bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causal effects of motor control on gait kinematics after orthopedic surgery in cerebral palsy: a machine-learning approach
Authors: Steele Katherine M. , Schwartz Michael H. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundAltered motor control is common in cerebral palsy (CP). Understanding how altered motor control effects movement and treatment outcomes is important, but challenging due to complex interactions between impairments. While regression can be used to examine associations between impairments and gait, causal modeling provides a mathematical framework to specify assumed causal relationships, identify covariates that may introduce bias, and test model plausibility. The goal of this research was to quantify the causal effects of altered motor control and other impairments on gait, before and after single-event multi-level orthopedic surgery (SEMLS).MethodsWe evaluated the impact of SEMLS on change in Gait Deviation Index (ΔGDI) between gait analyses. We constructed our causal model with a Directed Acyclic Graph that included the assumed causal relationships between SEMLS, ΔGDI, baseline GDI (GDIpre), baseline neurologic and orthopedic impairments (Imppre), age, and surgical history. We identified the adjustment set to evaluate the causal effect of SEMLS on ΔGDI and the impact of Imppreon ΔGDI and GDIpre. We used Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART) and accumulated local effects to assess relative effects.ResultsWe prospectively recruited a cohort of children with bilateral CP undergoing SEMLS (N=54, 35 males, age: 10.5±3.1 years) and identified a control cohort with bilateral CP who did not undergo SEMLS (N=55, 30 males, age: 10.0±3.4 years). There was a small positive causal effect of SEMLS on ΔGDI (1.68 GDI points). Altered motor control (i.e., dynamic and static motor control) and strength had strong effects on GDIpre, but minimal effects on ΔGDI. Spasticity and orthopedic impairments had minimal effects on GDIpreor ΔGDI.ConclusionsAltered motor control and other baseline impairments did have a strong effect on GDIpre, indicating that these impairments do have a causal effect on a child’s gait pattern but minimal effect on expected changes in GDI after SEMLS. Heterogeneity in outcomes suggests there are other factors contributing to changes in gait. Identifying these factors and employing causal methods to examine the complex relationships between impairments and movement will be required to advance our understanding and care of children with CP.
Preliminary modeling estimates of the relative transmissibility and immune escape of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern in South Africa
Authors: Gozzi Nicolò , Chinazzi Matteo , Davis Jessica T. , Mu Kunpeng , Piontti Ana Pastore y , Vespignani Alessandro , Perra Nicola 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe develop a stochastic, multi-strain, compartmental epidemic model to estimate the relative transmissibility and immune escape of the Omicron variant of concern (VOC) in South Africa. The model integrates population, non-pharmaceutical interventions, vaccines, and epidemiological data and it is calibrated in the period May 1st, 2021 – November 23rd, 2021. We explore a parameter space of relative transmissibility with respect to the Delta variant and immune escape for Omicron by assuming an initial seeding, from unknown origin, in the first week of October 2021. We identify a region of the parameter space where combinations of relative transmissibility and immune escape are compatible with the growth of the epidemic wave. We also find that changes in the generation time associated with Omicron infections strongly affect the results concerning its relative transmissibility. The presented results are informed by current knowledge of Omicron and subject to changes.
