bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Indigenous ancestry and admixture in the Uruguayan population
Authors: Spangenberg Lucía , Fariello María Inés , Arce Darío , Illanes Gabriel , Greif Gonzalo , Shin Jong-Yeon , Yoo Seong-Keun , Seo Jeong-Sun , Robello Carlos , Kim Changhoon , Novembre John , Sans Mónica , Naya Hugo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe Amerindian group known as the Charrúas inhabited Uruguay at the timing of European colonial contact. Even though they were extinguished as an ethnic group as a result of a genocide, Charrúan heritage is part of the Uruguayan identity both culturally and genetically. While mitochondrial DNA studies have shown evidence of Amerindian ancestry in living Uruguayans, here we undertake whole-genome sequencing of 10 Uruguayan individuals with Charruan heritage. We detect chromosomal segments of Amerindian ancestry supporting the presence of indigenous genetic ancestry in living descendants. Specific haplotypes were found to be enriched in ‘Charrúas’ and rare in the rest of the Amerindian groups studied. Some of these we interpret as the result of positive selection, as we identified selection signatures and they were located mostly within genes related to the infectivity of specific viruses.Historical records describe contacts of the Charrúas with other Amerindians, such as Guaraní, and patterns of genomic similarity observed here concur with genomic similarity between these groups. Less expected, we found a high genomic similarity of the Charrúas to Diaguita from Argentinian and Chile, which could be explained by geographically proximity.Finally, by fitting admixture models of Amerindian and European ancestry for the Uruguayan population, we were able to estimate the timing of the first pulse of admixture between European and Uruguayan indigenous peoples in 1658 and the second migration pulse in 1683. Both dates roughly concurring with the Franciscan missions in 1662 and the foundation of the city of Colonia in 1680 by the Spanish.
A landscape model for cell fate decisions during mesoendoderm differentiation in C. elegans based on Wnt dynamics
Authors: Chang Shyr-Shea , Bao Zhirong , Siggia Eric D. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGeometric models allow us to quantify topography of the Waddington landscape and gain quantitative insights of gene interaction in cell fate differentiation. Often mutant phenotypes show partial penetrance and there is a dearth of quantitative models that can exploit this data and make predictions about new allelic combinations with no additional parameters. C. elegans with its invariant cell lineages has been a key model system for discovering the genes controlling development. Here we focus on the differentiation of the endoderm founder cell named E from its mother, the EMS cell. Mutants that convert E to its sister MS fate have figured prominently in deciphering the Wnt pathway in worm. We construct a bi-valued Waddington landscape model that predicts the effect on POP-1/TCF and SYS-1/beta-catenin levels based on the penetrance of mutant alleles and RNAi, and relates the levels to fate choice decisions. A subset of the available data is used to fit the model and remaining data is then correctly predicted. Simple kinetic arguments show that contrary to current belief the ratio of these two proteins alone is not indicative of fate outcomes. Furthermore, double mutants within a background reduction of POP-1 levels are predicted with no adjustable parameters and their relative penetrance can differ from the same mutants with the wild-type POP-1 level, which calls for further experimental investigations. Our model refines the content of existing gene networks and invites extensions to other manifestations of the Wnt pathway in worm.
Megakaryocyte derived immune-stimulating cells regulate host-defense immunity against bacterial pathogens
Authors: Wang Jin , Xie Jiayi , Wang Daosong , Han Xue , Chen Minqi , Shi Guojun , Jiang Linjia , Zhao Meng 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMegakaryocytes (MKs) continuously produce platelets to support hemostasis and form a niche for hematopoietic stem cell maintenance in the bone marrow. MKs are also involved in inflammation responses; however, the mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, using single-cell sequencing we identified an MK-derived immune-stimulating cell (MDIC) population exhibiting both MK-specific and immune characteristics, which highly expresses CXCR4 and immune response genes to participate in host-protective response against bacteria. MDICs interact with myeloid cells to promote their migration and stimulate the bacterial phagocytosis of macrophages and neutrophils by producing TNFα and IL-6. CXCR4highMDICs egress circulation and infiltrate into the spleen, liver, and lung upon bacterial infection. Ablation of MKs suppresses the innate immune response and T cell activation to impair the anti-bacterial effects in mice under the Listeria monocytogenes challenge. Using hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell lineage-tracing mouse line, we show that MDICs are generated from infection-induced emergency megakaryopoiesis in response to bacterial infection. Overall, we identify MDICs as an MK subpopulation, which regulates host-defense immune response against bacterial infection.
