bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A common polymorphism that protects from cardiovascular disease increases fibronectin processing and secretion
Authors: Soubeyrand Sébastien , Lau Paulina , Nikpay Majid , Dang Anh-Thu , McPherson Ruth 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundFibronectin (FN1) is an essential regulator of homodynamic processes and tissue remodeling which has been proposed to contribute to atherosclerosis. Moreover, recent large scale genome wide association studies have linked common genetic variants within theFN1gene to coronary artery disease (CAD) risk.MethodsPublic databases were analyzed by two-Sample Mendelian Randomization. Expression constructs encoding shortFN1reporter constructs and full-length plasmaFN1, differing in the polymorphism, were designed and introduced in various cell models. Secreted and cellular levels were then analyzed and quantified by SDS-PAGE and fluorescence approaches. Mass spectrometry and glycosylation analyses were performed to probe possible post-transcriptional differences.ResultsHigher FN1 protein levels in plasma associates with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, common CAD risk SNPs in theFN1locus associate with circulating levels of FN1. This region is shown to encompass a L15Q polymorphism within the FN1 signal peptide. The presence of the minor allele that predisposes to CAD, corresponding to the Q15 variant, alters glycosylation and reduces FN1 secretion in a direction consistent with the bioinformatic analyses.ConclusionIn addition to providing novel functional evidence implicating FN1 as a protective force in cardiovascular disease, these findings demonstrate that a common variant within a secretion signal peptide regulates protein function.
The extracellular milieu ofToxoplasma’s lytic cycle drives lab-adaptation and promotes changes in lipid metabolism primarily driven by transcriptional reprogramming
Authors: Primo Vincent A. , Rezvani Yasaman , Farrell Andrew , Vajdi Amir , Marth Gabor T. , Zarringhalam Kourosh , Gubbels Marc-Jan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTo map host-independentin vitrovirulence traits ofToxoplasma gondii, evolve and resequencing (E&R) during the lab-adaption was applied. Phenotypic assessments of the lytic cycle revealed that only traits needed in the extracellular milieu evolved. Surprisingly, only non-synonymous mutations in a P4 flippase fixed in two populations. However, dramatic changes in the transcriptional signature of extracellular parasites revealed a “pro-tachyzoite” profile as well as upregulation of fatty acid biosynthesis (FASII) pathway genes. More general, a set of 300 genes which expression profile changes during evolution mapped to specific traits. Validation of a select number of genes in this set by knock-outs indeed confirmed their role in lab-adaptation. Finally, assembly of an ApiAP2 and Myb transcription factor network revealed the transcriptional program underlying the adapting extracellular state. Overall, E&R is a new genomic tool successfully applied to map the development of polygenic traits underlyingin vitrovirulence ofT. gondii.
Entropic pressure controls oligomerization ofVibrio choleraeParD2 antitoxin
Authors: Garcia-Rodriguez Gabriela , Girardin Yana , Volkov Alexander N. , Singh Ranjan Kumar , Muruganandam Gopinath , Van Dyck Jeroen , Sobott Frank , Versées Wim , Loris Remy 
Published: March 2021

