bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulome-wide association study identifies enhancer properties associated with risk for schizophrenia
Authors: Casella Alex M. , Colantuoni Carlo , Ament Seth A. 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTGenetic risk for complex traits is strongly enriched in non-coding genomic regions involved in gene regulation, especially enhancers. However, we lack adequate tools to connect the characteristics of these disruptions to genetic risk. Here, we propose RWAS (Regulome Wide Association Study), a new framework to identify the characteristics of enhancers that contribute to genetic risk for disease. Applying our technique to interrogate genetic risk for schizophrenia, we found that risk-associated enhancers in this disease are predominantly active in the brain, evolutionarily conserved, and AT-rich. The association between AT percentage and risk corresponds to an overrepresentation in risk-associated enhancers for the binding sites of transcription factors that recognize AT-rich cis-regulatory motifs. Several of the TFs identified in our model as being overrepresented in risk-associated enhancers, including MEF2C, are master regulators of neuronal development. The genes that encode several of these TFs are themselves located at genetic risk loci for schizophrenia. This list also includes brain-expressed TFs that have not previously been linked to schizophrenia. In summary, we developed a generalizable approach that integrates GWAS summary statistics with enhancer characteristics to identify risk factors in tissue-specific regulatory regions.AUTHOR SUMMARYEnhancers are regulatory regions that influence gene expression via the binding of transcription factors. Risk for many heritable diseases is enriched in regulatory regions, including enhancers. In this study, we introduce a novel method of testing for association between enhancer attributes and risk and use this method to determine the enhancer characteristics that are associated with risk for schizophrenia. We found that enhancers associated with schizophrenia risk are both evolutionarily conserved and in physical contact with mutation-intolerant genes, many of which have neurodevelopmental functions. Risk-associated enhancers are also AT-rich and contain binding sites for neurodevelopmental transcription factors.
MMMVI: Detecting SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern in Metagenomic Wastewater Samples
Authors: Barker Dillon O.R. , Buchanan Cody J. , Landgraff Chrystal , Taboada Eduardo N. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMotivationSARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Variants of Concern (VOCs) and Variants of Interest (VOIs) are lineages that represent a greater risk to public health, and can be differentiated from the wildtype virus based on unique profiles of signature mutations. Metagenomic sequence analysis of wastewater represents an emerging form of surveillance that can capture early signal for these variants in a community prior to detection through public health testing or genomic surveillance activities. However, because multiple viral genomes are likely to be present in a metagenomic sample, additional analytical scrutiny of the sequencing reads beyond variant calling is needed to increase confidence in diagnostic determinations.ResultsWhere multiple signature mutations are present on a given read, they can be used as enhanced biomarkers to confirm the presence of a VOC/VOI in the sample. We have developed MMMVI, a tool to aggregate and report on the likely presence of a VOC/VOI in a set of metagenomic reads based on the detection of reads bearing multiple signature mutations.AvailabilityMMMVI is implemented in Python, and is available under the MIT licence from https://github.com/dorbarker/voc-identify/Contactdillon.barker@canada.ca
Early functional mismatch between breast cancer cells and their tumour microenvironment suppresses long term growth
Authors: Rosell Anna Perdrix , Maiques Oscar , Chakravarty Probir , Ombrato Luigi , Sanz-Moreno Victoria , Malanchi Ilaria 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCancer cells thrive embedded in a fine-tuned cellular and extracellular environment or tumour microenvironment (TME). There is a general understanding of a co-evolution between cancer cells and their surrounding TME, pointing at a functional connection between cancer cells characteristics and the perturbations induced in their surrounding tissue. However, whether this functional connection needs to be set from the start or if aggressive cancer cells can always be dominating their microenvironment has never been formally proven with a dedicated experimental setting where malignant cells can be challenged to grow in a different TME from the one they would naturally create. Here we generated an experimental setting where we transiently perturb the secretory profile of aggressive breast cancer cells without affecting their intrinsic growth ability. This led to the initial establishment of an atypical TME. Interestingly, even if initially tumours are formed, this atypical TME evolves to impair long term in vivo cancer growth. Using a combination of in vivo transcriptomics, protein arrays and in vitro co-cultures, we found that the atypical TME culminates in the infiltration of macrophages with STAT1high activity. These macrophages show strong anti-tumoural functions which reduce long-term tumour growth, despite lacking canonical M1 markers. Importantly, gene signatures of the mesenchymal compartment of the TME, as well as the anti-tumoural macrophages show striking prognostic power-correlating with less aggressive human breast cancers.
Leaving the military to work in civilian society: career adaptability by South Korean short- and mid-term veterans
Authors: Oh Jihye , Shirmohammadi Melika , Jeong Shinhee , Wang Jia 
Published: June 2021

