bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A phase-shifting anterior-posterior network organizes global phase relations
Authors: Menceloglu Melisa , Grabowecky Marcia , Suzuki Satoru 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPrior research has identified a variety of task-dependent networks that form through inter-regional phase-locking of oscillatory activity that are neural correlates of specific behaviors. Despite ample knowledge of task-specific functional networks, general rules governing global phase relations have not been investigated. To discover such general rules, we focused on phase modularity, measured as the degree to which global phase relations in EEG comprised distinct synchronized clusters interacting with one another at large phase lags. Synchronized clusters were detected with a standard community-detection algorithm, and the degree of phase modularity was quantified by the indexq. Notably, we found that the mechanism controlling phase modularity is remarkably simple. A network comprising anterior-posterior long-distance connectivity coherently shifted phase relations from low-angles (|Δθ| < π/4) in low-modularity states (bottom 5% inq) to high-angles (|Δθ| > 3π/4) in high-modularity states (top 5% inq), accounting for fluctuations in phase modularity. This anterior-posterior network may play a fundamental functional role as (1) it controls phase modularity across a broad range of frequencies (3-50 Hz examined) in different behavioral conditions (resting with the eyes closed or watching a silent nature video) and (2) neural interactions (measured as power correlations) in beta-to-gamma bands were consistently elevated in high-modularity states. These results may motivate future investigations into the functional roles of phase modularity as well as the anterior-posterior network that controls it.
Minimal observed impact of HLA genotype on hospitalization and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Nguyen Austin , Yusufali Tasneem , Hollenbach Jill A. , Nellore Abhinav , Thompson Reid F. 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTHLA is a critical component of the viral antigen presentation pathway. We investigated the relationship between severity of SARS-CoV-2 disease and HLA type in 3,235 individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. We found only the DPB1 locus to be associated with the binary outcome of whether an individual developed any COVID-19 symptoms. The number of peptides predicted to bind to an HLA allele had no significant relationship with disease severity both when stratifying individuals by ancestry or age and in a pooled analysis. Age, BMI, asthma status, and autoimmune disorder status were predictive of severity across multiple age and individual ancestry stratificiations. Overall, at the population level, we found HLA type is significantly less predictive of COVID-19 disease severity than certain demographic factors and clinical comorbidities.
An enzyme-based system for the extraction of small extracellular vesicles from plants
Authors: Zhao Qing , Liu Guilong , Xie Manlin , Zou Yanfang , Guo Zhaodi , Liu Fubin , Dong Jiaming , Ye Jiali , Cao Yue , Sun Ge , Zheng Lei , Zhao Kewei 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTPlant-derived nanovesicles (NVs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are considered to be the next generation of nanocarrier platforms for biotherapeutics and drug delivery. However, EVs exist not only in the extracellular space, but also within the cell wall. Due to the limitation of isolation methods, the extraction efficiency is low, resulting in the waste of a large number of plants, especially rare and expensive medicinal plants.There are few studies comparing EVs and NVs. To overcome these challenges, we proposed and validated a novel method for the isolation of plant EVs by degrading the plant cell wall with enzymes to release the EVs in the cell wall, making it easier for EVs to break the cell wall barrier and be collected. We extracted EVs from the roots of Morinda officinalis by enzymatic degradation(MOEVs) and nanoparticles by grinding method (MONVs) as a comparison group. The results showed smaller diameter and higher yield of MOEVs.Both MOEVs and MONVs were readily absorbed by endothelial cells without cytotoxicity and promoted the expression of miR-155. The difference is that the promotion of miR-155 by MOEVs is dose-effective. More importantly, MOEVs and MONVs are naturally characterized by bone enrichment. These results support that EVs in plants can be efficiently extracted by enzymatic cell wall digestion and also confirm the potential of MOEVs as therapeutic agents and drug carriers.
Spherical harmonic based noise rejection and neuronal sampling with multi-axis OPMs
Authors: Tierney Tim M , Mellor Stephanie , O’Neill George C , Timms Ryan C , Barnes Gareth R 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn this study we explore the interference rejection and spatial sampling properties of multi-axis Optically Pumped Magnetometer (OPM) data. We use both vector spherical harmonics and eigenspectra to quantify how well an array can separate neuronal signal from environmental interference while adequately sampling the entire cortex. We found that triaxial OPMs have superb noise rejection properties allowing for very high orders of interference (L=6) to be accounted for while minimally affecting the neural space (2dB attenuation for a 60-sensor triaxial system). To adequately model the signals arising from the cortex, we show that at least 11th order (143 spatial degrees of freedom) irregular solid harmonics or 95 eigenvectors of the lead field are needed to model the neural space for OPM data (regardless of number of axes measured). This can be adequately sampled with 75-100 equidistant triaxial sensors (225-300 channels) or 200 equidistant radial channels. In other words, ordering the same number of channels in triaxial (rather than purely radial) configuration gives significant advantages not only in terms of external noise rejection but also minimizes cost, weight and cross-talk.
