bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discrimination of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-lineages BA.1 and BA.2 using a high-resolution melting-based assay: A pilot study
Authors: Aoki Akira , Adachi Hirokazu , Mori Yoko , Ito Miyabi , Sato Katsuhiko , Okuda Kenji , Sakakibara Toru , Okamoto Yoshinori , Jinno Hideto 
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACTThe Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide. As of March 2022, Omicron variant BA.2 is rapidly replacing variant BA.1. As variant BA.2 may cause more severe disease than variant BA.1, variant BA.2 requires continuous monitoring. The current study aimed to develop a novel high-resolution melting (HRM) assay for variants BA.1 and BA.2 and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of our method using clinical samples. Here, we focused on the mutational spectra at three regions in the spike receptor-binding domain (RBD; R408, G446/L452, and S477/T478) for the variant-selective HRM analysis. Each variant was identified based on the mutational spectra as follows: no mutations (Alpha variant); L452R and T478K (Delta variant); G446S and S477N/T478K (Omicron variant BA.1); and R408S and S477N/T478K (Omicron variant BA.2). Upon analysis of mutation-coding RNA fragments, the melting peaks of the wild-type fragments were distinct from those of the mutant fragments. The sensitivity and specificity of this method were determined as 100% and more than 97.5%, respectively, based on 128 clinical samples (40 Alpha, 40 Delta, 40 Omicron variants BA.1/BA.1.1, and 8 Omicron BA.2). These results suggest that this HRM-based assay is a promising screening method for monitoring the transmission of Omicron variants BA.1 and BA.2.
Interneuronal network model of theta-nested fast oscillations predicts differential effects of heterogeneity, gap junctions and short term depression for hyperpolarizing versus shunting inhibition
Authors: Via Guillem , Fernandez Fernando R. , White John A. , Canavier Carmen C. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractTheta and gamma oscillations in the hippocampus have been hypothesized to play a role in the encoding and retrieval of memories. Recently, it was shown that an intrinsic fast gamma mechanism in medial entorhinal cortex can be recruited by optogenetic stimulation at theta frequencies, which can persist with fast excitatory synaptic transmission blocked, suggesting a contribution of interneuronal network gamma (ING). We calibrated the passive and active properties of a 100-neuron model network to capture the range of passive properties and frequency/current relationships of experimentally recorded PV+ neurons in the medial entorhinal cortex (mEC). The strength and probabilities of chemical and electrical synapses were also calibrated using paired recordings, as were the kinetics and short-term depression (STD) of the chemical synapses. Gap junctions that contribute a noticeable fraction of the input resistance were required for synchrony with hyperpolarizing inhibition; these networks exhibited theta-nested high frequencies (∼200 Hz) similar to the putative ING observed experimentally in the optogenetically-driven PV-ChR2 mice. With STD included in the model, fast oscillations were only observed before the peak of the theta drive, whereas without STD, they were observed symmetrically before and after the peak. Because hyperpolarizing synapses provide a synchronizing drive that contributes to robustness in the presence of heterogeneity, synchronization decreases as the hyperpolarizing inhibition becomes weaker. In contrast, networks with shunting inhibition required non-physiological levels of gap junctions to synchronize using conduction delays within the measured range; synaptic depression of shunting synapses facilitated fast oscillations, suggesting that shunting inhibition in mEC is desynchronizing.Author SummaryFast oscillations nested within slower oscillations have been hypothesized to play a role in the encoding and retrieval of memories by chunking information within each fast cycle; networks of parvalbumin positive inhibitory interneurons contribute to the generation of fast oscillations. We show that, in the entorhinal cortex, the intrinsic dynamical properties of these neurons are sufficiently heterogeneous that electrical synapses are likely required to synchronize fast oscillations. Moreover, synchrony likely requires the chemical synapses to have a reversal potential that is negative relative to the action potential threshold of individual neurons during these oscillations. We show that the range of slow phases that support a fast oscillation is controlled by short term synaptic depression. The precise phase locking of the fast oscillation within the slow oscillations is hypothesized to allow for multiplexing of information.
