bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auditory cues modulate the short timescale dynamics of STN activity during stepping in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Yeh Chien-Hung , Xu Yifan , Shi Wenbin , FitzGerald James J. , Green Alexander L. , Fischer Petra , Tan Huiling , Oswal Ashwini
Published: November 2023

Background

Gait impairment has a major impact on motor performance and quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The neurophysiological mechanisms of gait impairment remain poorly understood, meaning that treatment options are currently limited. It is believed that basal ganglia oscillatory activity at β frequencies (15-30 Hz) may be a contributor to gait impairment in PD, but the precise dynamics of this oscillatory activity during gait remain unclear. Auditory cues are known to lead to improvements in gait kinematics in PD. If the neurophysiological mechanisms of this cueing effect were better understood they could be leveraged to treat gait impairments using brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies.

Objective

We aimed to characterize the dynamics of subthalamic nucleus (STN) oscillatory activity during stepping movements in PD and to establish the neurophysiological mechanisms by which auditory cues modulate gait.

Methods

We used local field potentials (LFPs) to study STN oscillatory activity in eight PD patients while stepping in place with auditory cueing. Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) were used to discover dynamic brain states that occurred pre-sound, on-sound, and post-sound cues.

Results

The occurrence of β bursts was suppressed during and after auditory cues. This manifested as a decrease in their fractional occupancy and state lifetimes. Interestingly, α transients showed the opposite effect, with fractional occupancy and state lifetimes increasing during and after auditory cues.

Conclusions

We found transient oscillatory states in the STN LFP during stepping and showed that α and β oscillations are differentially modulated by auditory cues during stepping in PD.
Targeted Deletion of All Known Thyroid Hormone Receptors Causes Maturation Retardation and Early-onset Degeneration of Cochlear Outer Sulcus
Authors: Ma XianHua , Jiang Fei , Wei Chunchun , Han Shuang , Zhang Yuqing , Sun Lianhua , Qu Jiaxi , Ying Hao , Chen Yuxia , Tang Jie , He David Z. , Zhang Weiping J. , Xie Zhifang
Published: November 2023

Thyroid hormone (TH) and its receptors (TRs) are crucial for cochlear late-stage development and endocochlear potential (EP) maintenance. However, the mechanism underlying EP reduction in the absence of TH or TRs remains elusive. Cochlear outer sulcus root cells undergo significant morphological changes during late-stage cochlear development and are believed to play a role in maintaining endolymph homeostasis and EP. Yet, it is unknown whether TH and/or TRs are necessary for root cell differentiation and function. Here, we elucidate the essential role of TH or TRs in postnatal root cell development and survival in mice. TH deficiency significantly delayed root cell differentiation. Otocyst-selective deletion of bothThraandThrb, but notThrbalone, leads to a similar impairment, accompanied by early degeneration of root cells, with the stria vascularis remaining unaffected. Furthermore, a 22% reduction in mean EP magnitudes was observed in conditionalTRsdouble knockout mice at 4 months of age, less pronounced than in globalTRsknockout mice. Transcriptome analysis reveals that TH deficiency downregulates a significant portion of root cell-enriched genes. These findings underscore the redundant roles of TRα and TRβ in promoting the late-stage differentiation and survival of root cells. Additionally, they suggest that the expression of TRs in cochlear epithelium is crucial for maintaining an optimal EP magnitude, while TRs expressed in areas outside cochlear epithelium, particularly in spiral ligament fibrocytes, may also significantly contribute to EP maintenance. This study advances our understanding of TH in cochlear outer sulcus development and EP maintenance.
Adult Human Heart ECM Improves Human iPSC-CM Function via Mitochondrial and Metabolic Maturation
Authors: Ozcebe S. Gulberk , Tristan Mateo , Zorlutuna Pinar
Published: November 2023

Myocardial infarction can lead to the loss of billions of cardiomyocytes, and while cell-based therapies are a promising option, the immature nature of in vitro-generated human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes (iCMs) is a significant roadblock to their development. Through the years, various approaches have emerged to improve iCM maturation, yet none could fully recapitulate the complexity of cardiac development and were not enough to achieve full cardiac maturityin vitro.

Cardiac differentiation occurs at the early stages of development in a highly dynamic environment. Although significantly improved over the past two decades, small molecule-based iPSC differentiation protocols don’t go beyond producing high purity fetal iCMs. Recently adult extracellular matrix (ECM) was shown to retain tissue memory and has shown some success in driving tissue-specific differentiation in unspecified cells in various organ systems. Therefore, here, we first characterized the adult human heart left ventricle components. We then investigated the effect of adult human heart-derived ECM on iPSC cardiac differentiation and subsequent maturation. By preconditioning iPSCs with ECM, we tested whether creating a cardiac environment around iPSCs would drive them toward cardiac fate before small molecule mediated differentiation. Ultimately, we investigated ECM components that might be responsible for the observed effects.

