural strength (FS) and split tensile strength (STS) of concrete at the age of 28 days curing made completely from the recycled coarse aggregate (RCA).

Design/methodology/approach
MLR and ANN are used to develop a prediction model. The model was developed in the training phase by using data from a previously published research study and a developed model was further tested by obtaining data from laboratory experiments.

Findings
ANN shows more accuracy than MLR with an R2-value of more than 0.8 in the training phase and 0.9 in a testing phase. The high R2-value indicates strong relation between the actual and predicted values of mechanical properties of RCA concrete. These models will help construction professionals to save their time and cost in predicting the mechanical properties of RCA concrete at 28 days of curing.

Originality/value
ANN with rectified linear unit transfer function and backpropagation algorithm for training is used to develop a prediction model. The outcome of this study is the prediction model for CS, FS and STS of concrete at 28 days of curing.