bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imprecision nutrition? Duplicate meals result in unreliable individual glycemic responses measured by continuous glucose monitors across four dietary patterns in adults without diabetes
Authors: Hengist Aaron , Ong Jude Anthony , McNeel Katherine , Guo Juen , Hall Kevin D 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundContinuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are being used to characterize postprandial glycemic responses and thereby provide personalized dietary advice to minimize glycemic excursions. However, the efficacy of such advice depends on reliable CGM responses.ObjectiveTo explore within-subject variability of CGM responses to duplicate meals in an inpatient setting.MethodsCGM data were collected in two controlled feeding studies (NCT03407053andNCT03878108) in 30 participants without diabetes capturing 1056 meal responses in duplicate ∼1 week apart from four dietary patterns. One study used two different CGMs (Abbott Freestyle Libre Pro and Dexcom G4 Platinum) whereas the other study used only Dexcom. We calculated the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for each 2-h post-meal period and compared within-subject iAUCs using the same CGM for the duplicate meals using linear correlations, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland-Altman analyses, and compared individual variability of glycemic responses to duplicate meals versus different meals using standard deviations (SDs).ResultsThere were weak to moderate positive linear correlations between within-subject iAUCs for duplicate meals (Abbott r=0.47, p<0.0001, Dexcom r=0.43, p<0.0001), with low within-participant reliability indicated by ICC (Abbott 0.31, Dexcom 0.14). Bland-Altman analyses indicated wide limits of agreement (Abbott -31.3 to 31.5 mg/dL, Dexcom -30.8 to 30.4 mg/dL) but no significant bias of mean iAUCs for duplicate meals (Abbott 0.1 mg/dL, Dexcom -0.2 mg/dL). Individual variability of glycemic responses to duplicate meals was similar to that of different meals evaluated each diet week for both Abbott (SDduplicate= 10.7 mg/dL, SDweek 1=12.4 mg/dL, SDweek 2=11.6 mg/dL,p=0.38) and Dexcom (SDduplicate= 11.1 mg/dL, SDweek 1= 11.5 mg/dL, SDweek 2=11.9 mg/dL,p=0.60).ConclusionsIndividual postprandial CGM responses to duplicate meals were unreliable in adults without diabetes. Personalized diet advice based on CGM measurements in adults without diabetes requires more reliable methods involving aggregated repeated measurements.This secondary analysis contains data from two trials registered atclinicaltrials.gov(NCT03407053andNCT03878108).
Homeostatic Synaptic Plasticity of Miniature Excitatory Postsynaptic Currents in Mouse Cortical Cultures Requires Neuronal Rab3A
Authors: Koesters Andrew G. , Rich Mark M. , Engisch Kathrin L. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractFollowing prolonged activity blockade, amplitudes of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) increase, a form of plasticity termed “homeostatic synaptic plasticity.” We previously showed that a presynaptic protein, the small GTPase Rab3A, is required for full expression of the increase in miniature endplate current amplitudes following prolonged blockade of action potential activity at the mouse neuromuscular junction in vivo (Wang et al., 2011), but it is unknown whether this form of Rab3A-dependent homeostatic plasticity shares any characteristics with central synapses. We show here that homeostatic synaptic plasticity of mEPSCs is impaired in mouse cortical neuron cultures prepared from Rab3A-/-and mutant mice expressing a single point mutation of Rab3A, Rab3A Earlybird mice. To determine if Rab3A is involved in the well-established homeostatic increase in postsynaptic AMPA-type receptors (AMPARs), we performed a series of experiments in which electrophysiological recordings of mEPSCs and confocal imaging of synaptic AMPAR immunofluorescence were assessed within the same cultures. We found that the increase in postsynaptic AMPAR levels was more variable than that of mEPSC amplitudes, suggesting other factors may contribute to the homeostatic increase in synaptic strength. Finally, we demonstrate that Rab3A is acting in neurons because only selective loss of Rab3A in neurons, not glia, disrupted the homeostatic increase in mEPSC amplitudes. This is the first demonstration that a protein thought to function presynaptically is required for homeostatic synaptic plasticity of quantal size.
The Role of Hypermutation and Collateral Sensitivity in Antimicrobial Resistance Diversity ofPseudomonas aeruginosaPopulations in Cystic Fibrosis Lung Infection