We identified critical glycoproteins and proteoglycans involved in early cardiac development in the adult heart ECM. Namely, adult ECM had extracellular galactin-1, fibronectin, fibrillins, and basement-membrane-specific heparan-sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG), which have been implicated in normal heart development and associated with various embryonic developmental processes.

Relatedly, we showed that preconditioning iPSCs with adult ECM resulted in enhanced cardiac differentiation, yielding iCMs with higher functional maturity. Further investigation revealed that a more developed mitochondrial network and coverage as well as enhanced metabolic maturity and a shift towards a more energetic profile allowed the observed functional enhancement in ECM pretreated iCMs.

These findings demonstrate the potential of using cardiac ECM for promoting iCM maturation and suggest a promising strategy for improving the development of iCM-based therapies and in vitro cardiac disease modeling and drug screening studies. Upon manipulating ECM, such as heat denaturation and sonication to eliminate protein components and release ECM bound vesicle contents, respectively, we concluded that the beneficial effects that we observed are not solely due to the ECM proteins, and might be related to the decorative units attached to them.
Better therapeutic efficiency of omnidirectional than directional subthalamic deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Scherer Maximilian , Milosevic Luka , Cebi Idil , Bookjans Patrick , Brunett Bastian , Guggenberger Robert , Weiss Daniel , Gharabaghi Alireza
Published: November 2023

Background

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) using segmented electrode contacts allows for directionally steered stimulation (DS), while the conventional ring mode provides omnidirectional stimulation (OS). However, with regard to achieving better effects with the same stimulation intensity or equivalent effects with lower intensity, the comparative therapeutic efficiency of these approaches remains unclear.

Objective

To compare the therapeutic efficiency of subthalamic DBS using segmented and ring contacts in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with akinetic-rigid symptoms.

Methods

A double-blind, randomized monopolar review was conducted with patients in the dopaminergic medication-off state at 10 weeks postoperatively on three upper ring contacts and three contacts of the upper segmented level. Impedance measurements were obtained, and the therapeutic threshold (current strength for complete biceps brachii muscle rigidity resolution) was estimated by increasing stimulation intensity in 0.2 mA increments.

Results

OS with ring contacts showed an improved therapeutic threshold compared to DS with segmented contacts. At 1.1 mA stimulation intensity, complete rigidity resolution was achieved in 90% of patients with the best ring contact, whereas only 40% achieved the same outcome with the best segmented contact. In addition, OS with ring contacts exhibited 50% lower impedance than DS with segmented contacts.

Conclusions

Incremental adjustments in current intensity during parameter titration generate valuable stimulus-response curves for assessing therapeutic efficiency. In clinical practice, the monopolar review should give priority to identifying the optimal ring level and therapeutic threshold. Segmented contacts should be carefully considered as a potential alternative when side effects limit the feasibility of other options.
Comparison of body composition measures assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis versus dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in UK Biobank
Authors: Feng Qi , Bešević Jelena , Conroy Megan , Omiyale Wemimo , Lacey Ben , Allen Naomi
Published: November 2023

Background

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) are used commonly for assessing body composition. This study aimed to evaluate the agreement between BIA and DXA measures to assess the validity of BIA measures in UK Biobank.

Methods

UK Biobank participants with body fat mass (FM) and fat free mass (FFM) estimates derived from BIA and DXA measures performed on the same date were included. BIA and DXA-derived estimates were compared using Pearson correlation coefficients. Bland-Altman analysis was performed to quantify the differences and its distribution. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify predictors for the difference between the two measures. Finally, prediction models were developed to calibrate BIA measures against DXA measures.

Results

34437 participants (female 51.4%, mean age 55.2 years) were included. BIA and DXA measurements were highly correlated (correlation coefficient 0.96 for FM and 0.97 for FFM), with similar values in males and females and across body mass index subgroups. BIA underestimates FM by 1.84 kg (23.77 vs. 25.61), but overestimated FFM by 2.56 kg (52.49 vs. 49.93). The BIA-DXA difference was associated with individual FM, FFM, BMI and waist circumference. Prediction models showed overall good model performance in the training and testing data.

Conclusion

We found good agreement between BIA-and DXA-derived body composition measures at a population level in UK Biobank. However, BIA-DXA difference existed at individual level, and was associated with anthropometric measures. Future studies may consider using prediction models to calibrate BIA measures.
sLOX-1 as a differential diagnostic biomarker for acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Wu Jianing , Rong Wei , Ma Ke , Ma Jie , Mi Yuhong , Jing Zhi-Cheng , Zhang Hui , Li Ping , Du Jie , Li Yulin
Published: November 2023

Objective

Diagnosing acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is challenging because of nonspecific clinical symptoms. Soluble lectin-type oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor (sLOX-1) has differential expression in arterial and venous disease. This study aimed to evaluate the relevance of soluble lectin-type oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor (sLOX-1) as a diagnostic biomarker for acute PE.