Copper Acts Synergistically with Fluconazole in Candida glabrata by Compromising Drug Efflux, Sterol Metabolism, and Zinc Homeostasis
Authors: Gaspar-Cordeiro Ana , Amaral Catarina , Pobre Vânia , Antunes Wilson , Petronilho Ana , Paixão Paulo , P. Matos António , Pimentel Catarina 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe synergistic combinations of drugs are promising strategies to boost the effectiveness of current antifungals and thus prevent the emergence of resistance.In this work, we show that copper and the antifungal fluconazole act synergistically against Candida glabrata, an opportunistic pathogenic yeast intrinsically tolerant to fluconazole.Analyses of the transcriptomic profile of C. glabrata after the combination of copper and fluconazole showed that the expression of the multidrug transporter gene CDR1 was decreased, suggesting that fluconazole efflux could be affected. In agreement, we observed that copper inhibits the transactivation of Pdr1, the transcription regulator of multidrug transporters and leads to the intracellular accumulation of fluconazole. Copper also decreases the transcriptional induction of ergosterol biosynthesis (ERG) genes by fluconazole, which culminates in the accumulation of toxic sterols. Co-treatment of cells with copper and fluconazole should affect the function of proteins located in the plasma membrane, as several ultrastructural alterations, including irregular cell wall and plasma membrane and loss of cell wall integrity, were observed. Finally, we show that the combination of copper and fluconazole downregulates the expression of the gene encoding the zinc-responsive transcription regulator Zap1, which possibly, together with the membrane transporters malfunction, generates zinc depletion. Supplementation with zinc reverts the toxic effect of combining copper with fluconazole, underscoring the importance of this metal in the observed synergistic effect.Overall, this work, while unveiling the molecular basis that supports the use of copper to enhance the effectiveness of fluconazole, paves the way for the development of new metal-based antifungal strategies.
Identifying control ensembles for information processing within the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamic circuit
Authors: Vich Catalina , Clapp Matthew , Verstynen Timothy , Rubin Jonathan E. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn situations featuring uncertainty about action-reward contingencies, mammals exhibit a high degree of flexibility in adopting strategies for decision-making that are tuned in response to the conditions that they encounter. Although the cortico-basal ganglia thalamic (CBGT) network is implicated in information processing during decisions, it features a complex synaptic architecture, comprised of multiple feed-forward, reciprocal, and feedback pathways, that complicate efforts to elucidate the roles of specific CBGT populations in the process of evidence accumulation. In this paper we apply a strategic sampling approach, based on Latin hypercube sampling, to explore how variations in CBGT network properties, including subpopulation firing rates and synaptic weights, map to variability of parameters in a normative drift diffusion model (DDM), representing algorithmic aspects of information processing during decision-making. Through the application of canonical correlation analysis, we find that this relationship can be characterized in terms of three low-dimensional control ensembles within the CBGT network that impact specific qualities of the emergent decision policy: responsiveness (associated with overall activity in corticothalamic and direct pathways), pliancy (associated largely with overall activity in components of the indirect pathway of the basal ganglia), and choice (associated with differences in direct and indirect pathways across action channels). These analyses provide key mechanistic predictions about the roles of specific CBGT network elements in tuning information processing dynamics during decisions.Author summaryMammals are continuously subjected to uncertain situations in which they have to choose among behavioral options. The cortico-basal ganglia-thalamic (CBGT) circuit is a complicated collection of interconnected nuclei believed to strongly influence the ability to adapt to environmental changes. The roles of specific CBGT components in controlling information during decisions remains unclear. At a more phenomenological, algorithmic level, drift-diffusion models have been shown to be able to reproduce behavioral data (action selection probabilities and the time needed to make a decision) obtained experimentally from mammals and to provide an abstract representation of a decision policy. In this work, we use simulated decision-making to establish a mapping from neural activity in the CBGT circuit to behavioral outcomes. This mapping illuminates the importance of three core sets of CBGT subnetworks in the action selection process and how they are involved in adapting decision policies across exploitative and exploratory situations.
Molecular insights into antibody-mediated protection against the prototypic simian immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Zhao Fangzhu , Berndsen Zachary T. , Pedreño-Lopez Nuria , Burns Alison , Allen Joel D. , Barman Shawn , Lee Wen-Hsin , Chakraborty Srirupa , Gnanakaran Sandrasegaram , Sewall Leigh M. , Ozorowski Gabriel , Limbo Oliver , Song Ge , Yong Peter , Callaghan Sean , Weisgrau Kim L. , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Nedellec Rebecca , Voigt Thomas B , Laurino Fernanda , Louw Johan , Rosen Brandon C. , Ricciardi Michael , Crispin Max , Desrosiers Ronald C. , Rakasz Eva G. , Watkins David I. , Andrabi Raiees , Ward Andrew B. , Burton Dennis R. , Sok Devin 
Published: December 2021

