bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Context Conditioning in the Reinstatement of Responding to an Alcohol-Predictive Conditioned Stimulus
Authors: LeCocq Mandy Rita , Sun Sophie , Chaudhri Nadia 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRe-exposure to an unconditioned stimulus (US) can reinstate extinguished conditioned responding elicited by a conditioned stimulus (CS). We tested the hypothesis that the reinstatement of responding to an appetitive CS is driven by an excitatory association formed between the US and the context that the US was ingested in during US re-exposure. Male, Long-Evans rats were acclimated to drinking alcohol (15%, v/v) in the home-cage, then trained to associate an auditory CS with an alcohol-US that was delivered into a fluid port for oral intake. During subsequent extinction sessions, the CS was presented as before, but without alcohol. After extinction, rats were re-exposed to alcohol as in training, but without the CS (alcohol re-exposure). 24 h later at test, the CS was presented as in training, but without alcohol. First, we tested the effect of extinguishing the context-alcohol association, formed during alcohol re-exposure, on reinstatement. Conducting four context extinction sessions across four days (spaced extinction) after the alcohol re-exposure session did not impact reinstatement. However, four context extinction sessions conducted across two days (massed extinction) prevented reinstatement. Next, we conducted alcohol re-exposure in a context that either differed from, or was the same as, the test context. One alcohol re-exposure session in a different context did not affect reinstatement, however, three alcohol re-exposure sessions in a different context significantly reduced reinstatement during the first CS trial. These results partially support the view that a context-US association formed during US re-exposure drives the reinstatement of responding to an appetitive, alcohol-predictive CS.
The long non-coding RNAH19drives the proliferation of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma with H3K27 mutation
Authors: Roig-Carles David , Jackson Holly , Loveson Katie , Mackay Alan , Mather Rebecca , Waters Ella , Manzo Massimiliano , Alborelli Ilaria , Golding Jon , Jones Chris , Fillmore Helen L. , Crea Francesco 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTDiffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an incurable paediatric malignancy. Identifying molecular drivers of DIPG progression is of utmost importance. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent a large family of disease- and tissue-specific transcripts, whose functions have not been yet elucidated in DIPG. Here, we study the oncogenic role of the development-associatedH19lncRNA in DIPG. Bioinformatic analyses of clinical datasets were used to measure the expression ofH19lncRNA in paediatric high-grade gliomas (pedHGG). Expression and sub-cellular location ofH19lncRNA was validated in DIPG cell lines. Locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotides were designed to test the function ofH19in DIPG cells. We found thatH19expression was higher in DIPG vs normal brain tissue and other pedHGGs.H19knockdown resulted in decreased cell proliferation and survival in DIPG cells. Mechanistically,H19bufferslet-7microRNAs, resulting in up-regulation of oncogenic let-7 target (e.gSULF2,OSMR).H19is the first functionally characterized lncRNA in DIPG and a promising therapeutic candidate to treat this incurable cancer.
Fighting cancer with oncolytic viral therapy: identifying threshold parameters for success
Authors: Jahedi Sana , Wang Lin , Watmough James 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe model interactions between cancer cells and free virus during oncolytic viral therapy. One of our main goals is to identify parameter regions that yield treatment failure or success. We show that the tumor size under therapy at a particular time is less than the size without therapy. Our analysis shows there are two thresholds for the horizontal transmission rate: a “Control threshold”, the threshold above which treatment is efficient, and an “optimum threshold”, the threshold beyond which infection prevalence reaches 100% and the tumor shrinks to its smallest size. Moreover, we explain how changes in the virulence level of the free virus alter the optimum threshold and the minimum tumor size. We identify a threshold for the virulence level of the virus and show how this threshold depends on the timescale of virus dynamics. Our results suggest that when the timescale of virus dynamics is fast, the administration of a more virulent virus leads to more tumor reduction. Conversely, when the viral timescale is slow, a higher virulence will have drawbacks on the results, such as high amplitude oscillations. Furthermore, our numerical observation depicts fast and slow dynamics. Our numerical simulations indicate there exists a two-dimensional globally attracting surface that includes the unstable manifold of the interior equilibrium. All solutions with positive initial conditions rapidly approach this two-dimensional attracting surface. In contrast, the trajectories on the attracting surface slowly tend to the periodic solution.HighlightsThe assumption that the viral load is in a quasi-steady state is relaxed, and infected cells are assumed to be mitotic.Our model strongly suggests that the tumor size is always reduced by therapy.We identify minimum tumor size, control threshold, and optimum threshold of the therapy.Our analysis shows optimal virulence level of oncolytic virus depends on the time scale of virus dynamics.When virus dynamic is slow, highly virulent virus causes long remission before relapse.