Methods

This observational study was performed at Beijing Anzhen Hospital in China. Patients with PE, aortic dissection (AD), myocardial infarction (MI) and healthy controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study (n=90 each). Moreover, 730 patients with suspected PE were enrolled in this prospective study. The diagnostic performance of sLOX-1 was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

In the development set, sLOX-1 levels were significantly lower in patients with PE than in those with AD, MI, or healthy controls. In the validation cohort, the area under the curve (AUC) of sLOX-1 for patients with PE from other chest pain diseases, particularly from AD was significantly higher than that of D-dimer (ΔAUC=0.32; 95%CI, 0.26-0.37; P<0.0001) with 77.0% specificity and 74.5% positive predictive value at the threshold of 600 pg/mL derived from the development set. By integrating sLOX-1 into existing diagnosis strategy (Wells rules combined D-dimer), the number of patients who were further categorized as workup for PE decreased from 417 to 209, with the positive detection rate of computed tomographic pulmonary angiography increased from 35.1% to 67.0%. Six patients with PE were missed in 208 excluded patients at a failure rate of 2.88%.

Conclusions

Plasma sLOX-1 is a novel diagnostic tool that can rapidly categorize suspected PE as a workup for PE based on existing diagnostic strategy.
Outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke and newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation after stroke
Authors: Chang Yu-Kang , Hsu Chih-Cheng , Huang Chi-Ting , Lien Chi-Hsun , Hsu Hung-Yi
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients with ischemic stroke (IS) and newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation after stroke (NAF) have not been clearly established. Previous studies evaluating patients with NAF were limited by the low prescription rates of anticoagulants and short follow-up periods.

METHODS

Consecutive patients hospitalized for IS between 2014 and 2017 were identified from a National Health Insurance Research Database. The included patients were categorized into three groups: (1) known diagnosis of AF (KAF) before the index stroke, (2) NAF, and (3) without AF (non-AF). Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for independent variables and recurrent IS, hemorrhagic stroke, or death.

RESULTS

We identified 158,909 patients with IS of whom 16,699 (10.5%) had KAF and 7,826 (4.9%) had NAF. The patients with NAF were younger, more often male, and had lower CHA2DS2-VASc scores (3.8 ± 1.9 versus 4.9 ± 1.8,p< 0.001) than the patients with KAF. Anticoagulant treatment significantly reduced the risks of all outcomes. Compared with NAF, KAF was associated with lower risks of recurrent IS [hazard ratio (HR): 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86–0.97,p< 0.01] and hemorrhagic stroke (HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.79–0.99,p< 0.01) and a higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07–1.16,p< 0.001). The risks of all three outcomes were significantly higher for both NAF and KAF than for non-AF.

CONCLUSIONS

The risks of recurrent IS and hemorrhagic stroke were higher and of all-cause mortality was lower for patients with NAF than with KAF. Anticoagulant therapy significantly reduced the risks of recurrent IS, hemorrhagic stroke, and all-cause mortality.
Loss of Purkinje cells in the developing cerebellum strengthens the cerebellothalamic synapses
Authors: Nishiyama Hiroshi , Nishiyama Naoko , Zemelman Boris V.
Published: November 2023

Cerebellar damage early in life often causes long-lasting motor, social, and cognitive impairments, suggesting the roles of the cerebellum in developing a broad spectrum of behaviors. This recent finding has promoted research on how cerebellar damage affects the development of the cerebral cortex, the brain region responsible for higher-order control of all behaviors. However, the cerebral cortex is not directly connected to the cerebellum. The thalamus is the direct postsynaptic target of the cerebellum, sending cerebellar outputs to the cerebral cortex. Despite its crucial position in cerebello-cerebral interaction, thalamic susceptibility to cerebellar damage remains largely unclear. Here, we studied the consequences of early cerebellar perturbation on thalamic development. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings showed that the synaptic organization of the cerebellothlamic circuit is similar to that of the primary sensory thalamus, in which aberrant sensory activity alters synaptic circuit formation. The hemizygous deletion of the tuberous sclerosis complex-1 (Tsc1) gene in the Purkinje cell—known to cause Purkinje cell hypoactivity and autistic behaviors—did not alter cerebellothalamic synapses or intrinsic membrane properties of thalamic neurons. However, the ablation of Purkinje cells in the developing cerebellum strengthened the cerebellothalamic synapses and enhanced thalamic suprathreshold activities. These results suggest that the cerebellothalamic circuit is resistant to moderate perturbation in the developing cerebellum, such as the reduced firing rate of Purkinje cells, and that autistic behaviors are not necessarily linked to thalamic abnormality. Still, Purkinje cell loss alters the thalamic circuit, suggesting the vulnerability of the thalamus to substantial disturbance in the developing cerebellum.
Comparative analysis of maternal gene expression patterns unravels evolutionary signatures across reproductive modes
Authors: Kagan Ferenc , Hejnol Andreas
Published: November 2023

Background

Maternal genes have a pivotal role in regulating metazoan early development. As such their functions have been extensively studied since the dawn of developmental biology. The temporal and spatial dynamics of their transcripts have been thoroughly described in model organisms and their functions have been undergoing heavy investigations. Yet, less is known about the evolutionary changes shaping their presence within diverse oocytes. Due to their unique maternal inheritance pattern, a high degree is predicted to be present when it comes to their expression. Insofar only limited and conflicting results have emerged around it.

