bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human serum supplementation promotesStreptococcus mitisgrowth and induces specific transcriptomic responses
Authors: Wei Yahan , Sturges Camille I. , Palmer Kelli L. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractStreptococcus mitisis a normal member of the human oral microbiota and a leading opportunistic pathogen causing infective endocarditis (IE). Despite the complex interactions betweenS. mitisand human host, understanding ofS. mitisphysiology, as well as its mechanisms of adaptation to host-associated environments, is inadequate, especially when compared with other IE bacterial pathogens. This study reports growth-promoting effects of human serum onS. mitisand other pathogenic streptococci, includingS. oralis, S. pneumoniae, andS. agalactiae. Using transcriptomic analyses we identified that, with the addition of human serum,S. mitisdown-regulates uptake systems for metal ions and sugars, fatty acid biosynthetic genes, and genes involved in stress response and other processes related with growth and replication.S. mitisup-regulates uptake systems for amino acids and short peptides in response to human serum. Zinc availability and environmental signals sensed by the induced short peptide binding proteins were not sufficient to confer the seen growth-promoting effects. More investigation is required to establish the mechanism for growth promotion. Overall, our study contributes to the fundamental understanding ofS. mitisphysiology under host-associated conditions.SignificanceS. mitisis exposed to human serum components during commensalism in the human mouth and bloodstream pathogenesis. However, the physiological effects of serum components on this bacterium remain unclear. Using transcriptomic analyses,S. mitisbiological processes that respond to the presence of human serum were revealed, providing the fundamental understanding ofS. mitisadaptations towards human host conditions.
Niche formation and metabolic interactions result in stable diversity in a spatially structured cyanobacterial community
Authors: Duxbury Sarah J.N. , Raguideau Sebastien , Cremin Kelsey , Rosko Jerko , Coates Mary , Randall Kieran , Chen Jing , Quince Christopher , Soyer Orkun S. 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACTUnderstanding how microbial communities maintain stable compositional diversity is key for predicting community function. Studies from species pairwise interactions and synthetic communities indicate that metabolic interactions and spatial organisation can influence coexistence, but the relevance of these factors in more complex communities is unclear. Model systems often lack multi-species complexity, thereby making it difficult to study community diversity temporally. Here we used a spatially-organised cyanobacterial enrichment community to investigate compositional diversity and its stability. Over a year of passaging in media without significant carbon source, we found that the community maintains relatively high diversity, with 17 co-existing bacterial species. Using short and long read shotgun metagenomics sequencing from different time point samples, we have reconstructed complete genomes. Genomic annotation of these species revealed complementary metabolic functions involving carbon breakdown and vitamin biosynthesis suggesting interactions amongst community members. Using isolated species, we provide experimental support for carbon provision through cyanobacterial slime and growth on the component substrates by representative members of the Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota phyla. Additionally, we experimentally show vitamin provision and uptake between prototrophic and auxotrophic members. We also found genomic capability for (an)oxygenic photosynthesis and sulfur cycling in several species. We show consistent formation of oxygen gradients across ‘photogranule’ structures, supporting niches that can sustain these specific metabolic functions. These findings indicate that spatial niche formation and metabolic interactions enable maintenance of community compositional stability and diversity.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMicrobes exist as species-diverse communities in nature and understanding their stability is an open challenge in microbial ecology. We established and maintained a spatially-organised, photosynthetic microbial community from a freshwater reservoir through long-term culturing in laboratory medium. We found that this community maintained a taxonomically-diverse set of 17 bacterial species. Combining genomic and physiological assays, we characterised a novel filamentous cyanobacterium capable of carbohydrate-rich ‘slime’ secretion supporting growth of other microbes. We predict inter-species vitamin exchanges and identify sulfur cycling and alternative types of photosynthesis that are likely to be favoured in oxygen-free zones identified within the spatial structures. Our findings indicate that metabolic interactions and spatial structures can enable stable microbial coexistence in natural ecosystems.
Phase-based genetic logic circuits
Authors: Rudge Timothy J. , Vidal Gonzalo 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBio-computation is the implementation of computational operations using biological substrates, such as cells engineered with synthetic genetic circuits. These genetic circuits can be composed of DNA parts with specific functions, such as promoters that initiate transcription, ribosome binding sites that initiate translation, and coding sequences that are translated into proteins. Compositions of such parts can encode genetic circuits in which the proteins produced by genes regulate each other in different ways. The expression level of each gene may be considered as a signal which may be high or low, encoding binary logic, and the combinations of genes can then encode logic circuits. This is equivalent to the level-based logic used in modern electronic computers in which the voltage forms the logical high or low states.A different approach to binary logic is to encode the high and low states in the phase of an oscillating signal. In this approach a signal in phase with a reference represents high, and a signal antiphase with the reference represents the logical low state. We present here designs and models for phase-based genetic NOT, OR, AND, MAJORITY and complementary MAJORITY gates, which together form multiple complete logical sets. We derive analytical expressions for the optimal model parameters for circuit function. Our simulation results suggest that this approach to genetic logic is feasible and could be less sensitive to gate input-output mismatch than level-based genetic logic. To demonstrate the scaleability of phase-based genetic logic, we used our complementary MAJORITY and NOT gates to design and simulate a fully functional 4-bit ripple adder circuit, and showed that it was robust to molecular noise.