Interferon-gamma and TNF-alpha synergistically enhance the immunomodulatory capacity of Endometrial-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cell secretomes by differential microRNA and extracellular vesicle release
Authors: de Pedro María de los Ángeles , Marinaro Federica , López Esther , Pulido María , Sánchez-Margallo Francisco Miguel , Álvarez Verónica , Casado Javier G 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEndometrial Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (endMSCs) can be easily isolated from menstrual blood by plastic adherence. These cells have a potent pro-angiogenic and immunomodulatory capacity, and their therapeutic effect is mediated by paracrine mechanisms where secretome have a key role. In this paper, we aimed to evaluate different priming conditions in endMSCs using pro-inflammatory cytokines and Toll-Like Receptor ligands. Ourin vitroresults revealed a synergistic and additive effect of IFNγ and TNFα on endMSCs. The combination of these pro-inflammatory cytokines significantly increased the release of Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) in endMSCs. Additionally, this study was focused on the phenotype of IFNγ/TNFα-primed endMSCs (endMSCs*). Here we found that immune system-related molecules such as CD49d, CD49e, CD54, CD56, CD58, CD63, CD126, CD152, or CD274 were significantly altered in endMSCs* when compared to control cells. Afterward, our study was completed with the characterization of released miRNAs by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Briefly, our system biology approaches demonstrated that endMSCs* showed an increased release of 25 miRNAs whose target genes were involved in immune response and inflammation. Finally, the cellular and molecular characterization was completed within vitrofunctional assays.In summary, the relevance of our results lies in the therapeutic potential of endMSCs*. The differences in cell surface molecules involved in migration, adhesion and immunogenicity, allowed us to hypothesize that endMSCs* may have an optimal homing and migration capacity towards inflammatory lesions. Secondly, the analysis of miRNAs, target genes and the subsequent lymphocyte activation assays demonstrated that IFNγ/TNFα-primed secretome may exert a potent effect on the regulation of adverse inflammatory reactions.
AP-2α and AP-2β cooperatively function in the craniofacial surface ectoderm to regulate chromatin and gene expression dynamics during facial development
Authors: Otterloo Eric Van , Milanda Isaac , Pike Hamish , Li Hong , Jones Kenneth L , Williams Trevor 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTThe facial surface ectoderm is essential for normal development of the underlying cranial neural crest cell populations, providing signals that direct appropriate growth, patterning, and morphogenesis. Despite the importance of the ectoderm as a signaling center, the molecular cues and genetic programs implemented within this tissue are understudied. Here we show that removal of two members of the AP-2 transcription factor family, AP-2α and AP-2ß, within the early embryonic ectoderm leads to major alterations in the mouse craniofacial complex. Significantly, there are clefts in both the upper face and mandible, accompanied by fusion of the upper and lower jaws in the hinge region. Comparison of ATAC-seq and RNA-seq analyses between controls and mutants revealed significant changes in chromatin accessibility and gene expression centered on multiple AP-2 binding motifs associated with enhancer elements within these ectodermal lineages. In particular, loss of these AP-2 proteins affects both skin differentiation as well as multiple signaling pathways, most notably the WNT pathway. The role of reduced Wnt signaling throughput in the mutant phenotype was further confirmed using reporter assays and rescue experiments involving Wnt1 ligand overexpression. Collectively, these findings highlight a conserved ancestral function for AP-2 transcription factors in ectodermal development and signaling, and provide a framework from which to understand the gene regulatory network operating within this tissue that directs vertebrate craniofacial development.
Most primary olfactory neurons have individually neutral effects on behavior
Authors: Tumkaya Tayfun , Burhanudin Safwan , Khalilnezhad Asghar , Stewart James , Choi Hyungwon , Claridge-Chang Adam 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAnimals use olfactory receptors to navigate mates, food, and danger. However, for complex olfactory systems, it is unknown what proportion of primary olfactory sensory neurons can individually drive avoidance or attraction. Similarly, the rules that govern behavioral responses to receptor combinations are unclear. We used optogenetic analysis in Drosophila to map the behavior elicited by olfactory-receptor neuron (ORN) classes: just one-fifth of ORN-types drove either avoidance or attraction. Although wind and hunger are closely linked to olfaction, neither had much effect on single-class responses. Several pooling rules have been invoked to explain how ORN types combine their behavioral influences; we activated two-way combinations and compared patterns of single- and double-ORN responses: these comparisons were inconsistent with simple pooling. We infer that the majority of primary olfactory sensory neurons have neutral behavioral effects individually, but participate in broad, odor-elicited ensembles with potent behavioral effects arising from complex interactions.