PurposeMilitary officials who become accustomed to the distinct culture of the military face a variety of challenges when attempting to transition into the civilian workforce as veterans. These hardships even pertain to short- and mid-term veterans (SMVs) who leave the military at early career stages to pursue alternative career options. In this study, the authors explored the career construction decisions made by South Korean SMVs who left their military careers and successfully transitioned into the civilian workforce.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a phenomenology approach and conducted a semi-structured interview with 19 SMVs to unpack their career transition experiences.FindingsThe authors identified the motivational factors that encourage SMVs to develop their four career adaptabilities and illustrated the necessity for such qualities pre- and post-transition. Furthermore, the authors characterized each individual experience by the theoretical constructs of career adaptability and highlighted the contextual characteristics that prompted the emergence of career adaptability.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the understanding of career mobility at early career stages and how career adaptability is developed and manifested in the context of transitioning from the military to civilian society.
Modeling the participation in physical exercises by university academic community in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sisira Kumara Ajantha , Sachitra Vilani 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThe World Health Organization issued its global action plan on physical activities 2018–2030, emphasizing the importance of context-specific evidence on the subject. Accordingly, this study aims to provide unique and important policy insights on trends and drivers of participation in physical exercises by academic community in Sri Lankan universities.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, we collected cross-sectional data (n = 456) in 2020 using a survey, and first, estimated a double-hurdle model to uncover covariates influencing likelihood and intensity of physical exercises overall. Second, count-data models are estimated to capture regularity of key exercises.FindingsThe results reveal that about 50% of members do not participate in any general physical exercise. Older members (marginal effect (ME) = 3.764, p < 0.01), non-Buddhists (ME = 54.889, p < 0.01) and alcohol consumers (ME = 32.178, p < 0.05) exhibit a higher intensity of participating in exercises overall. The intensity is lower for rural members (ME = −63.807, p < 0.01) and those with health insurance covers (ME = −31.447, p < 0.05). Individuals diagnosed for chronic illnesses show a higher likelihood of exercising but, their time devotion is limited. The number of children the academic staff members have as parents reduces the likelihood, but for those who choose to exercise have higher time devotion with increased number of children. The covariates play a similar role in determining regularity of key exercises: walking, jogging and exercising on workout machines.Research limitations/implicationsThe results imply a need to promote exercising in general and particularly among younger, healthy, insured and female individuals living in rural sector.Originality/valueThe study covers an under-researched professional sub-group in an under-researched developing context, examining both the likelihood and regularity of exercising as both dimensions are equally important for individuals to maintain healthy lives.
Multiple directorships and earnings quality: Does investor protection matter?
Authors: Abd Alhadi Saleh , Senik Rosmila , Johari Jalila , Said Ridzwana Mohd , Nahar Hairul Suhaimi 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
This study aims to investigate whether higher earnings quality is related to the existence of multiple directorships among corporate boards and whether this relationship varies with the quality of investor protection.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper used a dynamic panel data modelling on the sample of 2,090 firm-year observations over the period from 2007 to 2016 in Malaysia. The generalized method of moments estimators were used to deal with endogeneity and other econometric problems.

Findings
This study finds that the accumulation of several outside directorships is negatively associated with the firm's earnings quality, as measured by the magnitude of discretionary accruals. More importantly, the findings provide evidence that multiple directors are more efficient in improving earnings quality in healthy investor protection environment.

Practical implications
The appointment of directors should be based on market-based and not on a relationship (i.e. financial and industry professionals).

Originality/value
The results highlight the importance of interaction between internal and external governance mechanisms to improve the firm's financial performance, investment and market efficiency. High-quality investor protection and law enforcement are significant for enhancing the monitoring role of multiple directorships in improving earnings quality.
Categorising green building features in developing countries: the case of South Africa
Authors: Owoha Faith , Simpeh Eric Kwame , Fapohunda Julius Ayodeji , Ahadzie Divine Kwaku , Mensah Henry 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
This study aims to explore the concept of green building by determining a suitable system for categorising green building features (GBFs) that are considered significant in enhancing the value of a building in a developing economy with particular reference to South Africa. The motivation for categorising the features is based on the perception that the upsurge in adopting green building and sustainability has ushered in a new and formidable set of challenges to practising professionals in terms of recognising the most significant value-adding GBFs.

Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative approach was adopted, involving randomly selected construction professionals within the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis tools.

Findings
Based on the mean ranking analysis, the top three most important features, amongst others, were kitchen and water-closet (WC) water efficient fittings, megawatt photovoltaic solar plant and water metering for monitoring and leak detection. Additionally, an exploratory factor analysis revealed that the underlying grouped features were “recycled materials and high-performance building energy design”, “water-saving and solar technologies”, “biometric system and acoustical feature”, “sensor control and natural daylight design”, “daylight harnessing feature”, “high-performance hydrologic strategy and noise control feature” and “special utility feature and water efficiency technologies”.

