bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Skin epithelial cells change their mechanics and proliferation upon Snail-mediated EMT signalling
Authors: Hosseini Kamran , Trus Palina , Frenzel Annika , Werner Carsten , Fischer-Friedrich Elisabeth 
Published: February 2022

Skin cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in the USA and Germany, and the fourth most common cancer worldwide. Snail-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was shown to initiate and promote skin cancer. Previous studies could show that EMT changes actin cortex regulation and cellular mechanics in epithelial cells of diverse tissue origin. However, in spite of its potentially high significance in the context of skin cancer, the effect of EMT on cellular mechanics, mitotic rounding and proliferation has not been studied in skin epithelial cells so far. In this work we show that TGF-β-induced partial EMT results in a transformation of the mechanical phenotype of skin epithelial cells in a cell-cycle dependent manner. Concomitantly, we looked at EMT-induced changes of cell proliferation. While EMT decreases proliferation in 2D culture, we observed an EMT-induced boost of cellular proliferation when culturing cells as mechanically confined aggregates of skin epithelial cells. This proliferation boost was accompanied by enhanced mitotic rounding and composition changes of the actin cortex. We give evidence that observed EMT-induced changes depend on the EMT-upregulated transcription factor Snail. Overall, our findings indicate that EMT-induced changes of cellular mechanics might play a currently unappreciated role in EMT-induced promotion of skin tumor proliferation.Significance statementThis study describes how epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) alters the actin cytoskeleton, cellular mechanics and proliferation in a benign tumor model of skin epithelial cells. We show that corresponding EMT-induced phenotypes depend on the signalling of the transcription factor Snail. Our findings suggest that EMT-induced changes of cellular mechanics and proliferation might play a currently under-appreciated role in EMT-induced promotion of skin tumors.
Studies on the success criteria and critical success factors for mega infrastructure construction projects: a literature review
Authors: Wang Ting , Xu Junyan , He Qinghua , Chan Albert P.C. , Owusu Emmanuel Kingsford 
Published: February 2022

PurposeThis study intends to review studies on the success criteria and critical success factors (CSFs) for mega infrastructure construction projects (MICPs) from journal articles between 2000 and 2018 to (1) identify the publication trend of success criteria and CSFs for MICPs; (2) explore distributions of selected papers, including the distribution of journals, authors’ origin/country and publications by country or region focus; and (3) summarize the findings of success criteria and CSFs studies of MICPs.Design/methodology/approachA methodical and systematic analysis of 38 selected journal articles was conducted using descriptive analysis to obtain the annual trend of publications, distributions of publication sources, contributors’ origin/country, regions/countries of research focus, methods involved in publications and thematic analysis to identify and categorize success criteria and CSFs for MICPs.FindingsAustralia, the USA, UK, China and Hong Kong had been the leading contributors for publications on success criteria and CSFs for MICPs; meanwhile, China, Australia and the UK have been the countries of focus for most studies on this specific topic. This review identified 20 success criteria grouped into 5 constructs and 36 CSFs grouped into 5 categories and, respectively, integrated them into two conceptual frameworks. The top five CSFs were adequate resource availability, partnering/relationships with key stakeholders, adequate communication and coordination among related parties, public support or acceptance and clear strategic vision. Three implications, namely, evaluation indicators, relationships between CSFs and the success of MICPs and human-related factors, are highlighted in future research.Originality/valueThe identified success criteria and CSFs provide a basis for evaluating the success possibility of MICPs and serve to identify areas for further improvement. Additionally, the CSFs checklist and framework have been established, which could help to conduct further empirical studies. Finally, the holistic analysis identifies gaps in the body of knowledge, revealing avenues for future research.
Functional differentiation and scalable production of renal proximal tubular epithelial cells from human pluripotent stem cells in a dynamic culture system
Authors: Ngo Thao Thi Thanh , Rossbach Bella , Sébastien Isabelle , Neubauer Julia C. , Kurtz Andreas , Hariharan Krithika 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo provide a standardized protocol for large‐scale production of proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC) generated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC).MethodsThe hPSC were expanded and differentiated into PTEC on matrix‐coated alginate beads in an automated levitating fluidic platform bioLevitator. Differentiation efficacy was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry, ultrastructure visualized by electron microscopy. Active reabsorption by PTEC was investigated by glucose, albumin, organic anions and cations uptake assays. Finally, the response to cisplatin‐treatment was assessed to check the potential use of PTEC to model drug‐induced nephrotoxicity.ResultshPSC expansion and PTEC differentiation could be performed directly on matrix‐coated alginate beads in suspension bioreactors. Renal precursors arose 4 days post hPSC differentiation and PTEC after 8 days with 80% efficiency, with a 10‐fold expansion from hPSC in 24 days. PTEC on beads, exhibited microvilli and clear apico‐basal localization of markers. Functionality of PTECs was confirmed by uptake of glucose, albumin, organic anions and cations and expression of KIM‐1 after Cisplatin treatment.ConclusionWe demonstrate the efficient expansion of hPSC, controlled differentiation to renal progenitors and further specification to polarized tubular epithelial cells. This is the first report employing biolevitation and matrix‐coated beads in a completely defined medium for the scalable and potentially automatable production of functional human PTEC.