SUMMARYSIVmac239 infection of macaques is a favored model of human HIV infection. However, the SIVmac239 envelope (Env) trimer structure, glycan occupancy, and the targets and ability of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) to protect against SIVmac239 remain unknown. Here, we report the isolation of SIVmac239 nAbs that recognize a glycan hole and the V1/V4 loop. A high-resolution structure of a SIVmac239 Env trimer-nAb complex shows many similarities to HIV and SIVcpz Envs, but with distinct V4 features and an extended V1 loop. Moreover, SIVmac239 Env has a higher glycan shield density than HIV Env that may contribute to poor or delayed nAb responses in SIVmac239-infected macaques. Passive transfer of a nAb protects macaques from repeated low dose intraveneous SIVmac239 challenge at serum titers comparable to those described for protection of humans against HIV infection. Our results provide structural insights for vaccine design and shed light on antibody-mediated protection in the SIV model.
Circulating neurofilament light chain as a promising biomarker of AAV-induced dorsal root ganglia toxicity in nonclinical toxicology species
Authors: Fader Kelly A. , Pardo Ingrid D. , Kovi Ramesh C. , Somps Christopher J. , Wang Helen Hong , Vaidya Vishal S. , Ramaiah Shashi K. , Sirivelu Madhu P. 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTAdeno-associated virus (AAV)-induced dorsal root ganglia (DRG) toxicity has been observed in several nonclinical species, where lesions are characterized by neuronal degeneration/necrosis, nerve fiber degeneration, and mononuclear cell infiltration. As AAV vectors become an increasingly common platform for novel therapeutics, non-invasive biomarkers are needed to better characterize and manage the risk of DRG neurotoxicity in both nonclinical and clinical studies. Based on biological relevance, reagent availability, antibody cross-reactivity, DRG protein expression, and assay performance, neurofilament light chain (NF-L) emerged as a promising biomarker candidate. Dose- and time-dependent changes in NF-L were evaluated in male Wistar Han rats and cynomolgus monkeys following intravenous or intrathecal AAV injection, respectively. NF-L profiles were then compared against microscopic DRG lesions on Day 29 post-dosing. In animals exhibiting DRG toxicity, plasma/serum NF-L was strongly associated with the severity of neuronal degeneration/necrosis and nerve fiber degeneration, with elevations beginning as early as Day 8 in rats (≥5×1013 vg/kg) and Day 14 in monkeys (≥3.3×1013 vg/dose). Consistent with the unique positioning of DRGs outside the blood-brain barrier, NF-L in cerebrospinal fluid was only weakly associated with DRG findings. In summary, circulating NF-L is a promising biomarker of AAV-induced DRG toxicity in nonclinical species.
Epilipidomics platform for holistic profiling of oxidized complex lipids in blood plasma of obese individuals
Authors: Criscuolo Angela , Nepachalovich Palina , Garcia-del Rio Diego Fernando , Lange Mike , Ni Zhixu , Blüher Matthias , Fedorova Maria 
Published: December 2021