Self-sensitisation of Staphylococcus aureus to the antimicrobial factors found in human blood
Authors: Douglas Edward , Brignoli Tarcisio , Recker Mario , O’Brien Eoin , McLoughlin Rachel M. , Massey Ruth C. 
Published: July 2021

Introductory ParagraphFor opportunistic pathogens, the switch from a commensal to an invasive lifestyle is often considered an accidental event. But with plentiful opportunity, what leads one accidental event to result in an invasive infection, and another not to? And how much of this apparent stochasticity is driven by bacterial factors? To answer these questions, here we focussed on the major human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, which can both reside asymptomatically as a member of our respiratory microbiome, or become invasive and cause infections as severe as bacteraemia. Survival upon exposure to the antibacterial factors found in serum is a critical aspect of their ability to cause bacteraemia, and across a collection of 300 clinical isolates we found there to be significant variability in this capability. Utilising a GWAS approach we have uncovered the genetic basis of much of this variability through the identification and functional verification of a number of new polymorphic loci that affect serum survival: tcaA, tarK, gntR, ilvC, arsB, yfhO, and pdhD. The expression of one of these genes, tcaA, was found to be induced upon exposure to serum, while simultaneously enhancing the sensitivity of S. aureus to serum through a process involving the ligation of wall teichoic acids into the cell wall. As blood-stage infections are a transmission dead-end for the bacteria, that S. aureus actively responds to serum to produce a protein which specifically limits their ability to survive in this environment demonstrates that the switch from the commensal to the invasive lifestyle is complex, and that TcaA may contribute to the long-term success of S. aureus by restricting the bacteria to their more readily transmissible commensal state.
MCPH1 inhibits condensin II during interphase by regulating its SMC2-kleisin interface
Authors: Houlard Martin , Cutts Erin E. , Shamim Muhammad S. , Godwin Jonathan , Weisz David , Aiden Aviva Presser , Aiden Erez Lieberman , Schermelleh Lothar , Vannini Alessandro , Nasmyth Kim 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTThe dramatic change in morphology of chromosomal DNAs between interphase and mitosis is one of the defining features of the eukaryotic cell cycle. Two types of enzymes, namely cohesin and condensin confer the topology of chromosomal DNA by extruding DNA loops. While condensin normally configures chromosomes exclusively during mitosis, cohesin does so during interphase. The processivity of cohesin’s LE during interphase is limited by a regulatory factor called WAPL, which induces cohesin to dissociate from chromosomes via a mechanism that requires dissociation of its kleisin from the neck of SMC3. We show here that a related mechanism may be responsible for blocking condensin II from acting during interphase. Cells from patients carrying mutations in the Mcph1 gene undergo premature chromosome condensation but it has never been established for certain whether MCPH1 regulates condensin II directly. We show that deletion of Mcph1 in mouse embryonic stem cells unleashes an activity of condensin II that triggers formation of compact chromosomes in G1 and G2 phases, which is accompanied by enhanced mixing of A and B chromatin compartments, and that this occurs even in the absence of CDK1 activity. Crucially, inhibition of condensin II by MCPH1 depends on the binding of a short linear motif within MCPH1 to condensin II’s NCAPG2 subunit. We show that the activities of both Cohesin and Condensin II may be restricted during interphase by similar types of mechanisms as MCPH1’s ability to block condensin II’s association with chromatin is abrogated by the fusion of SMC2 with NCAPH2. Remarkably, in the absence of both WAPL and MCPH1, cohesin and condensin II transform chromosomal DNAs of G2 cells into chromosomes with a solenoidal axis showing that both SMC complexes must be tightly regulated to adjust both the chromatid’s structure and their segregation.
Supply chain network and financing performance of small and medium enterprises in China: a survey and quasi-replication using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Lu Qiang , Deng Yang , Yu Miao , Song Hua , Liu Beini 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis paper examines how weak ties and strong ties in the supply chain network influence the financing performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the mediation of information sharing and innovation capability.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaires were administered to 208 financial managers responsible for supply chain finance in SMEs in China. Data analysis techniques used included multiple regression analysis and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis.FindingsThe authors found that weak ties had a more substantial impact on the financing performance of SMEs than strong ties did. Information sharing and innovation capability played a mediating role between weak and strong ties and the financing performance of SMEs. In addition, information sharing and innovation capability complement each other and jointly influence the financing performance of SMEs.Practical implicationsSMEs are suggested to actively embed themselves in the supply chain network to increase financing opportunities and reduce financing costs. The authors also recommend SMEs to enhance the level of their information sharing in the supply chain network and take advantage of their network ties to access and adopt new technology from other organisations and conduct collaborative innovation with partner institutions.Originality/valueThe paper extends the authors’ understanding of supply chain finance by exploring the intrinsic mechanism of how various constructs (weak ties, strong ties, information sharing and innovation capability) in the supply chain network have an impact on the financing performance of SMEs. In particular, the authors explore the under-researched mediating effect of information sharing and innovation capability on the relationship between network ties and the financing performance of SMEs.
