bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Business as usual? Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to research, development and innovation (RDI) activities of universities of applied sciences
Authors: Salomaa Maria , Caputo Andrea 
Published: November 2021

AbstractUniversities of applied sciences (UAS) have a strong mandate to carry out research, development and innovation (RDI) activities in collaboration with local stakeholders. Geographical proximity is one of the key factors for the creation and success of RDI activities because of the positive balance between costs and benefits of local knowledge transfer, but they also depend on the networks of individual staff members. This paper aims to explore how maintaining and developing purpose-built and individual RDI partnerships during the COVID-19 pandemic has been managed. An enhanced conceptual framework for assessing contextual dimensions of the RDI activities beyond academic entrepreneurship as business ventures has been developed. The paper focuses on a single case study drawing on semi-structured research interviews investigating how the swap to remote working have affected RDI activities at Tampere University of Applied Sciences, one of the biggest UAS in Finland with intense regional linkages. The contribution of the study is twofold; firstly, the paper introduces an expanded theoretical approach for assessing the external and internal factors having an impact on the RDI activities beyond academic entrepreneurship. Secondly, by testing the proposed framework, it shares insights and good practices derived from empirical evidence, namely binary data and semi-structured interviews revealing experiences of RDI personnel and project managers involved with different phases of RDI process, for optimising high-quality innovation support, knowledge transfer activities and co-creation of new knowledge in exceptional circumstances.
The Permian–Triassic boundary section at Baghuk Mountain, Central Iran: carbonate microfacies and depositional environment
Authors: Heuer Franziska , Leda Lucyna , Moradi-Salimi Hemen , Gliwa Jana , Hairapetian Vachik , Korn Dieter 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSections at Baghuk Mountain, 45 km NNW of Abadeh (Central Iran), have excellent exposures of fossiliferous marine Late Permian to Early Triassic sedimentary successions. Detailed bed-by-bed sampling enables the analysis of microfacies changes of three successive rock units across the Permian–Triassic boundary. The Late Permian Hambast Formation is mainly the result of biogenic carbonate production. Its carbonate microfacies is dominated by biogen-rich and bioturbated nodular limestones, indicating a well-oxygenated aphotic to dysphotic environment. The biogen-dominated carbonate factory in the Permian ceased simultaneously with the main mass extinction pulse, which is marked by a sharp contact between the Hambast-Formation and the overlaying Baghuk Member (= ‘Boundary Clay’). The clay and silt deposits of the Baghuk Member with some carbonate beds show only a few signs of bioturbation or relics of benthic communities. The Early Triassic Claraia Beds are characterised by a partly microbially induced carbonate production, which is indicated by frequent microbialite structures. The depositional environment does not provide evidence of large amplitude changes of sea level or subaerial exposure during the Permian–Triassic boundary interval. The deposition of the Baghuk Mountain sediments took place in a deep shelf environment, most of the time below the storm wave base.
Using nanotechnology to deliver biomolecules from nose to brain — peptides, proteins, monoclonal antibodies and RNA
Authors: Borrajo Mireya L. , Alonso María José 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThere is a growing number of biomolecules, including peptides, proteins, monoclonal antibodies and RNA, that could be potentially used for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. However, the realization of their potential is being hampered by the extraordinary difficulties these complex biomolecules have to reach the brain in therapeutically meaningful amounts. Nose-to-brain (N-to-B) delivery is now being investigated as a potential option for the direct transport of biomolecules from the nasal cavity to different brain areas. Here, we discuss how different technological approaches enhance this N-to-B transport, with emphasis on those that have shown a potential for clinical translation. We also analyse how the physicochemical properties of nanocarriers and their modification with cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) and targeting ligands affect their efficacy as N-to-B carriers for biomolecules.
Graphical abstract
Tolerability, course and follow-up of specific immunotherapy using a modified ultra-rush procedure in children and adolescents with insect venom allergy
Authors: Steiß Jens-Oliver , Weber Conrad , Becker Max 
Published: November 2021

Summary
Background
Specific immunotherapy with insect venom (hymenoptera venom (HG)-AIT) is an effective and the only causal treatment for patients with systemic reactions due to IgE-mediated insect venom allergy. The present study investigated the quality of care after bee and wasp venom allergy, the tolerability of modified ultra-rush immunotherapy and the course after the conclusion of maintenance therapy in children and adolescents. Studies on the quality of life of children with insect venom allergy are scarce.

