bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling Metallicity: Low Level Visual Features Support Robust Material Perception
Authors: Harvey Joshua S. , Smithson Hannah E. 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTThe human visual system is able to rapidly and accurately infer the material properties of objects and surfaces in the world. Yet an inverse optics approach—estimating the bi-directional reflectance distribution function of a surface, given its geometry and environment, and relating this to the optical properties of materials—is both intractable and computationally unaffordable. Rather, previous studies have found that the visual system may exploit low-level spatio-chromatic statistics as heuristics for material judgment. Here, we present results from psychophysics and modelling that supports the use of image statistics heuristics in the judgement of metallicity—the quality of appearance that suggests an object is made from metal. Using computer graphics, we generated stimuli that varied along two physical dimensions: the smoothness of a metal object, and the evenness of its transparent coating. This allowed for the manipulation of low-level image statistics, whilst ensuring that each stimulus was a naturalistic, physically plausible image. A conjoint-measurement task decoupled the contributions of these dimensions to the perception of metallicity. Low-level image features, as represented in the activations of oriented linear filters at different spatial scales, were found to correlate with the dimensions of the stimulus space, and decision-making models using these activations replicated observer performance in judging metal smoothness, coating bumpiness, and metallicity. Importantly, the performance of these models did not deteriorate when objects were rotated within their simulated scene, with corresponding changes in image properties. We therefore conclude that low-level image features may provide reliable cues for the robust perception of metallicity.
At the Intersection Between SARS-CoV-2, Macrophages and the Adaptive Immune Response: A Key Role for Antibody-Dependent Pathogenesis But Not Enhancement of Infection in COVID-19
Authors: DeMarco Jennifer K. , Severson Wiliam E. , DeMarco Daniel R. , Pogue Gregory , Gabbard Jon , Palmer Kenneth E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSince entering the world stage in December of 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has impacted every corner of the globe with over 1.48 million deaths and caused untold economic damage. Infections in humans range from asymptomatic to severe disease associated with dysregulation of the immune system leading to the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDs).The distinct shift in peripheral monocyte activation and infiltration of these cells into the respiratory tract in ARDs patients suggests severe COVID-19 may largely result from damage to the respiratory epithelia by improperly activated macrophages. Here, we present evidence that dysregulation of the immune response in COVID-19 begins with activation of macrophages by non-neutralizing antibodies and induction of ACE2 expression, rendering these cells susceptible to killing by SARS-CoV-2. Death of macrophages occurs independently of viral replication and leads to the release of inflammatory mediators and modulation of the susceptibility of downstream epithelial cells to SARS-CoV-2.
Broad influence of mutant ataxin-3 on the proteome of the adult brain, young neurons, and axons reveals central molecular processes and biomarkers in SCA3/MJD using knock-in mouse model
Authors: Wiatr Kalina , Marczak Łukasz , Perot Jean-Baptiste , Brouillet Emmanuel , Flament Julien , Figiel Maciej 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSpinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3/MJD) has a polyQ etiology but, the current knowledge on molecular processes and proteins involved in pathogenesis is not sufficient to fully determine the disease mechanism and find drug targets. Proteases and deubiquitinases, such as Ataxin-3, often have a profound impact on other proteins, yet the global model picture of SCA3 disease progression on the protein level, showing the most crucial proteins and pathways in the brain, and neurons, was not investigated previously. Here, we investigated molecular SCA3 mechanism using interdisciplinary research paradigm combining SCA3 knock-in model, behavior, MRI, brain