bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Microbial Flora and Isolation of Functional Strains Related to the Degradation of Domestic Waste
Authors: Huang Tianyi , Liu Xinyi , Zong Yeqing 
Published: March 2022

AbstractA large amount of food waste is currently generated due to rapid global population growth, which results in environmental pollution and economical burdens for waste disposal. Composting is one of the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective methods for food waste treatment. This study aims to give insight into microbial community structure and functional strains of household food waste compost, which might optimize the composting process and help increase food waste treatment efficiency. The microbial community is characterized via 16S rRNA sequencing. The dominant microbes are assigned to the three phyla of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, and the main fungi are assigned to the phylum of Ascomycota. We isolated some functional microbes from the compost microbiota, including Alcaligenes faecalis, Paenochrobactrum glaciei, Lysinibacillus fusiformis, and Proteus terrae. Moreover, we detected lipase and cellulase activities in the compost liquid. However, the measured lipase and cellulase activity is low, and further enhancement of the lipase activity in the food waste compost might increase waste treatment ability. Therefore, we isolated a cellulase and lipase harboring Bacillus cereus strain from municipal a wastewater treatment plant. The B. cereus strain have high-level lipase activity, which could be used for food waste treatment in the future.
A Novel High-Throughput Single B-Cell Cloning Platform for Isolation and Characterization of High-Affinity and potent SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies
Authors: Parashar Paritosh , Prabhakar B , Swain Sonali , Adhikari Nisha , Aryan Punit , Singh Anupama , Kwatra Mohit 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMonoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that are specific to SARS-CoV-2 can be useful in diagnosing, preventing, and treating the coronavirus (COVID-19) illness. Strategies for the high-throughput and rapid isolation of these potent neutralizing antibodies are critical toward the development of therapeutically targeting COVID-19 as well as other infectious diseases. In the present study, a single B-cell cloning method was used to screen SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) specific, high affinity, and neutralizing mAbs from patients’ blood samples. An RBD-specific antibody, SAR03, was discovered that showed high binding (ELISA and SPR) and neutralizing activity (competitive ELISA and pseudovirus-based reporter assay) against Sars-CoV-2. Mechanistic studies on human cells revealed that SAR03 competes with the ACE-2 receptor for binding with the RBD domain (S1 subunit) present in the spike protein of Sars-CoV-2. This study highlights the potential of the single B cell cloning method for the rapid and efficient screening of high-affinity and effective neutralizing antibodies for Sars-CoV-2 and other emerging infectious diseases.HighlightsSingle B-cell cloning is a high-throughput and efficient method of generating high affinity neutralizing antibodiesSingle B-cell cloning method was used to screen SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) specific, high affinity, and neutralizing monoclonal antibodies from patient’s blood samples.An RBD-specific antibody, SAR03, was discovered that showed high binding and neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2.
Glucagon Receptor Signaling at White Adipose Tissue Does Not Regulate Lipolysis
Authors: Vasileva Anastasiia , Marx Tyler , Beaudry Jacqueline L. , Stern Jennifer H. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveAlthough the physiologic role of glucagon receptor signaling in the liver is well defined, the impact of glucagon receptor (Gcgr) signaling at white adipose tissue (WAT) continues to be debated. While numerous studies propose glucagon stimulates WAT lipolysis, we lack evidence that physiological concentrations of glucagon regulate WAT lipolysis. Glucagon receptor antagonists are proposed as a treatment to lower blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes, yet concerns on how these treatments may affect lipid homeostasis have led to questions regarding the potential safety and efficacy of such therapeutics. Tight regulation of adipose tissue lipolysis is critical for whole body lipid homeostasis. In turn, we used WAT Gcgr knockout mice to determine if glucagon regulates lipolysis at WAT in the mouse.MethodsWe assessed the effects of fasting and acute exogenous glucagon administration in wildtype C57BL/6J and GcgrAdipocyte+/+ vs GcgrAdipocyte-/- mice. Using an ex vivo lipolysis protocol, we further examined the direct effects of glucagon on physiologically (fasted) and pharmacologically stimulated lipolysis.ResultsAdipocyte Gcgr expression did not affect fasting induced lipolysis or hepatic lipid accumulation in lean or diet induced obese (DIO) mice. Acute glucagon administration did not affect serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), leptin, or adiponectin concentration, but did increase serum glucose and FGF21, regardless of genotype. Glucagon did not affect ex vivo lipolysis in explants from either GcgrAdipocyte+/+ or GcgrAdipocyte-/- mice. Gcgr expression did not affect fasting-induced or isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis from WAT explants. Moreover, glucagon receptor signaling at WAT does not affect body weight or glucose homeostasis in lean or DIO mice.ConclusionsWe have established that glucagon does not regulate WAT lipolysis, either directly or indirectly. Unlike the crucial role of hepatic glucagon receptor signaling in maintaining glucose and lipid homeostasis, we observed no metabolic consequence of WAT glucagon receptor deletion.
