bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening of gamma-aminobutyric acid-producing lactic acid bacteria and the characteristic of glutamate decarboxylase from Levilactobacillus brevis F109-MD3 isolated from kimchi
Authors: Liu Wenli , Li Huamin , Liu Long , Ko Kanghee , Kim Incheol 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Aims
This study aimed to screen the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from kimchi, and investigate the glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity of the highest GABA-producing strain.

Methods and Results
Seven strains of LAB were screened from kimchi with GABA-producing activity. Strain Levilactobacillus brevis F109-MD3 showed the highest GABA-producing ability. It produced GABA at a concentration of 520 mmol l−1 with a 97.4% GABA conversion rate in MRS broth containing 10% monosodium glutamate for 72 h. The addition of pyridoxal 5’-phosphate had no significant effect on the GAD activity of L. brevis F109-MD3. The optimal pH range of GAD was 3.0–5.0 and the optimal temperature was 65°C. The D value of GAD at 50, 60 and 70°C was 7143, 971 and 124 min respectively and Z value was 11.36°C.

Conclusions
Seven strains isolated from kimchi, especially F109-MD3, showed high GABA-production ability even in the high concentrations of MSG at 7.5% and 10%. The GAD activity showed an effective broad pH range and higher optimal temperature.

Significance and Impact of the Study
These seven strains could be potentially useful for food-grade GABA production and the development of healthy foods.
Lotteries and Immigration
Authors: Al Hashmi Rufaida 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTStates sometimes select immigrants by lottery. In this article, I argue that lottery‐based programs that select immigrants are not ideal for neither an unbiased decision‐making process, fairness, nor diversity. I consider each argument in turn. First, I examine the argument that lotteries should be implemented because they ‘sanitise’ the immigration selection procedure of bad reasons and biases. Second, I consider the fairness‐based justification of lotteries, which claims that lotteries are a fair way of selecting would‐be immigrants because it gives them all an equal chance to enter. Third, I consider the argument that an immigration lottery should be adopted as a way of increasing diversity in the immigrant population. I show that none of these arguments succeeds in its own terms. However, I argue that lotteries that are part of a wider immigration regime can sometimes be justified as a second‐best policy device. I illustrate my argument by focusing on the case of the Green Card Lottery.
The metabolite GLP‐1 (9‐36) is neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory in cellular models of neurodegeneration
Authors: Li Yazhou , Glotfelty Elliot J. , Karlsson Tobias , Fortuno Lowella V. , Harvey Brandon K. , Greig Nigel H. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractGlucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) is best known for its insulinotropic action following food intake. Its metabolite, GLP‐1 (9‐36), was assumed biologically inactive because of low GLP‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) affinity and non‐insulinotropic properties; however, recent studies contradict this assumption. Increased use of FDA approved GLP‐1 analogues for treating metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases raises interest in GLP‐1 (9‐36)’s biological role. We use human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and a GLP‐1R over‐expressing variety (#9), in both undifferentiated and differentiated states, to evaluate the neurotrophic/neuroprotective effects of GLP‐1 (9‐36) against toxic glutamate exposure and other oxidative stress models (via the MTS, LDH or ROS assays). In addition, we examine GLP‐1 (9‐36)’s signaling pathways, including cyclic‐adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase‐A (PKA), and 5’ adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) via the use of ELISA, pharmacological inhibitors, or GLP‐1R antagonist. Human HMC3 and mouse IMG microglial cell lines were used to study the anti‐inflammatory effects of GLP‐1 (9‐36) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (via ELISA). Finally, we applied GLP‐1 (9‐36) to primary dissociation cultures challenged with α‐synuclein or amyloid‐β and assessed survival and morphology via immunochemistry. We demonstrate evidence of GLP‐1R, cAMP, PKA, and AMPK‐mediated neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects of GLP‐1 (9‐36). The metabolite significantly reduced IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels in HMC3 and IMG microglial cells, respectively. Lastly, we show mild but significant effects of GLP‐1 (9‐36) in primary neuron cultures challenged with α‐synuclein or amyloid‐β. These studies enhance understanding of GLP‐1 (9‐36)’s effects on the nervous system and its potential as a primary or complementary treatment in pathological contexts.