proteomics, precise axonal proteomics, neuronal energy recordings, labeling of vesicles, and inclusions and focusing in axonal compartment. We have demonstrated that altered metabolic and mitochondrial proteins in the brain and the lack of weight gain in Ki91 SCA3/MJD mice is reflected by the failure of energy metabolism recorded in neonatal SCA3 cerebellar neurons. We have determined that further, during disease progression, proteins responsible for metabolism, cytoskeletal architecture, vesicular and axonal transport proteins are disturbed, revealing axons as one of the essential cell compartments in SCA3 pathogenesis. Therefore we focus on SCA3 pathogenesis in axonal and somatodendritic compartments revealing highly increased axonal localization of protein synthesis machinery, including ribosomes, translation factors, and RNA binding proteins, while the level of proteins responsible for cellular transport, and mitochondria was decreased. We demonstrate the accumulation of axonal vesicles in neonatal SCA3 cerebellar neurons and increased phosphorylation of SMI-312 positive adult cerebellar axons, which indicate axonal dysfunction in SCA3. In summary, the SCA3 disease mechanism is based on the broad influence of mutant ataxin-3 on the neuronal proteome. Processes central in our SCA3 model include disturbed localization of proteins between axonal and somatodendritic compartment, early neuronal energy deficit, altered neuronal cytoskeletal structure, an overabundance of protein synthetic machinery in axons.
Saturated Fat Impairs Circadian Transcriptomics through Histone Modification of Enhancers
Authors: Pillon Nicolas J. , Puig Laura Sardón , Altıntaş Ali , Kamble Prasad G. , Casaní-Galdón Salvador , Gabriel Brendan M. , Barrès Romain , Conesa Ana , Chibalin Alexander V. , Näslund Erik , Krook Anna , Zierath Juleen R. 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTObesity and elevated circulating lipids may impair metabolism by disrupting the molecular circadian clock. We tested the hypothesis that lipid-overload may interact with the circadian clock and alter the rhythmicity of gene expression through epigenomic mechanisms in skeletal muscle. Palmitate reprogrammed the circadian transcriptome in myotubes without altering the rhythmic mRNA expression of core clock genes. Genes with enhanced cycling in response to palmitate were associated with post-translational modification of histones. Cycling of histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac), a marker of active gene enhancers, was modified by palmitate treatment. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing confirmed that palmitate exposure altered the cycling of DNA regions associated with H3K27ac. Overlap of mRNA and DNA regions associated with H3K27ac and pharmacological inhibition of histone acetyl transferases revealed novel cycling genes associated with lipid exposure of primary human myotubes. Palmitate exposure disrupts transcriptomic rhythmicity and modifies enhancers through changes in histone H3K27 acetylation in a circadian manner. Thus, histone acetylation is responsive to lipid-overload and redirects the circadian chromatin landscape leading to reprogramming of circadian genes in skeletal muscle.
RGG-motif protein Sbp1 is required for Processing body (P-body) disassembly
Authors: Roy Raju , Kuttanda Ishwarya Achappa , Bhatter Nupur , Rajyaguru Purusharth I 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRNA granules are conserved mRNP complexes that play an important role in determining mRNA fate by affecting translation repression and mRNA decay. Processing bodies (P-bodies) harbor enzymes responsible for mRNA decay and proteins involved in modulating translation. Although many proteins have been identified to play a role in P-body assembly, a bonafide disassembly factor remains unknown. In this report, we identify RGG-motif translation repressor protein Sbp1 as a disassembly factor of P-bodies. Disassembly of Edc3 granules but not the Pab1 granules (a conserved stress granule marker) that arise upon sodium azide and glucose deprivation stress are defective inΔsbp1. Disassembly of other P-body proteins such as Dhh1 and Scd6 is also defective inΔsbp1. Complementation experiments suggest that the wild type Sbp1 but not an RGG-motif deletion mutant rescues the Edc3 granule disassembly defect inΔsbp1. We observe that purified Edc3 forms assemblies, which is promoted by the presence of RNA and NADH. Strikingly, addition of purified Sbp1 leads to significantly decreased Edc3 assemblies. Although low complexity sequences have been in general implicated in assembly, our results reveal the role of RGG-motif (a low-complexity sequence) in the disassembly of P-bodies.