Comparison of four mechanisms for request exchange in collaborative transportation
Authors: Nicola Daniel 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis paper presents frameworks for auction‐based and posted price mechanisms for exchanging requests between carriers operating in the same geographical areas. Similar mechanisms have been studied before in a rather isolated manner. In this work, all mechanisms are tested within the same scenario and by comparing their results; the aim is to obtain insights regarding the efficiency gains they offer to the network and the required information for their application. Moreover, this comparison provides a clear idea of what is needed to implement each mechanism and the results to expect if one invests in the mentioned implementation, i.e., how much would the net profit be affected. The mechanisms' main objective is to give carriers the chance to improve their original sets of requests in order to increase their overall efficiency. Due to the nature of routing problems, requests usually have different costs for different carriers, depending on the location of the depots as well as on the requests that have to be serviced. The exchange mechanism should find a new allocation such that carriers obtain requests with higher value (i.e., lower cost) for them. Results obtained here show that individual auction‐based mechanisms provide similar results, on average, to centralized auction‐based mechanisms, both outperforming posted price mechanisms. Nevertheless, this improvement difference comes at the cost of providing more information (included in the carriers' bids). Readers can use the presented comparison and results to improve decisions taken prior to collaboration, specifically deciding which mechanism is the best option for a specific situation.
Exploring microbiome engineering as a strategy for improved thermal tolerance inExaiptasia diaphana
Authors: Dungan Ashley M. , Hartman Leon M. , Blackall Linda L. , van Oppen Madeleine J. H. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimsFourteen percent of all living coral, equivalent to more than all the coral on the Great Barrier Reef, has died in the past decade as a result of climate change-driven bleaching. Inspired by the ‘oxidative stress theory of coral bleaching’, we investigated whether a bacterial consortium designed to scavenge free radicals could integrate into the host microbiome and improve thermal tolerance of the coral model, Exaiptasia diaphana.Methods and ResultsE. diaphana anemones were inoculated with a consortium of high free radical scavenging (FRS) bacteria, a consortium of congeneric low FRS bacteria, or sterile seawater as a control, then exposed to elevated temperature. Increases in the relative abundance of Labrenzia during the first 2 weeks following the last inoculation provided evidence for temporary inoculum integration into the E. diaphana microbiome. Initial uptake of other consortium members was inconsistent, and these bacteria did not persist either in E. diaphana’s microbiome over time. Given their non-integration into the host microbiome, the ability of the FRS consortium to mitigate thermal stress could not be assessed. Importantly, there were no physiological impacts (negative or positive) of the bacterial inoculations on the holobiont.ConclusionsThe introduced bacteria were not maintained in the anemone microbiome over time, thus, their protective effect is unknown. Achieving long-term integration of bacteria into cnidarian microbiomes remains a research priority.Significance and Impact of the StudyMicrobiome engineering strategies to mitigate coral bleaching may assist coral reefs in their persistence until climate change has been curbed. This study provides insights that will inform microbiome manipulation approaches in coral bleaching mitigation research.
Drying of garlic slices by electrohydrodynamic‐hot air method
Authors: Polat Ahmet , Izli Nazmi 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this study, garlic slices were dried with a new drying method, electrohydrodynamic‐hot air combined drying system, under different temperatures (55 and 60°C) and voltages (15, 20, 25, and 30 kV), and the effects of drying conditions on drying time, color parameters, rehydration capacity, energy values, and microstructure were investigated. In addition, experimental data were fitted into 10 different mathematical models that are widely used to select the appropriate model that could describe the drying behavior of garlic slices. The longest drying time required for constant moisture content was observed under 30 kV‐60°C treatment for 100 min, while the shortest drying time was observed under 15 kV‐55°C treatment for 160 min. Verma et al., Diffusion Approach, and Newton models were determined so as to find the most suitable model for the drying behavior of thin‐layer dried garlic samples at different temperatures and voltages. Increasing drying temperature caused a decrease in the a* and b* values of the garlic samples. The lowest energy consumption during the drying of the garlic slices was found at 30 kV‐55°C treatment combination. It was observed that the temperature and kV values have impact on the product microstructures.Practical ApplicationDrying is the preservation process to extend the shelf life of products. The traditional method is the most used one in the drying industry. The low energy efficiency of this method and the loss of quality due to the high contact of the hot air with the product have led to the research of new methods. Therefore, the electrohydrodynamic method is used as a new approach that results in high energy efficiency and a high‐quality product. As a result, integrating the electrohydrodynamic system into the hot air drying method will reduce the contact of the hot air with the product, thus prevents the negative effect of temperature and provides better quality products. In addition, this system can increase the drying efficiency and energy economy by reducing the drying time and energy consumption in drying procedure of garlic samples.
