bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Volatile anesthetics inhibit presynaptic cGMP signaling to depress presynaptic excitability in rat hippocampal neurons
Authors: Speigel Iris , Osman Vanessa , Hemmings Hugh C 
Published: January 2022

AbstractVolatile anesthetics alter presynaptic function including effects on Ca2+ influx and neurotransmitter release. These actions are proposed to play important roles in their pleiotropic neurophysiological effects including unconsciousness and amnesia. The nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO/cGMP) signaling pathway has been implicated in presynaptic mechanisms, and disruption of NO/cGMP signaling has been shown to alter sensitivity to volatile anesthetics in vivo. We investigated NO/cGMP signaling in relation to volatile anesthetic actions in cultured rat hippocampal neurons using pharmacological tools and genetically encoded biosensors of cGMP levels. Using the fluorescent biosensor cGull we found that electrical stmulation-evoked NMDA-type glutamate receptor-independent presynaptic cGMP transients were inhibited −33.2% by isoflurane (0.51 mM) and −23.8% by sevoflurane (0.57 mM) (p<0.0001) compared to a stimulation without anesthetic. Isoflurane and sevoflurane inhibition of stimulation-evoked increases in presynaptic Ca2+ concentration, measured with synaptophysin-GCaMP6f, and synaptic vesicle exocytosis, measured with synaptophysin-pHlourin, were reduced by in neurons expressing the cGMP scavenger sponGee. This reduction in anesthetic effect was recapitulated by inhibiting HCN channels, a cGMP-modulated effector that can facilitate glutamate release. We propose that volatile anesthetics depress presynaptic cGMP signaling and downstream effectors like HCN channels that are essential to presynaptic function and excitability. These findings identify a novel mechanism by which volatile anesthetics depress synaptic transmission via second messenger signaling involving the NO/cGMP pathway.
E.PAGE: A curated database and enrichment tool to predict gene modules associated with gene-environment interactions
Authors: Muralidharan Sachin , Ali Sarah , Yang Lilin , Badshah Joshua , Zahir Farah , Ali Rubbiya , Chandra Janin , Frazer Ian , Thomas Ranjeny , Mehdi Ahmed M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to manually and semi-automatically curate a database and develop an R package that will provide a comprehensive resource to uncover associations between biological processes and environmental factors in health and disease.We followed a two-step process to achieve the objectives of this study. First, we conducted a systematic review of existing gene expression datasets to identify those with integrated genomic and environmental factors. This enabled us to curate a comprehensive genomic-environmental database for four key environmental factors (smoking, diet, infections and toxic chemicals) associated with various autoimmune and chronic conditions. Second, we developed a statistical analysis package that allows users to interrogate the relationships between differentially expressed genes and environmental factors under different disease conditions.ResultsThe initial database search run on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the Molecular Signature Database (MSigDB) retrieved a total of 90,018 articles. After title and abstract screening against pre-set criteria, a total of 186 studies were selected. From those, 243 individual sets of genes, or “gene modules”, were obtained. We then curated a database containing four environmental factors, namely cigarette smoking, diet, infections and toxic chemicals, along with a total of 25789 genes that had an association with one or more of these gene modules. In six case studies, the database and statistical analysis package were then tested with lists of differentially expressed genes obtained from the published literature related to type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, small cell lung cancer, COVID-19, cobalt exposure and smoking. On testing, we uncovered statistically enriched biological processes, which revealed pathways associated with environmental factors and the genes.ConclusionsA novel curated database and software tool is provided as an R Package. Users can enter a list of genes to discover associated environmental factors under various disease conditions.
