bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human endometrial KISS1R inhibits stromal cell decidualization in a manner associated with a reduction in ESR1 levels
Authors: Schaefer Jennifer , Chadchan Sangappa B. , George Ashley F. , Roan Nadia R. , Bhattacharya Moshmi , Kommagani Ramakrishna , Babwah Andy V. 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTDefective endometrial stromal cell decidualization is a major cause of recurrent implantation failure (RIF), a condition with a prevalence of ∼15%. To treat RIF, a stronger understanding of the endometrial factors that regulate decidualization is required. Here we studied the role of the kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) in regulating human endometrial stromal cell (HESC) decidualization. Our data revealed KISS1R inhibits HESC decidualization in vitro in a manner associated with a striking reduction in ESR1 protein levels. To determine whether KISSR inhibition of decidualization results from reduced ESR1 levels we expressed the dominant negative ESR1-46 isoform in decidualizing HESCs. We found that expression of ESR1-46 in decidualizing HESCs ablated the expression of ESR1-66 and ESR1-54 isomers, and blocked decidualization. Interestingly, when ESR1-64 was co-expressed with ESR1-46, ESR1-66 and ESR1-54 expression was restored and decidualization was rescued. Taken together, these results suggest that KISS1R inhibits HESC decidualization by downregulating ESR1 levels. Based on our findings, we suggest that by inhibiting HESC decidualization, KISS1R regulates the depth of embryo invasion of the stroma, a requirement for a successful pregnancy.
Proximity labeling reveals a newin vivonetwork of interactors for the histone demethylase KDM5
Authors: Yheskel Matanel , Sidoli Simone , Secombe Julie 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundKDM5 family proteins are multi-domain regulators of transcription that when dysregulated contribute to cancer and intellectual disability. KDM5 proteins can regulate transcription through their histone demethylase activity in addition to demethylase-independent gene regulatory functions that remain less characterized. To expand our understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to KDM5-mediated transcription regulation, we used TurboID proximity labeling to identify KDM5-interacting proteins.ResultsUsingDrosophila melanogaster, we enriched for biotinylated proteins from KDM5-TurboID-expressing adult heads using a newly generated control for DNA-adjacent background in the form of dCas9:TurboID. Mass spectrometry analyses of biotinylated proteins identified both known and novel candidate KDM5 interactors, including members of the SWI/SNF and NURF chromatin remodeling complexes, the NSL complex, Mediator, and several insulator proteins.ConclusionsCombined, our data shed new light on potential demethylase-independent activities of KDM5. In the context of KDM5 dysregulation, these interactions may play key roles in the alteration of evolutionarily conserved transcriptional programs implicated in human disorders.
Analysis of D- and L- Isomers of (Meth)amphetamine in Human K2EDTA Plasma
Authors: Robbins Brian , Perry Jacob , Long Mary , Carpenter Rob E. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractMethamphetamine and its metabolite amphetamine are frequently abused drugs. Whether obtained legally or from clandestine laboratories it is of relevance to determine the chiral makeup of these drugs for investigative purpose. Although urine and oral fluid matrices are commonly offered, less available to independent laboratories are techniques to verify dextro (D-) or levo (L-) (meth)amphetamine from human K2EDTA plasma. This paper outlines the development and validation of a method that includes the addition of internal standard and a two-step liquid-liquid extraction to remove the analytes from human K2EDTA plasma by triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The assay was validated according to the United States Food and Drug Administration and College of American Pathologists guidelines, including assessment of the following parameters in plasma validation samples: linear range, limit of detection, lower limit of quantitation, matrix effects, inter- and intra-day assay precision and accuracy, carry over, linearity of dilution, matrix effects and stability. The outcome is a validated and reliable method for the determination of D- and L-isomer concentration of meth(amphetamine) human plasma samples that can be easily adopted by independent clinical laboratories.
Stability of neural representations in the auditory midbrain across the lifespan despite age-related brainstem delays
Authors: Land Rüdiger , Kral Andrej 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe extent to which aging of the central auditory pathway impairs auditory perception in the elderly independent of peripheral cochlear decline is debated. To cause auditory deficits in normal hearing elderly, central aging needs to degrade neural sound representations at some point along the auditory pathway. However, inaccessible to psychophysical methods, the level of the auditory pathway at which aging starts to effectively degrade neural sound representations remains poorly differentiated. Here we tested how potential age-related changes in the auditory brainstem affect the stability of spatiotemporal multiunit complex speech-like sound representations in the auditory midbrain of old normal hearing CBA/J mice. Although brainstem conduction speed slowed down in old mice, the change was limited to the sub-millisecond range and only minimally affected temporal processing in the midbrain (i.e. gaps-in-noise sensitivity). Importantly, besides the small delay, multiunit complex temporal sound representations in the auditory midbrain did not differ between young and old mice. This shows that although small age-related neural effects in simple sound parameters in the lower brainstem may be present in aging they do not effectively deteriorate complex neural population representations at the level of the auditory midbrain when peripheral hearing remains normal. This result challenges the widespread belief of ‘pure’ central auditory decline as an automatic consequence of aging. However, the stability of midbrain processing in aging emphasizes the role of undetected ‘hidden’ peripheral damage and accumulating effects in higher cortical auditory-cognitive processing explaining perception deficits in ‘normal hearing’ elderly.
Canagliflozin extends life span and leads to less weight gain in C57BL6 male mice
Authors: Habeos Evagelia E. , Filippopoulou Fotini , Kanakis Menelaos , Habeos George I. , Lagoumintzis George , Taraviras Stavros , Chartoumpekis Dionysios V 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTSGLT2 inhibitors are widely prescribed drugs for type 2 diabetes and heart failure. It seems that their beneficial health effects are multifaceted and not only limited to the amelioration of glycemic profile. It is suggested that SGLT2 inhibitors-induced glycosuria causes a metabolic shift that mimics the fasting response. It is also known that calorie restriction leads to enhanced longevity in mice. Thus, we hypothesized that long-term treatment of mice with SGLT2 inhibitors might extend their life span. To this end male C57BL6 mice at the age of 4 months were put on a normal chow diet or on a diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg canagliflozin. The canagliflozin-treated mice showed lower body weight gain over time and increased life span. The median survival of control mice was 107.5 weeks, while that of the canagliflozin-treated group was 112.5 weeks (p=0.011). No difference was seen in the presence or severity of cataracts. This study showed for the first time an enhanced median survival of canagliflozin-treated male mice with a homogeneous genetic background (C57BL6). Further analyses are in progress to elucidate the metabolic adaptations and mechanisms underlying this effect.
A compact breast shape acquisition system for improving diffuse optical tomography image reconstructions
Authors: Vanegas Morris , Mireles Miguel , Xu Edward , Yan Shijie , Fang Qianqian 
Published: November 2022

