bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative imaging reveals PI3Kδ inhibition reduces rhinovirus-induced damage of small airway epithelia in ex vivo cultured human precision cut lung slices from COPD patients
Authors: Dvornikov Dmytro , Halavatyi Aliaksandr , Khan Muzamil Majid , Zimmermann Natalie , Cross Amy , Poeckel Daniel , Melnikov Emil , Tischer Christian , Leyrer Johannes , Schneider Marc A , Muley Thomas , Winter Hauke , Hessel Edith , Beinke Soren , Pepperkok Rainer 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the major causes of disability and death worldwide and a significant risk factor for respiratory infections. Rhinoviral infections are the most common trigger of COPD exacerbations which lead to a worsening of disease symptoms, decline in lung function and increased mortality. The lack of suitable disease models to study the relevant cellular and molecular mechanism hinders the discovery of novel medicines that prevent disease progression in exacerbating COPD patients. We used quantitative multi-color imaging of COPD and control patient derived human precision-cut lung slices (hPCLS) to study the impact of rhinovirus infection on the structure and function of the small airway epithelium. Data analysis highlighted that COPD-derived hPCLS have a higher cellular density and basal cell hyperplasia, more unciliated airway surface areas with mucus overproduction, and shorter cilia length compared to control hPCLS. In response to rhinovirus 16 infection, COPD-derived hPCLS secreted higher amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines and displayed decreased epithelial integrity and reduced airway ciliation. Finally, treatment with a selective PI3Kδ inhibitor reduced secretion of rhinovirus-induced cytokines and ameliorated rhinovirus-induced damage to COPD small airway epithelia. Thus, these data demonstrate the potential of quantitative imaging to assess complex airway functions in a patient-derived lung tissue model system, and indicate that targeting PI3Kδ might be a promising therapeutic opportunity to limit rhinovirus-induced airway damage in exacerbating COPD patients.SummaryPI3Kδ inhibition reduces rhinovirus-mediated damage of small airway epithelia from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients
Structural motifs for subtype-specific pH-sensitive gating of vertebrate otopetrin proton channels
Authors: Teng Bochuan , Kaplan Joshua P. , Liang Ziyu , Kreiger Zachary , Tu Yu-Hsiang , Burendei Batuujin , Ward Andrew , Liman Emily R. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractOtopetrin (OTOP) channels are proton-selective ion channels conserved among vertebrates and invertebrates and with no structural similarity to other ion channels. There are three vertebrate OTOP channels (OTOP1, OTOP2, and OTOP3), of which one (OTOP1), functions as a sour taste receptor. Whether OTOP channels are gated by, as well as permeating, protons was not known. Here, by comparing functional properties of the three vertebrate proton channels with patch-clamp recording and cytosolic pH microfluorimetry, we provide evidence that each is gated by external protons. OTOP1 and OTOP3 are both activated by extracellular protons, with a sharp threshold of pHe <6.0 and 5.5 respectively, while OTOP2 is negatively gated by protons, and more conductive at alkaline extracellular pH (>pH 9.0). Strikingly, we found that we could change pH-sensitive gating of OTOP2 and OTOP3 channels by swapping extracellular linkers that connect transmembrane domains. Swaps of linkers within the N domain changed the relative conductance at alkaline pH, while swaps within the C domain tended to change the rates of OTOP3 current activation. We conclude that members of the OTOP channel family are proton-gated (acid-sensitive) proton channels and that the gating apparatus is distributed across multiple extracellular regions within both the N and C domains of the channels. In addition to the taste system, OTOP channels are found in the vestibular and digestive systems, where pH sensitivity may be tuned to specific functions.
Automated Analysis of Neuronal Morphology through an Unsupervised Classification Model of Neurites
Authors: Zehtabian Amin , Fuchs Joachim , Eickholt Britta J. , Ewers Helge 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBrain function emerges from a highly complex network of specialized cells that are interlinked by billions of synapses. The synaptic connectivity between neurons is established between the elongated processes of their axons and dendrites or, together, neurites. To establish these billions of often far-reaching connections, cellular neurites have to grow in highly specialized, cell-type dependent patterns covering often mm distances and connecting with thousands of other neurons. The outgrowth and branching of neurites are tightly controlled during development and are a commonly used functional readout of imaging in the neurosciences. Manual analysis of neuronal morphology from microscopy images, however, is very time intensive and error prone. Especially fully automated segmentation and classification of all neurites remain unavailable in open-source software. Here we present a standalone, GUI-based software for batch-quantification of neuronal morphology in fluorescence micrographs with minimal requirements for user interaction. Neurons are segmented using a Hessian-based algorithm to detect thin neurite structures combined with intensity- and shape-based detection of the cell body. To measure the number of branches in a neuron accurately, rather than just determining branch points, neurites are classified into axon, dendrites and their branches of increasing order by their length using a geodesic distance transform of the cell skeleton. The software was benchmarked against a large, published dataset and reproduced the phenotype observed after manual annotation before. Our tool promises greatly accelerated and improved morphometric studies of neuronal morphology by allowing for consistent and automated analysis of large datasets.