BDSF is a degradation-prone quorum-sensing signal detected by the histidine kinase RpfC of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris
Authors: Tian Xiu-Qi , Wu Yao , Cai Zhen , Qian Wei 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACTDiffusible signal factors (DSFs) are medium-chain fatty acids that induce bacterial quorum sensing. Among these compounds, BDSF is a structural analog of DSF that is commonly detected in bacterial species (e.g., Xanthomonas, Pseudomonas, and Burkholderia). Additionally, BDSF contributes to the interkingdom communication regulating fungal life stage transitions. How BDSF is sensed in Xanthomonas spp. and the functional diversity between BDSF and DSF remain unclear. In this study, we generated genetic and biochemical evidence that BDSF is a low-active regulator of X. campestris pv. campestris quorum sensing, whereas trans-BDSF seems not a signaling compound. BDSF is detected by the sensor histidine kinase RpfC. Although BDSF has relatively low physiological activities, it binds to the RpfC sensor with a high affinity and activates RpfC autophosphorylation to a level that is similar to that induced by DSF in vitro. The inconsistency in the physiological and biochemical activities of BDSF is not due to RpfC– RpfG phosphorylation or RpfG hydrolase. Neither BDSF nor DSF controls the phosphotransferase and phosphatase activities of RpfC or the ability of RpfG hydrolase to degrade the bacterial second messenger cyclic di-GMP. We demonstrated that BDSF is prone to degradation by RpfB, a critical fatty acyl-CoA ligase involved in the turnover of DSF-family signals. rpfB mutations lead to substantial increases in BDSF-induced quorum sensing. Although DSF and BDSF are similarly detected by RpfC, our data suggest that their differential degradation in cells is the major factor responsible for the diversity in their physiological effects.IMPORTANCEDiffusible signal factor (DSF) family are quorum-sensing signals employed by gram-negative bacteria. These signals are a group of cis-2-unsaturated fatty acids, such as DSF, BDSF, IDSF, CDSF, and SDSF. However, the functional divergence of various DSF signals remains unclear. The present study demonstrates that though BDSF is a low active quorum-sensing signal than that of DSF, it binds histidine kinase RpfC with a higher affinity and activates RpfC autophosphorylation to the similar level as DSF. Rather than regulation of enzymatic activities of RpfC and its cognate response regulator RpfG encoding a c-di-GMP hydrolase, BDSF is prone to degradation in bacterial cells by RpfB, which effectively avoided the inhibition of bacterial growth by accumulating high concentration of BDSF. Therefore, our study shed new light on the functional difference of quorum-sensing signals and revealed that bacteria balance quorum-sensing and growth by fine-turning concentration of signaling chemical.
Simulation of iron losses in induction machines using an iron loss model for rotating magnetization loci in no electrical steel
Authors: Nell Martin Marco , Schauerte Benedikt , Brimmers Tim , Hameyer Kay 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
Various iron loss models can be used for the simulation of electrical machines. In particular, the effect of rotating magnetic flux density at certain geometric locations in a machine is often neglected by conventional iron loss models. The purpose of this paper is to compare the adapted IEM loss model for rotational magnetization that is developed within the context of this work with other existing models in the framework of a finite element simulation of an exemplary induction machine.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, an adapted IEM loss model for rotational magnetization, developed within the context of the paper, is implemented in a finite element method simulation and used to calculate the iron losses of an exemplary induction machine. The resulting iron losses are compared with the iron losses simulated using three other already existing iron loss models that do not consider the effects of rotational flux densities. The used iron loss models are the modified Bertotti model, the IEM-5 parameter model and a dynamic core loss model. For the analysis, different operating points and different locations within the machine are examined, leading to the analysis of different shapes and amplitudes of the flux density curves.