AbstractDiffuse optical tomography (DOT) has been investigated for diagnosing malignant breast lesions but its accuracy relies on model-based image reconstructions which in turn depends on the accuracy of breast shape acquisition. In this work, we have developed a dual-camera structured light imaging (SLI) breast shape acquisition system tailored for a mammography-like compression setting. Illumination pattern intensity is dynamically adjusted to account for skin tone differences while thickness-informed pattern masking reduces artifacts due to specular reflections. This compact system is affixed to a rigid mount that can be installed into existing mammography or parallel-plate DOT systems without the need for camera-projector re-calibration. Our SLI system produces sub-millimeter resolution with a mean surface error of 0.26 mm. This breast shape acquisition system results in more accurate surface recovery, with an average 1.6-fold reduction in surface estimation errors over a reference method via contour extrusion. Such improvement translates to 25% to 50% reduction in mean squared error in the recovered absorption coefficient for a series of simulated tumors 1-2 cm below the skin.
Lipid nanodisc scaffold and size alters the structure of a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel
Authors: Dalal Vikram , Arcario Mark J. , Petroff John T. , Dietzen Noah M. , Rau Michael J. , Fitzpatrick James A. J. , Brannigan Grace , Cheng Wayland W. L. 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTLipid nanodiscs have become the standard reconstitution system for structural and biochemical studies of membrane proteins, especially using single particle cryo-EM. We find that reconstitution of the pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (pLGIC),Erwinialigand-gated ion channel (ELIC), in different nanodisc scaffolds (MSP1E3D1, SMA, saposin, spMSP1D1) produces distinct apo and agonist-bound structures. In the presence of agonist, different nanodiscs scaffolds produce concerted conformational changes associated with activation in ELIC, with larger nanodiscs showing more activated conformations. The effect of different nanodisc scaffolds on ELIC structure extends to the extracellular domain and agonist binding site. Molecular dynamic simulations of ELIC in small and large nanodiscs suggest that the impact of the nanodisc on ELIC structure is influenced by nanodisc size. Overall, the results indicate that the nanodisc profoundly affects the structure of a pLGIC, and suggest that larger circularized nanodiscs may be advantageous to approximate a lipid membrane environment.
WITHDRAWN: Anti-TNF-induced IL-27 modulates regulatory T cell responses in patients with IBD that respond to therapy
Authors: Peres Raphael S. , Thomas Tom , Friedrich Matthias , Pohin Mathilde , Pearson Claire , Ferreira Ricardo C. , Mann Elizabeth H. , Trzupek Dominik , Rich-Griffin Charlotte , Jainarayanan Ashwin , Jones Kelsey , Gu Yisu , Todd John A. ,   Oxford IBD Cohort Investigators, Uhlig Holm H. , Buckley Christopher D. , Dendrou Calliope A. , Travis Simon , Powrie Fiona M. 
Published: November 2022