Results

Here we set out to elucidate which evolutionary changes could be detected in the maternal gene expression patterns using phylogenetic comparative methods on RNAseq data from 43 species. Using normalized gene expression values and fold change information throughout early development we set out to find the best fitting evolutionary model. Through modeling we find evidence supporting both the high degree of divergence and constraint on gene expression values, together with their temporal dynamics. Furthermore, we find that maternal gene expression alone can be used to explain the reproductive modes of different species.

Conclusions

Together, these results suggest a highly dynamic evolutionary landscape of maternal gene expression. We also propose a possible functional dichotomy of maternal genes which is influenced by the reproductive strategy undertaken by examined species.
Non-consecutive enzyme interactions within TCA cycle supramolecular assembly regulate carbon-nitrogen metabolism
Authors: Jasinska Weronika , Dindo Mirco , Correa Sandra M. , Serohijos Adrian W.R. , Laurino Paola , Brotman Yariv , Bershtein Shimon
Published: November 2023

Enzymes of the core energy metabolism pathways tend to assemble into transient supramolecular complexes, yet the functional significance of the interactions within these complexes, particularly between enzymes catalyzing non-consecutive reactions, remains unclear. Here, by co-localizing two non-consecutive enzymes of the TCA cycle fromB. subtilis, malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICD), in highly crowded liquid-liquid phase separated droplets we discovered that MDH-ICD interaction causes an enhancement of ICD catalytic rate and an apparent sequestration of its reaction product, 2-oxoglutarate. Theory suggests that the observed phenomena are explained by the MDH-mediating clustering of ICD molecules. In vivo validation with targeted GC-MS and13C tracer analyses revealed that whenB. subtilisis grown on glucose and ammonia, overexpression of MDH leads to accumulation of 2-oxoglutarate with a concomitant reduction of fluxes flowing through both the catabolic and anabolic branches of the carbon-nitrogen intersection occupied by 2-oxoglutarate, resulting in impeded ammonium assimilation and reduced biomass production. Our findings thus suggest that inB. subtilisthe MDH-ICD interaction is an important coordinator of carbon-nitrogen metabolism, thereby expanding the list of types of functionally understood unconventional enzyme-enzyme interactions.
Assessment of The Broad-Spectrum Host Targeting Antiviral Efficacy of Halofuginone Hydrobromide in Human Airway, Intestinal and Brain Organoid Models
Authors: García-Rodríguez Inés , Moreni Giulia , Capendale Pamela E. , Mulder Lance , Aknouch Ikrame , Vieira de Sá Renata , Johanneson Nina , Freeze Eline , van Eijk Hetty , Koen Gerrit , Wolthers Katja , Pajkrt Dasja , Sridhar Adithya , Calitz Carlemi
Published: November 2023

Halofuginone hydrobromide has shown potent antiviral efficacy against a variety of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, dengue, or chikungunya virus, and has, therefore, been hypothesized to have broad-spectrum antiviral activity. In this paper, we tested this broad-spectrum antiviral activity of Halofuginone hydrobomide against viruses from different families (Picornaviridae, Herpesviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Coronaviridae,andFlaviviridae).To this end, we used relevant human models of the airway and intestinal epithelium and regionalised neural organoids. Halofuginone hydrobomide showed antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in the airway epithelium with no toxicity at equivalent concentrations used in human clinical trials but not against any of the other tested viruses.

Graphical abstract

Highlights

Halofuginone hydrobromide was identified as a possible broad-spectrum host targeting antiviral drug.

Human organoid models offer a physiologically relevant and clinically translatable model for antiviral research.

Halofuginone hydrobromide shows antiviral efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, but not against EV-A71, PeV-A1, IAV, RV-A16, HCMV or ZIKV in relevant organoid models.