Methods
The efficacy, safety and tolerability of an ultra-rush protocol was analysed in 114 patients aged 4–17 years with insect venom allergy. After the end of HG-AIT, patients were contacted by questionnaire and asked to report on the quality of care as well as the course of insect venom allergy, including accidental stinging events. Quality of life was validated using the established questionnaire VQLQ‑d (Vespid Quality of Life Questionnaire), which is also used for bee venom allergy patients.

Results
Discontinuation of the initial therapy was not necessary in any patient. Side effects were mostly mild and did not require treatment. In 16 patients, a new sting reaction occurred during maintenance therapy, in another 15 patients a sting event was documented after cessation of HG-AIT. The intensity of the reaction to the accidental insect bite according to the severity classification after Ring and Messmer decreased from an average of 2.3 to 0.9 in these patients. This corresponds to a decrease of 61%. An emergency kit was carried by 70% of the patients, the expiry date of which, however, had already passed in almost 40% of the respondents. After the end of the therapy, most patients were not under any medical care or had never been to a check-up (92%). The evaluation of the VQLQ‑d showed a medium to low level of stress during or after therapy.

Discussion
Ultra-rush AIT in childhood and adolescence is safe, tolerable and effective. HG-AIT has a lasting positive effect on the health-related quality of life of patients. However, after the end of HG-AIT, there are deficits in the follow-up and care of the patients.
What role for regional organizations in goal-setting global governance? An analysis of the role of the European Union and ASEAN in the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Marx Axel , Pertiwi Sukmawani Bela , Depoorter Charline , Hoornick Michiel , Mursitama Tirta Nugraha , Otteburn Kari , Arnakim Lili Yulyadi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis paper analyzes the current role of regional organizations in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We construct a conceptual model and distinguish four potential roles that regional organizations can play in the implementation of the SDGs: the translating role, supporting role, coordinating role and monitoring role. We apply this framework to the European Union and ASEAN. The case studies are analyzed on the basis of document analysis from primary and secondary sources, voluntary national reviews and interviews. We show that regional organizations play different roles in the implementation of the SDGs.
Beyond dueling: roles of the type VI secretion system in microbiome modulation, pathogenesis and stress resistance
Authors: Lin Jinshui , Xu Lei , Yang Jianshe , Wang Zhuo , Shen Xihui 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBacteria inhabit diverse and dynamic environments, where nutrients may be limited and toxic chemicals can be prevalent. To adapt to these stressful conditions, bacteria have evolved specialized protein secretion systems, such as the type VI secretion system (T6SS) to facilitate their survival. As a molecular syringe, the T6SS expels various effectors into neighboring bacterial cells, eukaryotic cells, or the extracellular environment. These effectors improve the competitive fitness and environmental adaption of bacterial cells. Although primarily recognized as antibacterial weapons, recent studies have demonstrated that T6SSs have functions beyond interspecies competition. Here, we summarize recent research on the role of T6SSs in microbiome modulation, pathogenesis, and stress resistance.
‘Stretched But Not Snapped’: A Response to Russell and Serban on Retiring the ‘Westminster Model’
Authors: Flinders Matthew , Judge David , Rhodes R.A.W. , Vatter Adrian 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis article engages with Meg Russell and Ruxandra Serban's (2021) argument that the Westminster model is ‘a concept stretched beyond repair’ that deserves ‘to be retired’. We examine the logic, theory and methods that led to such a powerful, potent and provocative argument. We suggest their approach may have inadvertently ‘muddied’ an already muddled concept. We assess the implications of ‘muddying’ for their conclusion that the Westminster model is, in essence, a dead concept in need of a decent funeral. We suggest the concept is ‘stretched but not snapped’ by developing a simple four-perspective broadening of the analytical lens. This approach aids understanding about what the concept covers, how it is operationalized and why it remains useful in comparative research.