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone inhibits PCSK9, augments LDLR recycling and enhances the effect of atorvastatin
Authors: Devasani Karan , Majumdar Anuradha , Jhonsa Dimple , Kaul Rachna 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHigh fat diet intake or statin therapy are known to increase the expression of PCSK9, a key factor involved in the lipid metabolism. Inhibition of PCSK9 is a potential novel strategy for treatment of CVD. Aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of PQQ and atorvastatin on PCSK9 expression in high fat, 10% fructose diet (HFFD) fed rats. Rats received HFFD for 10 weeks followed by treatment of 5 weeks with ATS 10 or 20 mg/kg, PQQ 10 or 20 mg/kg, p.o. per se or in combinations. The effect of the treatments on serum lipid profile, transaminases and PCSK9 concentrations was estimated. Hepatic expressions of PCSK9 and LDLR were quantified by real time quantitative Polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting analysis. Compared with the positive control, rats receiving PQQ and ATS showed significant decrease in serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, non-HDL and atherogenic index. Further, drug treatment resulted in decreased serum ALT and AST levels (P < 0.0001). PQQ in combination with atorvastatin reduced serum PCSK9 levels (P < 0.0001) while downregulating the hepatic expression of PCSK9 (P < 0.0001) and increasing the expression of LDL-R (P < 0.001) and rescuing its degradation. PQQ along with atorvastatin prevented the LDLR degradation that was induced in the HFFD fed rats by decreasing PCSK9 expression. The results support an improvement in cholesterol management by adding PQQ to statin treatment.Graphical abstract
Multiple forward scattering reduces the measured scattering coefficient of blood in visible-light optical coherence tomography
Authors: Fang Raymond , Rubinoff Ian , Zhang Hao F. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractOptical properties of blood encode oxygen-dependent information. Noninvasive optical detection of these properties is increasingly desirable to extract biomarkers for tissue health. Recently, visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) demonstrated retinal oxygen saturation (sO2) measurements using the depth-resolved spectrum of blood. Such measurements rely on differences between the absorption and scattering coefficients of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. However, there is still broad disagreement, both theoretically and experimentally, on how vis-OCT measures blood’s scattering coefficient. Incorrect assumptions of blood’s optical properties can add additional uncertainties or biases into vis-OCT’s sO2 model. Using Monte Carlo simulation of a retinal vessel, we determined that vis-OCT almost exclusively detects multiple-scattered photons in blood. Meanwhile, photons mostly forward scatter in blood within the visible spectral range, allowing photons to maintain ballistic paths and penetrate deeply, leading to a reduction in the measured scattering coefficient. We defined a scattering scaling factor (SSF) to account for such a reduction and found that SSF varied with measurement conditions, such as numerical aperture, depth resolution, and depth selection. We further experimentally validated SSF in ex vivo blood phantoms pre-set sO2 levels and in the human retina, both of which agreed well with our simulation.