Findings
The modified Bertotti model, the IEM-5 parameter model and the dynamic core loss model underestimate the hysteresis and excess losses in locations of rotational magnetizations and low-flux densities, while they overestimate the losses for rotational magnetization and high-flux densities. The error is reduced by the adapted IEM loss model for rotational magnetization. Furthermore, it is shown that the dynamic core loss model results in significant higher hysteresis losses for magnetizations with a high amount of harmonics.

Originality/value
The simulation results show that the adapted IEM loss model for rotational magnetization provides very similar results to existing iron loss models in the case of unidirectional magnetization. Furthermore, it is able to reproduce the effects of rotational flux densities on iron losses within a machine simulation.
Integrating inspection management (IM) in piping system of petroleum industry in Iran
Authors: Amani Nima 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to report on the findings from a research project, incorporated by Iran’s Ministry of Petroleum, investigating the integration of inspection management with analysis of document information.

Design/methodology/approach
A combination of group and individual interviews were undertaken with qualitative methods of analysis to develop an integrated process model. The model developed uses integrity management factors, which allows flexibility and the early integration of inspection management systems at a strategic level, although detailed planning is still required through the use of integrated management tools. The model combines information on responsibilities, tasks and policies, of personnel in the inspection management of the piping system with the oil and gas industry.

Findings
The six inspection activities recognized for the main practical model are, namely, identify pipeline situation; inspect and measure defects; inspection assessment; design inspection; implement inspection activities and measure and report inspection.

Originality/value
This research presented not only a process but also the framework and techniques to manage and improve management effectiveness and inspection efficiency in pipelines of the oil and gas industry. This study will be useful to researchers maintenance professionals and others concerned with inspection and maintenance management of facilities and equipment in the oil and gas industry.
The effect of the financial crisis on audit quality: European evidence
Authors: Kyriakou Maria I. 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impact of the recent financial crisis on audit quality by analysing discretionary accruals.Design/methodology/approachThis study considers a sample of German, French, Italian and Spanish non-financial firms from 2005 to 2013 to investigate the auditor’s independence. It uses a cross-sectional and time-series ordinary least squares regression model to control for other predictors of the auditor’s independence when the financial crisis produces a decrease in audit quality.FindingsThe proportion of the non-financial firms having lower audit quality was higher during the financial crisis. In addition, during the crisis auditors were less likely to provide a higher audit quality for these non-financial firms. The level of audit quality returned to normal levels during the post-crisis years when the crisis had ceased.Originality/valueThese findings contribute to the literature on the impact of economic and financial changes on audit quality. In addition, this research finds that the Big Four accounting firms provide a higher audit quality in different circumstances from non-Big Four accounting firms, and that audit quality decreased during the crisis and returned to normal in the post-crisis period.
Probabilistic assessment of complex system consisting three subsystems, multi-failure threats and copula repair approach
Authors: Jibril Abbas Bin , Singh V.V. , Rawal Dilip Kumar 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to deliberate the system reliability of a system in combination of three subsystems in a series configuration in which all three subsystems function under a k-out-of-n: G operational scheme. Based on computed results, it has been demonstrated that copula repair is better than general repair for system better performance. The supplementary variable approach with implications of copula distribution has been employed for assessing the system performance.Design/methodology/approachProbabilistic assessment of complex system consisting three subsystems, multi-failure threats and copula repair approach is used in this study. Abbas Jubrin Bin, V.V. Singh, D.K. Rawal, in this research paper, have analyzed a system consisting of three subsystems in a series configuration in which all three subsystems function under a k-out-of-n: G operational scheme. The supplementary variable approach with implications of copula distribution has been employed for assessing the system performance. Based on computed results, it has been demonstrated that copula repair is better than general repair for system better performance.FindingsIn this analysis, four different cases of availability are analysed for Gumbel–Hougaard family copula and also four cases for general repair with similar failure rates are studied. The authors found that when failure rates increase, the system availability decreases, and when the system follows copula repair distribution, the system availability is better than general repair.Research limitations/implicationsThis research may be implemented in various industrial systems where the subsystems are configured under k-out-of-n: G working policy. It is also advisable that copula repair is highly recommended for best performances from the system. On the basis of mean time to system failure (MTSF) computations, the failure rate which affects system failure more needs to be controlled by monitoring, servicing and replacing stratagem.Practical implicationsThis research work has great implications in various industrial systems like power plant systems, nuclear power plant, electricity distributions system, etc. where the k-out-of-n-type of system operation scheme is validated for system operations with the multi-repair.Originality/valueThis work is a new work by authors. In the previously available technical analysis of the system, the researchers have analyzed the repairable system either supplementary variable approach, supplementary variable and system which have two subsystems in a series configuration. This research work analyzed a system with three subsystems with a multi-repair approach and supplementary variables.
Strategic crisis response: managerial implications and direction for recovery and survival
Authors: Thakur Ramendra , Hale Dena 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide managers with insights to help survive a crisis, create advantage during slow-growth recoveries and thrive when the crisis is over. Given the environment at the time of this paper, this paper focuses on widespread crises, such as a public health crisis like COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors offer a conceptual framework, grounded in the attribution theory and situation crisis communication theory (SCCT), for managers to use when determining which crisis response strategy is most appropriate to use during a crisis. Propositions based on this framework are provided. This paper focuses on widespread crises, such as a public health crisis, particularly on the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the framework proposed for organizational crisis response strategy and recovery, several insights for managers across a variety of industries emerge. Consideration of the best strategic approach to a crisis is essential, and time is critical. This framework provides a starting point for creating a proper response strategy when a crisis arises that is not within the organization’s crisis management planning. Managerial implications for several industries, such as restaurant, hotel, airline, education, retail, medical and other professional services, and theoretical implications to further the advancement of understanding are provided.

