bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Giant pilomatricoma with coexisting angiomyxoid stroma histopathology: a case report
Authors: Mazzarella Francesca , Del Forno Biancamaria , Caporali Enrico , Costa Alfio Luca , Vindigni Vincenzo , Bassetto Franco , Brambullo Tito
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Pilomatricoma, also known as benign calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe, is a follicular tumor originating from cells in the hair follicle matrix. It usually manifests as a firm subcutaneous mass up to 3 cm in size. Less commonly, it may measure >5 cm and in such cases is called giant pilomatricoma.

We herein present a case of a subcutaneous lesion that was characterized by aggressive biological behavior and initially thought to be malignant but subsequently found to be a rare angiomyxoid variant of giant pilomatricoma.

Case presentation:

This case involved a young, healthy woman with a rapidly growing subcutaneous lesion on the distal lateral side of her right arm. An incisional biopsy was performed, and the lesion was diagnosed as hyperplasia of the epidermis and subcutaneous tissue, likely of reactive nature. After radical excision, analysis of the entire specimen led the pathologist to diagnose a rare variant of giant pilomatricoma with angiomyxoid stroma.

Discussion:

Classic pilomatricoma is an indolent, slow-growing lesion that is well defined and not fixed to the underlying tissue planes. However, after showing no signs of enlargement for 6 months, the lesion in the present case began to grow in a very unusual and concerning manner, suggesting a skin malignancy. The patient’s young age and the rapid development and large dimensions of the lesion led us to suspect a sarcoma.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the importance of cooperation between the dermatosurgeon and the pathologist to ensure thorough evaluation of such misleading cases. Such cooperation will guide appropriate management decisions and avoid overtreatment of benign lesions.
Characteristics of Canadians living with long-term health conditions or disabilities who had unmet rehabilitation needs during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Authors: DeSouza Astrid , Wang Dan , Wong Jessica J. , Furlan Andrea D. , Hogg-Johnson Sheilah , Macedo Luciana , Mior Silvano , Côté Pierre
Published: December 2023

Objective

To describe the characteristics associated with unmet rehabilitation needs in a sample of Canadians with long-term health conditions or disabilities during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

Data from the Impacts of COVID-19 on Canadians – Living with Long-Term Conditions and Disabilities, a national cross-sectional survey with 13,487 respondents. Unmet needs were defined as needing rehabilitation (i.e., physiotherapy/massage/chiropractic, speech therapy, occupational therapy, counselling services, or support groups) but not receiving due to the pandemic. We used multivariable modified Poisson regression to examine the association between demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related characteristics, and unmet rehabilitation needs.

Results

More than half of the sample were ≥ 50 years (52.3%), female (53.8%), and 49.3% reported unmet rehabilitation needs. Those more likely to report unmet needs were females, those with lower socio-economic status (receiving disability benefits or social assistance, job loss, increased work hours, decreased household income or earnings), and those with lower perceived general health or mental health status.

Conclusions

Among Canadians with disabilities or chronic health conditions, marginalized groups are more likely to report unmet rehabilitation needs. Understanding the systemic and upstream determinants is necessary to develop strategies to minimize unmet rehabilitation needs and facilitate the delivery of equitable rehabilitation services.
Protocol to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tolvaptan in patients with refractory ascites after liver resection: an open-label, single-arm phase I/II study
Authors: Namba Yosuke , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Kuroda Shintaro , Hashimoto Masakazu , Takei Daisuke , Fukuhara Sotaro , Oshita Ko , Matsubara Keiso , Honmyo Naruhiko , Nakano Ryosuke , Sakai Hiroshi , Tahara Hiroyuki , Ohira Masahiro , Ide Kentaro , Ohdan Hideki
Published: December 2023

Background:

In patients with chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis, massive ascites after hepatic resection is the cause of prolonged hospitalization and worsening prognosis. Recently, the efficacy of tolvaptan in refractory ascites has been reported; however, there are no reports on the efficacy or safety of tolvaptan for refractory ascites after hepatic resection. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of early administration of tolvaptan in patients with refractory ascites after hepatic resection.