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Examining gender differences in predictors of financial satisfaction: Evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Tharp Derek T. , Parks‐Stamm Elizabeth J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractGuided by an integrative model of top–down and bottom–up influences on financial satisfaction, this study examines gender differences in the predictors of financial satisfaction in Taiwan. Using the 2016 wave of the panel study of family dynamics (PSFD), gender differences in the extent to which top–down (trait positive and negative affect) and bottom–up (demographic, financial, and social support) factors predicted financial satisfaction were explored within three Taiwanese social contexts: all adults (n = 3593), working adults (n = 2713), and married working adults (n = 1306). Gender differences were observed in all three social contexts. In particular, income (more strongly associated among men than women), education (more strongly associated among women than men), and trait negative affect (more strongly associated among women than men) tended to predict financial satisfaction differently by gender. Trait positive affect predicted financial satisfaction regardless of gender. The present analysis suggests traditional gender roles continue to influence financial satisfaction assessment in Taiwan.
Phytoplankton ecology in different coastal habitats along the northern Bay of Bengal
Authors: Sarker Subrata , Sultana Tania , Islam Nazrul , Hossain Md Sanwar , Huda ANM Samiul , Zulkarnain KM , Sharifuzzaman SM 
Published: September 2021

AbstractKnowledge on phytoplankton dynamics is important to understand the trophodynamics of aquatic ecosystems. But, the topic remains poorly studied in the context of tropical coastal habitats. The present study describes the community structure and drivers of phytoplankton in different coastal habitats along the northern Bay of Bengal. Data were collected on phytoplankton, zooplankton and a range of environmental variables from the estuarine, mangroves and coral habitats of Bangladesh during dry season from October 2020 to March 2021. Our study found that eco‐hydrological characteristics of the estuarine, mangroves and coral habitats differ from each other, although phytoplankton assemblages in these habitats commonly dominated by diatoms. In the estuary, the main diatom taxa included Coscinodiscus, whereas Ceratium and Chaetoceros were dominant in the coral habitat, and Coscinodiscus and Chaetoceros in the mangroves habitat. The concentration of micronutrients (silicate, nitrate and phosphate) was the most important driver of phytoplankton among all habitats. Zooplankton had a vital role in regulating the phytoplankton community composition in the coral habitat. These results suggest that the phytoplankton dynamics across tropical coastal habitats is largely driven by nutrients, which, when compared, have less influence on the growth of phytoplankton in temperate region.
Is autonomous demand really autonomous in the United States? An asymmetric frequency‐domain Granger causality approach
Authors: Pérez‐Montiel José A. , Manera Carles 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe test whether the growth rate of autonomous demand determines the growth rate of output in the United States. We apply asymmetric frequency‐domain Granger causality tests. We find that negative and positive shocks in the growth rate of autonomous demand unidirectionally Granger‐cause negative and positive shocks in the growth rate of output, respectively. These results apply in the short and in the long run. Our results are important because, unlike the existing empirical literature on autonomous demand‐led growth, they validate the autonomy of autonomous demand in the short and in the long run; which is key for the consistency of the supermultiplier model.
A bioengineered lymphatic vessel model for studying lymphatic endothelial cell‐cell junction and barrier function
Authors: Henderson Aria R. , Ilan Isabelle S. , Lee Esak 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveLymphatic vessels (LVs) maintain fluid homeostasis by draining interstitial fluid. A failure in lymphatic drainage triggers lymphatic diseases such as lymphedema. Since lymphatic drainage is regulated by lymphatic barrier function, developing experimental models that assess lymphatic barrier function is critical for better understanding of lymphatic physiology and disease.MethodsWe built a lymphatic vessel‐on‐chip (LV‐on‐chip) by fabricating a microfluidic device that includes a hollow microchannel embedded in three‐dimensional (3D) hydrogel. Employing luminal flow in the microchannel, human lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) seeded in the microchannel formed an engineered LV exhibiting 3D conduit structure.ResultsLymphatic endothelial cells formed relatively permeable junctions in 3D collagen 1. However, adding fibronectin to the collagen 1 apparently tightened LEC junctions. We tested lymphatic barrier function by introducing dextran into LV lumens. While LECs in collagen 1 showed permeable barriers, LECs in fibronectin/collagen 1 showed reduced permeability, which was reversed by integrin α5 inhibition. Mechanistically, LECs expressed inactivated integrin α5 in collagen 1. However, integrin α5 is activated in fibronectin and enhances barrier function. Integrin α5 activation itself also tightened LEC junctions in the absence of fibronectin.ConclusionsLymphatic vessel‐on‐chip reveals integrin α5 as a regulator of lymphatic barrier function and provides a platform for studying lymphatic barrier function in various conditions.