Guardian crypt-base-goblet-cells protect the human colonic stem cell niche by triggering cholinergic calcium signal-dependent MUC2 secretion and luminal flushing
Authors: Pelaez-Llaneza Nicolas , Jones Victoria , Kam Christy , Lee Alvin , Parris Alyson , Tattan Sean , Loader Martin , Champion Jordan , Russam George , Miller Ben , Juge Nathalie , Wharton Richard , Speakman Christopher , Kapur Sandeep , Hernon James , Stearns Adam , Shaik Irshad , Pal Anatu , Tsigka Alexia , Batsoulis Diogenis , Williams Mark 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACTMucus secreting goblet cells play a vital role in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Here we report the discovery of an enigmatic mechanism for the generation of calcium signals that couple cholinergic input to secretion of hydrated mucus in the human colonic stem cell niche. Mechanistic insights for this study were derived from native human colonic crypts and crypt-like organoids expressing MUC2-mNEON. Importantly, we demonstrate that the human colonic stem cell niche is also a cholinergic niche, and that activation of muscarinic receptors initiates calcium signals at the apical pole of intestinal stem cells and neighbouring crypt-base-goblet-cells. The calcium signal ‘trigger zone’ is defined by a microdomain of juxtaposed calcium stores expressing TPC1 and InsP3R3 calcium channels. Co-activation of TPC1 and InsP3R3 is required for generation of cholinergic calcium signals and downstream secretion of hydrated mucus, which culminates in the flushing of the colonic stem cell niche.
The crystal structure of TRPM2 MHR1/2 domain reveals a conserved Zn2+-binding domain essential for ligand binding and activity
Authors: Sander Simon , Gattkowski Ellen , Pick Jelena , Fliegert Ralf , Tidow Henning 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTransient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is a Ca2+-permeable, non-selective cation channel involved in diverse physiological processes such as immune response, apoptosis and body temperature sensing. TRPM2 is activated by ADP-ribose (ADPR) and 2′-deoxy-ADPR in a Ca2+-dependent manner. While two species-specific binding sites exist for ADPR, a binding site for 2′-deoxy-ADPR is not known yet. Here, we report the crystal structure of the MHR1/2 domain of TRPM2 from zebrafish (Danio rerio) and show binding of both ligands to this domain. We identified a so-far unrecognized Zn2+-binding domain that was not resolved in previous cryo-EM structures and that is conserved in most TRPM channels. In combination with patch clamp experiments, we comprehensively characterize the effect of the Zn2+-binding domain on TRPM2 activation. Our results provide insight into a conserved structural element essential for channel activity.
Influence of sequencing depth on bacterial classification and abundance in bacterial communities
Authors: Sanchez Fernando Mejia , Jiménez Francisco Avilés , Tenorio Alfonso Méndez 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMicrobial diversity is the most abundant form of life. Next Generation Sequencing technologies provide the capacity to study complex bacterial communities, in which the depth and the bioinformatic tools can influence the results. In this work we explored two different protocols for bacterial classification and abundance evaluation, using 10 bacterial genomes in a simulated sample at different sequencing. Protocol A consisted of metagenome assembly with Megahit and Ray Meta and taxonomic classification with Kraken2 and Centrifuge. In protocol B only taxonomic classification. In both protocols, rarefaction, relative abundance and beta diversity were analyzed. In the protocol A, Megahit had a mean contig length of 1,128 and Ray Meta de 8,893 nucleotides. The number of species correctly classified in all depth assays were 6 out of 10 for protocol A, and 9 out of 10 using protocol B. The rarefaction analysis showed an overestimation of the number of species in almost all assays regardless of the protocol, and the beta diversity analysis results indicated significant differences in all comparisons. Protocol A was more efficient for diversity analysis, while protocol B estimated a more precise relative abundance. Our results do not allow us to suggest an optimal sequencing depth at specie level.
A Low-Cost, 3D-Printed Biosensor for Rapid Detection of Escherichia coli
Authors: Malhotra Samir , Pham Dang Song , Lau Michael P.H. , Nguyen Anh H. , Cao Hung 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDetection of bacterial pathogens is significant in the fields of food safety, medicine, public health, etc. If bacterial pathogens are not treated promptly, antimicrobial resistance is possible and can lead to morbidity and mortality. Current bacterial detection methodologies rely on laboratory-based techniques that pose limitations such as long turnaround detection times, expensive costs, inadequate accuracy, and required trained specialists. Here, we describe a cost-effective and portable 3D-printed electrochemical biosensor that facilitates rapid detection of certain Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains (DH5α, BL21, TOP10, and JM109) within 15 minutes using 500 μL of sample and costs $2.50 per test. The sensor displayed an excellent limit of detection (LOD) of 53 cfu, limit of quantification (LOQ) of 270 cfu, and showed cross-reactivity with strains BL21 and JM109 due to shared epitopes. This advantageous diagnostic device is a potential candidate for high-frequency testing at point of care as well as applicable to various fields where pathogen detection is of interest.
