bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
miR214regulates sex determination throughgsdfin zebrafish
Authors: Wittkopp N. , de Jesus Domingues A.M. , Ketting R.F. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSex determination is a variable and complex mechanism, yet it can be found all over the plant and animal kingdoms. It creates two morphological different outcomes from one and the same species. Our work demonstrates the involvement of the non-coding RNAdnm3os, and its embedded microRNAmiR214in this process for the teleostDanio rerio. First, we find thatmiR214acts throughgsdfto drive female development. Second, additional alleles ofdnm3osrevealed that this lncRNA can also promote male development through yet unknown mechanisms. Finally, we describe that the sex-determining activities ofdnm3osdisplay a maternal effect, suggesting that imbalances in this gene-regulatory system can be compensated in a stable manner. Although we cannot fully explain the complexity of the mechanisms we have started to reveal, our work once again highlights the complexity and flexibility of sex determination and identifies miRNA and other non-coding RNA mediated activities in this crucial process.
The prevalentNR2E3c.932G>A mutation induces aberrant splicing that can be rescued using splice-shifting antisense oligonucleotides
Authors: Sztainberg Yehezkel , David Teitelbaum Maya , Buchumenski Ilana , Porath Hagit , Sharon Dror , Banin Eyal , Karni Rotem , Levanon Erez Y. , Feiglin Ariel 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMutations inNR2E3have been implicated in several progressive retinal disease phenotypes such as enhanced S-cone syndrome, Goldmann-Favre syndrome and retinitis pigmentosa. One of the most frequent mutations in NR2E3 is c.932G>A (p.R311Q), where pathogenicity is thought to stem from the resulting amino acid substitution. However, multiple studies that evaluated the effect of this substitution on the protein, did not elucidate the molecular basis underlying the pathogenicity.Primed by bioinformatic analyses, we hypothesized and experimentally validated that theNR2E3c.932G>A mutation leads to aberrant splicing which results in a short, non-functional protein isoform. Using cell models expressing WT and mutant constructs of the fullNR2E3sequence (including exonic and intronic regions), we observed that the mutated transcript exhibits a high level (75%) of aberrant splicing through gain of a novel splice acceptor site within exon 6. This mis-splicing results in the in-frame loss of 186 base pairs that code for a portion of the protein ligand binding domain. We further designed and evaluated splice-shifting antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), that circumvented the aberrant splicing. The best performing ASO successfully restored 70% of the total NR2E3 full-length isoform levels and demonstrated rescue of nuclear localization and rhodopsin transcriptional activation.This study demonstrates the importance of understanding splicing consequences of pathogenic mutations, allowing the design and development of ASO-based therapies. Our findings set the stage for the potential treatment ofNR2E3-related retinal degeneration caused by the c.932G>A mutation using splice-shifting ASOs.
Leaflet specific phospholipid imaging using genetically encoded proximity sensors
Authors: Moore William M. , Brea Roberto J. , Knittel Caroline , Wrightsman Ellen , Hui Brandon , Lou Jinchao , Ancajas Christelle F. , Best Michael D. , Devaraj Neal K. , Budin Itay 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe lipid composition of cells varies widely across organelles and between individual membrane leaflets. Transport proteins acting within and between membranes are thought to generate this heterogeneity, but measuring their functions has been hampered by limited tools for imaging lipid composition at relevant spatial resolutions. Here we present fluorogen-activating coincidence sensing (FACES), a chemogenetic tool capable of quantitatively imaging subcellular lipid pools and reporting their transbilayer orientation in living cells. FACES combines bioorthogonal chemistry with genetically encoded fluorogen-activating proteins (FAPs) for reversible proximity sensing of conjugated molecules. We first apply this approach to identify roles for lipid transfer proteins (LTP) that traffic phosphatidylcholine pools between the ER and mitochondria. We then show that transmembrane domain-containing FAPs can be used to reveal the membrane asymmetry of multiple lipid classes that is generated at the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Using FACES, we show how the asymmetry of a phosphatidylserine analogue at the TGN is supported by the activity of both cytosolic LTPs and transmembrane flippases. Lastly, we demonstrate that FACES is a generalizable tool for subcellular detection of other molecule classes by measuring changes in mitochondrialN-acetylhexosamine levels. These results introduce the application of fluorogenic tags for spatially-defined molecular imaging.
Longitudinal Study to Better Understand Neuropathic Back Pain as a Means of Improving Patient Selection for 10 kHz Spinal Cord Stimulation
Authors: Mandloi Shreya , Tran Christian V , Thalheimer Sara , Jaffe Samantha , Braitman Leonard , Hines Kevin , Sharan Ashwini , Wu Chengyuan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo create a questionnaire that can identify patients who will respond well to high-frequency spinal cord stimulation.Materials and MethodsThirty-three patients who received permanent implantation of a high-frequency spinal cord stimulator were followed for up to one year. Preoperative patient data in the form of a packet containing pain metrics, the Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaire, and a questionnaire thought to contain clinically useful questions were collected. Visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and subjective overall percent pain reduction were collected at time points of 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months.ResultsPatients who revealed that they could walk before a long period of time before their pain worsened, whose pain was consistent throughout the day, whose pain wakes them up from sleep and whose pain is worse when leaning side to side had a significant increase in ODI following SCS. Additionally, patients who reported only being able to sit or lie down for less than thirty minutes before having to move experienced significantly decreased ODI.ConclusionsWhile literature has shown that patients with neuropathic pain respond to SCS, identifying which patients clinically would have an optimal response remains a challenge. Future studies on a greater number of patients are needed to further develop a questionnaire to better identify clinical signs consistent with low back pain that will respond to spinal cord stimulation.Statements and DeclarationsSources of Financial SupportFinancial support for this project was provided by NevroConflict of InterestsDr. Ashwini Sharan reports personal fees from Neuspera, personal fees from Medtronic, grants and personal fees from Dixi, personal fees and other from Cerebral Therapeutics, outside the submitted work. Dr. Chengyuan Wu reports grants from Nevro, during the conduct of the study; personal fees from Nevro, personal fees from Abbott, personal fees from Medtronic, personal fees from Boston Scientific, personal fees from MicroSystems Engineering, outside the submitted work.
Cobalt effects on prokaryotic communities living in growing river biofilms: impact on their colonization kinetics, structure and functions
Authors: Gourgues Sarah , Goñi-Urriza Marisol , Milhe-Poutingon Mathieu , Baldoni-Andrey Patrick , Gurieff Nicholas Bagger , Gelber Clémentine , Le Faucheur Séverine 
Published: May 2024