Cellulite: Presentation and management
Authors: Arora Gulhima , Patil Anant , Hooshanginezhad Zahra , Fritz Klaus , Salavastru Carmen , Kassir Martin , Goldman Mitchel P , Gold Michael H. , Adatto Maurice , Grabbe Stephan , Goldust Mohamad 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundCellulite is a common dermatological condition with a female preponderance, affecting up to 90% post‐pubertal females. It is characterized with dimpling and denting of the skin surface, giving it a Peau d'orange appearance. Once considered to be a benign physiological isolated skin condition of only an esthetic concern, cellulite is now considered a pathological entity with systemic associations and a negative psychological impact on patients.AimsThe objective of this article was to discuss etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of cellulite.Materials and methodsLiterature was screened to retrieve articles from PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar and related websites. Cross‐references from the relevant articles were also considered for review. Review articles, clinical studies, systematic reviews, meta‐analysis, and relevant information from selected websites were included.ResultsSeveral treatment options from lifestyle modifications and topical cosmetic therapies to energy‐based devices have been studied for its treatment. However, treatment remains a challenge despite many new modalities in the armamentarium. Laser and light therapies along with radiofrequency are useful treatment options with good safety profile. Acoustic wave therapy, subcision, and 1440‐nm Nd:YAG minimally invasive laser are beneficial in cellulite reduction.DiscussionMethodological differences in the trials conducted make it difficult to compare different treatment modalities.ConclusionOverall, treatment needs to be individualized based on the patient characteristics and severity of the condition. A combination of treatments is often required in most patients for reducing cellulite.
Oil prices and Mexico’s exchange rates in North America
Authors: Baghestani Hamid , Chazi Abdelaziz , Khallaf Ashraf 
Published: February 2022

AbstractEvidence indicates that since the early 2000s, the central bank in Mexico has been able to implement a solid and credible monetary policy, which has resulted in maintaining the purchasing power of the Mexican peso. Motivated by such evidence and the fact that Mexico (like Canada and the US) is a major oil‐producing country, we set out to examine the dynamic relationship among oil prices and Mexico‐Canada and Mexico‐US exchange rates for 2000–2020. Our findings indicate that (i) these series are co‐integrated and possess a long‐run equilibrium relationship, (ii) oil prices asymmetrically respond to eliminate disequilibrium and (iii) both Mexico‐Canada and Mexico‐US exchange rates are weakly exogenous. Such findings point to the success of the central bank in largely shielding Mexico’s exchange rates from oil price fluctuations in the NAFTA region.
Hijacking time: How Ophiocordyceps fungi could be using ant host clocks to manipulate behavior
Authors: de Bekker Charissa , Das Biplabendu 
Published: February 2022

AbstractsOphiocordyceps fungi manipulate ant behaviour as a transmission strategy. Conspicuous changes in the daily timing of disease phenotypes suggest that Ophiocordyceps and other manipulators could be hijacking the host clock. We discuss the available data that support the notion that Ophiocordyceps fungi could be hijacking ant host clocks and consider how altering daily behavioural rhythms could benefit the fungal infection cycle. By reviewing time‐course transcriptomics data for the parasite and the host, we argue that Ophiocordyceps has a light‐entrainable clock that might drive daily expression of candidate manipulation genes. Moreover, ant rhythms are seemingly highly plastic and involved in behavioural division of labour, which could make them susceptible to parasite hijacking. To provisionally test whether the expression of ant behavioural plasticity and rhythmicity genes could be affected by fungal manipulation, we performed a gene co‐expression network analysis on ant time‐course data and linked it to available behavioural manipulation data. We found that behavioural plasticity genes reside in the same modules as those affected during fungal manipulation. These modules showed significant connectivity with rhythmic gene modules, suggesting that Ophiocordyceps could be indirectly affecting the expression of those genes as well.
Etiology, occurrence, and consequences of implant loss
Authors: Tomasi Cristiano , Derks Jan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractImplant therapy aims at providing the patient with a functional and esthetically pleasing rehabilitation in a long‐term perspective. The loss of an implant constitutes a major complication, which may have an impact on the treatment plan and/or jeopardize the longevity of the restoration. Implant loss may occur during the phase of osseointegration (early) or at a later time when the previously achieved osseointegration is lost (late). The present work evaluates the evidence on the occurrence of both events and discusses etiology, risk factors, and consequences.