Authors: Vanderwoude Jelly , Azimi Sheyda , Read Timothy D. , Diggle Stephen P. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPseudomonas aeruginosais an opportunistic pathogen which causes chronic, drug-resistant lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. In this study, we explore the role of genomic diversification and evolutionary trade-offs in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) diversity withinP. aeruginosapopulations sourced from CF lung infections. We analyzed 300 clinical isolates from four CF patients (75 per patient), and found that genomic diversity is not a consistent indicator of phenotypic AMR diversity. Remarkably, some genetically less diverse populations showed AMR diversity comparable to those with significantly more genetic variation. We also observed that hypermutator strains frequently exhibited increased sensitivity to antimicrobials, contradicting expectations from their treatment histories. Investigating potential evolutionary trade-offs, we found no substantial evidence of collateral sensitivity among aminoglycoside, beta-lactam, or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, nor did we observe trade-offs between AMR and growth in conditions mimicking CF sputum. Our findings suggest that (i) genomic diversity is not a prerequisite for phenotypic AMR diversity; (ii) hypermutator populations may develop increased antimicrobial sensitivity under selection pressure; (iii) collateral sensitivity is not a prominent feature in CF strains, and (iv) resistance to a single antibiotic does not necessarily lead to significant fitness costs. These insights challenge prevailing assumptions about AMR evolution in chronic infections, emphasizing the complexity of bacterial adaptation during infection.ImportanceUpon infection in the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung,Pseudomonas aeruginosarapidly acquires genetic mutations, especially in genes involved in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), often resulting in diverse, treatment-resistant populations. However, the role of bacterial population diversity within the context of chronic infection is still poorly understood. In this study, we found that hypermutator strains ofP. aeruginosain the CF lung undergoing treatment with tobramycin evolved increased sensitivity to tobramycin relative to non-hypermutators within the same population. This finding suggests that antimicrobial treatment may only exert weak selection pressure onP. aeruginosapopulations in the CF lung. We further found no evidence for collateral sensitivity in these clinical populations, suggesting that collateral sensitivity may not be a robust, naturally occurring phenomenon for this microbe.Preprint servers:This manuscript has been submitted as a preprint to bioRxiv
Wg/Wnt-signaling induced nuclear translocation of β-catenin is attenuated by a β-catenin peptide through its interaction with IFT-A in development and cancer cells
Authors: Vuong Linh T. , Mlodzik Marek 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACTWnt/Wingless (Wg) signaling is critical for many developmental patterning processes and linked to diseases, including cancer. Canonical Wnt-signaling is mediated by β-catenin, Armadillo/Arm inDrosophilatransducing signal activation to a nuclear response. The IFT-A/Kinesin-2 complex is required to promote the nuclear translocation of β-catenin/Arm. Here, we define a small conserved N-terminal Arm/β-catenin (Arm34–87) peptide, which binds IFT140, as a dominant interference tool to attenuate Wg/Wnt-signalingin vivo. Expression of Arm34–87is sufficient to antagonize endogenous Wnt/Wg-signaling activation resulting in marked reduction of Wg-signaling target gene expression. This effect is modulated by endogenous levels of Arm and IFT140, with the Arm34–87effect being enhanced or suppressed, respectively. Arm34–87thus inhibits Wg/Wnt-signaling by interfering with the nuclear translocation of endogenous Arm/β-catenin. Importantly, this mechanism is conserved in mammals with the equivalent β-catenin34–87peptide blocking nuclear translocation and pathway activation, including in cancer cells. Our work indicates that Wnt-signaling can be regulated by a defined N-terminal peptide of Arm/β-catenin, and thus this might serve as an entry point for potential therapeutic applications to attenuate Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Convergence, plasticity, and tissue residence of regulatory T cell response via TCR repertoire prism
Authors: Nakonechnaya T.O. , Moltedo B. , Putintseva E.V. , Leyn S. , Bolotin D.A. , Britanova O.V. , Shugay M. , Chudakov D.M. 
Published: June 2023

