bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the antimicrobial activity of CRISPR-Cas9-accA modified ΔB. subtilismutants againstV. harveyiandE. Coli
Authors: Hillman Tatiana 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTProbiotics are increasingly popular, currently. Probiotics have been described with the ability to treat many disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease. Types of probiotics include bacterial strains fromLactobacillusandBifidobacterium. Probiotics can restore balance to gut microbiota by outcompeting pathogenic bacteria for nutrients and secrete antimicrobials to eliminate these bacterial pathogens. However, the viability of most advertised probiotics lose their potency due to being freeze dried into powders during storage or for consuming. Many probiotics become ineffective and produce lower CFUs while traversing through the gastric acids of the digestive system. For these reasons, this study sought to enhance the antimicrobial response of a highly potent probiotic known asBacillus subtilis. B. subtilishas been used to treat many disorders of the gut and secrete many antimicrobials lethal for pathogenic microbes.B. subtiliswas genetically modified to express CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease deletion of theaccAgene (ΔB.subtilismutants), which inhibits expression of an essentialaccAgene a part of the fatty acid synthesis (FAS) metabolic pathway. The CRISPR-Cas9-accA ΔB.subtilismutants were co-cultured withV. harveyiandE. Coli. Bacterial growth, biofilm formation, antimicrobial activity, and antibiotic resistance were quantified. It was found thatΔB.subtilismutants co-cultured withV. harveyiandE. Colilessened bacterial growth, amplified biofilm withV. harveyi, reduced biofilm formation ofE. Coli, the co-cultures with the mutants lacked antimicrobial activity, and increased the antibiotic resistance ofV. harveyiandE. Coli. It can be concluded that there is an immense potential for using genetically engineered probiotic strains to enhance the antimicrobial activity ofB. subtilis, which can amplify the reduction of pathogenic bacteria. However, the safety and frugality of usingB. subtilisas a probiotic requires further consideration.
Repair of Noise-Induced Damage to Stereocilia F-actin Cores is Facilitated by XIRP2
Authors: Wagner E.L. , Im J.S. , Nakahata M.I. , Imbery T.E. , Li S. , Chen D. , Noy Y. , Archer D.W. , Xu W. , Hashisaki G. , Avraham K.B. , Shin J.-B. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractProlonged exposure to loud noise has been shown to affect inner ear sensory hair cells in a variety of deleterious manners, including damaging the stereocilia core. The damaged sites can be visualized as “gaps” in phalloidin staining of F-actin, and the enrichment of monomeric actin at these sites, along with an actin nucleator and crosslinker, suggests that localized remodeling occurs to repair the broken filaments. Herein we show that gaps in mouse auditory hair cells are largely repaired within one week of traumatic noise exposure through the incorporation of newly synthesized actin. Additionally, we report that XIRP2 is required for the repair process and facilitates the enrichment of monomeric γ-actin at gaps through its LIM domain-containing C-terminus. Our study describes a novel process by which hair cells can recover from sub-lethal hair bundle damage and which may contribute to recovery from temporary hearing threshold shifts and the prevention of age-related hearing loss.
Multiomics reveals the genomic, proteomic and metabolic influences of the histidyl dipeptides on heart
Authors: Yan Keqing , Mei Zhanlong , Zhao Jingjing , Prodhan Md Aminul Islam , Obal Detlef , Katragadda Kartik , Doeling Ben , Hoetker David , Posa Dheeraj Kumar , He Liqing , Yin Xinmin , Shah Jasmit , Pan Jianmin , Rai Shesh , Lorkiewicz Pawel Konrad , Zhang Xiang , Li Siqi , Bhatnagar Aruni , Baba Shahid P. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHistidyl dipeptides, are synthesized in the heartviaenzyme carnosine synthase (Carns), which facilitates glycolysis and glucose oxidation by proton buffering and attenuate ischemia and reperfusion injury. However, a composite understanding of the histidyl dipeptide mediated responses in the heart are lacking. We performed multilayer omics in the cardio specificCarnsoverexpressing mice, showing higher myocardial levels of histidyl dipeptides lead to extensive changes in microRNAs that could target the expression of contractile proteins and enzymes involved inβ-fatty acid oxidation and citric acid cycle (TCA). Similarly, global proteomics showed contractile function, fatty acid degradation and TCA cycle, pathways were enriched in the CarnsTg heart. Parallel with these changes, free fatty acids, and TCA intermediate-succinic acid were lower under aerobic and significantly attenuated under anaerobic conditions in the CarnsTg heart. Integration of multiomics data showsβ-fatty acid oxidation and TCA cycle exhibit correlative changes at all three levels in CarnsTg heart, suggesting histidyl dipeptides are critical regulators of myocardial structure, function and energetics.
CytokineLink: a cytokine communication map to analyse immune responses in inflammatory and infectious diseases
Authors: Olbei Marton , Thomas John P. , Hautefort Isabelle , Treveil Agatha , Bohar Balazs , Madgwick Matthew , Gul Lejla , Csabai Luca , Modos Dezso , Korcsmaros Tamas 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntercellular communication mediated by cytokines is critical to the development of immune responses, particularly in the context of infectious and inflammatory diseases. By releasing these small molecular weight peptides, the source cells can influence numerous intracellular processes in the target cells, including the secretion of other cytokines downstream. However, there are no readily available bioinformatic resources that can model cytokine - cytokine interactions. In this effort, we built a communication map between major tissues and blood cells that reveals how cytokine-mediated intercellular networks form during homeostatic conditions. We collated the most prevalent cytokines from literature, and assigned the proteins and their corresponding receptors to source tissue and blood cell types based on enriched consensus RNA-Seq data from the Human Protein Atlas database. To assign more confidence to the interactions, we integrated literature information on cell - cytokine interactions from two systems immunology databases, immuneXpresso and ImmunoGlobe. From the collated information, we defined two metanetworks: a cell-cell communication network connected by cytokines; and a cytokine-cytokine interaction network depicting the potential ways in which cytokines can affect the activity of each other. Using expression data from disease states, we then applied this resource to reveal perturbations in cytokine-mediated intercellular signalling in inflammatory and infectious diseases (ulcerative colitis and COVID-19, respectively). For ulcerative colitis, with CytokineLink we demonstrated a significant rewiring of cytokine-mediated intercellular communication between non-inflamed and inflamed colonic tissues. For COVID-19, we were able to identify inactive cell types and cytokine interactions that may be important following SARS-CoV-2 infection when comparing the cytokine response with other viruses capable of initiating a cytokine storm. Such findings have potential to inform the development of novel, cytokine-targeted therapeutic strategies. CytokineLink is freely available for the scientific community through the NDEx platform and the project github repository (https://github.com/korcsmarosgroup/CytokineLink).
Internalizing and externalizing behaviors in school-aged children are related to state anxiety during magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Eijlers Robin , Blok Elisabet , White Tonya , Utens Elisabeth M.W.J. , Tiemeier Henning , Staals Lonneke M. , Berghmans Johan M. , Wijnen Rene M.H. , Hillegers Manon H.J. , Legerstee Jeroen S. , Dierckx Bram 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures often evoke anxiety in children. Further, anxious children may be less likely to participate in MRI research, leading to a possible selection bias, and may be more likely to move during image acquisition, resulting in lower image quality and possible information bias. Therefore, state anxiety is problematic for functional and structural MRI studies. Children with behavioral problems, such as internalizing and externalizing behaviors, may be more likely to experience state anxiety prior to and during MRI scanning. Therefore, our first aim was to investigate the relationship between internalizing/externalizing behavior and children’s MRI-related state anxiety. Our second aim was to investigate the relationship between internalizing and externalizing behavior and MRI research participation. Our final aim was to investigate the effect of internalizing and externalizing behavior as well as MRI-related anxiety on image quality in children. We included 1,241 six- to ten-year-old children who underwent a mock MRI. Afterwards, if not too anxious, these children were scanned using a 3-Tesla GE Discovery MRI system (n= 1,070). Internalizing and externalizing behaviors were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist. State anxiety was assessed with a visual analogue scale. Internalizing behaviors were positively associated with child state anxiety, as reported by child, parent, and researcher. For state anxiety reported by the parent and researcher, this relationship was independent of externalizing behaviors. Externalizing behaviors were related to state anxiety reported by the researcher, but this difference was not independent of internalizing behaviors, pointing towards a relationship via the shared variance with internalizing behaviors. Further, children with more internalizing and externalizing behaviors were less likely to participate in the actual MRI scanning procedure. Lastly, internalizing and externalizing behaviors, as well as MRI-related state anxiety were associated with worse image quality. These results underscore the potential for biases and methodological issues caused by MRI-related state anxiety in children.
Improved PID rate control of a quadrotor with a convexity-based surrogated model
Authors: Kaba Aziz 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop, extend and propose an improved proportional integral derivative (PID) rate control of a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle based on a convexity-based surrogated firefly algorithm.Design/methodology/approachAn improved PID controller structure is proposed for the rate dynamics of the quadrotor. Optimality of the controller is ensured by a recent, simple yet efficient firefly optimization method. The hybrid structure is further enhanced with a convexity-based surrogated model function.FindingsMonte Carlo, transient response, error metrics and histogram distribution analyzes are conducted to show the performance of the proposed controller. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated under various convex combination values to further investigate the effect of the proposed surrogated model. According to the results, the proposed method is capable of controlling the rate quadrotor dynamics with the steady-state error of 0.0023 (rad/s) for P, −0.0024 (rad/s) for Q and 0 (rad/s) for the R state, respectively. Also, the least mean objective value is achieved at = 0 value of convexity in Monte Carlo trials.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper is to propose an improved PID rate controller with a convexity-based surrogated firefly algorithm.
A moderated mediation study of consumer extrinsic motivation and CSR beliefs towards organic drinking products in an emerging economy
Authors: Dang Van Thac , Wang Jianming , Nguyen Hoang Viet , Nguyen Quang Huy , Nguyen Ninh 
Published: August 2021