The Pivotal and Distributive Politics of Senate‐Confirmed Appointee Vacancies
Authors: Resh William G. , Napolio Nicholas G. , Lee Eli (Keunyoung) 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe examine the influence of discretionary agency outlays on the relative length of Senate‐confirmed presidential appointee vacancies over time. We argue that key Senate pivots in the appointment process are more (or less) likely to extend a vacancy based on an agency's discretionary spending outlays to the Senator's state. We combine a uniquely thorough dataset on PAS vacancies with federal budget data by state and agency and show that co‐partisan Senate pivots in the confirmation process seem to reward presidents with shorter vacancies when a given agency is more generous in discretionary outlays. However, under divided government, vacancies lengthen in presidentially aligned agencies as status quo agency outlays increase to key pivots. Our work speaks to both the pivotal politics of the Senate and the extent to which presidents and Senators might value filled (vacant) PAS positions.
Recognizing key sedimentary facies and their distribution in mixed turbidite–contourite depositional systems: The case of the Pacific margin of the Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Rodrigues Sara , Hernández‐Molina Francisco Javier , Hillenbrand Claus‐Dieter , Lucchi Renata G. , Rodríguez‐Tovar Francisco J. , Rebesco Michele , Larter Robert D. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractInterplay of deep‐water sedimentary processes is responsible for building a myriad of features and deposits across mixed turbidite–contourite systems, from <5 cm beds to >200 km long sedimentary drifts. Investigations of the spatial and temporal variability of their sedimentary facies and facies associations is crucial to reveal the dynamics between along‐slope bottom currents and down‐slope turbidity currents, as well as their impact on drift construction and channel erosion. This study focuses on extensive modern mixed (turbidite–contourite) systems, developed across the continental rise of the Pacific margin of the Antarctic Peninsula. Nine sediment cores were sampled and analysed, through grain size and geochemical methods, to study the sedimentary facies at high‐resolution (ca 1 to 20 cm). Three main facies associations have been identified across distinct morphological features (i.e. mounded drifts and trunk channels), comprising intercalations of hemipelagites, bottom current reworked sands (which include fine to coarse‐grained contourites) and gravitational facies (turbidites and mass‐transport deposits). These facies associations reflect fluctuations of the background sedimentation, oscillations of the bottom‐current velocity and of the frequency of gravity‐driven currents. The sedimentary record features cyclic alternations during the Late Quaternary (>99 kyr), suggesting that variations between along‐slope bottom currents and down‐slope turbidity currents are strongly linked to glacial–interglacial cycles during Marine Isotope Stages 1 to 6. Sedimentary records affected by bottom currents on polar margins, such as those of the Antarctic Peninsula, are essential to decipher the facies and facies sequences of bottom‐current deposits, as the low degree of bioturbation throughout most of the sediments allows us to observe the original sedimentary structures, which are poorly preserved in similar deposits from other continental margins.
Effect of daily 3‐s maximum voluntary isometric, concentric, or eccentric contraction on elbow flexor strength
Authors: Sato Shigeru , Yoshida Riku , Murakoshi Fu , Sasaki Yuto , Yahata Kaoru , Nosaka Kazunori , Nakamura Masatoshi 
Published: February 2022

The present study compared a 3‐s isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), concentric MVC and eccentric MVC of the elbow flexors performed daily for 5 days a week for 4 weeks for changes in muscle strength and thickness. Young sedentary individuals were assigned to one of three training groups (n = 13 per group) that performed either 3‐s isometric, concentric, or eccentric MVC once a day for 20 days, or to a control group (n = 10) that had measurements without training. The participants in the isometric group performed isometric MVC at 55° (0.96 rad) elbow flexion, and those in the concentric or eccentric group performed concentric MVC or eccentric MVC between 10° (0.17 rad) and 100° (1.75 rad) elbow flexion at 30°/s (0.52 rad/s) on an isokinetic dynamometer. MVC isometric torque at 20° (0.35 rad), 55° (0.96 rad), and 90° (1.57 rad) elbow flexion, MVC concentric and eccentric torque at 30°/s (0.52 rad/s) and 180°/s (3.14 rad/s), and muscle thickness (MT) of biceps brachii and brachialis were measured before and several days after the 20th exercise session. The control group did not show any changes. The eccentric group showed increases (p < 0.01) in isometric (three angle average: 10.2 ± 6.4%), concentric (two velocity average: 12.8 ± 9.6%), and eccentric MVC torque (12.2 ± 7.8%). An increase (p < 0.05) was limited for isometric MVC torque (6.3 ± 6.0%) in the concentric group, and for eccentric MVC torque (7.2 ± 4.4%) in the isometric group. No significant changes in MT were evident for all groups. Performing one 3‐s MVC a day increased muscle strength, but eccentric MVC produced more potent effects than isometric or concentric MVC.