Why it Is Indeed Time for the Westminster Model to Be Retired from Comparative Politics
Authors: Russell Meg , Serban Ruxandra 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe term ‘Westminster model’ is frequently used by political scientists and practitioners. But our recent examination (Russell and Serban 2021), published in this journal, uncovered wide variation in how it is defined – demonstrating that it is more ‘muddle’ than ‘model’. This sparked a response article from Flinders et al. (2021), which we in turn respond to in this piece. We briefly revisit our initial research questions, methodology and findings, before reflecting on their analysis. We emphasize that, notwithstanding the critics’ negative tone, we and they agree on certain fundamentals. In particular on our original central point, that the ‘Westminster model’ is an ill-defined term with a long history, which mostly makes it unsuited to positivist comparative political science research. While the ‘Westminster model’ may have some valid vestigial uses, within the UK political system, or as an object of study for interpretivist political science, it does not provide a rigorous basis for case selection and comparative political science analysis.
A modified Meditation: exploring a grounding modal ontological argument
Authors: Kearns Stephen 
Published: November 2021

AbstractI present an argument for God's existence based on the idea that the possibility of God requires the existence of God as a ground. After setting this argument out, I compare it to other arguments for God, concentrating on an argument from Descartes's Third Meditation. I then address various objections and conclude by setting out a non-theistic version of the argument.
Neurobiology of subtypes of trichotillomania and skin picking disorder
Authors: Grant Jon E. , Bethlehem Richard A. I. , Chamberlain Samuel R. , Peris Tara S. , Ricketts Emily J. , O’Neill Joseph , Dougherty Darin D. , Stein Dan , Lochner Christine , Woods Douglas W. , Piacentini John , Keuthen Nancy J. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundTrichotillomania (TTM) and skin picking disorder (SPD) are common and often debilitating mental health conditions, grouped under the umbrella term of body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). Recent clinical subtyping found that there were three distinct subtypes of TTM and two of SPD. Whether these clinical subtypes map on to any unique neurobiological underpinnings, however, remains unknown.MethodsTwo hundred and fifty one adults [193 with a BFRB (85.5% [n = 165] female) and 58 healthy controls (77.6% [n = 45] female)] were recruited from the community for a multicenter between-group comparison using structural neuroimaging. Differences in whole brain structure were compared across the subtypes of BFRBs, controlling for age, sex, scanning site, and intracranial volume.ResultsWhen the subtypes of TTM were compared, low awareness hair pullers demonstrated increased cortical volume in the lateral occipital lobe relative to controls and sensory sensitive pullers. In addition, impulsive/perfectionist hair pullers showed relative decreased volume near the lingual gyrus of the inferior occipital–parietal lobe compared with controls.ConclusionsThese data indicate that the anatomical substrates of particular forms of BFRBs are dissociable, which may have implications for understanding clinical presentations and treatment response.
Fasting promotes acute hypoxic adaptation by suppressing mTOR-mediated pathways
Authors: Zhao Ruzhou , Zhao Xingcheng , Wang Xiaobo , Liu Yanqi , Yang Jie , Jiang Shuai , Zhou Xiang , Jiao Bo , Zhang Lin , Liu Yong , Yu Zhibin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractRapid adaptation to a hypoxic environment is an unanswered question that we are committed to exploring. At present, there is no suitable strategy to achieve rapid hypoxic adaptation. Here, we demonstrate that fasting preconditioning for 72 h reduces tissue injuries and maintains cardiac function, consequently significantly improving the survival rates of rats under extreme hypoxia, and this strategy can be used for rapid hypoxic adaptation. Mechanistically, fasting reduces blood glucose and further suppresses tissue mTOR activity. On the one hand, fasting-induced mTOR inhibition reduces unnecessary ATP consumption and increases ATP reserves under acute hypoxia as a result of decreased protein synthesis and lipogenesis; on the other hand, fasting-induced mTOR inhibition improves mitochondrial oxygen utilization efficiency to ensure ATP production under acute hypoxia, which is due to the significant decrease in ROS generation induced by enhanced mitophagy. Our findings highlight the important role of mTOR in acute hypoxic adaptation, and targeted regulation of mTOR could be a new strategy to improve acute hypoxic tolerance in the body.