International resource configuration of product-related services in the digital age – An analysis of its antecedents
Authors: Jovanovic Jelena , Morschett Dirk 
Published: July 2021

PurposeAlthough many manufacturers depend on international sales, and product-related services continue to increase in importance, little is known about how manufacturers should deliver their product-related services across borders. This paper examines the international configuration decision of industrial service offerings across borders by investigating the impact of different service characteristics and the servitization strategy on this decision. Additionally, the paper sheds light on how digitalization and administrative heritage impact this decision.Design/methodology/approach116 industrial goods manufacturers from Switzerland and Germany were surveyed.FindingsServitization leads companies to centralize their service resources in their home countries. However, most service characteristics do not impact decisions regarding centralization, except for knowledge intensity, which leads to more centralization of resources. This implies that the resource configuration does not depend on each service individually but on the overall service strategy. Furthermore, the digital readiness of the host country directly and positively impacts resource centralization. Notwithstanding other variables, larger companies tend to decentralize service resources more than smaller companies.Originality/valueThis paper is among the first to study the international configuration impact of servitization and of individual service characteristics, thereby adding important knowledge regarding the provision of product-related services in the international context. Additionally, different aspects of digitalization are included to analyze its impact on companies and host countries.
Reproducibility and persistence of individual marks on 3000 fired bullets from five Chinese Norinco QSZ‐92 9 × 19 mm pistols, and the search performance of Evofinder® to a 1000 firearm database of the same model firearm
Authors: Wei Zhongbo , Luo Yaping , Zhou Peng , Ji Kewei 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFor firearm identification, foundational validity based on the reproducibility and persistence of characteristic marks must be established. We investigate the fired bullets of five Chinese Norinco QSZ‐92 9 × 19 mm pistols over 3000 shots. The first 50 fired bullets are recovered, whereas every 50th fired bullet is recovered from the 51st to 3000th round. As such, 109 bullets are available for each pistol, and totally 545 bullets are introduced into the Evofinder® system. A large background database comprising 3000 bullets fired from 1000 registered QSZ92 9 × 19 mm pistols is used as interference. Both on‐screen analysis and automatic comparison are performed. The first fired bullets from the five pistols are separately correlated with the database. The results show that although the similarity for known match bullets changes slightly as the shot number increases, the land‐engraved area (LEA), groove‐engraved area (GEA), and slippage marks can be reproducibly transferred to the fired bullets in consecutive shots. The Evofinder system ranks all known match bullets on the top of the correlation result with the combination of LEA, GEA, and slippage marks.
Quantification of fentanyl analogs in oral fluid using LC‐QTOF‐MS
Authors: Palmquist Kaitlyn B. , Swortwood Madeleine J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOral fluid is a valuable alternative matrix for forensic toxicologists due to ease of observed collection, limited biohazardous exposure, and indications of recent drug use. Limited information is available for fentanyl analog prevalence, interpretation, or analysis in oral fluid. With increasing numbers of fentanyl‐related driving under the influence of drug (DUID) cases appearing in the United States, the development of detection methods is critical. The purpose of the present study was to develop and validate a quantitative method for fentanyl analogs in oral fluid (collected via Quantisal™) using liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight‐mass spectrometry (LC‐QTOF‐MS). Validation resulted in limits of detection and quantification ranging from 0.5 to 1 ng/mL. Established linear range was 1–100 ng/mL for all analytes, except acetyl fentanyl at 0.5–100 ng/mL (R2 > 0.994). Within‐ and between‐run precision and bias were considered acceptable with maximum values of ±15.2%CV and ±14.1%, respectively. Matrix effects exhibited ionization enhancement for all analytes with intensified enhancement at a low concentration (9.3–47.4%). No interferences or carryover was observed. Fentanyl analogs were stable in processed extracts stored in the autosampler (4⁰C) for 48h. The validated method was used to quantify fentanyl analogs in authentic oral fluid samples (n=17) from probationers/parolees. Fentanyl and 4‐ANPP concentrations were 1.0–104.5 ng/mL and 1.2–5.7 ng/mL, respectively.