The efficacy of Halofuginone hydrobromide is concentration dependent as well as on proline content of the host receptor(s) or host factors for the specific virus in question.
Relating sex differences in cortical and hippocampal microstructure to sex hormones
Authors: Küchenhoff Svenja , Bayrak Şeyma , Zsido Rachel G. , Saberi Amin , Bernhardt Boris , Weis Susanne , Schaare H. Lina , Sacher Julia , Eickhoff Simon , Valk Sofie L.
Published: November 2023

Sex hormone receptors are expressed widely in both neurons and glial cells, which allows them to interact with the brain’s major cell groups via several molecular mechanisms. These mechanisms lead to sex differences in brain structure as well as hormone-induced plasticity in the female brain across the menstrual cycle. Adding to the literature on volumetric changes in cortical structure, here we set out to investigate sex differences in the microstructure of the human cortex in relation to sex hormones. We assessed regional variation in cortical microstructure as a function of sex, hormonal status and sex hormone receptor gene expression distribution based on quantitative intracortical profilingin vivousing the magnetic resonance imaging based T1w/T2w ratio in 992 healthy females and males of the Human Connectome Project young adult sample. We demonstrate that microstructure in isocortex and hippocampus differs regionally between males and females, that this effect varies with hormone levels of females and that implicated brain regions overlap with estrogen receptor and sex steroid synthesis gene expression. Lastly, we show that sex and sex hormone related brain structure variations are most pronounced in areas of low laminar cortical complexity (agranular cortex), which are also predicted to be most plastic based on their cytoarchitectural properties. Together, our data thus are suggestive of sex differences in cortical and hippocampal microstructure, as well as the modulatory function of sex hormones on these measures. Albeit correlative, this study underscores the importance of incorporating sex hormone variables into the investigation of brain structure and plasticity.
Proteomics screening post pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation reveals an association between increased expression of inhibitory receptor FCRL6 on γδ T cells and CMV reactivation
Authors: Alexandersson Adam , Venäläinen Mikko S , Heikkilä Nelli , Huang Xiaobo , Taskinen Mervi , Huttunen Pasi , Elo Laura L , Koskenvuo Minna , Kekäläinen Eliisa
Published: November 2023

Objective

To study kinetics and associations between inflammation related proteins in circulation after pediatric allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to reveal proteomic signatures or individual soluble proteins associated with specific complications post HSCT.

Methods

We used a proteomics method called Proximity Extension Assay to repeatedly measure 180 different proteins together with clinical variables, cellular immune reconstitution, and blood viral copy numbers in 27 children aged 1-18 years during a two-year follow up after allogenic HSCT. Protein profile analysis was done using unsupervised hierarchical clustering and a regression-based method, while Bonferroni-corrected Mann-Whitney U test was used for time point specific comparison of individual proteins against outcome.

Results

At 6 months after allogenic HSCT, we could identify a protein profile pattern associated with occurrence of the complications chronic graft-versus-host disease, viral infections, relapse, and death. When protein markers were analyzed separately, the plasma concentration of the inhibitory and cytotoxic T cell surface protein FCRL6 (Fc receptor-like 6) was higher in patients with CMV viremia (log2-fold change 1.5 (p0.00099), 2.5 (p=0.00035) and 2.2 (p=0.045) at time points 6, 12 and 24 months). Flow cytometry confirmed that FCRL6 expression was higher in innate-like γδ T cells, indicating that these cells have a role in controlling CMV reactivation in HSCT recipients.

Conclusions

The potentially druggable FCRL6 receptor on cytotoxic T cells appears to have a role in controlling CMV viremia post-HSCT. Our results suggest that system level analysis is a useful addition to the studying of single biomarkers in allogeneic HSCT.
Development and testing of lean simulation game on set-based design
Authors: Jain Kavya , Devkar Ganesh
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Set-based design (SBD) is a lean tool widely adopted for improving design processes and providing value maximization to clients. The purpose of this paper is to present the development and testing of a lean simulation game that incorporated point-based and SBD principles. The objective of the game was to enhance learning of lean design management among construction students.

Design/methodology/approach

After a thorough and comprehensive literature review consisting of secondary data in journal papers, books, thesis references and primary data in the form of interviews with lean practitioners, the simulation game prototype was developed. The testing of the game was carried out with a study group. Data were collected during the gameplay with the help of a questionnaire survey on a confidence scale and Likert scale and assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, histogram, one-sample t-test and false discovery rate (Benjamini–Hochberg) correction method.

Findings

The data collected both pre- and post-simulation showed an increase in average confidence in understanding from 3.33 to 3.89, a 16.7% rise. The data was further interpreted by using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, indicating that the post-simulation learning experience was significantly better than the pre-simulation one. Promising positive results were obtained for the questions on game design, engagement and understanding of point-based design and SBD concepts.

Originality/value

The simulation game helps bridge the gap between knowledge building and real-life by effectively imitating the process. The game facilitates a dynamic and critical approach toward developing new educational simulation games and their successful incorporation in propagating lean principles in the construction industry.
From consumer values to attributes of natural health products for concentration and cognition: insights from a means-end-chain study
Authors: Wolf Miriam Eugenia , Emberger-Klein Agnes , Menrad Klaus
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to determine, which values guide consumers decision-making on natural health products for concentration and cognition (NHPCC) and how they link to choice-relevant product attributes. The purpose is to contribute to a better understanding of NHPCC consumption choices, which can encourage more consumer-centric product development and positioning.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the means-end chain approach, in-depth laddering interviews with 26 consumers of NHP were conducted in Germany from October to December 2020. Qualitative content analysis was applied and a hierarchical value map over the dominant association was built and analyzed.