Exploring the process of management system implementation: a case of Six Sigma
Authors: De Mast Jeroen , Lameijer Bart A. , Linderman Kevin , Van de Ven Andrew 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to discover the learning mechanisms and temporal dynamics of implementing systems (Six Sigma) as it unfolds over time.Design/methodology/approachThe data come from a European engineering company that was implementing a Six Sigma-based quality management system (QMS) over a seven-year period. The analysis is based on an event-sequence reconstruction of the implementation process as it unfolded over time and discovers four different learning mechanisms that emerged: programmatic, persistent, adaptive and dialectical learning mechanisms. The research follows a process design study, where the authors study how the process unfolds over time.FindingsMuch of the literature on implementing management systems suggests that implementation follows a prescribed sequence of “turn-key” steps. However, the findings show that only 40% of all events were driven by prescribed “turn-key” generic practices, while 56% of events required constructing new practices via adaptive and dialectical learning. Moreover, the implementation process did not proceed in a linear programmatic fashion, but instead followed a punctuated equilibrium pattern, which alternated between periods of incremental change and major organizational change. The study also found that implementation required changing many complementary organizational structures and practices that were interdependent with the management system (i.e. Six Sigma). By understanding the implementation process, managers can better assess the time and effort involved, better adapt the system to their situated context and predict critical junctures where implementation could break down.Originality/valueThis research complements the few studies that have examined the process of implementing management systems. Most studies examine factors or conditions that result in implementation success (the what of implementing systems), but few examine the process of implementation and the learning that takes place during implementation (the how of implementing systems), which is a complex nonlinear process that involves different modes of learning.
Achieving SDG 5, gender equality and empower all women and girls, in developing countries: how aid for trade can help?
Authors: Roy Chandan Kumar , Xiaoling Huang 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate whether aggregate and sectoral disbursement of aid for trade (AfT) facilitates achieving gender equality and women empowerment in aid-recipient developing countries for the period 2005–2019.Design/methodology/approachThe study develops static and dynamic panel data and empirical specifications and employs fixed effects and generalised method of moments (GMM) estimation techniques to estimate the impact of aggregate AfT and different categories of AfT on women empowerment. The study uses the Gender Inequality Index (GII) and Global Gender Gap Index (GGI) as the proxy measures of SDG-5, where the higher (lower) value of GII (GGI) implies higher gender disparities and lower women empowerment, and vice versa.FindingsThe study finds that aggregate AfT and aid disbursement for the development of economic infrastructure, productive capability building and trade policy and regulations contribute significantly to achieve women empowerment by reducing gender inequalities concerning the labour force and political participation, education enrolment and better healthcare and by increasing gender gap index in relation to economic participation, educational attainment, health and survival and political empowerment. The impact of aggregate AfT and its different categories is found significant only in low- and lower-middle-income developing countries. The findings also indicate that the impact of AfT is not noticeably different across different regions of the world as well as the religious belief of the developing countries.Practical implicationsThe study recommends that more allocation of gender-responsive AfT, whether aggregated or disaggregated, significantly helps women empowerment and assists developing economies to achieve SDG-5.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few that investigate the impact of aggregate AfT on gender inequality and women empowerment. This is the foremost study that examines the effects of each individual category of AfT on women empowerment vis-à-vis SDG-5.