Bilateral Human Laryngeal Motor Cortex in Perceptual Decision of Lexical Tone and Voicing of Consonant
Authors: Liang Baishen , Li Yanchang , Zhao Wanying , Du Yi 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSpeech perception is believed to recruit the left motor cortex. However, the exact role of the laryngeal subregion and its right counterpart in speech perception, as well as their temporal patterns of involvement remain unclear. To address these questions, we conducted a hypothesis-driven study, utilizing transcranial magnetic stimulation on the left or right dorsal laryngeal motor cortex (dLMC) when participants performed perceptual decision on Mandarin lexical tone or consonant (voicing contrast) presented with or without noise. We used psychometric function and hierarchical drift-diffusion model to disentangle perceptual sensitivity and dynamic decision-making parameters. Results showed that bilateral dLMCs were engaged with effector specificity, and this engagement was left-lateralized with right upregulation in noise. Furthermore, the dLMC contributed to various decision stages depending on the hemisphere and task difficulty. These findings substantially advance our understanding of the hemispherical lateralization and temporal dynamics of bilateral dLMC in sensorimotor integration during speech perceptual decision-making.
An ACAT inhibitor regulates SARS-CoV-2 replication and antiviral T cell activity
Authors: Schmidt Nathalie M , Wing Peter AC , Peters Rory , Brown Rachel , Wang Hao , Swadling Leo ,   COVIDsortium Investigators, Newman Joseph , Thakur Nazia , Shionoya Kaho , Morgan Sophie B , Hinks Timothy SC , Watashi Koichi , Bailey Dalan , Hansen Scott B , Maini Mala K , McKeating Jane A 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe severity of disease following infection with SARS-CoV-2 is determined by viral replication kinetics and host immunity, with early T cell responses and/or suppression of viraemia driving a favourable outcome. Recent studies have uncovered a role for cholesterol metabolism in the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle and in T cell function. Here we show that blockade of the enzyme Acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) with Avasimibe inhibits SARS-CoV-2 entry and fusion independent of transmembrane protease serine 2 expression in multiple cell types. We also demonstrate a role for ACAT in regulating SARS-CoV-2 RNA replication in primary bronchial epithelial cells. Furthermore, Avasimibe boosts the expansion of functional SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells from the blood of patients sampled in the acute phase of infection. Thus, re-purposing of available ACAT inhibitors provides a compelling therapeutic strategy for the treatment of COVID-19 to achieve both antiviral and immunomodulatory effects.
Genome wide screen of RNAi molecules against SARS-CoV-2 creates a broadly potent prophylaxis
Authors: Yogev Ohad , Weissbrod Omer , Battistoni Giorgia , Bressan Dario , Naamti Adi , Falciatori Ilaria , Berkyurek Ahmet C. , Rasnic Roni , Hosmillo Myra , Ilan Shaul , Grossman Iris , McCormick Lauren , Honeycutt Christopher C. , Johnston Timothy , Gagne Matthew , Douek Daniel C. , Goodfellow Ian , Hannon Gregory J. , Erlich Yaniv 
Published: April 2022

AbstractExpanding the arsenal of prophylactic approaches against SARS-CoV-2 is of utmost importance, specifically those strategies that are resistant to antigenic drift in Spike. Here, we conducted a screen with over 16,000 RNAi triggers against the SARS-CoV-2 genome using a massively parallel assay to identify hyper-potent siRNAs. We selected 10 candidates for in vitro validation and found five siRNAs that exhibited hyper-potent activity with IC50<20pM and strong neutralisation in live virus experiments. We further enhanced the activity by combinatorial pairing of the siRNA candidates to develop siRNA cocktails and found that these cocktails are active against multiple types of variants of concern (VOC). We examined over 2,000 possible mutations to the siRNA target sites using saturation mutagenesis and identified broad protection against future variants. Finally, we demonstrated that intranasal administration of the siRNA cocktail effectively attenuates clinical signs and viral measures of disease in the Syrian hamster model. Our results pave the way to development of an additional layer of antiviral prophylaxis that is orthogonal to vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.
The SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain facilitates neutrophil transepithelial migration and nanoparticle uptake in the mice airways
Authors: Bolkhovitina Elena L. , Vavilova Julia D. , Bogorodskiy Andrey O. , Zagryadskaya Yuliya A. , Okhrimenko Ivan S. , Sapozhnikov Alexander M. , Borshchevskiy Valentin I. , Shevchenko Marina A. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSARS-CoV-2-induced infection is still dangerous. Mouse models are convenient to the investigation of virus-activated immune response mechanisms. However, mice are not proper model organisms to study COVID-19 due to decreased interaction affinity between the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) and mouse angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) compared with human ACE2. In the present study, we propose a mouse model that allows estimating the influence of SARS-CoV-2 on the immune system. To mimic the effects of RBD– ACE2 high-affinity interaction, mice received the ACE2 inhibitor MLN-4760. To simulate virus loading, we applied 100 nm particles suspended in the solution of RBD via the oropharyngeal route to mice. In this model, MLN-4760 application enhanced neutrophil egress from the bone marrow to the bloodstream and RBD attracted neutrophils to the luminal side of the conducting airway epithelium. By contrast, inert 100 nm particles were not potent to stimulate neutrophil recruitment to the conducting airway mucosa. Using this model, and by altering the dosage of the ACE2 inhibitor, nanoparticles, and RBD, one can adapt it to investigate different COVID-19 states characterized with mild or severe airway inflammation.StatementThis study presents a mouse model that allows estimating the influence of SARS-CoV-2 on the immune system and investigates immune cell-model virus particle interactions in the conducting airway mucosa.
Corruption and corporate investment efficiency around the world
Authors: Nguyen Xuan Minh , Tran Quoc Trung 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThe paper investigates the effect of corruption on corporate investment efficiency around the world.Design/methodology/approachThe sample includes 218,350 observations from 30,074 firms across 42 countries. The authors measure corruption based on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) from Transparency International, Corruption Control Index (CCI) from the World Bank and Corruption Index from the International Country Risk Guide.FindingsThe authors find that corruption is negatively related to investment efficiency. The robustness checks with different measures of corporate investment and alternative regression approaches show consistent findings. Moreover, the authors also find that the effect of corruption is stronger (weaker) in strong (weak) shareholder protection countries.Originality/valueThe paper has two important contributions to the literature. First, it shows that corruption environment is also a determinant of corporate investment efficiency. Second, legal protection of shareholders can mitigate the negative effect of corruption on corporate investment efficiency.
Will university internship secure you a job?: interplaying factors from an emerging market perspective
Authors: Alawamleh Mohammad , Mahadin Bushra K. 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThis paper aims to identify internship factors and their roles in obtaining employment, establishing relationships among them using interpretive structural modeling (ISM).Design/methodology/approachBased on the literature review of more than 100 studies (1982–2020), 11 internship factors were identified. This was followed by the application of ISM technique to get insights into how these factors affect employability.FindingsISM technique and empirical research aided in classifying the factors on their driving and dependence power. Further analysis identified contextual relationships between all factors and how these affect each other.Research limitations/implicationsThis study will be helpful for educators, students and managers to understand how internship affects employability through understanding of the factors and their relations.Originality/valueThis study is the first study presenting a holistic view of internship factors and how their relationships affect employability in the emerging market perspective of Jordan.