Findings

Five terminal values were found to be relevant for NHPCC decision-making. The personal focused values security, self-direction and stimulation are via health mainly associated with trust and a conscious decision-making, which is linked to the product attributes of effectiveness, tolerance and declaration. Social focused values of universalism or benevolence guide attention on the attributes of sustainability and regionality.

Originality/value

The study contributes to close the knowledge gap concerning the linkages between abstract values and concrete product attributes of NHP through associated consequences. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that analyzed these links for NHPCC, although such products are gaining more interest among companies and consumers. Companies can benefit from the outcomes by developing more consumer-centric product concepts and marketing communication strategies for NHPCC. Due to higher attention on relevant information, consumers’ decision-making could become safer and more conscious.
Impact of transformational leadership on leadership effectiveness: the mediating effect of emotional skills in the Lebanese small and medium-sized enterprises context
Authors: Shatila Khodor , Agyei Frank Boateng , Aloulou Wassim J.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of transformational leadership on leadership effectiveness and the mediating effect of emotional skills in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used quantitative methodology, collecting data from 350 respondents from the Lebanese context. The data were analysed using AMOS for structural equation modelling.

Findings

Results indicated that transformational leadership positively impacts leadership effectiveness, and this relationship is partially mediated by emotional skills. Specifically, adaptability, assertiveness and relationship management partially mediate the relationship of transformational leadership to leadership effectiveness. The findings suggest that leaders who possess emotional skills, especially those related to adaptability, assertiveness and relationship management, can be more effective in their roles by inspiring and motivating their followers through transformational leadership.

Research limitations/implications

The study relies on self-reported data, which can introduce potential biases such as social desirability bias and subjectivity. The study uses a cross-sectional design, which hinders establishing causal relationships or examining changes over time.

Practical implications

This study highlights the significance of transformational leadership on leadership effectiveness and its potential benefits on emotional skills as a mediator in this relationship.

Originality/value

The research is unique and provides potential contribution to the Lebanese context.
The risk of fraudulent letter of credit transactions in Bangladesh: a growing threat to Bangladesh’s economy
Authors: Rafique Rushmila Bintay , Duraisingam Tamara Joan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on managing the risk of fraud in commercial letters of credit (LC) in Bangladesh involving three parties: the seller, the buyer and the bank. It addresses the severity of LC fraud, the banks’ actions when detected and the preventive measures the relevant parties can adopt.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses doctrinal and qualitative methods to propose strategic actions that benefit buyers, sellers, banks, legal professionals and judges. The study aims to explore the modus operandi used by fraudsters through thematic analysis.

Findings

The study’s findings reveal that LC fraud has escalated to a concerning level, posing a significant threat to the economic stability of Bangladesh. Measures must be taken to mitigate this risk and safeguard the country’s financial integrity. To effectively combat the risk of LC fraud, the updated version of UCP must include specific and detailed guidelines on LC fraud. This study recommends preventative measures that all parties involved must take to reduce the likelihood of fraud significantly.

Research limitations/implications

Due to a lack of LC experts, the participant sample for the study in Bangladesh was limited. Nevertheless, most banking participants were highly distinguished and held the Head of Trade Finance Department position in commercial banks. A few academics and legal practitioners with LC expertise also participated in the study.

Originality/value

It provides cutting-edge solutions to effectively handle LC fraud risk and provides proactive measures to prevent it.
Stress intensity factors analysis for crack around film cooling holes in Ni-based single crystal with contour integral method
Authors: Li Zhenwei , Wen Zhixun , Wang Cheng , Dai Ying , He Peng Fei
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to provide SIF calculation method for engineering application.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the stress intensity factors (SIFs) calculation method is applied to the anisotropic Ni-based single crystal film cooling holes (FCHs) structure.

Findings

Based on contour integral, the anisotropic SIFs analysis finite element method (FEM) in Ni-based single crystal is proposed. The applicability and mesh independence of the method is assessed by comparing the calculated SIFs using mode of plate with an edge crack. Anisotropic SIFs can be calculated with excellent accuracy using the finite element contour integral approach. Then, the effect of crystal orientation and FCHs interference on the anisotropic SIFs is clarified. The SIFs of FCH edge crack in the [011] orientated Ni-based single crystal increases faster than the other two orientations. And the SIF of horizontal interference FCHs edge crack is also larger than that of the inclined interference one.