The chromatin reader Dido3 is a regulator of the gene network that controls B cell differentiation
Authors: Gutiérrez del Burgo Fernando , García-López María Ángeles , Pons Tirso , Vázquez de Luis Enrique , Martínez-A Carlos , Villares Ricardo 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTThe development of hematopoietic cell lineages is a highly complex process that is governed by a delicate interplay of various transcription factors. The expression of these factors is influenced, in part, by epigenetic signatures that define each stage of cell differentiation. In particular, the formation of B lymphocytes depends on the sequential silencing of stemness genes and the balanced expression of interdependent transcription factors, along with DNA rearrangement. We have investigated the impact that the deficiency of DIDO3, a protein involved in chromatin status readout, has on B cell differentiation within the hematopoietic compartment of mice. Our findings revealed significant impairments in the successive stages of B cell development. The absence of DIDO3 resulted in remarkable alterations in the expression of essential transcription factors and differentiation markers, which are crucial for orchestrating the differentiation process. In addition, the somatic recombination process, which is responsible for generation of antigen receptor diversity, was also adversely affected. These observations highlight the vital role of epigenetic regulation, in particular the involvement of DIDO3, in ensuring proper B cell differentiation. This study show new mechanisms underlying disruptive alterations which deepen our understanding of hematopoiesis and may potentially lead to insights that aid in the development of therapeutic interventions for disorders involving aberrant B cell development.
Resting-state theta oscillations and reward sensitivity in risk taking
Authors: Azanova Maria , Ruiz Maria Herrojo , Belianin Alexis V. , Klucharev Vasily , Nikulin Vadim V. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFemales demonstrate greater risk aversion than males on a variety of tasks, but the underlying neurobiological basis is still unclear. We studied how theta (4-7 Hz) oscillations at rest related to three different measures of risk taking. Thirty-five participants (15 females) completed the Bomb Risk Elicitation Task (BRET), which allowed us to measure risk taking during an economic game. The Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Scale (DOSPERT) was used to measure self-assessed risk attitudes as well as reward and punishment sensitivities. In addition, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS11) was included to quantify impulsiveness. To obtain measures of frontal theta asymmetry and frontal theta power, we used magnetoencephalography (MEG) acquired prior to task completion, while participants were at rest. Frontal theta asymmetry correlated with average risk taking during the game but only in the female sample. By contrast, frontal theta power correlated with risk taking as well as with measures of reward and punishment sensitivity in the joint sample. Importantly, we showed that reward sensitivity mediated a correlation between risk taking and the power of theta oscillations localized to the anterior cingulate cortex. In addition, we observed significant sex differences in source- and sensor-space theta power, risk taking during the game, and reward sensitivity. Our findings suggest that sensitivity to rewards, associated with resting-state theta oscillations in the anterior cingulate cortex, is a trait that potentially contributes to sex differences in risk taking.
macroH2A2 shapes chromatin accessibility at enhancer elements in glioblastoma to modulate a targetable self-renewal epigenetic network
Authors: Nikolic Ana , Bobyn Anna , Maule Francesca , Ellestad Katrina , Lun Xueqing , Johnston Michael , Gafuik Christopher J , Zemp Franz J , Paik Seungil , Ninkovic Nicoletta , Marhon Sajid A , Mehdipour Parinaz , Shen Yaoqing , Berger N. Daniel , Brownsey Duncan K , Dirks Peter B , Derksen Darren J , Jones Steven JM , de Carvalho Daniel , Senger Donna L , Chan Jennifer A , Mahoney Douglas J , Gallo Marco 
Published: February 2021