Research limitations/implications
This study was conducted and limited only to the Western Cape Province of South Africa. However, the findings have practical significance to the generality of green building projects and may serve as a useful guide for other developing countries.

Originality/value
This study broadens the viewpoint of construction professionals to recognise and prioritise the most important GBFs in South Africa that increase the value of a building. To create a system for assessing the sustainability of a building, the seven components and the features associated with them may be useful.
The effect of concentration and silica surface modification on the poly(butyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) properties
Authors: Buhin Šturlić Zrinka , Leskovac Mirela , Žižek Krunoslav , Lučić Blagojević Sanja 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to prepare stabile emulsions with 0–15% of colloidal silica and high monomer/water ratio and to investigate the influence of silica addition and surface modification on the polyacrylate properties.

Design/methodology/approach
Improving the properties of the composite can be achieved by optimizing the compatibility between the phases of the composite system with improving the interactions at the matrix/filler interface. Therefore, the silica surface was modified with nonionic emulsifier octylphenol ethoxylate, cationic initiator 2,2'-azobis-(amidinopropane dihydrochloride) and 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane and polyacrylate/silica nanocomposites were prepared via in situ emulsion polymerization. Particle size distribution, rheological properties of the emulsions and morphology, thermal properties and mechanical properties of the film prepared from the emulsions were investigated.

Findings
Polyacrylate/silica systems with unmodified silica, silica modified with nonionic emulsifier and cationic initiator have micrometer, while pure PA matrix and systems with silica modified with silane have nanometer particle sizes. Addition and surface modification of the filler increased emulsion viscosity. Agglomeration of silica particles in composites was reduced with silica surface modification. Silica filler improves thermal stability and tensile strength of polyacrylate.

Originality/value
This paper provides broad spectrum of information depending on filler surface modification and latex preparation via in situ emulsion polymerization and properties with high amount of filler and monomer/water ratio with the aim that prepared latex is suitable for film formation and final application.
Influence of fibre properties and its proportion on filtration behaviour of thermo-bonded multilayer nonwoven
Authors: Nallathambi Gobi 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of fibre properties on filtration behavior. Air pollution is a major threat to human beings due to industrialization and urbanization. Among various particles in the atmospheric air, PM 2.5 causes various respiratory problems to human beings and also causes premature engine wear. The primary importance for the filters is higher filtration efficiency with lower pressure drop.

Design/methodology/approach
In this research, nonwoven filters were developed with different diameters of polyester fibres such as 0.8d, 1.2d and 6d fibres and different proportions of fibres were used. The Kuwabara cell model was used to derive certain parameters and its effects were analysed. The effect of basis length, solid volume fraction and porosity on filtration behavior was discussed in detail.

Findings
The filtration efficiency is higher for particle size from 1–3 µm, when different layers of polyester fibres are used with coarser fibres as the top layer and finer as the bottom layer. The filtration performance is better for layered nonwoven than unimodal nonwoven. The higher proportion of micro-denier fibres results in higher filtration efficiency with higher pressure drop.

Research limitations/implications
The proposed research is more suitable for the particle size of more than 1 µm because of the fibre diameters and its achievable porosity. The filtration efficiency can be increased further by increasing the mass per unit area, which also increases the pressure and is not recommended.

Originality/value
The effect of triple-layers with different diameters of fibres on filtration was analysed. Due to the variation in diameters of fibres in different layers, the filtration performance varies.
Improving the shape stability and enhancing the properties of layer dependent material extruded biodegradable polylactic acid for thin implants
Authors: Ekinci Alper , Han Xiaoxiao , Gleadall Andrew , Johnson Andrew Allan 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to establish an appropriate annealing method, which is necessary for shape stability and to evaluate their potential degradation performance of 1-, 3- and 5-layer material extruded polylactic-acid specimens by enhancing their thermal and mechanical properties.

Design/methodology/approach
The distortion of each layered printed specimen subjected to degradation was calculated in x- and y-direction. Each layered specimen was subjected to annealing at 70°C, 80°C and 90°C for 2 h and at 80°C for 1, 4, 8 and 16 h. Thermal, molecular weight and mechanical properties were calculated using, differential scanning calorimetry, gel permeation chromatography and tensile testing machine, respectively.

Findings
In the x-direction, distortion was 16.08 mm for one-layer non-annealed printed specimens and decreased by 73% and 83% for 3- and 5-layer, respectively, while each layered non-annealed specimen subjected to degradation at 37°C for one month. Within the outlined study, annealing treatment enhances properties such as the degree of crystallinity (%χ) up to 34%, Young’s modulus (E) by 30% and ultimate tensile strength by 20% compared to the non-annealed specimens.