Modeling and optimization of solar-assisted heat pump drying of pumpkin slice
Authors: Dai Yaping , Deng Kaibo 
Published: June 2021

PurposeTo reduce energy consumption, the time needed of drying, and the loss of ß-carotene content, and ascorbic acid content, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed for optimization.Design/methodology/approachTo reduce energy consumption, the time needed of drying, and the loss of ß-carotene content, and ascorbic acid content, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed for optimization.FindingsThe results show that the optimum solar-assisted heat pump drying (SAHPD) conditions for drying pumpkin slice were: drying temperature of 67.40 °C, loading density of 1.05 kg/m3, and material thickness of 4 mm. Under these conditions, slice of pumpkin were dried in 440.637 min, where the unit energy consumption, ascorbic acid content, and ß-carotene content were 16.737 kJ/g, 25.682 mg/ (100–g dried sample), and 10.202 mg/g, respectively. The structure of the samples dried using the optimized SAHPD method exhibited a more complete cell morphology than those dried using heat pump drying when examined using scanning electronic microscopy.Originality/valueThis suggests that the optimized SAHPD conditions used in this study are important for production and processing.
Framing sports' corporate social responsibility: US women's vs men's soccer leagues
Authors: Painter David Lynn , Sahm Brittani , Schattschneider Paul 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThis investigation's purpose is to compare coverage of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) behaviors of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and Major League Soccer (MLS). The goals are (1) to extend CSR analyses beyond organizational reports and (2) to compare coverage of professional sports teams' CSR behaviors across genders.Design/methodology/approachSpecifically, this quantitative content analysis compared local newspaper coverage of the socially responsible behaviors of the three NWSL and MLS teams owned and operated by the same organizations in Portland, Houston and Orlando.FindingsThe NWSL teams received significantly less and more negative coverage than the MLS teams. Moreover, the NWSL coverage was more individualistic, more focused on ethics and quoted individual team players more frequently, while the MLS coverage was more collective, focused on philanthropy and quoted team organization members more frequently.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough intentionally based on a sample of six teams, this study's results suggest the biases in coverage of women's sports teams extend beyond the playing field to their corporate social responsibility behaviors, reporting and news coverage.Originality/valueAs one of the first studies to analyze media coverage of professional sports team's CSR activities and to compare their socially responsible behaviors across genders, the results provide compelling implications for CSR scholars and practitioners, especially in the sports industry.
Performance of large firms in Greece during the unstable period of 2011–2016: lessons from the weak parts of Europe
Authors: Tsiapa Maria 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThe unprecedented economic crisis in Greece deeply affected entrepreneurship, which was traditionally characterised by low levels of innovation and competitiveness, the dominant presence of micro-sized enterprises and the weak signs of prosperity in large firms. This paper, in acknowledgement of the necessary transformations that production incurred due to the crisis, attempts to detect the characteristics of large manufacturing firms that contributed to their greater resilience during the unstable period of 2011–2016 by analysing the determinants of the higher profitability of firms. The analysis shows that firms that improved their productivity and sales levels and in parallel are flexible, in the sense that they have limited amounts of both assets and liabilities and thus a small risk, are those that presented higher profits during the period under study. Initial conditions, sectoral characteristics and the broader national environment do not seem to have a strong contributive role in firms' profitability.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis follows a dynamic system generalised method of moments (GMM) estimation based on a panel data set of 125 Greek large firms over the time span 2011–2016.FindingsThe analysis shows that firms that improve their productivity and sales levels and in parallel are flexible, in the sense that they have a limited amount of both assets and liabilities and thus a small risk, are those that present higher profits during the period under study. Initial conditions, sectoral characteristics and the broader national environment do not seem to have a strong contributive role in firms' profitability.Research limitations/implicationsThe present paper attempts to explain the performance of the most dynamic large manufacturing firms in Greece by investigating the role of some of the most important determinants of firm profitability (according to data availability), acknowledging, however, some analysis' limitations as the absence of some other parameters like the export activity or the incorporation of any innovative features in the firmsOriginality/valueThe novelty of this paper lies in two points. First, the subject of the analysis is the large firms in Greece, which have not received much attention as Greek entrepreneurship was traditionally based on the light, labour- or resource-intensive production and the main bulk of the literature was not on that topic. Second, during the deep and protracted crisis that Greece has experienced, several production transformations have taken place that remain partly undiscovered. The present paper attempts to analyse the characteristics of large firms that drove their profitability and improved their resilience during the crucial time period 2011–16.