A cross-industry comparison of how women leaders experience gender bias
Authors: Stephenson Amber L. , Dzubinski Leanne M. , Diehl Amy B. 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThis paper compares how women leaders in four US industries–higher education, faith-based non-profits, healthcare and law–experience 15 aspects of gender bias.Design/methodology/approachThis study used convergent mixed methods to collect data from 1,606 participants. It included quantitative assessment of a validated gender bias scale and qualitative content analysis of open-ended responses.FindingsResults suggest that, while gender bias is prevalent in all four industries, differences exist. Participants in higher education experienced fewer aspects of gender bias than the other three industries related to male culture, exclusion, self-limited aspirations, lack of sponsorship and lack of acknowledgement. The faith-based sample reported the highest level of two-person career structure but the lowest levels of queen bee syndrome, workplace harassment and salary inequality. Healthcare tended towards the middle, reporting higher scores than one industry and lower than another while participants working in law experienced more gender bias than the other three industries pertaining to exclusion and workplace harassment. Healthcare and law were the two industries with the most similar experiences of bias.Originality/valueThis research contributes to human resource management (HRM) literature by advancing understanding of how 15 different gender bias variables manifest differently for women leaders in various industry contexts and by providing HRM leaders with practical steps to create equitable organizational cultures.
An investigation for integration of deep learning and digital twins towards Construction 4.0
Authors: Kor Mergen , Yitmen Ibrahim , Alizadehsalehi Sepehr 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential integration of deep learning (DL) and digital twins (DT), referred to as (DDT), to facilitate Construction 4.0 through an exploratory analysis.Design/methodology/approachA mixed approach involving qualitative and quantitative analysis was applied to collect data from global industry experts via interviews, focus groups and a questionnaire survey, with an emphasis on the practicality and interoperability of DDT with decision-support capabilities for process optimization.FindingsBased on the analysis of results, a conceptual model of the framework has been developed. The research findings validate that DL integrated DT model facilitating Construction 4.0 will incorporate cognitive abilities to detect complex and unpredictable actions and reasoning about dynamic process optimization strategies to support decision-making.Practical implicationsThe DL integrated DT model will establish an interoperable functionality and develop typologies of models described for autonomous real-time interpretation and decision-making support of complex building systems development based on cognitive capabilities of DT.Originality/valueThe research explores how the technologies work collaboratively to integrate data from different environments in real-time through the interplay of the optimization and simulation during planning and construction. The framework model is a step for the next level of DT involving process automation and control towards Construction 4.0 to be implemented for different phases of the project lifecycle (design–planning–construction).
Evaluation of CHROMagar™ Candida Plus chromogenic agar for the presumptive identification of Candida auris
Authors: Tamura Takashi , Alshahni Mohamed Mahdi , Makimura Koichi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSkin colonization by the emerging pathogen Candida auris is common in outbreaks within medical settings. Culture‐based screening of patients is an effective management strategy to control the pathogen, and the newly developed CHROMagar™ Candida Plus medium is claimed to enable the presumptive identification of C. auris. Here, we evaluated the use of this medium with 63 C. auris strains comprising its four well‐established clades, as well as genetically related comparators, including species from the Metschnikowia clade. The colors and halos of both confluent growth and discrete colonies of all the tested strains were compared. It was found that on CHROMagar™ Candida Plus, C. auris formed characteristic white colonies with blue‐green halos that were more evident after 72 hr of incubation at 35°C than after 48 hr. However, distinguishing between closely related species such as Candida haemulonii, Candida pseudohaemulonii, and Candida duobushaemulonii required the consideration of parameters other than color, including colony size and growth ability at 35°C. In conclusion, the novel chromogenic medium CHROMagar™ Candida Plus constitutes an easy screening tool for C. auris.
Group and individual social network metrics are robust to changes in resource distribution in experimental populations of forked fungus beetles
Authors: Costello Robin A. , Cook Phoebe A. , Formica Vincent A. , Brodie Edmund D. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Social interactions drive many important ecological and evolutionary processes. It is therefore essential to understand the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that underlie social patterns. A central tenet of the field of behavioural ecology is the expectation that the distribution of resources shapes patterns of social interactions.

We combined experimental manipulations with social network analyses to ask how patterns of resource distribution influence complex social interactions.

We experimentally manipulated the distribution of an essential food and reproductive resource in semi‐natural populations of forked fungus beetles Bolitotherus cornutus. We aggregated resources into discrete clumps in half of the populations and evenly dispersed resources in the other half. We then observed social interactions between individually marked beetles. Half‐way through the experiment, we reversed the resource distribution in each population, allowing us to control any demographic or behavioural differences between our experimental populations. At the end of the experiment, we compared individual and group social network characteristics between the two resource distribution treatments.

We found a statistically significant but quantitatively small effect of resource distribution on individual social network position and detected no effect on group social network structure. Individual connectivity (individual strength) and individual cliquishness (local clustering coefficient) increased in environments with clumped resources, but this difference explained very little of the variance in individual social network position. Individual centrality (individual betweenness) and measures of overall social structure (network density, average shortest path length and global clustering coefficient) did not differ between environments with dramatically different distributions of resources.