Impact of membrane lipid polyunsaturation on dopamine D2 receptor ligand binding and signaling
Authors: Jobin Marie-Lise , De Smedt-Peyrusse Véronique , Ducrocq Fabien , Oummadi Asma , Baccouch Rim , Pedersen Maria Hauge , Medel-Lacruz Brian , Van Delft Pierre , Fouillen Laetitia , Mongrand Sébastien , Selent Jana , Tolentino-Cortez Tarson , Barreda-Gómez Gabriel , Grégoire Stéphane , Masson Elodie , Durroux Thierry , Javitch Jonathan A. , Guixà-González Ramon , Alves Isabel D. , Trifilieff Pierre 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe heterogenous and dynamic constitution of the membrane fine-tunes signal transduction. In particular, the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) tails of phospholipids influence the biophysical properties of the membrane, production of second messengers, or membrane partitioning. Few evidence mostly originating from studies of rhodopsin suggest that PUFAs directly modulate the conformational dynamic of transmembrane proteins. However, whether such properties translate to other G protein-coupled receptors remains unclear. We focused on the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R), a main target of antipsychotics. Membrane enrichment in n-3, but not n-6, PUFAs potentiates ligand binding. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the D2R preferentially interacts with n-3 over n-6 PUFAs. Furthermore, even though this mildly affects signalling in heterologous systems, in vivo n-3 PUFA deficiency blunts the effects of D2R ligands. These results suggest that n-3 PUFAs act as allosteric modulators of the D2R and provide a putative mechanism for their potentiating effect on antipsychotic efficacy.
Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil (CMSO) ameliorates adipokines dysfunction and dyslipidemia in male Wistar rats exposed to Bisphenol-A
Authors: Aja P. M. , Chukwu D. A , Agu P.C. , Ani O. G. , Ekpono E. U. , Ogwoni H. A. , Awoke J. N. , Ogbu Patience N. , Aja L. , Nwite F. E. , Ukachi O. U. , Orji O. U. , Nweke P. C. , Egwu C. O. , Ekpono E. U. , Ewa G. O. , Igwenyi I. O. , Alum E. U. , Uti D. E. , Tusubira Deusdedit , Offor C. E. , Njoku A. , Maduagwuna E. K 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBisphenol-A (BPA) and its analog are extensively utilized in the production of plastics which are rather ubiquitous in our environment. At high temperatures, BPA is leached into water and food packed in plastic containers. This research investigated the ameliorative effects of CMSO on adipokines dysfunction and dyslipidemia in male Wistar rats exposed to Bisphenol-A. thirty-six (36) albino rats weighing 100 - 200 g were randomly assigned into six (6) different experimental groups of controls (1, 2, and 3) and the tests (4, 5, and 6). Group 1 was given only 1 ml of olive oil, group 2 received 100 mg/Kg body weight (b.w) of BPA, group 3 was given 7.5 ml/Kg b.w of CMSO, groups 4, 5, and 6 received 100 mg/Kg b.w of BPA and 7.5, 5 and 2.5 mg/Kg b.w of CMSO respectively. CMSO and BPA were concurrently administered via oral intubation for periods of 42 days. Lipid profile and adipokines levels were determined in plasma and adipose tissue. BPA in male rats significantly (p<0.05) elevated the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, liptin, and coronary and atherogenic risk indices in plasma and adipose tissue with reductions in HDL-C and adiponectin levels. BPA plus CMSO in male rats significantly (p<0.05) decreased the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, liptin, and coronary and atherogenic risk indices with an elevation of HDL-C and adiponectin levels in both plasma and adipose tissue. These results suggest that CMSO could be useful in the management of cardiovascular-related diseases induced by BPA.