Withdrawal statementThe authors have withdrawn their manuscript owing to failure to repeat some of the findings. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Comparative aerosol and surface stability of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern
Authors: Bushmaker Trenton , Yinda Claude Kwe , Morris Dylan H. , Holbrook Myndi G. , Gamble Amandine , Adney Danielle , Bushmaker Cara , van Doremalen Neeltje , Fischer Robert J. , Plowright Raina K. , Lloyd-Smith James O. , Munster Vincent J. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 is transmitted principally via air; contact and fomite transmission may also occur. Variants-of-concern (VOCs) are more transmissible than ancestral SARS-CoV-2. We find that early VOCs show greater aerosol and surface stability than the early WA1 strain, but Delta and Omicron do not. Stability changes do not explain increased transmissibility.
Academic independent directors in China: factors influencing career decision-making
Authors: Dai Lu , Li Pingli , Baruch Yehuda , Song Lynda 
Published: November 2022

PurposeThe board independence norm has shaped corporate governance globally, but research on the supply of independent directors (IDs) is limited. “New careers” studies suggest that dynamic non-conventional career paths are evolving, but empirical evidence is mostly limited to Western societies. The authors studied reasons for academics to consider taking on an ID role in firms in China.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a quantitative methodology, data were collected via a survey targeting 1,500 academics, representing a quarter of business-linked academics in China's National Key Universities. The response rate was 55% and, after eliminating irrelevant responses, the sample used comprised 581 academics, 111 of whom have taken on an ID role.FindingsCareer orientation and work attitudes play significant roles in decision-making around career success. Becoming an ID can be a rewarding and positive career path for academics who look for additional responsibility, income and impact. This new academic career path manifests in how career actors interact with each other to reach a state of equilibrium in a wider career ecosystem. Appointing academics with relevant knowledge and willingness to create impact can help organisations – both firms and academic institutions.Practical implicationsBecoming an ID can increase future collaborations and success in terms of research and corporate governance, and offer individuals another route to career success.Originality/valueThe results contribute to research on career studies and corporate governance, revealing a new source of talent for firms and a new career path for academics.
The political economy of endogenous dual-sector model: public goods, labor markets and tax rates
Authors: Wang Yongqin , Gao Xin 
Published: November 2022

PurposeThis paper studies the political economy of the endogenous urban–rural divide in two dimensions: labor market and provision of public goods.Design/methodology/approachThis paper gives a dual-sector model endogenously depending on the consumption of public goods (club goods), the number of rural–urban migrants and the tax rate (transfer payments).FindingsAccording to the research findings in this paper, the constraints on the participation of rural residents portray the rural residents' bargaining power, and in the game between the urban elites and the rural residents, tax rates depend on the preferences of the urban elites and the constraints urban elites and the rural residents jointly face. Therefore, the urban elites have to set tax rates deviating from the most preferred ones. The model in this paper can explain a series of empirical findings and yield new theoretical findings for empirical testing.Originality/valueSignificantly, the paper finds that the increase in agricultural productivity will lead to industrialization, accompanied by the disintegration of the dual-sector model. However, though the increase in industrial productivity can accelerate industrialization, it will further expand the urban–rural divide.
Exploring the roles of self-determined motivation and perceived organizational support in organizational change
Authors: Huang Rui-Ting 
Published: November 2022