AbstractParD2 is the antitoxin component of the parDE2 toxin-antitoxin module from Vibrio cholerae and consists of an ordered DNA binding domain followed by an intrinsically disordered ParE-neutralizing domain. In absence of the C-terminal IDP domain, VcParD2 crystallizes as a doughnut-shaped hexadecamer formed by the association of eight dimers. This assembly is stabilized via hydrogen bonds and salt bridges rather than hydrophobic contacts. In solution, oligomerization of the full-length protein is restricted to a stable, open 10-mer or 12-mer, likely as a consequence of entropic pressure from the IDP tails. The relative positioning of successive VcParD2 dimers mimics the arrangement ofStreptococcus agalactiaeCopG dimers on their operator and allows for an extended operator to wrap around the VcParD2 oligomer.
VTA MC3R neurons control feeding in an activity and sex-dependent manner in mice
Authors: Dunigan Anna I. , Olson David P. , Roseberry Aaron G. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIncreasing evidence indicates that the melanocortin and mesolimbic dopamine systems interact to regulate feeding and body weight. Because melanocortin-3 receptors (MC3R) are highly expressed in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), we tested whether VTA neurons expressing these receptors (VTA MC3R neurons) control feeding and body weightin vivo. We also tested whether there were sex differences in the ability of VTA MC3R neurons to control feeding, as MC3R −/− mice show sex-dependent alterations in reward feeding and dopamine levels, and there are clear sex differences in multiple dopamine-dependent behaviors and disorders. DREADD receptors were used to acutely activate and inhibit VTA MC3R neurons and changes in food intake and body weight were measured. Acutely altering the activity of VTA MC3R neurons decreased feeding in an activity- and sex-dependent manner, with acute activation decreasing feeding, but only in females, and acute inhibition decreasing feeding, but only in males. These differences did not appear to be due to sex differences in the number of VTA MC3R neurons, the ability of hM3Dq to activate VTA MC3R neurons, or the proportion of VTA MC3R neurons expressing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). These studies demonstrate an important role for VTA MC3R neurons in the control of feeding and reveal important sex differences in behavior, whereby opposing changes in neuronal activity in male and female mice cause similar changes in behavior.
APPTEST is an innovative new method for the automatic prediction of peptide tertiary structures
Authors: Timmons Patrick Brendan , Hewage Chandralal M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGood knowledge of a peptide’s tertiary structure is important for understanding its function and its interactions with its biological targets. APPTEST is a novel computational method that employs a neural network architecture and simulated annealing methods for the prediction of peptide tertiary structure from the primary sequence. APPTEST works for both linear and cyclic peptides of 5-40 natural amino acids. APPTEST is computationally efficient, returning predicted structures within a number of minutes. APPTEST performance was evaluated on a set of 356 test peptides; the best structure predicted for each peptide deviated by an average of 1.9Å from its experimentally determined backbone conformation, and a native or near-native structure was predicted for 97% of the target sequences. A comparison of APPTEST performance with PEP-FOLD, PEPstrMOD and Peplook across benchmark datasets of short, long and cyclic peptides shows that on average APPTEST produces structures more-native than the existing methods in all three categories. This innovative, cutting-edge peptide structure prediction method is available as an online web server athttps://research.timmons.eu/apptest, facilitatingin silicostudy and design of peptides by the wider research community.
Analysis of factor’s influencing the adoption of e-teaching methodology of learning by students: an empirical study amidst the present pandemic crisis
Authors: Chandra Ashish , Bagdi Nitish 
Published: March 2021

Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed education ideology across the globe. The education system has drastically shifted from traditional ways of teaching toward online teaching mechanism. This study aims to conduct an analysis of factors influencing the adoption of the e-teaching methodology of learning by students amidst the present pandemic crisis.

Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on primary data and a survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire with a sample size of 216 respondents from various universities in India. Cronbach’s alpha and Pearson correlation, the goodness of fit, ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis was applied.

Findings
Furthermore, the results obtained stated that attitude and usefulness proved to be statistically significant as the two variables contribute a statistically significant number of predictions to the practice of adoption of the e-teaching methodology by students. Additionally, it was found out that students there is a strong requirement from the institute and teachers’ part to motivate the students to take interest in e-teaching and students should be given an opportunity to develop a sense of empowerment so, that they can feel comfortable and can discuss their query’s confident during the e-classes.

Research limitations/implications
This study was completed within a time constraint. So, the sample size is small i.e. 216 and variables, which influence the adoption of the e-teaching methodology of learning by students are not exhaustive. There might be many other variables, which are still unexplored and should have been part of this study.

Practical implications
This study will be beneficial for the education sector to better understand the impact of e-teaching methodologies on the learning and development of students in a more practical way.