1.AbstractAlthough cobalt (Co) is widely used in the transition to low-carbon energy technologies, its environmental impact remains almost unknown. This study examines Co impacts on the prokaryotic communities of river biofilms to assess their potential use as bioindicators of Co contamination. To that end, biofilms were grown on blank glass slides placed in artificial streams enriched with Co (0.1, 0.5 and 1 µM Co) for 28 days and prokaryotic abundance and diversity were analyzed using DNA-metabarcoding every 7 days. The resilience of the prokaryotic community was investigated after a further 35 days without Co contamination. Prokaryotic communities were impacted by 0.5 and 1 µM Co from the beginning of the biofilm colonization. Although biofilms reached similar biomasses regardless of Co concentration, control biofilms were dominated byCyanobacteriaandPlanctomyceteswhileBacteroidetesdominated Co contaminated biofilms. Potential functional redundancy was observed with the implementation of carbon fixation alternatives by non-photosynthetic prokaryotes in biofilms subjected to high Co concentrations. No structural resilience of the biofilms was observed after 35 days without Co contamination. The use of prokaryotic community response measured using molecular approaches appears to be a promising and cost-effective approach for assessing changes in water quality due to metals.Graphical abstractSynopsisFew knowledge is available about Co ecotoxicity in freshwaters. This study assess the potential of prokaryotic communities developing in freshwater biofilms to be used as bioindicator of Co contamination.
Long-Lived Circular Rydberg Qubits of Alkaline-Earth Atoms in Optical Tweezers
Authors: Hölzl C. , Götzelmann A. , Pultinevicius E. , Wirth M. , Meinert F. 
Published: May 2024