Subclinical heart remodeling and dysfunction in relation to peripheral endothelial dysfunction: A general population study
Authors: Cauwenberghs Nicholas , Godderis Sarah , Sabovčik František , Cornelissen Véronique , Kuznetsova Tatiana 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimsEpidemiological studies should substantiate the paradigm that endothelial dysfunction contributes to the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We investigated the association of cardiac remodeling and dysfunction with peripheral vasoreactivity in the general population.MethodsIn 424 individuals, we echocardiographically assessed cardiac structure and function and determined digital vasomotor function by photoplethysmography (PPG) during reactive hyperemia (RH). We regressed echocardiographic indexes and abnormalities on RH ratios averaged for 30 s time intervals. We derived sex‐specific peripheral vasoreactivity profiles from PPG time‐series and compared their echocardiographic phenotypes.ResultsHigher left ventricular (LV) mass index and lower E/A ratio and e’ peak and left atrial reservoir strain were independently related to lower RH ratios. Participants with LV hypertrophy or diastolic dysfunction presented significantly lower RH ratios during the 30 to 240s intervals than normal counterparts. Low RH responders (n = 250) presented higher odds for LV hypertrophy (adjusted OR: 2.60; p = .0040) and LV diastolic dysfunction (adjusted OR: 2.66; p = .0037) than moderate‐to‐high responders (n = 174).ConclusionThe association between subclinical heart maladaptation and decreased microvascular reactivity supports the involvement of endothelial dysfunction in HFpEF pathogenesis. Time‐integrated profiling of microvascular vasoreactivity may enable early detection of HFpEF in the community.
Voice, responsiveness, and alternative policy venues: An analysis of citizen complaints against the local government to the national Ombudsman
Authors: Tavares António F. , Pires Sara Moreno , Teles Filipe 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe Ombudsman is one of the most relevant and institutionalized tools to give voice to citizens, so they can express their dissatisfaction with local public services. The literature has yet to produce a systematic explanation for the variation in complaints to the national Ombudsman. This article uses classic literature from public administration and public policy to consider arguments of voice, responsiveness and alternative policy venues concerning the role of the Ombudsman in citizen complaints against local governments. Data on all 2139 citizen complaints submitted to the Ombudsman in Portugal (2012–2015) are analyzed using negative binomial regression models. Policy implications drawn from the results show not only that the presence of alternative voice venues reduces the number of complaints to the national Ombudsman but also that context matters. Local politics stimulates civic engagement and difficult local conditions, such as unemployment, crime, and aging populations, activate citizens to resort to the Ombudsman.
Factors associated with graft survival in South African adolescent renal transplant patients at CMJAH over a 20‐year period (GRAFT‐SAT Study)
Authors: Chhiba Priya Darshani , Moore David P. , Levy Cecil , Do Vale Claudia 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn the developed world, studies on transition of adolescent renal transplant patients have noted high rates of rejection, non‐adherence and graft loss. There is a paucity of data in developing countries and none from South Africa.MethodsWe evaluated patient and graft outcomes during adolescence (10–19 years), of patients who received a renal transplant over a 20‐year period (1990–2010), at a tertiary hospital in Johannesburg. Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan‐Meier curves were used to analyse graft and patient survival.ResultsA total of 213 kidney transplants were done in 162 patients during the study period, 165 transplants occurred during the adolescent period. Factors associated with graft failure on multivariate analysis included non‐white race, transplant during the adolescent period ([aHR] 3.94; 95% [CI], 2.25–6.91), non‐compliance with follow‐up (aHR 3.89; 95% CI, 1.76–8.60) and receipt of a DD graft (aHR 2.10; 95% CI, 1.27–3.48). Patient survival rates at 1‐, 3‐, 5‐ and 10‐years were 98.8%, 97.6%, 95.1% and 93.9% respectively.ConclusionHigh rates of graft rejection and loss occurred in South African renal transplant recipients in the adolescent period, especially in those retained in paediatric care. Establishment of transition clinics may improve the graft outcomes of this vulnerable group and warrant further research.
Macrophages Modulated by Red/NIR Light: Phagocytosis, Cytokines, Mitochondrial Activity, Ca2+ Influx, Membrane Depolarization and Viability
Authors: Golovynska Iuliia , Stepanov Yurii V. , Golovynskyi Sergii , Zhou Ting , Stepanova Liudmyla I. , Garmanchuk Liudmyla V. , Ohulchanskyy Tymish Y. , Qu Junle 
Published: September 2021

AbstractLow‐level light therapy (LLLT) is emerging as a promising therapeutic approach to modulate the biochemical and molecular processes within living cells. LLLT is known to produce local and systemic effects; therefore, immune cells in local tissues or in the circulation are affected by light. However, this specific effect remains weakly explored. In this study, the effect of red (650 nm) and NIR (808 nm) light on phagocytosis (respiratory burst), cytokine expression, mitochondrial activity, ROS generation, Ca2+ influx and membrane depolarization in macrophages in vitro is investigated. Both the phagocytic capacity and adhesion of macrophages strongly (~2.5 times) increased in the first hours after exposure to light in a dose‐dependent manner. The light‐evoked upregulation of phagocytosis is found to be less efficient than the maximal pharmacologically induced enhancement of ~3.2 times. Also, red/NIR light reduces the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and activates the secretion of anti‐inflammatory cytokines by several times in activated macrophages. At the same time, the viability shows a biphasic dose response: it increases after irradiation with lower doses (0.3–1 J cm−2) and decreases after treatment with higher doses (18–30 J cm−2), which is apparently associated with the upregulation of ROS generation, followed by an increase in the mitochondrial activity.