Originality/value
The study adds value to the literature in the domain of online teaching and the level of e-learning from students’ perspectives in the era of this new pandemic crisis. Then, will be beneficial for not only the students but also will help the institution and teachers to understand the mindset of the students in detail and can improve the way knowledge is delivered to the students by the means of e-classes in a sustainable way.
Educational experiences of children and youth with disabilities impacted by wildfires
Authors: Ducy Elizabeth McAdams , Stough Laura M. 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThis paper describes the educational experiences of children and youth (aged 3–20) with disabilities during school closures resulting from the 2017 Northern California wildfires. Students with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of disaster, yet the effects of school closures on these children remains understudied. This study identifies considerations for students with disabilities and their families post-disaster.Design/methodology/approachAn inductive, qualitative approach was used for the study design, methodology and analysis. In-depth interviews were conducted with parents of 14 students with disabilities about their experiences during and following school closures. All of these children had missed between a week and over a month of school as a result of the wildfires. Thematic analysis was used to code data and identify four themes present across the data.FindingsOur findings indicate that children and youth with disabilities experienced disruptions in school-based services; lost previously acquired skills; exhibited negative health and behavioral issues; had difficulties adapting to new, unfamiliar routines and were saddened by lost social connections. Additionally, findings pinpoint the importance of social connections while schools were closed, the benefits of resuming school which included access to responsive school staff, as well as challenges faced by children with disabilities and their families once schools reopened.Originality/valueFamilies of children with disabilities, as illustrated in this study, often must transverse a different post-disaster landscape. Schools should assist them in navigating that landscape so students with disabilities can experience a more equitable return to education post-disaster.
Acculturation in a globalised world: implications for theory and educational policy and practice
Authors: Karim Shahid 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThis article examines the existing body of knowledge on acculturation, identifies the gaps, discusses its potential consequences for theory and proposes a possible way forward for educational policy and practice in the globalised world.Design/methodology/approachThe body of knowledge on acculturation has developed tremendously during the last century. However, some scholars are critical of its impact on acculturating people, particularly in the societies of settlement. This paper adopted an integrative literature review approach to critique and synthesise the published text on acculturation and education in the era of globalisation.FindingsDespite phenomenal growth in acculturation research and theory, the dominant perspectives and research methodologies hardly help to respond to the emerging trends in intercultural contact and its associated issues in education. A culture learning approach to the study of acculturation can help address the existing gaps, extend the theory, draw contextualised conclusions and take appropriate steps in education to prepare younger generations for an interconnected and interdependent world.Research limitations/implicationsResearchers and practitioners in education may need to be sensitive to the sociopolitical realities in a given context and contextualise their educational endeavours in preparing younger generations for an ever-changing social world.Practical implicationsThis narrative review suggests that an intercultural learning approach to education in contemporary times may better facilitate acculturation processes amongst immigrants and non-immigrants alike. Educational systems in multicultural societies may need to undertake context-specific interventions for immigrant children and adolescents in helping them acculturate to the societies of their settlement.Social implicationsAn intercultural approach to education in general and social studies education, in particular, can help younger generations better respond to the emerging trends of acculturation in the multicultural societies of their residence.Originality/valueGiven that young people follow diverse trajectories of acculturation, irrespective of their status of immigration, researchers in cross-cultural studies may need to reflect on existing theories, approaches, frameworks and methodologies with greater sensitiveness to the ecological context, cultural distance hypothesis and the nature of intercultural contact for a deeper understanding of immigrants' acculturation in plural societies.
Study on properties of yak cashmere fiber
Authors: Qin Xiaoxuan , Qu Lixin 
Published: March 2021

PurposeAs one natural fiber, yak cashmere has been used more and more widely on textile processing due to its excellent warmth retention property. Yarn spinning is the first and the most important step of textile processing. Yarn spinning is closely related to the fiber properties. That is, for giving the optimization spinning process of one new fiber, the properties of the new fiber should be studied firstly. Meanwhile, during the studying of the properties of the new fiber, comparative analysis method was usually used. That is, the property of the new fiber was common comparatively analyzed with other fibers. During the comparative analysis, the spinning process can be optimized. Therefore, in the paper, the properties of the yak cashmere were studied in detail and comparatively analyzed.Design/methodology/approachThe brown yak cashmere, cyan yak cashmere, white cashmere fiber, purple cashmere fiber, cyan cashmere fiber, camel hair fiber and mohair fiber, were chosen as the samples. The fiber length, fineness, strength, curls, moisture regain, mass specific resistance, surface morphology, infrared spectrum, melting behavior, thermal weight loss, friction, x-ray, were tested and comparatively analyzed.FindingsIt is shown that the compositions of yak cashmere and cashmere are similar, and makes the physical properties of yak cashmere and cashmere fiber similar. Comparing with the mohair, camel hair and cashmere fiber, the average length of yak cashmere is smaller and the dispersion of length distribution is larger, and the dispersion of yak cashmere strength is larger, which makes the yarn spinning of yak cashmere difficult, especially the high count pure yarn. However, comparing with the mohair, camel hair and cashmere fiber, the friction coefficient and friction effect of yak cashmere is larger, and yak cashmere fiber has relatively less curls and larger crimp rate and crimp recovery rate, and can improve the fiber spinnability.Originality/valueIn the paper, taking the brown yak cashmere, cyan yak cashmere, white cashmere fiber, purple cashmere fiber, cyan cashmere fiber, camel hair fiber, mohair fibers as the samples, the properties of the yak cashmere were studied in detail. The fiber length, fineness, strength, curls, moisture regain, mass specific resistance, surface morphology, infrared spectrum, melting behavior, thermal weight loss, friction, x-ray, were tested and comparatively analyzed. The studies can establish foundation for the optimization of the yak cashmere spinning process, and also can provide information for the end uses of the fiber.
Modeling of lightweight security framework for identifying efficient route for secure communication in WSN
Authors: Edigar Manjunath Beemappa , Rao P.V. 
Published: March 2021