Coherence time and gate fidelities in Rydberg atom quantum simulators and computers are fundamentally limited by the Rydberg state lifetime. Circular Rydberg states are highly promising candidates to overcome this limitation by orders of magnitude, as they can be effectively protected from decay due to their maximum angular momentum. We report the first realization of alkaline-earth circular Rydberg atoms trapped in optical tweezers, which provide unique and novel control possibilities due to the optically active ionic core. Specifically, we demonstrate creation of very high-n (n=79) circular states of Sr88. We measure lifetimes as long as 2.55 ms at room temperature, which are achieved via cavity-assisted suppression of black-body radiation. We show coherent control of a microwave qubit encoded in circular states of nearby manifolds, and characterize the qubit coherence time via Ramsey and spin-echo spectroscopy. Finally, circular-state tweezer trapping exploiting the Sr+ core polarizability is quantified via measurements of the trap-induced light shift on the qubit. Our work opens routes for quantum simulations with circular Rydberg states of divalent atoms, exploiting the emergent toolbox associated with the optically active core ion.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Biomechanical effects of men’s dress shoes made with bacterial cellulosic composite
Authors: Nam Changhyun (Lyon) , Stephenson Mitchell Lewis , Xiang Chunhui , Sanders Eulanda 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThis study aimed to compare the performance of sustainable shoes made with bacterial cellulosic composite and commercial leather shoes using an experimental research design. The two specific research objectives were: (1) to examine the basic material properties of multi-layered bacterial cellulosic materials (MBC), which include green tea-based cellulosic (GBC) mats, hemp fabrics, and denim fabrics, in comparison with those of two-layered leathers (MCP) consisting of calf-skin and pig-skin – commonly used in shoe manufacturing; and (2) to explore wearers’ performance in the two types of shoes by assessing quantitative kinematic and kinetic parameters of lower body movements.Design/methodology/approachThis study focused on assessing the basic materials testing and performance of sustainable shoes through a biomechanical approach, in contrast to commercially available leather shoes, through human wear trials. In this study, green tea-based cellulosic (GBC) mats were developed using the optimal combination of ingredients for cellulose growth. Subsequently, the GBC, denim fabric (100% cotton), and 100% hemp fabric were combined to create multi-layered bacterial cellulosic materials (MBC) as an alternative to leather. Additionally, calf-skin and pig-skin leathers were utilized to produce a commercially available two-layered leather (MCP), commonly employed in shoe manufacturing. 37 of the 42 human subjects who participated in wear testing were collected. A paired t-test was conducted to determine whether significant mean differences existed between the two shoe types, a paired t-test was conducted.FindingsTo develop a biodegradable and compostable material that could be used as a leather alternative for the footwear industry, we proposed MBC and examined its properties compared with those of MCP, a product often used when making shoes. These findings confirmed the similar properties of MBC and MCP from the material testing and the possibility of using a men’s sustainable shoe prototype as a leather alternative, in terms of kinematics and kinetics.Practical implicationsThe new multi-layered bacterial cellulosic materials (MBC) could be an alternative to commercial leathers such as innovative sustainable material construction, advanced design, and advanced techniques to optimize the overall performance of sustainable footwear.Originality/valueInvestigating the integration of smart textile technologies, ergonomic design principles, and personalized customization will contribute to developing MBC and making sustainable shoes using MBC compared with commercial leather shoes. This study provides valuable insights into further refinement and innovation in the sustainable footwear industry.
Convergence or fragmentation? Recent developments in recognition of microcredentials and their impact on higher education in Asia and the Pacific
Authors: Ashizawa Shingo , Ziguras Christopher , Yonezawa Akiyoshi 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThis paper explores the development of microcredentials (MCs) through a regional lens, considering their implications for lifelong learning and skilled labour mobility in Asia and the Pacific. It also examines recent global initiatives led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).Design/methodology/approachThe study reviews recent global initiatives aimed at developing shared definitions and principles for MCs, as led by UNESCO, taking into account the importance of existing initiatives such as the pilot project launched by the Australian government in 2022. The formalization of MCs within national education systems is also examined, with reference to frameworks developed by organizations like the European Union (EU), Australia and the Malaysia Qualifications Agency (MQA, 2020).FindingsThe paper underscores the increasing attention from international organizations and governments to the development and recognition of MCs, with significant efforts in countries like Australia and pilot initiatives in New Zealand and Malaysia. However, it also highlights that many MC projects in Asia are still in their early developmental stages, emphasizing the need for further progress and formalization.Originality/valueThis paper offers a unique perspective on the development of MCs in the Asia–Pacific region and their potential role in international education. It explores the prospects for MCs in international education, including student mobility and cross-border online courses. The challenge of integrating MCs into existing systems for recognizing international qualifications is discussed. Overall, the paper contributes to the understanding of MC frameworks as essential tools in the formalization of lifelong learning in the region, supported by the provided citations (OECD, 2021).
Physical activity to address mental health in a remote Australian community: community readiness assessment
Authors: Russell Kirsten , Barnett Fiona , Varela Sharon , Rosenbaum Simon , Stanton Robert 
Published: May 2024