The impact of social and environmental extremes on cholera time varying reproduction number in Nigeria
Authors: Charnley Gina E C , Yennan Sebastian , Ochu Chinwe , Kelman Ilan , Gaythorpe Katy A M , Murray Kris A 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNigeria currently reports the second highest number of cholera cases in Africa, with numerous socioeconomic and environmental risk factors. Less investigated are the role of extreme events, despite recent work showing their potential importance. To address this gap, we used a machine learning approach to understand the risks and thresholds for cholera outbreaks and extreme events, taking into consideration pre-existing vulnerabilities. We estimated time varying reproductive number (R) from cholera incidence in Nigeria and used a machine learning approach to evaluate its association with extreme events (conflict, flood, drought) and pre-existing vulnerabilities (poverty, sanitation, healthcare). We then created a traffic-light system for cholera outbreak risk, using three hypothetical traffic-light scenarios (Red, Amber and Green) and used this to predict R. The system highlighted potential extreme events and socioeconomic thresholds for outbreaks to occur. We found that reducing poverty and increasing access to sanitation lessened vulnerability to increased cholera risk caused by extreme events (monthly conflicts and the Palmers Drought Severity Index). The main limitation is the underreporting of cholera globally and the potential number of cholera cases missed in the data used here. Increasing access to sanitation and decreasing poverty reduced the impact of extreme events in terms of cholera outbreak risk. The results here therefore add further evidence of the need for sustainable development for disaster prevention and mitigation and to improve health and quality of life.
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike H655Y mutation is responsible for enhancement of the endosomal entry pathway and reduction of cell surface entry pathways
Authors: Yamamoto Mizuki , Tomita Keiko , Hirayama Youko , Inoue Jun-ichiro , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Gohda Jin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant reportedly displays decreased usage of the cell surface entry pathway mediated by the host transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and increased usage of the endosomal entry pathway mediated by cathepsin B/L. These differences result in different cell tropisms and low fusogenicity from other SARS-CoV-2 variants. Recent studies have revealed that host metalloproteases are also involved in cell surface entry and fusogenic activity of SARS-CoV-2, independent of TMPRSS2. However, the involvement of metalloproteinase-mediated cell entry and fusogenicity in Omicron infections has not been investigated. Here, we report that Omicron infection is less sensitive to the metalloproteinase inhibitor marimastat, like the TMPRSS2 inhibitor nafamostat, and is more sensitive to the cathepsin B/L inhibitor E-64d than infections with wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and other variants. The findings indicate that Omicron preferentially utilizes the endosomal pathway rather than cell surface pathways for entry. Moreover, the Omicron variant also displays poor syncytia formation mediated by metalloproteinases, even when the S cleavage status mediated by fusion-like proteases is unchanged. Intriguingly, the pseudovirus assay showed that a single mutation, H655Y, of the Omicron spike (S) is responsible for the preferential entry pathway usage without affecting the S cleavage status. These findings suggest that the Omicron variant has altered entry properties and fusogenicity, probably through the H655Y mutation in its S protein, leading to modulations of tissue and cell tropism, and reduced pathogenicity.Author summaryRecent studies have suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant displays altered cell tropism and fusogenicity, in addition to immune escape. However, comprehensive analyses of the usage of viral entry pathways in Omicron variant have not been performed. Here, we used protease inhibitors to block each viral entry pathway mediated by the three host proteases (cathepsin B/L, TMPRSS2, and metalloproteinases) in various cell types. The results clearly indicated that Omicron exhibits enhanced cathepsin B/L-dependent endosome entry and reduced metalloproteinase-dependent and TMPRSS2-dependent cell surface entry. Furthermore, the H655Y mutation of Omicron S determines the relative usage of the three entry pathways without affecting S cleavage by the host furin-like proteases. Comparative data among SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron, may clarify the biological and pathological phenotypes of Omicron but increase the understanding of disease progression in infections with other SARS-CoV-2 variants.