PurposePrevious research has yielded mixed results on the relationship between consumer perception and purchase intention towards organic food products. Although the prior literature has widely applied planned behaviour theory, using a single theoretical approach often provides limited understanding of organic food consumption. This study builds upon consumer perception and social cognitive theories to examine the effects of perceived food healthiness and environmental consciousness on the purchase intention of organic drinking products. The current research also assesses the mediating role of consumer extrinsic motivation and moderating role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) beliefs in these effects.Design/methodology/approachA survey method was applied to collect data from 606 consumers from different food retailers in Vietnam. Data were analysed using multivariate analysis techniques, such as structural equation modelling and bootstrap analysis.FindingsResults of hypothesis testing support the predictive ability of perception and social cognitive theories in explaining consumers' perceptions, motivation and behavioural intention towards organic drinking products. Furthermore, results provide evidence for the moderating effect of CSR beliefs on the relationship between consumer extrinsic motivation and purchase intention.Originality/valueThis study may be amongst the first that explains consumption of organic drinking products from the perspectives of consumer perception and social cognitive theories. It provides a unique research model that explains the influence of perceived food healthiness and environmental consciousness on purchase intention of organic drinking products with the mediating role of consumer extrinsic motivation and moderating role of CSR beliefs. The current research provides fresh insights into the consumption of organic drinking products in an emerging market based on a mediated moderation mechanism, which has been limited in the prior literature.
Relational cultivation strategies and community building on Fortune 500 company corporate blogs
Authors: Ertem-Eray Tugce , Ki Eyun-Jung 
Published: August 2021