Change of gait after unilateral vestibular neuritis: a prospective longitudinal observation study
Authors: Chae Sung-won , Song Jae-Jun , Kim Woo-Sub 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAlthough symptoms of unilateral vestibular neuritis (uVN) resolve spontaneously within several weeks, recovery of gait function has unclearness in gait parameter changes and mediolateral stability improvements. In addition, prospective longitudinal studies on gait parameters after uVN are lacking. This study was conducted to reveal longitudinal change of gait function after acute uVN and to help the precise rehabilitation planning. Twenty three participants with uVN and 20 controls were included. 3D gait analyses were conducted three times after uVN onset at monthly intervals. From the gait analysis data, spatio-temporal parameters, inclination angle (IA) representing the relationship between center of mass (CoM) and center of pressure (CoP) in the frontal plane, and IA variability were obtained. Time effects on gait metrics were tested. Walking speed of participants with uVN improved significantly between the 1st and 3rd tests, but they were not significantly different to that of control, even in the 1st test. The step width of participants with uVN was significantly larger than that of control in the 1st test and improved significantly in the 2nd test. Variability of IA in affected side was significantly larger than that in controls in the 1st test and improved significantly in the 3rd test compared to the 1st test. Improvement of overall gait function and mediolateral stability during gait continued after acute stage of uVN (two months from onset in this study). Rehabilitation intervention should be continued after the acute stage of uVN to enhance appropriate adaptation in gait.
Predicting spring migration of two European amphibian species with plant phenology using citizen science data
Authors: Peer Maria , Dörler Daniel , Zaller Johann G. , Scheifinger Helfried , Schweiger Silke , Laaha Gregor , Neuwirth Gernot , Hübner Thomas , Heigl Florian 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHabitat fragmentation is one of the drivers for amphibian population declines globally. Especially in industrialized countries roads disrupt the seasonal migration of amphibians between hibernation and reproduction sites, often ending in roadkills. Thus, a timely installing of temporary mitigation measures is important for amphibian conservation. We wanted to find out if plant phenology can be a proxy in advance to determine the start of amphibian migration, since both phenomena are triggered by temperature. We analysed data of 3751 amphibian and 7818 plant phenology observations from citizen science projects in Austria between 2000 and 2018. Using robust regression modelling we compared the migration of common toads (Bufo bufo) and common frogs (Rana temporaria) with the phenology of five tree, one shrub, and one herb species. Results showed close associations between the migration of common frogs and phenological phases of European larch, goat willow and apricot. Models based on goat willow predict migration of common frog to occur 21 days after flowering, when flowering was observed on 60th day of year; apricot based models predict migration to occur 1 day after flowering, observed on the 75th day of year. Common toads showed weaker associations with plant phenology than common frogs. Our findings suggest that plant phenology can be used to determine the onset of temporary mitigation measures for certain amphibian species to prevent roadkills.
RNASeq analysis of drought-stressed guayule reveals the role of gene transcription for modulating rubber, resin, and carbohydrate synthesis
Authors: Dong Chen , Ponciano Grisel , Huo Naxin , Gu Yong , Ilut Daniel , McMahan Colleen 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The drought-adapted shrub guayule (Parthenium argentatum) produces rubber, a natural product of major commercial importance, and two co-products with potential industrial use: terpene resin and the carbohydrate fructan. The rubber content of guayule plants subjected to water stress is higher compared to that of well-irrigated plants, a fact consistently reported in guayule field evaluations. To better understand how drought influences rubber biosynthesis at the molecular level, a comprehensive transcriptome database was built from drought-stressed guayule stem tissues using de novo RNA-seq and genome-guided assembly, followed by annotation and expression analysis. Despite having higher rubber content, most rubber biosynthesis related genes were down-regulated in drought-stressed guayule, compared to well-irrigated plants, suggesting post-transcriptional effects may regulate drought-induced rubber accumulation. On the other hand, terpene resin biosynthesis genes were unevenly affected by water stress, implying unique environmental influences over transcriptional control of different terpene compounds or classes. Finally, drought induced expression of fructan catabolism genes in guayule and significantly suppressed these fructan biosynthesis genes. It appears then, that in guayule cultivation, irrigation levels might be calibrated in such a regime to enable tunable accumulation of rubber, resin and fructan.