PiSpy: An Affordable, Accessible, and Flexible Imaging Platform for the Automated Observation of Organismal Biology and Behavior
Authors: Morris Benjamin I. , Kittredge Marcy J. , Casey Bea , Meng Owen , Chagas André Maia , Lamparter Matt , Thul Thomas , Pask Gregory M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractA great deal of understanding can be gleaned from direct observation of organismal growth, development, and behavior. However, direct observation can be time consuming and influence the organism through unintentional stimuli. Additionally, video capturing equipment can often be prohibitively expensive, difficult to modify to one’s specific needs, and may come with unnecessary features. Here, we describe the PiSpy, a low-cost, automated video acquisition platform that uses a Raspberry Pi computer and camera to record video or images at specified time intervals or when externally triggered. All settings and controls, such as programmable light cycling, are accessible to users with no programming experience through an easy-to-use graphical user interface. Importantly, the entire PiSpy system can be assembled for less than $100 using laser-cut and 3D-printed components. We demonstrate the broad applications and flexibility of the PiSpy across a range of model and non-model organisms. Designs, instructions, and code can be accessed through an online repository, where a global community of PiSpy users can also contribute their own unique customizations and help grow the community of open-source research solutions.
BIN1 regulates actin-membrane interactions during IRSp53-dependent filopodia formation
Authors: Picas Laura , André-Arpin Charlotte , Comunale Franck , Bousquet Hugo , Tsai Feng-Ching , Rico Félix , Maiuri Paolo , Pernier Julien , Bodin Stéphane , Nicot Anne-Sophie , Laporte Jocelyn , Bassereau Patricia , Goud Bruno , Gauthier-Rouvière Cécile , Miserey Stéphanie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAmphiphysin 2 (BIN1) is a membrane and actin remodeling protein mutated in congenital and adult centronuclear myopathies. Here, we report an unexpected function of this N-BAR domain protein BIN1 in filopodia formation. We demonstrated that BIN1 expression is necessary and sufficient to induce filopodia formation. BIN1 is present at the base of forming filopodia and all along filopodia, where it colocalizes with F-actin. We identify that BIN1-mediated filopodia formation requires IRSp53, which allows its localization at negatively-curved membrane topologies. Our results show that BIN1 bundles actin in vitro. Finally, we identify that BIN1 regulates the membrane-to-cortex architecture and functions as a molecular platform to recruit actin-binding proteins, dynamin and ezrin, to promote filopodia formation.
Strategic flexibility or persistence? Examining the survival path of export enterprises under COVID-19
Authors: Chen Wanyi , Jin Rong , Xie Yuchuan 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThe rising uncertainties in the macroeconomic environment exacerbate the challenges firms face in the export market. This study aims to explore which strategy is suitable for export enterprises to develop sustainably under COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachBased on the sample data of China’s A-stock listed manufacturing firms from 2010 to 2020, this study applies a survival analysis method to explore the impact of strategic flexibility on export firm survival. Furthermore, this study uses the difference-in-difference model to test the relationship between strategic flexibility and firms’ profits in the context of the pandemic.FindingsThe results show that strategic flexibility can increase firms’ survival time, improving dynamic production and innovation capabilities, which is favorable for their sustainable development. Meanwhile, after the spread of COVID-19, firms with strategic flexibility have higher profits than those without. This influence mechanism mainly involves exploring new markets that can improve the company revenue and the coordination capabilities of the supply chain; this reduces corporate costs.Originality/valueThis study expands relevant research on the factors affecting the survival of export enterprises and supplements research on the economic consequences of firms’ strategic flexibility; this also enriches the dynamic capability theory. Additionally, it provides important implications for firms to enhance strategic flexibility and recommends government implementation of policies that encourage the domestic sales of commodities originally produced for exports under COVID-19.