Purpose
The mental and physical health of those residing in Australian rural and remote communities is poorer compared to major cities. Physical health comorbidities contribute to almost 80% of premature mortality for people living with mental illness. Leisure time physical activity (LTPA) is a well-established intervention to improve physical and mental health. To address the physical and mental health of rural and remote communities through LTPA, the community’s level of readiness should be first determined. This study aims to use the community readiness model (CRM) to explore community readiness in a remote Australian community to address mental health through LTPA.

Design/methodology/approach
Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted using the CRM on LTPA to address mental health. Quantitative outcomes scored the community’s stage of readiness for LTPA programmes to address mental health using the CRM categories of one (no awareness) to nine (high level of community ownership). Qualitative outcomes were thematically analysed, guided by Braun and Clark.

Findings
The community scored six (initiation) for community efforts and knowledge of LTPA programmes and seven (stabilisation) for leadership. The community’s attitude towards LTPA and resources for programmes scored four (pre-planning), and knowledge of LTPA scored three (vague awareness).

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first Australian study to use CRM to examine community readiness to use LTPA to improve mental health in a remote community. The CRM was shown to be a useful tool to identify factors for intervention design that might optimise community empowerment in using LTPA to improve mental health at the community level.
How do environmental, social and governance initiatives and controversies explain the firm efficiency of Chinese energy companies?
Authors: Kweh Qian Long , Ting Irene Wei Kiong , Ren Chunya , Asif Jawad 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThis study investigates how the initiatives and controversies related to environmental, social and governance (ESG) explain firm efficiency.Design/methodology/approachFirstly, this study applies data envelopment analysis with the epsilon-based measure to estimate the firm efficiency of 80 companies in the Chinese energy sector in 2022. This approach accounts for the diversity and relative importance of inputs and outputs from a multidimensional perspective. Secondly, this study regresses the variables of ESG initiatives and controversies on the estimated firm efficiency scores through a generalised additive model, which can capture nonlinear patterns.FindingsThis study finds that a) the samples have i) about 49% room for improvement in efficiently optimising their resources and business outcomes and ii) the highest scores in governance initiatives, followed by social initiative. b) 69% of them have controversy scores that are greater than the average value. c) A cluster analysis indicates that companies with higher social initiatives have higher firm efficiency than their counterparts. d) ESG initiatives and controversies are nonlinearly related to firm efficiency.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings have practical implications for policy makers and managers who prioritise ESG, particularly regarding (i) the need to examine firm performance from a multidimensional perspective, that is, to measure multiple inputs and outputs simultaneously, (ii) the nonlinearity of the nexus between ESG and efficiency in graphical forms, and (iii) the need to balance ESG initiatives and address ESG controversies.Originality/valueThis study integrates statistical approaches in examining and ensuring sustainable growth and efficiency within the Chinese energy sector and beyond.
HRM practices in app work: exploring training and feedback in the food delivery ecosystem
Authors: Cortellazzo Laura , Vaska Selma 
Published: May 2024