SUMMARYSelf-renewal is a crucial property of glioblastoma cells and is enabled by the choreographed function of chromatin regulators and transcription factors. Identifying targetable epigenetic mechanisms of self-renewal could represent an important step toward developing new and effective treatments for this universally lethal cancer. Here we uncover a targetable epigenetic axis of self-renewal mediated by the histone variant macroH2A2. Using patient-derivedin vitroandin vivomodels, we show that macroH2A2 has a direct role in shaping chromatin accessibility at enhancer elements to antagonize transcriptional programs of self-renewal. Pharmaceutical inhibition of the chromatin remodeler Menin increased macroH2A2 levels and repressed self- renewal. Our results reveal a targetable epigenetic mechanism of self-renewal controlled by macroH2A2 and suggest new treatment approaches for glioblastoma patients.SIGNIFICANCEGlioblastoma is an incurable brain cancer. Malignant self-renewing cells have been shown to drive tumor growth, to be refractory to current treatment approaches and to seed relapses, which ultimately prove lethal. Identifying new and targetable mechanisms associated with self-renewal could be a fundamental first step in designing effective therapies that slow or prevent glioblastoma relapses. Using patient-derived models of glioblastoma, we deployed epigenomic approaches and functional assays to define the role of the histone variant macroH2A2 in repressing self-renewal. We identified compounds that increase macroH2A2 levels and repress self-renewal, including a Menin inhibitor. As Menin inhibitors are being tested in clinical trials, these compounds could be used in new therapeutic paradigms to target self-renewing cell populations in glioblastoma.
SARS-CoV-2 causes brain inflammation and induces Lewy body formation in macaques
Authors: Philippens Ingrid H.C.H.M. , Böszörményi Kinga P. , Wubben Jacqueline A. , Fagrouch Zahra C. , van Driel Nikki , Mayenburg Amber Q. , Lozovagia Diana , Roos Eva , Schurink Bernadette , Bugiani Marianna , Bontrop Ronald E. , Middeldorp Jinte , Bogers Willy M. , de Geus-Oei Lioe-Fee , Langermans Jan A.M. , Stammes Marieke A. , Verstrepen Babs E. , Verschoor Ernst J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 may cause acute respiratory disease, but the infection can also initiate neurological symptoms. Here we show that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes brain inflammation in the macaque model. An increased metabolic activity in the pituitary gland of two macaques was observed by longitudinal positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT). Post-mortem analysis demonstrated infiltration of T-cells and activated microglia in the brain, and viral RNA was detected in brain tissues from one animal. We observed Lewy bodies in brains of all rhesus macaques. These data emphasize the virus’ capability to induce neuropathology in this nonhuman primate model for SARS-CoV-2 infection. As in humans, Lewy body formation is an indication for the development of Parkinson’s disease, this data represents a warning for potential long-term neurological effects after SARS-CoV-2 infection.TeaserSARS-CoV-2 causes brain inflammation and Lewy bodies, a hallmark for Parkinson, after an asymptomatic infection in macaques.
A Cambodian smallholder farmer's choice between microfinance institutes and informal commercial moneylenders: the role of risk attitude
Authors: Possner Annkathrin , Bruns Selina , Musshoff Oliver 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which individual risk attitude determines a Cambodian smallholder's choice between a commercial informal loan and a credit from a licensed microfinance institution.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyzes a sample of smallholder farmers in the Ratanakiri province in northeastern Cambodia, a country with a long history of microfinance and a saturated microcredit market. Employing a binary and a multinomial logit model, this paper assesses the effect of individual risk attitude on the choice of a financial instrument.FindingsThe results reveal a statistically significant relationship between the choice of a credit source and an individual's risk attitude: On average (c.p.) the less risk averse the smallholder is, the more they tend to prefer an unlicensed commercial lender.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that less risk-averse individuals tend to take up riskier and generally more expensive informal loans. Measures to increase the safe access to financial services for less risk-averse borrowers as well as improvements in financial literacy should be undertaken to protect smallholders from taking risky choices.Originality/valueAlthough existing studies have examined the importance of risk attitudes between credit provider and borrower, they focus mainly on the lender's perspective. This paper provides new insights on how risk attitude influences the borrower's choice in Cambodia. Thus, this study is relevant for policymakers in countries with oversaturated microcredit markets and a high prevalence of informal lenders.
Strategic framework for implementing smart devices in the construction industry
Authors: Silverio-Fernández Manuel Alexander , Renukappa Suresh , Suresh Subashini 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
The decentralisation of information and high rate of mobile content access in the construction industry provide an ideal scenario for improvement of processes via the implementation of the paradigm of the Internet of Things (IoT). Smart devices are considered as the objects interconnected in the IoT; therefore, they play a fundamental role in the digital transformation of the construction industry. Currently, there is a lack of guidelines regarding the implementation of smart devices for digitalisation in the construction industry. Consequently, this paper aims to provide a set of guidelines for implementing smart devices in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach
An empirical study was performed in the UK and the Dominican Republic (DR). Following a systematic approach, qualitative data collection and analysis was performed based on semi-structured interviews involving professionals from construction companies in the UK and the DR. Interviews were recorded and subsequently transcribed using Microsoft Word and exported to the software NVivo, where the software was used to find common thematic nodes across all interviews.