SummarySuppressive function of regulatory T cells (Treg) is dependent on signaling of their antigen receptors triggered by cognate self, dietary or microbial antigens in the form of peptide-MHC class II complexes. However, it remains largely unknown whether distinct or shared repertoires of Treg TCRs are mobilized in response to different challenges in the same tissue or the same challenge in different tissues. Here we used a fixed TCRβ chain FoxP3-GFP mouse model to analyze conventional (eCD4) and regulatory (eTreg) effector TCRα repertoires in response to six distinct antigenic challenges to the lung and skin. This model showed highly “digital” repertoire behavior, allowing for easy-to-track challenge-specific TCRα CDR3 clusters. For both studied subsets, we observed challenge-specific clonal expansion yielding homologous TCRα clusters within and across animals and exposure sites, which were also reflected in the draining lymph nodes but not systemically. Some clusters were shared across cancer challenges, suggesting response to common tumor-associated antigens. For most challenges, eCD4 and eTreg clonal response did not overlap, indicating the distinct origin of the two cell subsets. At the same time, we observed such overlap at the sites of certain tumor challenges. The overlaps included dominant responding TCRα motif and characteristic iNKT TCRα, suggesting the tumor-induced eCD4-eTreg plasticity. Additionally, our TCRα repertoire analysis demonstrated that distinct antigenic specificities are characteristic for eTreg cells residing in particular lymphatic tissues, regardless of the challenge, revealing the homing-specific, antigen-specific resident Treg populations. Altogether, our study highlights both challenge-specific and tissue-specific responses of Treg cells associated with distinct clonal expansions.Graphical abstract
Physical interactions triggerStreptomycesto prey on yeast using natural products and lytic enzymes
Authors: Yamada Keith , Koroleva Arina , Tirkkonen Heli , Siitonen Vilja , Laughlin Mitchell , Akhgari Amir , Mazurier Guillaume , Niemi Jarmo , Metsä-Ketelä Mikko 
Published: June 2023