A biblioguidance approach to understanding and developing adolescents' social-emotional competence in the health education classroom: a formative research study
Authors: Banas Jennifer R. , Valley Julia A. , Chaudhri Amina 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThough the benefits of social-emotional competence (SEC) are well-recognized, measuring it and designing appropriately matched interventions remains elusive and methodologically challenging. This paper shares formative research designed to uncover the SEC of one secondary school health teacher's students and to help her make evidence-based curricular and instructional decisions.Design/methodology/approachInspired by bibliguidance (or bibliotherapeutic) approaches to well-being, the researchers and teacher developed a fiction literature curriculum intended to foster SEC and health literacy skills. A mixed-method approach was used to gather and analyze data from 133 students and a teacher. A survey and journal entries embedded into the curriculum, and an interview were the sources.FindingsResults indicate the curriculum paired well with national standards for health education and a respected SEC framework; it also served well as a vehicle to reveal students' SEC. Students appeared to be competent in some areas and less in others, and there were differences between self-assessed and expressed competence.Practical implicationsBiblioguidance approaches to developing SEC in health education and other school subjects are worth continued investigation. The current results will be used to revise the curriculum and to develop supplemental materials.Originality/valueIn sharing the processes and findings, the authors hope teachers seeking to foster their students' SEC will replicate this work. Further, they hope health educators will gain recognition as the ideal professionals to deliver social-emotional learning instruction in schools.
Contemporary trends in professional development of teachers: importance of recognising the context
Authors: Nawab Ali , Bissaker Kerry , Datoo Al Karim 
Published: June 2021

PurposeWhereas the achievement of students has closely been linked with the quality of teachers and there is a bulk of literature supporting the need of teachers' preparation in enhancing their quality, professional development (PD) of teachers has been a central focus of reform initiatives in education across the globe. This paper aims at analysing the existing literature on PD of teachers to reflect on the models and characteristics of effective PD, and to highlight the importance of context in PD of teachers.Design/methodology/approachTo respond to the aim of the paper, a search in the field of pedagogy in Education Resource Information Centre (ERIC) was undertaken. The search strings used were “models of teachers' professional development”, “characteristics of teachers professional development” and “context in professional development” restricted to time period from 2000 to 2020.FindingsThe major argument this paper presents is that the models and characteristics of PD are relative and there is no uniform model to be implemented across contexts. Instead of debating the models and characteristics of effective PD, academics and practitioners have to be watchful to the context and the real needs of teachers in a particular context.Originality/valueThe paper critiques the generalisation of Western generated PD models to the developing world especially Pakistan which the existing research and literature is silent about.
Heal nodes specification improvement using modified CHEF method for group based detection point network
Authors: AR Suhas , Priyatham M. Manoj 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to make use of multiple parameters namely; residual energy, closeness to centre and mobility of detection point (DP) for the selection of detection point network (DPN). In the novel method proposed, the path will have less number of DPs participating in the entire DPN.

Design/methodology/approach
The proposed novel method will find out the special detection point (SDP) based on three criteria, namely, the amount of mobility for DP, the amount of remaining energy and the amount of distance between two DPs. This proposed method is an attempt to resolve the network lifetime problems during the communication of DPs over a period of time. It is developed for increasing the lifetime ratio, throughput, residual energy, number of alive nodes.

Findings
The simulation results of the novel method show the improvement over the existing methods investigated based on the lifetime ratio, throughput, remaining energy and alive nodes.

Practical implications
In the proposed method, the communication is done between different DPs in the network. The commutation is done using SDPs only from one cluster to another cluster. It is proposed for the implementation of energy efficient data sensing in mobile communication networks.

Originality/value
It is a significant mechanism for energy efficient data sensing of one DP to another DP of different clusters in the network. The total energy consumed for a period of time by the network is significantly reduced from the novel method.