Purpose
This study aims to explore the human resource management (HRM) practices related to training and feedback in the app work industry, specifically in online food delivery service, and investigate the emotional and behavioral responses of gig workers.

Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a qualitative approach by interviewing 19 gig workers from six food delivery firms operating in different countries.

Findings
The results show limited training and feedback opportunities are provided to app workers, although the complexity of training and delivery methods differ across platforms. To address this shortage, app workers developed response strategies relying on social interaction.

Research limitations/implications
This study adds to the research on HRM practices in the gig economy by portraying the way in which training and feedback unfold in the food delivery app ecosystem and by disclosing the gig workers’ emotional and behavioral responses to it.

Practical implications
This study shows that the way training activities are currently designed may provide little value to the ecosystem and are likely to produce negative emotional responses in gig workers. Thus, platform providers may make use of these findings by introducing more transparent feedback and social learning opportunities.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first empirical studies on online delivery gig workers addressing specific HRM practices. It reveals significant insights for training and feedback, suggesting app economy characteristics strongly affect training and feedback practices for app workers.
NEO‐PENTECOSTAL URBAN INFRASTRUCTURES IN LAGOS, NIGERIA: Ontology, Politics, Poetics
Authors: Millington Gareth , Garbin David , Coleman Simon 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis article examines how the urban fabric of Lagos is being transformed by neo‐Pentecostal forms of Christian religiosity—a transformation not only of inner, ‘private’ lives but also of urban infrastructures and their provision. Neo‐Pentecostal churches in Lagos now provide a range of infrastructures such as roads, bridges, electricity, water, healthcare, plus banking and educational facilities as well as a range of residential options. Church emblems are common features of the Lagos streetscape and can be found on buildings, vehicles and advertisement hoardings. In addition to their symbolic, moral and aesthetic register, Pentecostal urban infrastructures can be understood as a response to the crisis of social reproduction in Lagos, within the context of a postcolonial state that has adopted a position of entrenched neoliberalism. Critical questions remain, however, regarding whose interests are served by this arrangement. The article aims to understand (1) the ontological status of neo‐Pentecostal infrastructures, taking seriously the production and delivery of material infrastructures that are understood by some users to also be spiritual; and (2) the novel relations between church, state, market and citizen articulated by these infrastructures. Our arguments are based on qualitative data collected in Lagos between 2018 and 2022.
Housing leverage, home value, and retirement
Authors: Bian Xun , Lin Zhenguo , Zhu Feifei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe study the effect of housing leverage, measured using the loan‐to‐value (LTV) ratio, on homeowners' retirement decisions. We find that in general, elevated LTV ratios delay retirements. By decomposing the changes of the current LTV ratio into (1) equity extractions, (2) equity build‐up, (3) home value increases, and (4) home value decreases, we find that equity extractions and declining home value drive the negative relationship between housing leverage and retirement. In contrast, retirement decisions are less responsive to equity build‐up and home value appreciation. Our results suggest that the influence of housing leverage on retirement decisions is path‐dependent and asymmetric. We also find that transitions into retirement are more sensitive to home price declines, and retirement reversals are often triggered by equity extraction. Further analyses also reveal that the impact of housing leverage on retirement differs by household age and financial constraints, and it also varies across different stages of a housing market cycle.