Omni-channel retailing resources and capabilities of SME specialty retailers – insights from Germany and Turkey
Authors: Mrutzek-Hartmann Bastian , Kotzab Herbert , Yumurtacı Hüseyinoğlu Işık Özge , Kühling Sascha 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThe retail sector in a lot of countries consists of many small and medium sized specialty retailers who face a high degree of dynamics and competition. Consequently, these companies also have to constantly evolve and develop resilient strategies that promise their future success. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the resource and capability bundle for operating as and transforming to a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) omni-channel specialty retailer. Therefore, the authors followed the notions of the Resource-Based-View (RBV) and of the Dynamic-Capabilities-View (DCV).Design/methodology/approachTo answer the authors’ formulated research questions, they applied an exploratory research method by conducting 12 semi-structured and guideline-based expert interviews from two countries.FindingsThe findings reveal a specific bundle of transformation resources and capabilities and important drivers for the implementation of an omni-channel strategy. Thereby, the human resources factor and the market as well as customer understanding play a decisive role. In addition, the authors have identified country-specific differences in the technological, logistical, product-specific and financial areas.Practical implicationsThe results reflect the importance of qualified and well-trained staff for SME retailers to implement omni-channel strategies in alignment with a high level of service quality. Especially in the Covid 19 era, flexible structures and quick adaptability are essential to remain competitive. Nevertheless, everything should always be in line with the company's own philosophy.Originality/valueThe paper provides new insights into important resources and capabilities retailers need to focus on when implementing an omni-channel strategy. The paper concentrates in particular on the groups of SMEs and niche markets as well as examines country-specific differences in a developed and a developing country.
Does the CEO’s financial and accounting expertise affect the financial reporting quality? Evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Ngo Diem Nhat Phuong , Nguyen Cong Van 
Published: April 2022

Purpose
This study aims to analyse the role of the financial and accounting expertise of the chief executive officer (CEO) on financial reporting quality (FRQ) in an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on data collected from a large sample of all non-financial companies listed on Vietnamese stock exchanges during the period 2016–2020 with 2,435 observations. FEM-ROBUST standard errors regression model is used to examine the relationship between the financial, accounting expertise of CEOs and FRQ through earnings management by discretionary accruals.

Findings
The results show that CEOs with financial and accounting expertise have more influence and intervention on earnings management and thus adversely affect FRQ. This behaviour is explained by the fact that CEOs not only have a firm grasp of financial and accounting policies but also know the tricks to interfere with earnings management. Moreover, in the context of emerging economies, CEOs’ awareness and management level are still limited and legal sanctions are not yet strict, so when they have power in their hands, CEOs immediately find ways to build a reputation to enhance the power and earnings for the CEOs themselves.

Research limitations/implications
The limitation of this study is first of all that the research data are not complete and rich because the companies are prohibited from disclosing information and the cooperation relationship is not close. Next is the new research in only one emerging market – Vietnam – so the generalizability is not high.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the impact of CEOs’ accounting and finance expertise on FRQ in an emerging economy, contributing to the existing literature regarding the scientific debates about CEOs, CEO characteristics, earnings management and FRQ.
The impact of the pandemic on probation: lessons for the future
Authors: Phillips Jake 
Published: April 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which probation services responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and to consider what this means for the future of probation.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopts a literature review approach. Published research about the impact of the pandemic on probation services around the world was identified. Key findings around the main ways in which probation services were affected are identified.

Findings
The key themes identified in the published research are the strengths and weaknesses of remote communication, the role of probation in efforts to reduce the prison population, the importance of social support and marginalisation and the impact on staff. These findings are then examined through McNeill’s (2018) argument that systems of community punishment should be parsimonious, productive and proportionate.

Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper to synthesise international research on the impact of the pandemic on probation and thus serves as a useful starting point for future work on how probation services might learn from the pandemic.