Direct association between rainfall and non-typhoidal Salmonella bloodstream infections in hospital-admitted children in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Tack Bieke , Vita Daniel , Phoba Marie-France , Mbuyi-Kalonji Lisette , Hardy Liselotte , Barbé Barbara , Jacobs Jan , Lunguya Octavie , Jacobs Liesbet 
Published: November 2021

AbstractNon-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) ranks first among causes of bloodstream infection in children under five years old in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has a case fatality rate of 15%. Main host-associated risk factors are Plasmodium falciparum malaria, anemia and malnutrition. NTS transmission in sub-Saharan Africa is poorly understood. NTS bloodstream infections mostly occur during the rainy season, which may reflect seasonal variation in either environmental transmission or host susceptibility. We hypothesized that environment- and host-associated factors contribute independently to the seasonal variation in NTS bloodstream infections in children under five years old admitted to Kisantu referral hospital in 2013–2019. We used remotely sensed rainfall and temperature data as proxies for environmental factors and hospital data for host-associated factors. We used principal component analysis to disentangle the interrelated environment- and host-associated factors. With timeseries regression, we demonstrated a direct association between rainfall and NTS variation, independent of host-associated factors. While the latter explained 17.5% of NTS variation, rainfall explained an additional 9%. The direct association with rainfall points to environmental NTS transmission, which should be explored by environmental sampling studies. Environmental and climate change may increase NTS transmission directly or via host susceptibility, which highlights the importance of preventive public health interventions.
Lead optimization of novel quinolone chalcone compounds by a structure–activity relationship (SAR) study to increase efficacy and metabolic stability
Authors: Knockleby James , Djigo Aïcha Dede , Lindamulage Indeewari Kalhari , Karthikeyan Chandrabose , Trivedi Piyush , Lee Hoyun 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMany agents targeting the colchicine binding site in tubulin have been developed as potential anticancer agents. However, none has successfully made it to the clinic, due mainly to dose limiting toxicities and the emergence of multi-drug resistance. Chalcones targeting tubulin have been proposed as a safe and effective alternative. We have shown previously that quinolone chalcones target tubulin and maintain potent anti-proliferative activity vis-à-vis colchicine, while also having high tolerability and low toxicity in mouse models of cancer and refractivity to multi-drug resistance mechanisms. To identify the most effective anticancer chalcone compound, we synthesized 17 quinolone–chalcone derivatives based on our previously published CTR-17 and CTR-20, and then carried out a structure–activity relationship study. We identified two compounds, CTR-21 [((E)-8-Methoxy-3-(3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxoprop-1-enyl) quinolin-2(1H)-one)] and CTR-32 [((E)-3-(3-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-3-oxoprop-1-enyl) quinolin-2(1H)-one)] as potential leads, which contain independent moieties that play a significant role in their enhanced activities. At the nM range, CTR-21 and CTR-32 effectively kill a panel of different cancer cells originated from a variety of different tissues including breast and skin. Both compounds also effectively kill multi-drug resistant cancer cells. Most importantly, CTR-21 and CTR-32 show a high degree of selectivity against cancer cells. In silico, both of them dock near the colchicine-binding site with similar energies. Whereas both CTR-21 and CTR-32 effectively prevents tubulin polymerization, leading to the cell cycle arrest at G2/M, CTR-21 has more favorable metabolic properties. Perhaps not surprisingly, the combination of CTR-21 and ABT-737, a Bcl-2 inhibitor, showed synergistic effect in killing cancer cells, since we previously found the “parental” CTR-20 also exhibited synergism. Taken together, CTR-21 can potentially be a highly effective and relatively safe anticancer drug.