PurposeThe primary purpose of this study is not only to examine the connections between self-determined motivation, attitudes toward change and participation in change, but also to explore the moderating impact of perceived organizational support on organizational change, and the mediating role of attitudes toward change in the link between perceived competence and participation in change.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected from one semiconductor manufacturing company (study 1) and one logistics service company (study 2). Employees who experienced organizational change before were invited to finish the survey. The partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique and SPSS PROCESS (model 14) were utilized to analyze the data.FindingsThe study findings indicated that the perceived autonomy and relatedness were positively connected with perceived competence, which in turn would lead to better attitude toward change. Additionally, it was found that the perceived competence and attitude toward change would positively predict participation in change. More importantly, perceived organizational support would reinforce the positive relationship between attitude toward change and participation in change.Originality/valueAlthough there are many organizational change reports, relatively little attention has been paid not only to the mediating role of attitudes toward change in the implication of organizational change but also to the moderating impact of perceived organizational support on the final success of organizational change.
Preparing the youth for the future of work through apprenticeship programme in Brunei
Authors: Musa Siti Fatimahwati Pehin Dato 
Published: November 2022

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the government-incentivised i-Ready programme in alleviating youth unemployment in terms of the transition from education to the labour force market.Design/methodology/approachFocus group discussions are conducted to reveal the perceptions and experiences of the apprentices in the i-Ready programme. The SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis framework is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the i-Ready apprenticeship model in building a future-ready human capital.FindingsThe study found that the JobCentre agency utilises online recruitment technology and proactively promotes work-based training in the public and private sectors. However, the apprenticeship still needs to improve programme coordination and provide an inclusive regulatory framework. The study also discovered that internships could enhance in-demand skills training and establish apprentices as a crisis-recovery workforce.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are based on a small-scale focus group study and represent the current state of the i-Ready programme. Future research integrating data from multiple stakeholders is recommended to provide a more thorough picture.Practical implicationsIn terms of efficacy, the findings indicate that i-Ready has made significant contributions to local employment and, with certain modifications, is on the correct route to producing future-ready youth.Originality/valueTo date, there has been no research on the effectiveness of the national i-Ready programme system as a strategy that may help alleviate Brunei's youth unemployment crisis.
On the dynamics of expectations, uncertainty and economic growth: an empirical analysis for the case of Uruguay
Authors: Brida Juan Gabriel , Lanzilotta Bibiana , Rosich Lucia 
Published: November 2022

PurposeFrom these data, the authors construct an uncertainty index through the use of a vector autoregressive (VAR) model to measure the impact of uncertainty on GDP, controlling for inflation, which may affect macroeconomic performance. Results indicate that uncertainty is negatively correlated with the economic cycle and the inter-annual variation of the biannual average product.Design/methodology/approachThis study empirically explores the dynamics of expectations of the Uruguayan manufacturing firms about industrial economic growth. This study explores the dynamics of the industrial economic growth expectations of Uruguayan manufacturing firms. The empirical research is based on firms' expectations data collected through a monthly survey carried out by the Chamber of Industries of Uruguay (CIU) in 2003–2018.FindingsGranger causality tests show that uncertainty Granger-causes industrial production growth and a one standard deviation shock on uncertainty generates a contraction in the industrial production growth rate. Finally, the authors use statistical and network tools to identify groups of firms with similar performance on expectations. Results show that higher uncertainty is associated with smaller, more interconnected groups of firms, and that the number of homogeneous groups and the distance between groups increases with uncertainty. These findings suggest that policies focused on the coordination of expectations can lead to the development of stable opinion groups.Originality/valueThe paper introduces new data and new methodologies to analyze the dynamics of expectations of manufacturing firms about industrial economic growth.HighlightsAn empirical approach to compare expectations of firms is introduced.The occurrence of groups of opinion is tested.Central companies in the network of expectations are detected.More uncertainty implies a higher degree of discrepancy between the overall firm’s opinions and more compact opinion groups.
Engaging with omnichannel brands: the role of consumer empowerment
Authors: Itani Omar S. , Loureiro Sandra Maria Correia , Ramadan Zahy 
Published: November 2022

PurposeThis study aims to integrate brand and retailer levels variables to examine the direct and indirect relationships between omnichannel retailing and consumer engagement.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data are collected from a sample consumers of different omnichannel retailing brands operating in the skin care industry. Partial least squares structural equation modeling is utilized.FindingsThe study finds brand channels' integrated interactions (process and content consistency) to increase consumer brand engagement. Findings show retailer consumer empowerment to intensify the impact of omnichannel retailing on consumer engagement. Results also show brand channels' integrated interactions to increase consumer brand familiarity, which mediates the effect of omnichannel retailing on consumer engagement.Originality/valueThis study suggests that integrating brand- and retailer-level variables is vital to understand the effect of omnichannel retailing on consumer engagement. The study concludes that for successful omnichannel strategy, collaboration between brands and retailers is imperative.