Thiamine metabolism genes in diatoms are not regulated by thiamine despite the presence of predicted riboswitches
Authors: Pasquina Marcel Llavero , Geisler Katrin , Holzer Andre , Mehrshahi Payam , Mendoza-Ochoa Gonzalo I , Newsad Shelby , Davey Matthew P , Smith Alison G. 
Published: January 2022

SummaryThiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), an essential co-factor for all species, is biosynthesised through a metabolically expensive pathway regulated by TPP riboswitches in bacteria, fungi, plants and green algae. Diatoms are microalgae responsible for approximately 20% of global primary production. They have been predicted to contain TPP aptamers in the 3’UTR of some thiamine metabolism-related genes, but little is known about their function and regulation.We used bioinformatics, antimetabolite growth assays, RT-qPCR, targeted mutagenesis and reporter constructs to test whether the predicted TPP riboswitches respond to thiamine supplementation in diatoms. Gene editing was used to investigate the functions of the genes with associated TPP riboswitches in Phaeodactylum tricornutum.We found that thiamine-related genes with putative TPP aptamers are not responsive to thiamine or its precursor 4-amino-5-hydroxymethyl-2-methylpyrimidine (HMP), and the targeted mutation of the TPP aptamer in the HMP-P synthase (THIC) does not deregulate thiamine biosynthesis in P. tricornutum. Through genome editing we established that PtSSSP is necessary for thiamine uptake and that PtTHIC is essential for thiamine biosynthesis.Our results highlight the importance of experimentally testing bioinformatic aptamer predictions and provide new insights into the thiamine metabolism shaping the structure of marine microbial communities with global biogeochemical importance.
Fundamental analysis and the use of financial statement information to separate winners and losers in frontier markets: evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Ho Tuan , Nguyen Y Trong , Tran Hieu Truong Manh , Vo Dinh-Tri 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe pupose of the paper is to study the usefulness of Piotroski (2000)'s F-score in separating winners and losers in Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopt a portfolio analysis and regression analysis on a sample of 501 of listed firms between 2009 and 2019 in Vietnam.FindingsThe authors find that a hedge strategy that buys high-F-score firms and sells low-F-score firms yield market-adjusted return of over 30 percent annually, which is statistically and economically significant. The hedge strategy based on F-score is not only profitable for value (high book-to-market [BM]) firms but also earn abnormal returns in a sample of growth (low BM) firms, suggesting that the usefulness of F-score strategy is not just a phenomenon in value firms as documented in previous literature.Research limitations/implicationsWhilst the authors' paper documents economically significant returns obtained from the F-score strategy, the authors do not examine what drives the abnormal returns.Practical implicationsThe results provide supporting evidence for the use of financial statement analysis as a screening tool to improve the performance of value investment in Vietnam stock market and for the training of financial reporting and fundamental analysis in universities.Originality/valueThe authors' research is the first study examining the F-score strategy in Vietnam that provides insights about the usefulness of fundamental analysis in separating winners and losers in a frontier market and contributes to the literature on fundamental analysis and market efficiency in emerging and frontier markets.
Family firm versus non-family firm: the role of resource orchestration in fast-growing high-tech SMEs
Authors: Ljungkvist Torbjörn , Boers Börje , Andersén Jim 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThis paper strives to understand the role of resource orchestration (RO) in the rapid growth of high-tech small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachBased on a comparative case study, RO is compared between a high-tech family firm and a high-tech non-family firm. To capture the complexity of RO, this study applies a longitudinal approach using a large volume of archival and interview data gathered over ten years.FindingsThe configuration of family-firm paradoxical growth-oriented RO emphasizes RO based on collectivism and responsibility, although relying on large-scale conforming normative control. In contrast, the configuration of non-family-firm growth-oriented RO emphasizes administrative-based delegation and management-supported value creation.Originality/valueBy suggesting ownership-based RO configurations, this study provides insights into how ownership types, i.e. family firms and non-family firms, affect RO in firms operating in complex and dynamic environments. These configurations explain how and why RO is arranged in a growth context.