Using social media as a platform to publicly disclose HIV status among people living with HIV: Control, identity, informing public dialogue
Authors: Philpot Steven P. , Murphy Dean , Prestage Garrett , Wells Nathanael , On behalf of the RISE Study team  
Published: April 2022

AbstractDisclosure of HIV status is usually considered a private encounter involving only a limited number of people at a time. Many people living with HIV are strategic about deciding in what contexts, using which approach, to whom, and to what extent they disclose HIV status. However, social media platforms provide opportunities for people to publicly disclose information about themselves to their networks. Utilising semi‐structured interviews with people recently diagnosed with HIV in Australia, we explore how, why, and using what strategies people living with HIV use social media as a means of publicly disclosing positive HIV status. Participants placed importance on having control of how they framed their life with HIV and adopted strategies to control the audience to whom they disclosed. Public disclosure on social media helped participants come out of the ‘sero‐closet’, empowered identity affirmation, and enabled them to be voices for other people living with HIV to shift public dialogue. We conclude that public disclosure of a positive HIV status can strip HIV disclosure of being associated with delivering private and unpleasant information, and instead reframe living with HIV from a responsibility to disclose to a right to share.
Implementation of resource use measures in Medicare Advantage
Authors: Jung Jeah , Carlin Caroline , Feldman Roger , Tran Linh 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo complement the previously illustrated method to measure resource use in Medicare Advantage (MA) using Encounter data and provide technical details and SAS code to validate Encounter data and implement resource use measures in MA.Data Sources2015–2018 MA Encounter, Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR), Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information System (HEDIS), and Traditional Medicare (TM) claims data.Study DesignSecondary data analysis.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsWe select MA contracts with high data completeness (≤10% missing hospital stays in Encounter data and ≤±10% difference in ambulatory and emergency department visits between Encounter and HEDIS data). We randomly sample TM beneficiaries with a similar geographic distribution as MA enrollees in the selected contracts. We develop standardized prices of services using TM payments, and we measure MA resource use for inpatient, outpatient, Part D, and hospice services.Principal FindingsWe report identifiers/names of contracts with high data completeness. We provide SAS code to manage Encounter data, develop standardized prices, and measure MA resource use.ConclusionsGreater use and validation of Encounter data can help improve data quality. Our results can be used to inform studies using Encounter data to learn about MA performance.
Weight‐neutral interventions in young people with high body mass index: A systematic review
Authors: Hoare Johanna K. , Lister Natalie B. , Garnett Sarah P. , Baur Louise A. , Jebeile Hiba 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimThis systematic review explored the feasibility, acceptability and effect on health outcomes of weight‐neutral interventions in health improvement‐seeking young people with overweight/obesity.MethodsSix databases were searched to March 2021 for health, but not weight, focused interventions (PROSPERO, CRD42020152671). Eligible studies recruited young people (10–24 years) with overweight/obesity. The studies were described using narrative synthesis, with numerical results summarised. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools.ResultsSix articles were included, representing three pilot studies. Study 1 (n = 37, 14–17 years) compared a 6‐week mindful eating program with single‐session lifestyle education; Study 2 (n = 35, 14–17 years) compared 12‐week weight‐neutral lifestyle education focused on intuitive eating and carbohydrate quality, with/without guided imagery; and Study 3 (n = 33, 12–17 years) compared a 6‐week mindfulness intervention with cognitive behavioural therapy in adolescents with depressive symptoms at risk of type 2 diabetes. All interventions explored feasibility (intervention group retention 57%–88%, attendance >80%) and reported interventions were acceptable. Studies 1 and 3 reported no change in mindfulness. Study 2 reported an increase (p < 0.05) in intuitive eating following weight‐neutral plus guided imagery (0.32 ± 0.36, Hawks' Scale, score 1–4), compared with weight‐neutral alone (0.15 ± 0.29). Study 1 reported decreased body mass index (p < 0.001) following mindful eating (−1.1 kg/m2), compared with single‐session lifestyle education (+0.7 kg/m2); Studies 2 and 3 found no change in body mass index or body mass index z‐score.ConclusionsWeight‐neutral interventions may be feasible and acceptable in adolescents with overweight/obesity in the short term (≤12 weeks), but data are limited.