Urban search and rescue (USAR) simulation in earthquake environments using queuing theory: estimating the appropriate number of rescue teams
Authors: Hooshangi Navid , Mahdizadeh Gharakhanlou Navid , Ghaffari-Razin Seyyed Reza 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThe duration of an urban search and rescue (USAR) operation directly depends on the number of rescue teams involved. The purpose of this paper is to simplify the earthquake environment and determine the initial number of rescuers in earthquake emergencies in USAR operation.Design/methodology/approachIn the proposed methodology, four primary steps were considered: evaluation of buildings damage and the number of injured people by exerting geospatial information system (GIS) analyses; determining service time by means of task allocation; designing the simulation model (queuing theory); and calculation of survival rate and comparison with the time of rescue operations.FindingsThe calculation of buildings damage for an earthquake with 6.6 Richter in Tehran’s District One indicated that 18% of buildings are subjected to the high damage risk. The number of injured people calculated was 28,856. According to the calculated survival rate, rescue operations in the region must be completed within 22.33 h to save 75% of the casualties. Finally, the design of the queue model indicated that at least 2,300 rescue teams were required to provide the calculated survival rate.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper is an innovative approach for determining an appropriate number of rescue teams by considering the queuing theory. The results showed that the integration of GIS and the simulation of queuing theory could be a helpful tool in natural disaster management, especially in terms of rapid vulnerability assessment in urban districts, the adequacy and appropriateness of the emergency services.
Boundary-spanning leadership as a necessity for academic administrators
Authors: Nazarzadeh Zare Mohsen , Ghoraishi Khorasgani Maryam Sadat 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThe present study aimed to investigate the perceptions of academic administrators of the characteristics and strategies of a boundary-spanner leader.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, the authors adopted a qualitative approach and a descriptive phenomenology method. The participants of the study consisted of academic administrators in the public universities, and research institutions in Iran, of whom 17 academic administrators were selected as participants of the study purposefully and based on the criterion of having at least 4 years of management experience. To collect the data, the authors conducted semistructured interviews and performed a Colaizzi content analysis for data analysis.FindingsThe findings showed that perceptions of academic administrators of the characteristics and strategies of a boundary-spanner leader can be classified into six main categories; cognitive skills, relationship skills, professional skills, boundaries management strategies, common boundaries creation strategy and new boundaries discovery strategy.Originality/valueThis study builds upon the existing literature on boundary-spanning leaders in higher education through a new cultural context and lens. Because research to date has privileged institutional contexts predominantly in the USA and the United Kingdom, this study contributes an additional understanding of boundary-spanning leadership in Iranian higher educational contexts. This study also provides a common foundation and shared framework from which cross-national collaborations may be examined and further cultivated.
Purchasing realized absorptive capacity as the gateway to sustainable supply chain management
Authors: Difrancesco Rita Maria , Luzzini Davide , Patrucco Andrea S. 
Published: March 2022

PurposeCompanies' ability to build sustainable supply chains and achieve strategic sustainability objectives largely depends on their supply network characteristics and the nature of the relationships with strategic suppliers. This poses the question of how purchasing departments can help to translate this sustainability commitment into performance benefits. The authors focus the attention on buyer-supplier information sharing practices and study how the availability of information interplays with the purchasing realized absorptive capacity (PRAC) to positively impact performance (operational, environmental and social).Design/methodology/approachThe study collected data from 305 procurement executives in four European countries and tested the hypotheses empirically using structural equation modeling. Mediation analysis is used to test the effect of PRAC on the relationship between buyer-supplier information sharing and performance.FindingsThe results show that increasing buyer-supplier information sharing is sufficient to obtain a positive impact on operational performance. To improve purchasing sustainability performance, companies need to develop their PRAC to adequately transform and exploit external information and identify opportunities in the environmental and social areas. Thanks to these purchasing capabilities, organizations can overcome potential trade-offs between different performance dimensions.Originality/valueIn the context of collaborative buyer-supplier relationships, this study is one of the first to propose purchasing knowledge management capabilities (i.e. PRAC) as a key factor to improve multiple performance dimensions. Additionally, it captures different sustainability aspects, concluding that organizations can improve purchasing operational, environmental and social performances by implementing appropriate information sharing mechanisms with suppliers and developing their PRAC.