Originality/value

The SIFs of the FCH edge crack in the turbine air-cooled blade are innovatively computed using the sub-model method. Both the Mode I and II SIFs of FCHs edge crack in blade increase with crack growing.
Suggested role for neutrophil extracellular trap formation in Ewing sarcoma immune microenvironment
Authors: Shukrun Rachel , Baron Szilvia , Fidel Victoria , Shusterman Anna , Sher Osnat , Kollender Netanya , Levin Dror , Peled Yair , Gortzak Yair , Ben‐Shahar Yoav , Caspi Revital , Gordon Sagi , Manisterski Michal , Elhasid Ronit
Published: November 2023

Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is a highly aggressive cancer with a survival rate of 70%–80% for patients with localized disease and under 30% for those with metastatic disease. Tumor‐infiltrating neutrophils (TIN) can generate extracellular net‐like DNA structures known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). However, little is known about the presence and prognostic significance of tumor‐infiltrating NETs in EWS. Herein, we investigated 46 patients diagnosed with EWS and treated in the Tel Aviv Medical Center between 2010 and 2021. TINs and NETs were identified in diagnostic biopsies of EWS by immunofluorescence. In addition, NETs were investigated in neutrophils isolated from peripheral blood samples of EWS patients at diagnosis and following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The relationships between the presence of TINs and NETs, pathological and clinical features, and outcomes were analyzed. Our results demonstrate that TIN and NETs at diagnosis were higher in EWS patients with metastatic disease compared with those with local disease. High NET formation at diagnosis predicted poor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, relapse, and death from disease (p < 0.05). NET formation in peripheral blood samples at diagnosis was significantly elevated among patients with EWS compared with pediatric controls and decreased significantly following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In conclusion, NET formation seems to have a role in the EWS immune microenvironment. Their presence can refine risk stratification, predict chemotherapy resistance and survival, and serve as a therapeutic target in patients with EWS.
Endoscopic hand suturing for nonhealing gastrocutaneous fistula after gastrostomy tube removal
Authors: Fujinaga Yukihisa , Mitoro Akira , Yoshiji Hitoshi
Published: November 2023

Watch a video of this article.
Towards explainable metaheuristics: Feature extraction from trajectory mining
Authors: Fyvie Martin , McCall John A. W. , Christie Lee A. , Brownlee Alexander E. I. , Singh Manjinder
Published: November 2023

Explaining the decisions made by population‐based metaheuristics can often be considered difficult due to the stochastic nature of the mechanisms employed by these optimisation methods. As industries continue to adopt these methods in areas that increasingly require end‐user input and confirmation, the need to explain the internal decisions being made has grown. In this article, we present our approach to the extraction of explanation supporting features using trajectory mining. This is achieved through the application of principal components analysis techniques to identify new methods of tracking population diversity changes post‐runtime. The algorithm search trajectories were generated by solving a set of benchmark problems with a genetic algorithm and a univariate estimation of distribution algorithm and retaining all visited candidate solutions which were then projected to a lower dimensional sub‐space. We also varied the selection pressure placed on high fitness solutions by altering the selection operators. Our results show that metrics derived from the projected sub‐space algorithm search trajectories are capable of capturing key learning steps and how solution variable patterns that explain the fitness function may be captured in the principal component coefficients. A comparative study of variable importance rankings derived from a surrogate model built on the same dataset was also performed. The results show that both approaches are capable of identifying key features regarding variable interactions and their influence on fitness in a complimentary fashion.
Maternal supportive responses to adolescents' negative emotions serve as protective factors for adolescents' hostile attribution bias longitudinally
Authors: Ding Ruyi , Wang Shuangshuang , Liu Jin , He Wei , Pan Junhao
Published: November 2023

Existing literature has documented that parenting links to children's hostile attribution biases (HAB). However, little is known about the role played by parental emotion socialization in children's HAB. To address this research gap, the present study investigated the role of parental responses to children's negative emotions (PRCNE) in predicting adolescents' HAB using a longitudinal study. Adolescents (N = 203; Mage = 13.61 years old at Time 1), who were recruited from a city in mainland China, reported on their mothers' PRCNE and their own HAB at two waves over a year. The results showed that mothers' supportive responses (composed of emotion‐focused responses and problem‐focused responses) significantly predicted adolescents' reduced HAB over time; however, PRCNE including expressive encouragement, minimization, and nonsupportive responses (composed of punitive responses and parental distress) had no significant relation with adolescents' HAB. These findings add to the existing literature investigating antecedents to adolescents' social information processing deficits and biases.
Blue carbon sink capacity of mangroves determined by leaves and their associated microbiome
Authors: Lu Zhe , Qin Guoming , Gan Shuchai , Liu Hongbin , Macreadie Peter I. , Cheah Wee , Wang Faming
Published: November 2023