Central bank digital currency research around the world: a review of literature
Authors: Ozili Peterson K. 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to gain some insight into central bank digital currency research by reviewing the recent advances in central bank digital currency (CBDC) research in a way that would help researchers, policy makers and practitioners to take a closer look at CBDC.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses a systematic literature review methodology.

Findings
The review shows a general consensus that a CBDC is a liability of the central bank and it has cash-like attributes. The review also presents the motivation and benefits of issuing a CBDC such as the need to increase financial inclusion, the need to improve the conduct of monetary policy and to foster efficient digital payments. The review also shows that many central banks are researching the potential to issue CBDCs due to its many benefits. However, a number of studies have called for caution against over-optimism about the potential benefits of CBDC due to the limiting nature of CBDC design and its inability to meet multiple competing goals. Suggested areas for future research are identified such as the need to find the optimal CBDC design that meets all competing objectives, the need for empirical evidence on the effect of CBDC on the cost of credit and financial stability, and the need to find a balance between limiting the CBDC holdings of users and allowing users to hold as much CBDC as they want, and there is a need to undertake country-specific and regional case studies of CBDC design.

Originality/value
This review paper offers new areas for further research in central bank digital currencies.
Determining factors in the performance of integrated vocational education schools
Authors: Uemura Marise Regina Barbosa , Comini Graziella Maria 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the determining factors in the performance of integrated vocational education schools, in addition to management characteristics and specificities.Design/methodology/approachBy means of a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, a case study was conducted in two schools located in the cities of Cotia and São Roque.FindingsThe following factors were identified: engagement and commitment of teachers; motivation and focus of teachers and students; team of professionals; commitment and focus of students; family involvement; leadership and climate and selection of students. The following characteristics were observed: participative leadership associated with the use of management tools; pedagogical leadership in partnership with the school community; monitoring of student performance; performance assessment and training of teachers related to career plan; selection of students and actions along the community.Research limitationsThe results reflect the vision of the schools' managers and teachers and not that of the managing institution. There is no intention whatsoever to obtain generalization to other ETECs but rather inferences that could shed light on future studies.Practical implicationsThis research ratifies what has already been proven in the literature, showing that there are no isolated factors that interfere with performance, but an interrelationship among them, given the characteristics and peculiarities of each school.Originality/valueThis study is expected to contribute to guiding school managers and teachers in the search for quality education, whether vocational or regular basic education.
Mapping the customer centric weather index insurance service design using quality function deployment
Authors: Singh Pankaj , Agrawal Gaurav 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe present paper aims to propose a framework on weather index insurance (WII) service design by using quality function deployment (QFD).Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes QFD technique to propose a customer oriented framework on WII service design. In initial phase, customer and design requirements were gathered to derive the relationship between customers' and managers' voice for construct the house of quality (HOQ). Later on, prioritized customer and design requirements as QFD outcome were utilized to develop the action plan matrix in order to suggest the future action plans.FindingsThis study proposed a customer centric framework on WII service design to address the customer requirements. Findings show that adequate claim payments, hassle free prompt claim payment and transparency in losses computation are prioritized customer requirements with highest importance rating, whereas, accurate claim estimation, claim management system and advancement of technology are prioritized service design necessities with highest importance rating.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed WII service design can enhance the quality of WII service by attain the higher standards of WII service in order to completely satisfy the customers.Practical implicationsThe proposed WII service design can provide a solution to the problems faced by WII industry by improve the customer's service experience and satisfaction.Originality/valueBased on best of author's knowledge, this paper first proposed a framework on WII service design by integrating customer and design requirements by using QFD.