Structural and Cognitive Solutions to Prevent Group Fragmentation in Group-Living Species
Authors: Dunbar R.I.M. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractGroup-living is one of the six major evolutionary transitions. However, group-living creates stresses that naturally cause group fragmentation, and hence loss of the benefits that group-living provides. How species that live in large groups counteract these forces is not well understood. I analyse comparative data on grooming networks from a large sample of primate species and show that two different social grades can be differentiated in terms of network size and structure. I show that living in large, stable groups involves a combination of increased investment in bonding behaviours (made possible by a dietary adjustment) and the evolution of neuronally expensive cognitive skills of the kind known to underpin social relationships in humans. The first allows the stresses created by these relationships to be defused; the second allows large numbers of weak relationships to be managed, creating a form of multilevel sociality based on strong versus weak ties similar to that found in human social networks.
Sex and timing of gonadectomy relative to puberty interact to influence weight, body composition, and feeding behaviors in mice
Authors: Klappenbach Courtney M. , Wang Qing , Jensen Allison L. , Glodosky Nicholas C. , Delevich Kristen 
Published: December 2022

AbstractGonadal sex steroids are important regulators of energy balance in adult rodents, and gonadectomy (GDX) has opposing effects on weight gain in sexually mature males and females. Puberty is associated with the emergence of sex differences in weight, body composition, and feeding behaviors, yet the role of gonadal hormones at puberty remains unclear. To address this, we performed GDX or sham surgery in male and female C57Bl/6 mice at postnatal day (P)25 (prepubertal) or P60 (postpubertal) timepoints and measured weight and body composition for 35 days, after whichad libitumand operant food intake was measured using Feeding Experimentation Device 3 (FED3s) in the home cage. Consistent with previous studies, postpubertal GDX caused weight gain in females and weight loss in males and increased adiposity in both sexes. However, prepubertal GDX decreased weight gain and altered body composition across the adolescent transition (P25 to P60) in males but had no effect in females. Despite the varied effects on weight, GDX decreased food intake and motivation for food as assessed in operant tasks regardless of sex or timing of surgery relative to puberty. Our findings indicate that GDX interacts with both sex and age at surgery to influence weight, body composition, and feeding behavior.HighlightsGonadectomy had opposing effects on weight in males and females when performed in adulthood.Gonadectomy performed prior to puberty decreased weight gain in males but did not affect weight gain in females.Across sex and age at surgery, GDX decreasedad libitumfood intake and reduced operant responding for food.Decreased food intake under effortful conditions was not explained by body weight in GDX mice.
GWAS of Chronic Dizziness in the Elderly Identifies Novel Loci ImplicatingMLLT10, BPTF, LINC01225, andROS1
Authors: Clifford Royce , Munro Daniel , Dochtermann Daniel , Devineni Poornima , Pyarajan Saiju , Program Million Veteran , Talese Francesca , Palmer Abraham A. , Mohammadi Pejman , Friedman Rick 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundChronic age-related dizziness can arise from dysfunction of the vestibulocochlear system, an elegant neuroanatomical group of pathways that mediates human perception of linear acceleration, gravity, and angular head motion. Studies indicates that 27-46% of chronic imbalance is genetically inherited, nevertheless, underlying genes leading to chronic imbalance remain unknown.MethodsThe Million Veteran Program comprises over 900,000 diverse-ancestry participants. Cases required two diagnoses of dizziness at least six months apart, excluding acute vertiginous syndromes, ataxias, syncope, and traumatic brain injury. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS’) were performed as separate logistic regressions on Europeans, African Americans, and those of Hispanic ancestry, followed by trans-ancestry meta-analysis. Downstream analysis included case-case-GWAS, fine-mapping, probabilistic colocalization of significant variants and genes with eQTLs, and functional analysis of significant hits.ResultsThe final cohort consisted of 50,339 cases and 366,900 controls. Two significant loci were identified in Europeans, another in the Hispanic population, and two additional loci in trans-ancestry meta-analysis. Fine mapping revealed credible sets of intronic single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes includingMLLT10- a histone methyl transferase cofactor,BPTF- a subunit of a nucleosome remodeling complex implicated in neurodevelopment,LINC01224- affecting transcription ofZNF91, a repressor of retrotransposons, andROS1– a proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase.ConclusionBalance dysfunction can lead to catastrophic outcomes, including falls, injury, and death in the elderly. By removing acute vertiginous syndromes and non-cochlear disorders to focus on vestibulocochlear age-related dizziness, findings suggest genomic candidates for further study and ultimate treatment of this common neurologic disease.KEY MESSAGESWhat is already known on this topicThe vestibule of the cochlea is a neuroanatomic structure mediating balance, and chronic imbalance in the elderly is a large predictor of falls and their associated morbidities and mortalities. Chronic vestibular balance is 27% - 46% heritable, however, underlying genes are unknown.What this study addsIn a genome-wide association study, we identified novel single nucleotide polymorphisms and genes associated with chronic dizziness in the elderly.How this study might affect research, practice or policyAscertaining the physiologic/genetic architecture in the cochleovestibular system will aid in future treatment where drug development can target specifically genes related to imbalance. Individuals at higher genetic risk for imbalance can be provided more focused preventive vestibular therapy.