Mangroves play a globally significant role in carbon capture and storage, known as blue carbon ecosystems. Yet, there are fundamental biogeochemical processes of mangrove blue carbon formation that are inadequately understood, such as the mechanisms by which mangrove afforestation regulates the microbial‐driven transfer of carbon from leaf to below‐ground blue carbon pool. In this study, we addressed this knowledge gap by investigating: (1) the mangrove leaf characteristics using state‐of‐the‐art FT‐ICR‐MS; (2) the microbial biomass and their transformation patterns of assimilated plant‐carbon; and (3) the degradation potentials of plant‐derived carbon in soils of an introduced (Sonneratia apetala) and a native mangrove (Kandelia obovata). We found that biogeochemical cycling took entirely different pathways for S. apetala and K. obovata. Blue carbon accumulation and the proportion of plant‐carbon for native mangroves were high, with microbes (dominated by K‐strategists) allocating the assimilated‐carbon to starch and sucrose metabolism. Conversely, microbes with S. apetala adopted an r‐strategy and increased protein‐ and nucleotide‐biosynthetic potentials. These divergent biogeochemical pathways were related to leaf characteristics, with S. apetala leaves characterized by lower molecular‐weight, C:N ratio, and lignin content than K. obovata. Moreover, anaerobic‐degradation potentials for lignin were high in old‐aged soils, but the overall degradation potentials of plant carbon were age‐independent, explaining that S. apetala age had no significant influences on the contribution of plant‐carbon to blue carbon. We propose that for introduced mangroves, newly fallen leaves release nutrient‐rich organic matter that favors growth of r‐strategists, which rapidly consume carbon to fuel growth, increasing the proportion of microbial‐carbon to blue carbon. In contrast, lignin‐rich native mangrove leaves shape K‐strategist‐dominated microbial communities, which grow slowly and store assimilated‐carbon in cells, ultimately promoting the contribution of plant‐carbon to the remarkable accumulation of blue carbon. Our study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of microbial community responses during reforestation in mangrove ecosystems.
Do unions care about low‐paid workers? Evidence from Norway
Authors: Svarstad Elin
Published: November 2023

One of the core objectives of unions is to raise the wages of the lowest paid. Utilizing a panel of individual‐matched employee–employer data covering the Norwegian private sector in the period 2000–2014, I investigate how workplace union density is related to individual low‐pay risk. By exploiting changes in tax deductions for union members in Norway as a source of exogenous variation, a negative effect of increased union density on low‐pay risk is identified within jobs. The results further suggest that the effect of local bargaining power on individual low‐pay probability is larger among immigrants than among natives.
An ILP approach for tactical flight rescheduling during airport access mode disruptions
Authors: Scozzaro Geoffrey , Mancel Catherine , Delahaye Daniel , Feron Eric
Published: November 2023

Airport access mode disruptions, such as a subway shutdown, threaten the whole passenger door‐to‐door journey. When such a disruptive event occurs, knowledge of passengers' delays would help the airport operation centre to decide if a departure flight should be delayed. This paper proposes a tactical flight rescheduling at an airport to minimise the number of stranded passengers while considering operational constraints. An integer linear programming formulation of the problem is presented. Constraints such as terminal capacities, maximal runway throughput, minimum turnaround time or minimum transfer time for connecting passengers are considered. An exact and heuristic resolution is proposed and compared to a study case around Paris‐Charles de Gaulle airport. The new schedule satisfies the operational constraints and reduces up to 60% of the number of stranded passengers with moderate deviation from the initial planning.
Machine learning‐based crystal structure prediction for high‐entropy oxide ceramics
Authors: Liu Jicheng , Wang Anzhe , Gao Pan , Bai Rui , Liu Junjie , Du Bin , Fang Cheng
Published: November 2023

Predicting the crystal structure is essential to address the reliance on serendipity for facilitating the discovery and design of high‐performance high‐entropy oxides (HEOs). Here, three classic algorithms‐based machine learning models to predict the crystal structure of HEOs are successfully established and analyzed by combining five metrics, and the XGBoost classifier shows excellent accuracy and robustness with ACC and F1 scores up to 0.977 and 0.975, respectively. SHAP summary plot indicates that the anion‐to‐cation radius ratio (rA/rC) has the greatest impact on crystal structure, followed by difference in Pauling and Mulliken electronegativities (ΔχPauling and ΔχMulliken). It is noteworthy that the rA/rC, ΔχPauling, and ΔχMulliken lower than 0.35, 0.1, and 0.2, respectively, tend to lead to a fluorite crystal structure, whereas rock‐salt and spinel crystal structures are always formed. This work is expected to facilitate the discovery and design of HEOs with tailorable crystal structures and properties.
Executive compensation, internal control quality, and corporate social responsibility in China
Authors: Hu Junnan , Lin Xuan , Xie Feixue
Published: November 2023

We explore the relations among executive compensation, internal control quality (ICQ), and corporate social responsibility (CSR), focusing on improving the CSR outcomes of listed firms in China. Our findings are fourfold. First, we document that executive compensation and ICQ have a significant positive impact on CSR. Second, we find that executive compensation positively affects ICQ; hence, we identify ICQ as a channel that can further improve the impact of executive compensation on CSR. Third, we discover that the documented effects are stronger in state‐owned firms than in non‐state‐owned firms. Fourth, we observe that regulatory changes have both positive and negative impacts on CSR. Our findings are less vulnerable to endogeneity and have key implications for policy makers.