SummaryLipids are a structurally diverse class of biomolecules which can undergo a variety of chemical modifications. Among them, lipid (per)oxidation attracts most of the attention due to its significance in regulation of inflammation, cell proliferation and death programs. Despite their apparent regulatory significance, the molecular repertoire of oxidized lipids remains largely elusive as accurate annotation of lipid modifications is challenged by their low abundance and largely unknown, biological context-dependent structural diversity. Here we provide a holistic workflow based on the combination of bioinformatics and LC-MS/MS technologies to support identification and relative quantification of oxidized complex lipids in a modification type- and position-specific manner. The developed methodology was used to identify epilipidomics signatures of lean and obese individuals with and without type II diabetes. Characteristic signature of lipid modifications in lean individuals, dominated by the presence of modified octadecanoid acyl chains in phospho- and neutral lipids, was drastically shifted towards lipid peroxidation-driven accumulation of oxidized eicosanoids, suggesting significant alteration of endocrine signalling by oxidized lipids in metabolic disorders.
Investing in the Ugandan dairy sector
Authors: Vidal Jorge Fernandez 
Published: December 2021

Learning outcomes
Industry analysis and market attractiveness: Understand how to analyse an industry, using the dairy sector in Uganda as an example and what makes a market attractive for incumbents or future entrants. Value disciplines: Understand and apply the different value disciplines companies can choose from to achieve market-leading positions. Business integration: Understand some of the key benefits of vertical integration and when it may or may not make sense to integrate. Doing business in Africa: Understand the specific generic challenges of doing business in Africa, particularly in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Generalisability of frameworks: Realise that the same frameworks that are used to analyse large firms and mature markets can be applied to smaller firms in less developed markets.

Case overview/synopsis
The case is set in the early months of 2020, as Bernd Schanzenbächer, founder and managing partner of EBG Capital (a Swiss investment firm that manages a multimillion global portfolio of agricultural investments), and his team are deciding whether to invest in a dairy farm in Uganda. The opportunity looks quite interesting and the EBG Capital team believes there is a good fit between the farm owners’ needs, its management team’s objectives and EBG Capital’s strengths and interests. However, the dairy market in Uganda faces many challenges and, while the market-demand fundamentals appear promising, the team wonders if it is the right time to invest. The issue for EBG Capital is to understand what makes the Ugandan dairy industry so challenging and to determine how to fix or mitigate some of the industry’s most pressing problems – given that it will be the firm’s first investment in the country – as well as for deciding where it makes sense to play in the broad value chain (i.e. only in milk production or also in milk processing).

Complexity academic level
Masters in Business Administration and Executive Education courses.

Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code
CSS 11: Strategy.
Managing religion at work: a necessary distinction between words and deeds. A multiple case study of the postures facing religious expression in French organizations
Authors: Gaillard Hugo 
Published: December 2021

PurposeReligious expression at work (REW) has a unique place in France. The authors studied the perception of the postures of four organizations in the face of this phenomenon, focusing on the gap between official posture and the posture applied by managers.Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative approach, the authors conducted semi-structured interviews (40), observation periods and documentary analysis within four organizations. This multiple embedded case study was undertaken in four different firms in France: an international private firm, a public organization, and two small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with original models of REW management.FindingsA distinction between aligned and non-aligned postures emerged. There was a lack of alignment in only two of the four organizations, and this alignment concerned only two units of analysis: prayer on break and wearing religious symbols. Several extrinsic factors were identified in this lack of alignment between the official posture and the posture actually applied by managers: the form of REW, the religion concerned and whether it had minority status in the country, the degree of clarity of the official posture, the degree of formalization of the official posture, the size and scope of the company, the degree of awareness of managers and their teams, the degree of involvement of leaders in the definition and implementation of the posture, and the purpose of the official posture.Research limitations/implicationsThis research provides a sensitive understanding of religious expression at work and shows that alignment is sought specifically for each form of REW. The distinction between official posture and applied posture is highlighted through the study of perceptions. In addition, this study enables the identification of factors that influence the alignment of official and operational postures.Practical implicationsThese results call for clarity of the official posture and for it to be defended by leaders, provision of meaning to postures by raising awareness among intermediate hierarchical lines, understanding of the applicable legal framework to transpose it to the local level, and analysis of unaligned forms of REW to build a strong, shared posture.Originality/valueThis study, which was carried out within a specific French context, concerns areas that have received little attention or have not been studied at all to date, such as REW in SMEs or in the public sector, and demonstrates for the first time the distinction between official postures and effective postures.
Determinants of smallholders’ adoption of mobile phones for vegetable marketing in Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Hung Gia , Nguyen Duc Van 
Published: December 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine factors that shape the adoption of mobile phones for vegetable marketing by Vietnamese smallholders.

Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire was given to 185 smallholders randomly chosen from 345 vegetable smallholders in the Vinh Thanh district of Vietnam. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and a binary logistic regression were applied to analyse the data.

Findings
The research results show that the smallholders’ adoption of mobile phones for vegetable marketing is significantly affected by their number of extension contacts, distance from smallholders’ homes to local markets, community-based organisation participation, gender, training/credit programme participation, age, education level, income and farm size (χ2 = 143,111, p < 0.000).

Practical implications
A combination of factors related to socio-economic, situational and institutional characteristics of smallholders should be considered when promoting smallholders’ uptake of mobile phones for vegetable marketing in developing nations.

Originality/value
This research provides useful insights into the determinants of mobile phone adoption for vegetable marketing by smallholders and highlights areas that need to be considered when designing policies to improve the uptake of information and communication technologies in developing countries.