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy is associated with altered myoblast proteome dynamics
Authors: Nishimura Yusuke , Bittel Adam J. , Stead Connor A. , Chen Yi-Wen , Burniston Jatin G 
Published: December 2022

AbstractProteomic studies in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) could offer new insight to disease mechanisms underpinned by post-transcriptional processes. We used stable isotope (deuterium oxide; D2O) labelling and peptide mass spectrometry to investigate the abundance and turnover rates of proteins in cultured muscle cells from 2 individuals affected by FSHD and their unaffected siblings (UASb). We measured the abundance of 4485 proteins and the turnover rate of 2324 proteins in each (n= 4) myoblast sample. FSHD myoblasts exhibited a greater abundance but slower turnover rate of subunits of mitochondrial respiratory complexes and mitochondrial ribosomal proteins, which may indicate an accumulation of ‘older’ less viable mitochondrial proteins in myoblasts from individuals affected by FSHD. Our results highlight the importance of post-transcriptional processes and protein turnover in FSHD pathology and provide a resource for the FSHD research community to explore this burgeoning aspect of FSHD.
Factors influencing re-usage intention of online and mobile grocery shopping amongst young adults in South Africa
Authors: Ligaraba Neo , Nyagadza Brighton , Dӧrfling Danie , Zulu Qinisoliyakhulula Mhlengi 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThis study investigates the factors influencing re-usage intention of online and mobile grocery shopping among young adult consumers in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from selected young adult participants using a stratified probability sampling strategy. Smart PLS was used to analyse the data.FindingsThe findings of the study indicate that perceived usefulness (PU), peer review (PR) and attitude (ATT) positively influence continuance intention (CI).Research limitations/implicationsIn line with the available literature, there are few prior post-adoption studies that delineate the influence of individual characteristics on digital commerce usage activities. There is high mobile penetration as a result of positive digital commerce and mobile application usage and adoption, creating the need to investigate and better understand the drivers behind, not just adoption and usage, but continued use of digital commerce platforms and applications. Since the sample size is relatively small, further future research studies can test the same model with bigger sample sizes to assess generalisability of the results in different locations.Practical implicationsThis study adds to the current literature by concentrating on the extent to which systems and marketing elements influence young adult customers' intention to continue using online and mobile grocery shopping platforms in South Africa.Originality/valueThe study adds value from a theoretical standpoint, contributing to the antecedent factors of the technology acceptance model (TAM), theory of reasoned action (TRA) and stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model and giving marketing academics insights into what aspects drive re-use of online and mobile grocery shopping and on what should be the focus.
Employee attrition prediction in a pharmaceutical company using both machine learning approach and qualitative data
Authors: Mozaffari Fatemeh , Rahimi Marzieh , Yazdani Hamidreza , Sohrabi Babak 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThis research intends to develop a model for predicting employees at a high-risk attrition and identify the most important factors affecting them.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, using the triangulation technique of a mixed research method, the employee attrition problem is investigated by identifying its affecting factors. For that matter, data related to the human resources department of a pharmaceutical company in Iran are used. And to achieve the intended goal, advanced data mining algorithms and interviews with human resource managers are applied.FindingsA model for predicting employees at a high-risk attrition is presented based on the gradient boosting machine algorithm with 89% accuracy. The use of the mixed research approach shows that qualitative and quantitative methods can be more effective in identifying the factors affecting employee churn or loss of staff. The results also contain a new situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic and remote working scenarios having impact on employee attrition. Finally, human resource policies are presented based on variables related to each of the identified factors.Originality/valueThe novel contributions of this study include real data related to a leading pharmaceutical company as well as a combination of two quantitative and qualitative methods. The hybrid approach can identify the reasons for attrition and, consequently, retention policies to benefit from the advantage of both approaches. Data mining can be useful to identify the factors, which are usually not mentioned in termination interviews, such as direct managers. On the other hand, the results obtained from termination interviews can also include features that the authors cannot identify through data mining, which are specifically related to the characteristics of the pharmaceutical industry such as building a more professional career path. From a practical perspective, since this company specializes in pharmaceutical marketing in a new way and is primarily comprised graduates, it is important to note that the churn of specialized people disperses organizational and technological know-how. On the other hand, the pharmacist community in Iran is small, and their attrition might adversely affect not only the reputation of an organization but the employer's brand as well. So, this research would help other similar firms in retaining their valuable human capital.