Findings
The findings encompass drivers, challenges and critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing smart devices in construction project. For both countries, the top five CSFs were leadership, staff training, culture, technology awareness and cost of implementation. These findings were used to develop a strategic framework for implementing smart devices in construction companies. The framework establishes the actors, elements and actions to be considered by construction companies when implementing smart devices.

Originality/value
This paper provides a richer insight into the understanding and awareness of implementing smart devices. A strategic framework for implementing smart devices in the construction industry and providing guidelines for adopting smart devices in construction projects was developed and validated. This study provides a better understanding of the key factors to be considered by construction companies when embedding smart devices into their projects.
“Recruiting the right research associate for case research center”
Authors: Najam Sonia , Solangi Rukhman , Umrani Waheed Ali , Rajput Sheraz Mustafa 
Published: February 2021

Learning outcomes
After practicing the case students will be able to; understand the importance of recruiting the right person in retaining employees. Understand the underlying causes of employees’ turnover. Formulate retention strategies.

Case overview/synopsis
The case presents the situation of high turnover in Case Research Center (CRC), Sukkur IBA University. The protagonist, Dr. Waheed Ali Umrani, Head CRC was concerned about the retention of Research Associates in the CRC. The case also highlights the reasons for the turnover of early-career female research associates in an academic setup of Sukkur IBA University. This case will involve students to critically think and come up with retention strategies and measures that recruiters, in this case, should consider before and after the selection of Research Associates.

Complexity academic level
Graduate.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 6: Human Resource Management.
Student loan debt and first-time home buying in USA
Authors: Scott III Robert H. , Bloom Steven 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the relationship between student loan debt and first-time home buying among college graduates aged 23 to 40 years old in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors use the Federal Reserve’s 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances data on American households to present descriptive statistics and run logistic regressions that measure the effects of student loan debt on first-time home buying. The authors also present original survey data of mortgage lenders that provides an industry-level perspective.

Findings
The authors find that having student loan debt does not by itself prohibit first-time home buyers. On the contrary, having student loan debt increases the likelihood of homeownership by 15.1%. People with student loan debt, however, buy homes that are 39.2% less expensive and have 58% less home equity compared to first-time home buyers without student loans. In addition, it is found that the amount of student loan debt is important. People with student loan debt above the median amount among people with student loan debt ($35,000) are 27% less likely to be first-time home buyers.

Practical implications
This paper provides public policy analysts and other researchers a different perspective on the correlation between student loan debt and home buying. This study focuses narrowly on first-time home buyers who are college graduates between 23 and 40 years. Thus, capturing the youngest cohort of first-time home buyers and examine the primary factors that influence their home buying decisions.

Originality/value
First-time homebuyers are historically the largest segment of home buyers making them an important subcategory to study. The rise in student loan debt is posited to explain declining homeownership among younger people. The current literature on student loan debt and home buying often studies samples that are too heterogeneous resulting in mixed findings. This paper adds to the existing literature by filtering the sample to study the effects of student loan debt and first-time home buying among people with at least a college degree who are between 23 and 40 years.