Effects of different alcohol and ultrasonic treatments on thermal and structural properties of zein‐starch sodium octenyl succinate composite nanoparticles
Authors: Lai Chanjuan , Hu Linfang , Tu Jin , Li Mingliang , Cui Qibin , Wu Leiyan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe objective of this study is to prepare zein/starch sodium octenyl succinate composite nanoparticles (ZSPs) via anti‐solvent precipitation technology and characterize their colloidal properties. The effects of polar solvents, ultrasonic treatment time, and concentrations of starch sodium octenyl succinate were investigated. We measured the particle size distribution, hydrophobicity, and apparent structures of the composite nanoparticles. Ultrasonic treatment time (0‐25 min) was found to play an important role in composite nanoparticle formation. The ZSP nanoparticles were with an average particle size in the range of 70 to 110 nm. When the ultrasonic treatment time exceeds 25 min, ZSPs became macroscopic particles. The fluorescence spectrum and three‐phase contact angle indicated that ZSPs presented hydrophilicity with largest three‐phase contact angle, which was 65.1°. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed that hydrophilic SSOS absorbed on the surface of zein nanoparticles via Van der Waals to improve their water solubility. The changes in solvent polarity and zein self‐assembly are considered to be the main driving force for composite nanoparticles conformational transitions from α‐helix to β‐sheet. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated that ethanol combined ultrasonic treatment (10 min) was beneficial to enhance the thermal stability of composite nanoparticles, causing the highest Tg of 153.6°C. This work aims to provide a practical reference for formulating delivery systems using bioactive compounds containing zein as a carrier biopolymer.Practical ApplicationThis work aims to provide a practical reference for formulating encapsulants for food and other bioactive compounds containing zein as a carrier biopolymer. Zein/starch sodium octenyl succinate composite nanoparticles formulated in this study provide novel stabilizers for emulsification systems or carriers of bioactive substances that can enhance the nutritional value, taste, or shelf life of foods.
Robust and efficient software for reference‐free genomic diversity analysis of genotyping‐by‐sequencing data on diploid and polyploid species
Authors: Parra‐Salazar Andrea , Gomez Jorge , Lozano‐Arce Daniela , Reyes‐Herrera Paula H. , Duitama Jorge 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGenotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) is a widely used and cost‐effective technique for obtaining large numbers of genetic markers from populations by sequencing regions adjacent to restriction cut sites. Although a standard reference‐based pipeline can be followed to analyse GBS reads, a reference genome is still not available for a large number of species. Hence, reference‐free approaches are required to generate the genetic variability information that can be obtained from a GBS experiment. Unfortunately, available tools to perform de novo analysis of GBS reads face issues of usability, accuracy and performance. Furthermore, few available tools are suitable for analysing data sets from polyploid species. In this manuscript, we describe a novel algorithm to perform reference‐free variant detection and genotyping from GBS reads. Nonexact searches on a dynamic hash table of consensus sequences allow for efficient read clustering and sorting. This algorithm was integrated in the Next Generation Sequencing Experience Platform (NGSEP) to integrate the state‐of‐the‐art variant detector already implemented in this tool. We performed benchmark experiments with three different empirical data sets of plants and animals with different population structures and ploidies, and sequenced with different GBS protocols at different read depths. These experiments show that NGSEP has comparable and in some cases better accuracy and always better computational efficiency compared to existing solutions. We expect that this new development will be useful for many research groups conducting population genetic studies in a wide variety of species.
Static foot posture and its relation to clinical variables in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Gokcen Neslihan , Sariyildiz Aylin , Coskun Benlidayi Ilke 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimPostural abnormalities of the foot are common in rheumatic diseases. Static foot posture is a poorly studied clinical parameter in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The aim of the study was to evaluate static foot posture in patients with AS and to determine the potential impact of clinical variables on foot posture.MethodFifty patients with AS and 40 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Disease activity was measured using the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score. Axial mobility was evaluated with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index three‐point answer scale. Functional status was assessed by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index and Health Assessment Questionnaire‐Disability Index. Enthesitis and foot posture were evaluated by the Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES) and Foot Posture Index‐6, respectively.ResultsPatients with AS revealed significantly higher scores of foot posture index when compared with controls (P = 0.005). Abnormal foot posture (pronated and supinated) was more common in the patient group (P < 0.01). According to the multinomial logistic regression analysis, a higher MASES score was associated with supinated foot posture in AS patients (odds ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.03‐2.09, P = 0.035). In addition, supinated foot posture was associated with enthesitis of the Achilles tendon (P = 0.002).ConclusionEnthesitis is related to deteriorated static foot posture in patients with AS. Enthesitis of the Achilles tendon is closely associated with the supinated foot posture.