An overall blockage attenuation-based aerodynamic performance and stability design optimization method for transonic axial flow compressors
Authors: Wang Xuesong , Sun Jinju , Benini Ernesto , Song Peng , He Youwei 
Published: December 2022

Purpose
This study aims to use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to understand and quantify the overall blockage within a transonic axial flow compressor (AFC), and to develop an efficient collaborative design optimization method for compressor aerodynamic performance and stability in conjunction with a surrogate-assisted optimization technique.

Design/methodology/approach
A quantification method for the overall blockage is developed to integrate the effect of regional blockages on compressor aerodynamic stability and performance. A well-defined overall blockage factor combined with efficiency drives the optimizer to seek the optimum blade designs with both high efficiency and wide-range stability. An adaptive Kriging-based optimization technique is adopted to efficiently search for Pareto front solutions. Steady and unsteady numerical simulations are used for the performance and flow field analysis of the datum and optimum designs.

Findings
The proposed method not only remarkably improves the compressor efficiency but also significantly enhances the compressor operating stability with fewer CFD calls. These achievements are mainly attributed to the improvement of specific flow behaviors oriented by the objectives, including the attenuation of the shock and weakening of the tip leakage flow/shock interaction intensity.

Originality/value
CFD-based design optimization of AFC is inherently time-consuming, which becomes even trickier when optimizing aerodynamic stability since the stall margin relies on a complete simulation of the performance curve. The proposed method could be a good solution to the collaborative design optimization of aerodynamic performance and stability for transonic AFC.
The role of online channel in influencing perceived firm size and brand authenticity in international marketing
Authors: Septianto Felix , Japutra Arnold , Putra Pragea , Ang Tyson 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThis research investigates the role of marketing channel selection in influencing brand authenticity and purchase likelihood in the international marketing domain. Further, perceived firm size is identified as a mediator in this regard. The moderating role of consumer skepticism is also considered.Design/methodology/approachThree experimental studies were carried out across three different markets (India, the US and the UK) in the context of South Korean brands.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that firms utilizing (only) online channels are perceived to be smaller than those that utilize hybrid channels (i.e. both online and physical stores) or offline channels (i.e. physical stores). When consumers perceive firms to be smaller, they also report higher levels of brand authenticity, which in turn increases their purchase likelihood. Further, this effect is weaker among consumers with high levels of skepticism.Originality/valueThe findings of the present research contribute to the international marketing literature by demonstrating how consumers perceive online marketing channels, the role of marketing channel selection in driving brand authenticity, as well as providing managerial implications on how to promote products in the international market.
Enhancing the tourist experiences and attractiveness of World Heritage Sites: a stakeholders' perspective
Authors: Juneja Monisha , Sufi Tahir , Bhatnagar Mamta 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThe study aims, based on the symbiotic relationship between tourism agencies and various stakeholders, to investigate what “policy-level” partners would advise their “practice-level” counterparts on, first, how the World Heritage Site (WHS) status of monuments can be made attractive for travellers, and second, what steps can be taken by stakeholders to enhance the WHS tourist experience.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach involving e-mail interviews was adopted. Content analyses of open-ended exploratory questions put to “policy-level” respondents yielded 10 major themes that can enhance the brand appeal of the WHS.FindingsThe findings offer in-depth solutions for better trip experiences of Heritage Tourists. Insights from the responses under ten thematic areas have direct relevance for application by tourism and hospitality facilitators.Practical implicationsAlthough this study was conducted in India, its findings hold implications for practice throughout the world. They could similarly be incorporated as elements of policy directed at incentivising communication of the value of preserving heritage for future generations.Originality/valueWhile previous research focused on stakeholders for planning and policy making, this study explores the stakeholder's perspective for a more comprehensive understanding of how using the WHS brand can generate more holistic tourism development.