Findings
The findings of this paper demonstrate that organizations that apply an accommodative strategy during unintentional crises will survive, while during intentional crises, they will thrive in the marketplace. Similarly, organizations that apply an offensive strategy during unintentional crises will thrive, while during intentional crises, they will survive in the marketplace.

Practical implications
This paper provides a framework highlighting strategies that best protect an organization during both internally and externally caused crises. The response strategy and crisis framework are based on the attribution theory and SCCT. Building on this framework, six propositions are postulated. In keeping with this strategy and crisis framework, this study provides several crisis response insights for managers across a variety of industries. These suggestions act as a guide for managers when assessing how to respond in the early days of a crisis and what to do to recover from it.

Originality/value
This paper provides a crisis-strategy matrix, grounded in the attribution theory and SCCT, to provide decision-making guidance to help managers survive a crisis, create advantage during slow-growth recoveries and thrive when the crisis is over. The authors provide multiple industry insights related to the “how to” and the “what to” in the recovery from and survival through internally and externally caused crises.
Criteria for selecting actors for the value co-creation in startups
Authors: Bonamigo Andrei , da Silva Adrianne Alves , da Silva Beatriz Pereira , Werner Steffan Macali 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the main criteria for selecting actors to compose these business platforms and addressing the co-creation of value and improve the performance of startups.

Design/methodology/approach
The methodology is based on the search for key factors for the selection of actors and the understanding of co-creation of value and the concept of startups. The content of this paper is substantiated on an extensive review of the literature related to the subjects’ value-cocreation and new startups, and the review is based on the articles found in the databases of Ebsco, Emerald, Science Direct, Scopus, Village and Web of Science.

Findings
This paper identifies the main key-factors found in the literature for selecting actors to co-create value in startups and organizes the findings in five categories: value creation, interaction, actor behavior, client and partnership. It also presents the possibility of future research that will be able to put the study in practice.

Research limitations/implications
The results of this research have not been tested empirically, which opens the door for future studies that can prove the effectiveness of the findings. It is also important to mention that there are few articles in the literature that directly address this topic, and some definitions of actor/co-creation of value/business model may also change.

Practical implications
The selection criteria of the actors listed are useful for service entrepreneurs and managers to assist in decision-making at the stage of choosing their partners for value co-creation in startups. Furthermore, it involves mitigating waste in startups and maximizing the economic gains of partners through value co-creation in startups.

Originality/value
This study is one of the first attempts to recognize the key factors for selecting actors to co-create value in startups, aiming at their success in the market.
“I can read, I just can't see”: a disability rights-based perspective on reading by listening
Authors: Lundh Anna 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to create a greater understanding of how people who are blind or vision impaired describe their use of audio-based reading technologies, with a particular focus on how they reason about whether the use of these technologies can be understood in terms of reading.Design/methodology/approachThe study is part of the emerging research area Critical Studies of Reading and draws theoretical inspiration from Document Theory, New Literacy Studies and Critical Disability Studies. The article presents a discourse analysis of how 16 university students in Australia who are blind or vision impaired and use audio-based reading technologies describe this use in semi-structured interviews.FindingsThe participants relate to a division between ‘real' reading and reading by listening, where the latter is constructed as an exception and is connected to the subject position of being blind or vision impaired. However, resistance is also noticeable, where reading by listening is constructed as something that is normal, and as a right.Originality/valueThe article is a theoretical and empirical contribution to the ongoing discussion on the use of audio-based reading technologies. It presents perspectives from the users of these technologies and argues why a specific understanding of this use is important.