AbstractMicrobial predators obtain energy from killing other living cells. In this study, we present compelling evidence demonstrating that widely distributedStreptomycessoil bacteria, typically not considered as predators, possess the ability to detect and prey onSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Using fluorescence microscopy, we observed that predation is initiated by physical contact betweenStreptomyces lavendulaeYAKB-15 and yeast cells. Comparative transcriptomics data indicated that the interaction triggered the production of numerous lytic enzymes to digest all major components of the yeast cell wall. The production of various glucanases, mannosidases and chitinases was confirmed by proteomics and enzymatic activity measurements. In order to destabilise the yeast cell membrane and assimilate yeast,Streptomyces lavendulaeYAKB-15 induced production of cell-associated antifungal polyenes, namely pentamycin and filipin III, and cholesterol oxidase ChoD. In response, yeast downregulated protein synthesis and attempted to enter a quiescence-like state. We show that yeast predation is a common phenomenon inStreptomyces, including well-characterized strains such asStreptomyces peucetiusATCC 27952, where the interaction led to production of 14-hydroxyisochainin. Finally, gene inactivation studies lead us to propose a multidirectional assault model harbouring numerous redundancies that are not dependant on any single individual factor. Our results provide insights into the ecological role ofStreptomycesand highlight the utilization of predation as a mechanism to elicit the production of bioactive natural products for drug discovery.Significance StatementSoil is a rich environment for microbes, where they compete for space and resources.Streptomycesbacteria are well-known for their ability to synthesize natural products, particularly antibiotics, that are used in chemical defense against competing microbes. Here we show thatStreptomycesare, in fact, predatory bacteria. Upon encountering yeast cells,Streptomycesinitiate the production of numerous enzymes that digest the cell wall of yeast. In addition, the interaction triggers the production of natural products that destabilize the yeast cell membrane. Collectively these actions lead to the death of yeast cells and release of cellular building blocks thatStreptomycescan use as nutrients. The work fundamentally shifts the paradigm of howStreptomycesare perceived within the soil microbiome ecosystem.
Learning predictive signals within a local recurrent circuit
Authors: Asabuki Toshitake , Gillon Colleen J. , Clopath Claudia 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe predictive coding hypothesis proposes that top-down predictions are compared with incoming bottom-up sensory information, with prediction errors signaling the discrepancies between these inputs. While this hypothesis explains the presence of prediction errors, recent experimental studies suggest that prediction error signals can emerge within a local circuit, that is, from bottom-up sensory input alone. In this paper, we test whether local circuits alone can generate predictive signals by training a recurrent spiking network using local plasticity rules. Our network model replicates prediction errors resembling various experimental results, such as a biphasic pattern of prediction errors and context-specific representation of error signals. Our findings shed light on how synaptic plasticity can shape prediction errors and enables the acquisition and updating of an internal model of sensory input within a recurrent neural network.
Ex-post impact evaluation of PPP projects from multiple stakeholder perspectives: a toll road case
Authors: Oliveros-Romero Jose , Aibinu Ajibade A. 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThis study aims to develop an ex-post impact evaluation method for public-private partnership projects (PPP) that addresses one of its main difficulties: the multiplicity of perspectives and stakeholders that exist in these projects.Design/methodology/approachThis study first developed a conceptual evaluation framework called ‘Project Success Evaluation Pyramid Model’ (PSEPM) that was designed using a Design Science approach. Second, an impact evaluation method was designed based on the PSEPM. This evaluation method was tested and refined using three PPP projects. This article presents the refined conceptual model PSEPM, the evaluation method and one of the three tests: the PPP toll road.FindingsThe impact evaluation method describes how to evaluate the impact of an existing mega project from the perspective of multiple stakeholders and isolate the impact of the procurement method. Its application in practice is demonstrated with a PPP toll road project in Chile, in which 11 stakeholders were identified. Issues such as city segregation, deficient business model, the relevance of infrastructure availability, and deficient service-fee strategy were identified in the project. The evaluation method provides a judgement about the use of the PPP procurement method and about the overall impact of the project, reconciling the stakeholder perspectives.Originality/valueThe use of this approach could give greater clarity and legitimacy to the discussion over the use of PPPs by evaluating existing projects beyond the use of traditional time and cost measurements. Its originality is the systematic recognition and identification of stakeholder motives, purposes, and judgements over a project.
Selecting EVM, ESM and EDM(t) for managing construction project schedule
Authors: Yang Jyh-Bin , Lai Tzu-Hua 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThis study aims to review earned value management (EVM)-relative methods, including the original EVM, earned schedule method (ESM) and earned duration management (EDM(t)). This study then proposes a general implementation procedure and some basic principles for the selection of EVM-relative methods.Design/methodology/approachAfter completing an intensive literature review, this study conducts a case study to examine the forecasting performance of project duration using the EVM, ESM and EDM(t) methods.FindingsWhen the project is expected to finish on time, ESM with a performance factor equal to 1 is the recommended method. EDM(t) would be the most reliable method during a project's entire lifetime if EDM(t) is expected to be delayed based on past experience.Research limitations/implicationsAs this research conducts a case study with only one building construction project, the results might not hold true for all types of construction projects.Practical implicationsEVM, ESM and EDM(t) are simple and data-accessible methods. With the help of a general implementation procedure, applying all three methods would be better. The power of the three methods is definitely larger than that of choosing only one for complex construction projects.Originality/valuePrevious studies have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of EVM, ESM and EDM(t). This study amends the available outcomes. Thus, for schedulers or researchers interested in implementing EVM, ESM and EDM(t), this study can provide more constructive instructions.
Modeling critical success factors of lean six sigma in higher education institutions
Authors: Gastelum-Acosta Carlos , Limon-Romero Jorge , Baez-Lopez Yolanda , Tlapa Diego , García-Alcaraz Jorge Luis , Puente Cesar , Perez-Sanchez Armando 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to identify the relationships among critical success factors (CSFs) for lean six sigma (LSS) implementation in higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach
An extensive literature review was conducted to design the survey instrument, which the authors later administered in Mexican public HEIs to identify the existing relationships among the CSFs and their impact on the benefits obtained from implementing LSS projects. The data were empirically and statistically validated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Additionally, the authors applied the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique on SPSS Amos to validate the nine hypotheses supporting the research.