PurposeAs the number of corporate blogs has continued to increase over the years, this study examines the use of relationship cultivation strategies of Fortune 500 companies on their corporate blogs. Moreover, it focuses on how companies use corporate blogs as interactive online communication channels to create a sense of community among their publics.Design/methodology/approachA content analysis of Fortune 500 company corporate blogs was conducted to examine the use of relational cultivation strategies and their methods of promoting a sense of community.FindingsFindings indicate that networking and sharing tasks are used most frequently among all relational cultivation strategies on corporate blogs, and that there are statistically significant differences among industries for using relationship cultivation strategies on corporate blogs. The most frequently used dimension of sense of community on corporate blogs is shared emotional connection.Originality/valueStudies analyzing social media as public relations tools have not yet focused on community building. In fact, few studies have examined the community building aspect of corporate blogs in the public relations field. To fill this gap, this study focuses on community building and analyzes how companies use corporate blogs as an interactive online communication channel to create a sense of community among their publics.
A self-powered ultra-low-power intermittent-control SSHI circuit for piezoelectric energy harvesting
Authors: Wang Guoda , Li Ping , Wen Yumei , Luo Zhichun 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
Existing control circuits for piezoelectric energy harvesting (PEH) suffers from long startup time or high power consumption. This paper aims to design an ultra-low power control circuit that can harvest weak ambient vibrational energy on the order of several microwatts to power heavy loads such as wireless sensors.

Design/methodology/approach
A self-powered control circuit is proposed, functioning for very brief periods at the maximum power point, resulting in a low duty cycle. The circuit can start to function at low input power thresholds and can promptly achieve optimal operating conditions when cold-starting. The circuit is designed to be able to operate without stable DC power supply and powered by the piezoelectric transducers.

Findings
When using the series-synchronized switch harvesting on inductor circuit with a large 1 mF energy storage capacitor, the proposed circuit can perform 322% better than the standard energy harvesting circuit in terms of energy harvested. This control circuit can also achieve an ultra-low consumption of 0.3 µW, as well as capable of cold-starting with input power as low as 5.78 µW.