Our results illustrate that the resource environment, despite being fundamental to our understanding of social systems, does not always play a central role in shaping social interactions. Instead, our results suggest that sex differences and temporally fluctuating environmental conditions may be more important in determining patterns of social interactions.
MoOpy2 is essential for fungal development, pathogenicity, and autophagy in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Cai Ying‐Ying , Wang Jing‐Yi , Wu Xi‐Yu , Liang Shuang , Zhu Xue‐Ming , Li Lin , Lu Jian‐Ping , Liu Xiao‐Hong , Lin Fu‐Cheng 
Published: March 2022

SummaryThe development and pathogenicity of the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, the causal agent of destructive rice blast disease, require it to perceive external environmental signals. Opy2, an overproduction‐induced pheromone‐resistant protein 2, is a crucial protein for sensing external signals in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, the biological functions of the homologue of Opy2 in M. oryzae are unclear. In this study, we identified that MoOPY2 is involved in fungal development, pathogenicity, and autophagy in M. oryzae. Deletion of MoOPY2 resulted in pleiotropic defects in hyphal growth, conidiation, germ tube extension, appressorium formation, appressorium turgor generation, and invasive growth, therefore leading to attenuated pathogenicity. Furthermore, MoOpy2 participates in the Osm1 MAPK pathway and the Mps1 MAPK pathway by interacting with the adaptor protein Mst50. The interaction sites of Mst50 and MoOpy2 colocalized with the autophagic marker protein MoAtg8 in the preautophagosomal structure sites (PAS). Notably, the ΔMoopy2 mutant caused cumulative MoAtg8 lipidation and rapid GFP‐MoAtg8 degradation in response to nitrogen starvation, showing that MoOpy2 is involved in the negative regulation of autophagy activity. Taken together, our study revealed that MoOpy2 of M. oryzae plays an essential role in the orchestration of fungal development, appressorium penetration, autophagy and pathogenesis.
“If no one grieves, no one will remember”: Cultural palimpsests and the creation of social ties through rituals
Authors: Prickett Pamela J. , Timmermans Stefan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractClassic sociological theories hold that rituals offer opportunities for community integration and cohesion. Rituals allow people to come together across many differences and experience similar thoughts and feelings. Death rituals raise existential questions about the purpose of society and generally foster preexisting social ties. This paper examines the efforts of a US community of volunteers who gather to bury unclaimed, or “abandoned,” babies. Drawing on ethnographic research over a two‐year period, we advance the concept of cultural palimpsest to capture the process by which a gathering of strangers turns a potentially divisive political issue in to a community forming event. We find that in their efforts to mourn babies to whom they have no connection, these volunteers temporarily foster new social bonds that allow them to work through unresolved grief. Similar processes of ritualistically inverting social meanings occur whenever people gather to turn potentially negative into group forming events.
Association of smoking, lung function and COPD in COVID‐19 risk: a two‐step Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Au Yeung Shiu Lun , Li Albert Martin , He Baoting , Kwok Kin On , Schooling C Mary 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsSmoking increases the risk of severe COVID‐19, but whether lung function or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mediate the underlying associations is unclear. We conducted the largest Mendelian randomization study to date, to our knowledge, to address these questions.DesignMendelian randomization study using summary statistics from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), FinnGen and UK Biobank. The main analysis was the inverse variance weighted method, and we included a range of sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of the findings.SettingGWAS which included international consortia, FinnGen and UK Biobank.ParticipantsThe sample size ranged from 193 638 to 2 586 691.MeasurementsGenetic determinants of life‐time smoking index, lung function [e.g. forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1)], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and different severities of COID‐19.ResultsSmoking increased the risk of COVID‐19 compared with population controls for overall COVID‐19 [odds ratio (OR) = 1.19 per standard deviation (SD) of life‐time smoking index, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11–1.27], hospitalized COVID‐19 (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.42–1.97) or severe COVID‐19 (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.10–1.98), with directionally consistent effects from sensitivity analyses. Lung function and COPD liability did not appear to mediate these associations.ConclusionThere is genetic evidence that smoking probably increases the risk of severe COVID‐19 and possibly also milder forms of COVID‐19. Decreased lung function and increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease do not seem to mediate the effect of smoking on COVID‐19 risk.