PurposeIn the past recent years, wireless sensor network (WSN) has progressively grown as an emerging technology. Various research efforts have been made in the literature to address the problem associated with WSN security. Based on the review analysis, it is found that the existing methods are mostly associated with complex security operations that are not suitable for resource constraint sensor nodes. The proposed paper has presented cost-effective modeling of the security framework that addresses the problem of security and energy in WSN.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed security framework implements two different protocols to attain maximum security services and optimizes the security operation of the proposed security models to achieve higher energy efficiency and privacy preservation against a majority of the lethal attacks. The first security model introduces a novel cost-efficient pairwise key-based authentication mechanism to identify the availability of optimal routes under the presence of adversary in the network. The second security model introduces an integrated part of the first security model that optimizes security operation to perform secure communication using a lightweight encryption mechanism.FindingsBased on the experimental outcome and analysis, the proposed system attains a 60% performance improvement in terms of security and computational efficiency compared to the existing Sec-LEACH. The second security model has achieved a 50% improvement in terms of overall aspects like reduction in transmission delay, packet delivery ratio, remaining energy and communication performance.Originality/valueThe proposed study has presented a computationally efficient model that provides lightweight security operations based on secure hash function. It also focuses on the security associations between WSN nodes and the selection of reliable routes for secure data transmission. The design of the proposed security model is best suited for homogeneous and heterogeneous sensor networks, which will be robust to any attacking scenario.
Navigating three faces of decentred leadership in the UK Parliament
Authors: Bennister Mark 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe Westminster Parliament is multifaceted, lacks cohesion and collective direction, appearing at times to challenge the very notion of a structured public institution itself. Within an environment with little collective identity, understanding who leads in the UK Parliament is challenging; there are multiple, contestable sites of leadership and governance. The purpose of this article is to explore the understudied concept of legislative leadership, to better understand what goes on inside the legislature. The author presents a decentred and nuanced disaggregation of “leadership as practice” in parliament, examining three faces of legislative leadership.Design/methodology/approachInterpretive approaches to studying legislatures have presented new impetus to research in this area and the author utilises such anti-foundationalism. The article draws on ethnographic research into “everyday practices”, conducted during an academic fellowship in the UK Parliament from 2016 to 2019, which involved privileged access to the parliamentary estate. The data used include observations, shadowing and elite interviews collected during the fellowship.FindingsBy looking at the legislature from the inside, the author can better understand elite behaviour. This helps to explain motives, daily pressures and performative skills deployed in displays of autonomous, decentred leadership. The legislative leadership the author observed was atomised and could be stretched to accommodate the incumbent office holder. There were multiple relationships both formally constituted and informally constructed, but little collaborative or consensus leadership.Originality/valueThis article fulfils an identified need to study leadership in legislatures – and in particular key elites – from the inside.
Does regional reorganization have implications on socio-economic development? Understanding Ghana's experience
Authors: Nkrumah Agyabeng Anthony 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe study aimed at examining the regional reorganization and its implications on socio-economic development on the people of Oti region, Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized both textual data and in-depth interviews in context. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select 35 participants from the Oti Region.FindingsThe study found some critical services, and public goods have been provided and established in Oti Region since its establishment. Furthermore, it was established that residents have mixed reactions in terms of their expectations of the establishment of the new region on their livelihoods.Research limitations/implicationsThe conclusion and the outcome of this study cannot be generalized as a representation of the whole population of Oti Region due to a qualitative approach.Practical implicationsThis study discovered country- and community-specific understanding, expectations and elucidations of socio-economic development.Originality/valueThe outcome of the study has expanded and further advanced the sparse literature in the domain, which could help politician and policymakers in future, policy direction and further help to ignite scholars' interest in the field in future
Service-learning in physical education teacher education: a pedagogical model towards sustainable development goals
Authors: García-Rico Luis , Martínez-Muñoz L. Fernando , Santos-Pastor María Luisa , Chiva- Bartoll Oscar 
Published: March 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to know the contribution of service-learning (SL) on the awareness-raising and sensitivity with regards to sustainable development goals (SDGs) in physical education teacher education (PETE) programs.

Design/methodology/approach
The research used a qualitative methodology with a case study design from an ethnographic-interpretative approach. The participants were 81 higher education level students from the PETE program. For the collection of information, the following techniques and instruments were used: non-participant observation, students’ portfolios, focus groups and group-interviews.

Findings
The main findings show the teaching positive features of SL experiences in the PETE students. In alignment with the sustainable development model, the findings suggest that SL can boost and strengthen knowledge, comprehension, sensitivity and compromise in relation to the SDGs. It can be concluded that SL allows teacher educators to train socially critical professionals and to progress toward a sustainable development.

Originality/value
SL emerges as an appropriate pedagogical model to meet the educational needs of higher education and to face global challenges in relation to the sustainable development of the planet.