Originality/value
The intermittent control strategy proposed in this paper can drastically reduce power consumption of the control circuit. Without dedicated cold-start modules and DC auxiliary supply, the circuit can achieve optimal efficiency within one input cycle, if the input signal is larger than voltage threshold. The proposed control strategy is especially favorable for harvesting energy from natural vibrations and can be a promising solution for other PEH circuits as well.
Risk, crisis and disaster management in hospitality and tourism: a comparative review
Authors: Ritchie Brent W. , Jiang Yawei 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to summarize the current state of research on risk, crisis and disaster management in the generic field, and in tourism and hospitality. It identifies key themes and compares the main topics studied in both the tourism and hospitality management and marketing literature.

Design/methodology/approach
A narrative (thematic) review and synthesis was completed based on articles published in the top 20 tourism and hospitality management journals from 2011 to March 2021. A review was conducted of the generic literature from 2016 to 2020.

Findings
From 210 papers reviewed, only 47 are in the hospitality field. The authors found that 80% of papers were empirical with slightly more quantitative papers produced. The majority of the papers focused on crises. Three key themes were found from the review and future research proposed to address gaps based on these findings and a review of 26 papers from the generic risk, crisis and disaster management field.

Practical implications
Research is required into planning and preparedness, not just response and recovery to crises and disasters. Future research should consider hospitality rather than tourism, particularly focusing attention outside of the accommodation sector. Hospitality studies also need to go beyond the micro-organizational level to include more meso- and macro-level studies.

Originality/value
The review provides a number of future research directions for tourism and hospitality research in the field. The paper provides a comprehensive multi-dimensional framework to synthesize studies and identifies research gaps. It also provides recommendations on methodologies required to progress these research directions. Research in this field is likely to grow because of the impact of COVID-19.
Human rights education in palliative care – an evaluation of a national training programme
Authors: Graves Jacqueline , Boyal Amunpreet , Shields Tracey , Newham Roger , Hewison Alistair , Terry Louise 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to report findings of a service evaluation using a human rights-based approach in the training and education of staff in palliative settings.

Design/methodology/approach
A non-randomly sampled, uncontrolled, pre- and post-test design. Data was collected at three points over a six-month period during the period April 2017 to September 2019. As a service evaluation no ethical approval was required. Consent was implied by self-completion and submission of questionnaires. In total, 1,402 people attended the training, 480 completed pre- and post-training questionnaires (146 completed the questionnaire at six months), with 86 completing a questionnaire at all three data collection points.

Findings
Findings show increased levels of self-reported knowledge and confidence at two weeks and six months post-training. Implementing human rights in the workplace is complex. Difficulties maintaining knowledge and keeping up to date with changes in legislation and traditional ways of working were cited as barriers to service users’ human rights.

Research limitations/implications
More evaluation is required to ensure the positive elements in this evaluation can be applied more widely.

Practical implications
Human rights education has a contribution to make in supporting staff to manage the challenges involved. It may also increase the complexity of decision-making. Training needs to incorporate systems wide approaches and its benefits measured.

Social implications
The aim was to provide staff with the knowledge to make objective and proportionate decisions about personalised care. The assumption was this would help improve the experience of end of life care.

Originality/value
This is the first evaluation in the UK that we are aware of that has examined the impact of human rights education on end of life care.
Pervasive underwater passive target tracking for the computation of standard deviation solution in a 3D environment
Authors: Kavitha Lakshmi M. , Koteswara Rao S. , Subrahmanyam Kodukula 
Published: August 2021

PurposeNowadays advancement in acoustic technology can be explored with marine assets. The purpose of the paper is pervasive computing underwater target tracking has aroused military and civilian interest as a key component of ocean exploration. While many pervasive techniques are currently found in the literature, there is little published research on the effectiveness of these paradigms in the target tracking context.Design/methodology/approachThe unscented Kalman filter (UKF) provides good results for bearing and elevation angles only tracking. Detailed methodology and mathematical modeling are carried out and used to analyze the performance of the filter based on the Monte Carlo simulation.FindingsDue to the intricacy of maritime surroundings, tracking underwater targets using acoustic signals, without knowing the range parameter is difficult. The intention is to find out the solution in terms of standard deviation in a three-dimensional (3D) space.Originality/valueA new method is found for the acceptance criteria for range, course, speed and pitch based on the standard deviation for bearing and elevation 3D target tracking using the unscented Kalman filter covariance matrix. In the Monte Carlo simulation, several scenarios are used and the results are shown.