Practical implications
The future research accomplishments will be concentrated on the design, development and optimisation of degraded biomedical implants using material extrusion thin films including drug delivery system and fixation plates.

Originality/value
The printed thin specimens subjected to degradation were investigated. This research developed a new understanding of the effect of the annealing temperature and time on the mechanical, thermal and molecular weight properties for each layered specimen.
Fatal systemic (paradoxical) air embolism diagnosed by postmortem funduscopy
Authors: Bradley Lucy M. , McDonald Anna G. , Lantz Patrick E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAir embolism is often unrecognized and underreported. Published case reports or case series describe only rare fundal examinations of retinal air emboli (RAE)—a distinctive sign of systemic air embolism. We report an infant, found unresponsive at home, who died in the emergency department after unsuccessful resuscitative efforts. Before the autopsy, diagnostic RAE were recognized and imaged during postmortem funduscopy. Postmortem radiography and an autopsy confirmed systemic (paradoxical) air embolism due to inflicted abdominal and thoracic blunt force injuries. While a few descriptions and illustrations of RAE occur in case reports, we found no published photographic images of RAE in infants, children, or adults. This case report describes and photographically documents classic RAE associated with fatal systemic (paradoxical) air embolism. Complementing postmortem radiography and judicious autopsy techniques, the detection of RAE can aid pathologists in diagnosing systemic air embolism.
Neovascular age‐related macular degeneration at treatment intervals of 14 weeks or greater
Authors: Cornish Elisa E. , Nguyen Vuong , Young Stephanie , Fraser‐Bell Samantha , Guymer Robyn , Squirrell David , Barthelmes Daniel , Gillies Mark C. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe assessed the proportion of eyes with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) in routine clinical practice that reach ≥14 week treatment intervals and their outcomes.MethodWe analysed data from the Fight Retinal Blindness! (FRB!) Project database, a prospectively designed registry of ‘real‐world’ outcomes. Treatment‐naive eyes starting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors for nAMD from 1st January 2006 were included. Eyes were defined to have reached the ≥14 week treatment interval if they received ≥2 consecutive injections at treatment intervals of ≥14 week but not exceeding 26 weeks. Outcomes were reported in a subgroup of eyes that had 12 months of follow‐up from reaching this interval.ResultsOf the 3907 treatment‐naïve eyes that started treatment during the identified periods on a treat‐and‐extend regimen and received at least 8 injections over the first 2 years, 402 (10%) eyes received at least 2 consecutive injections at an interval of ≥14 week during their follow‐up. Fifty‐two percent of these eyes maintained vision to 12 months, however only 40% stayed at this interval and 25% of the lesions reactivated.ConclusionWe found that only 10% of eyes with nAMD were extended beyond a 13‐week injection interval and that over half had returned to a shorter interval by 12 months. Eyes that stayed at this extended treatment interval maintained stable vision. More data on the outcomes of eyes treated with intervals longer than 3 months are required to establish whether emerging VEGF inhibitors provide a more sustained effect than the currently available drugs.
Decoding location‐specific and location‐invariant stages of numerosity processing in subitizing
Authors: Wurm Moritz F. , Tagliabue Chiara F. , Mazza Veronica 
Published: June 2021

AbstractExtracting the number of objects in perceived scenes is a fundamental cognitive ability. Number processing is proposed to rely on two consecutive stages: an early object location map that captures individuated objects in a location‐specific way and a subsequent location‐invariant representation that captures numerosity at an abstract level. However, it is unclear whether this framework applies to small numerosities that can be individuated at once (“subitized”). Here, we reanalyzed data from two electroencephalography (EEG) experiments using multivariate pattern decoding to identify location‐specific and location‐invariant stages of numerosity processing in the subitizing range. In these experiments, one to three targets were presented in the left or right hemifield, which allowed for decoding target numerosity within each hemifield separately (location specific) or across hemifields (location invariant). Experiment 1 indicated the presence of a location‐specific stage (180–200 ms after stimulus), followed by a location‐invariant stage (300 ms after stimulus). A time‐by‐channel searchlight analysis revealed that the early location‐specific stage is most evident at occipital channels, whereas the late location‐invariant stage is most evident at parietal channels. Experiment 2 showed that both location‐specific and location‐invariant components are engaged only during tasks that explicitly require numerosity processing, ruling out automatic, and passive recording of numerosity. These results suggest that numerosity coding in subitizing is strongly grounded on an attention‐based, location‐specific stage. This stage overlaps with the subsequent activation of a location‐invariant stage, where a full representation of numerosity is finalized. Taken together, our findings provide clear evidence for a temporal and spatial segregation of location‐specific and location‐invariant numerosity coding of small object numerosities.