Time's arrow and self‐locating probability
Authors: Chen Eddy Keming 
Published: September 2021

AbstractOne of the most difficult problems in the foundations of physics is what gives rise to the arrow of time. Since the fundamental dynamical laws of physics are (essentially) symmetric in time, the explanation for time's arrow must come from elsewhere. A promising explanation introduces a special cosmological initial condition, now called the Past Hypothesis: the universe started in a low‐entropy state. Unfortunately, in a universe where there are many copies of us (in the distant “past” or the distant “future”), the Past Hypothesis is not enough; we also need to postulate self‐locating (de se) probabilities. However, I show that we can similarly use self‐locating probabilities to strengthen its rival—the Fluctuation Hypothesis, leading to in‐principle empirical underdetermination and radical epistemological skepticism. The underdetermination is robust in the sense that it is not resolved by the usual appeal to ‘empirical coherence’ or ‘simplicity.’ That is a serious problem for the vision of providing a completely scientific explanation of time's arrow.
Biotechnology of virus eradication and plant vaccination in phytobiome context
Authors: Oberemok V. , Laikova K. , Golovkin I. , Kryukov L. , Kamenetsky‐Goldstein R. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA plant’s associated biota plays an integral role in its metabolism, nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, pathogen resistance and other physiological processes. Although a virome is an integral part of the phytobiome, a major contradiction exists between the holobiont approach and the practical need to eradicate pathogens from agricultural crops. In this review, we discuss grapevine virus control, but the issue is also relevant for numerous other crops, including potato, cassava, citrus, cacao and other species. Grapevine diseases, especially viral infections, cause main crop losses. Methods have been developed to eliminate viruses and other microorganisms from plant material, but elimination of viruses from plant material does not guarantee protection from future reinfection. Elimination of viral particles in plant material could create genetic drift, leading in turn to an increase in the occurrence of pathogenic strains of viruses. A possible solution may be a combination of virus elimination and plant propagation in tissue culture with in vitro vaccination. In this context, possible strategies to control viral infections include application of plant resistance inducers, cross protection and vaccination using siRNA, dsRNA and viral replicons during plant ‘cleaning’ and in vitro propagation. The experience and knowledge accumulated in human immunization can help plant scientists to develop and employ new methods of protection, leading to more sustainable and healthier crop production.
Reducing Patient Aggression Through a Nonviolent Patient De‐escalation Program: A Descriptive Quality Improvement Process
Authors: Christensen Scott S. , Lassche Madeline , Banks Dustin , Smith Glenn , Inzunza Trell M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatients commonly display aggressive and violent behaviors toward nursing staff, contributing to severe consequences. Healthcare institutions must develop and implement systems addressing this global safety problem.AimTo improve clinical practice safety for inpatient acute care settings by providing healthcare teams throughout a large academic medical center with a Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) program, that is, a system for reporting and de‐escalating aggressive patient encounters.MethodsThis descriptive quality improvement process took place within two inpatient acute care departments using simulation‐based training, patient safety rounds, and a BERT activation system. Participant groups included nursing personnel who completed a baseline survey (n = 302), telecommunication dispatchers (n = 20), BERT responders (n = 78), and bedside nursing staff (n = 43) recipients of BERT program resources. Methods included a baseline questionnaire, pre‐ and post‐intervention surveys, formal reports of aggressive patient encounters, documentation from patient safety rounds, and records of activated BERT responses. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, boxplots, and the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.ResultsThis project mitigated patient aggression episodes by successfully designing and implementing an evidence‐based BERT program. Findings suggested bedside nursing program participants felt more confident and capable of managing aggressive patient behaviors. A strong partnership between security officers and nursing staff limited the risk of harm to clinical staff by identifying and intervening with 41 potentially aggressive patients. Finally, formal reports of patient aggression episodes did not increase during this project, which may have indicated early prevention and detection of aggression while reflecting the broader problem of aggression under‐reporting in nursing.Linking Evidence to ActionHealthcare organizations need to have robust systems to manage aggressive patient encounters. Comprehensive strategies for managing patient aggression include simulation‐based training, the use of BERT responders, and a strong partnership between nursing and security officer teams.