Findings
The results suggest that the success of LSS projects in HEIs is highly bound to a serious commitment from top management and several interrelated factors.

Research limitations/implications
The main limitations of the study are that the research is cross-sectional in nature and regional in focus. Namely, the data used to validate the structural model were gathered from a small representative subset of the study population – i.e. Mexican public HEIs – and at a specific point in time.

Practical implications
The results reported here represent a reference framework for HEIs worldwide that wish to continuously improve their processes through LSS improvement projects.

Originality/value
This study proposes a statistically validated model using the SEM technique that depicts the relationships among LSS CSFs in HEIs.
Industry 4.0 impacts on operational and green innovation performances with the mediation of green practices
Authors: Khan Muhammad Talha , Idrees Muhammad Dawood , Haider Yaseen 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate how green supply chain management (GSCM) practices mediate the effect of Industry 4.0 technologies on operational and green innovation performances.Design/methodology/approachTo explore the study, data were collected from 225 different manufacturing industries in Pakistan. Gathered data were used to test the hypotheses using SmartPLS 3 software by using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe findings reveal that operational and green innovation performances are directly affected by the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies and GSCM practices. Furthermore, the GSCM practices positively affect operational and green innovation performances. The study also investigated that the GSCM practices partially mediate the effect of Industry 4.0 on operational and green innovation performances.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has some limitations, the data of this study were majorly collected from large enterprises of Pakistani firms and related to the manufacturing sector only. So, there is a huge need for attention toward small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Very few researchers are focusing on SMEs, so future research can be on SMEs. It can be suggested that the relationship between digital technologies and green innovation performance can be tested through a quantitative procedure. Moreover, the effect of GSCM's aspects can be estimated on manageable execution.Originality/valueThrough the mediating relationship of GSCM practices, this research has made a unique contribution by investigating the influence of Industry 4.0 on operational and green innovation performances. To the author's knowledge, no research has been undertaken in this area.
Building mechanism of the initial trust motivation of owners toward contractors
Authors: Li Huimin , Liang Mengxuan , Han Han , Zhang Wenjuan 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to study the initial trust of the owner to the contractor, establish the initial trust mechanism, explore the factors that affect the initial trust of the owner to the contractor and analyze its influence mechanism. Based on this, it is easy for the owners and contractors to take targeted measures to improve the initial trust, which is conducive to the sustainable development of the project.

Design/methodology/approach
On the basis of reading a large amount of literature, this paper constructs the occurrence mechanism of the owner's initial trust to the contractor from the five factors of trust propensity, trust belief, trustee’s characteristics, institution-based trust, trust motivation and from the perspective of the owner using the structural equation model for questionnaire survey and empirical analysis.

Findings
The results of this paper show that the institution-based trust, the trustee’s characteristics and the trust belief of the trustor clearly have a positive effect on trust motivation, and the trustee’s characteristics have the most significant effect on the trust motivation. The influence of trust propensity on trust motivation was not significant.

Originality/value
This paper studies the occurrence mechanism of the owner's initial trust in the contractor, discusses its influencing factors and analyzes the influence of these factors on the initial trust, which enriches the theoretical system of initial trust research. The results of this study can help owners and contractors to develop targeted measures to build good initial trust.