Materials and methods:

This is an open-label, single-arm phase I/II study. This study subject will comprise patients scheduled for hepatic resection of a liver tumor. Patients with refractory ascites after hepatic resection (drainage volume on postoperative day 1 ≥5 ml/body weight 1 kg/day) will be treated with tolvaptan. The primary endpoint will include the maximum change in body weight after hepatic resection relative to the preoperative baseline. The secondary endpoints will include drainage volume, abdominal circumference, urine output, postoperative complication rate (heart failure and respiratory failure), number of days required for postoperative weight gain because of ascites to decrease to preoperative weight, change in improvement of postoperative pleural effusion, total amount of albumin or fresh frozen plasma transfusion, type and amount of diuretics used, and postoperative hospitalization days.

Conclusion:

This trial will evaluate the efficacy and safety of tolvaptan prophylaxis for refractory ascites after hepatic resection. As there are no reports demonstrating the efficacy of tolvaptan prophylaxis for refractory ascites after hepatic resection, the authors expect that these findings will lead to future phase III trials and provide valuable indications for the selection of treatments for refractory postoperative ascites.
The Variation of Chargemaster Price Listings for Urogynecologic Procedures
Authors: Baban Saman , Kasoff Madison , Kadesh Amanda , Chaudhary Richard , Lui Aiden , Shi Jeanne , Ahluwalia Jai , White Michael , Giles Dobie , Petersen Timothy R. , Andiman Sarah , Grimes Cara L.
Published: December 2023

Importance

A 2018 Executive Order calling for price transparency required hospitals to publicly provide chargemasters, which are detailed lists of standard price listings for billable medical procedures.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate price listing variations in common urogynecology procedures.

Study Design

This was a cross-sectional study of chargemasters obtained between February and April 2020 from hospitals across 5 states chosen to reflect the diversity of health systems in the United States. Hospital characteristic and quality metric data were obtained from the Homeland Infrastructure Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services websites. Current Procedural Terminology codes and procedure names for 9 urogynecologic procedures were used to search each chargemaster and extract price listings. Price listings were compared with data on quality, population demographics, and hospital characteristics to determine if any significant relationships existed.

Results

Eight hundred thirty-four chargemasters were identified. Price listings for most procedures differed significantly across the 5 states, including colpocleisis, cystoscopy with chemodenervation, diagnostic cystoscopy, diverticulectomy, sacral neuromodulation, midurethral sling, and sacrospinous ligament fixation. Price listings were significantly higher in urban hospitals than rural hospitals for 6 procedures. No significant association was seen with price listing and quality measures for most procedures.

Conclusions

Listed prices varied for several urogynecologic procedures. Some of this variation is associated with hospital characteristics such as urban setting. However, notably, price listing was not associated with quality. Further investigation of chargemaster price listings with hospital characteristics and quality metrics and with what is actually paid by patients is imperative for patients to navigate charges.
Phenotypic antibiotics susceptibility profile of clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates from Kaduna State, North-west Nigeria
Authors: Ezeh Peace Amarachukwu , Olayinka Busayo Olalekan , Bolaji Rebecca Olajumoke , Suleiman Babangida Ahmed , Olowookere Ahmed
Published: December 2023

Background: The increasing resistance of clinical Enterobacteriaceae infection to commonly prescribed antibiotics have been reported around the world. Data is generally lacking on the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility profile of clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates from Kaduna, northwest Nigeria. This study thus aimed to determine the diversity of clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates recovered from clinical specimens of patients admitted into two selected healthcare institutions in Kaduna, Nigeria.
Methods: Non-duplicate clinical bacteria isolates recovered from various specimens were collected and identified using rapid biochemical identification kits. The susceptibility of identified Enterobacteriaceae to various antibiotics and phenotypic detection of carbapenemase enzymes were thereafter determined.
Results:  Of the 500 collected bacterial isolates, 108 (21.6 %) were identified as Enterobacteriaceae, with Pantoea agglomerans (52, 48.1%), Klebsiella oxytoca (19, 17.6%) as the most prevalent. The isolates exhibited high resistance to azithromycin (69%) and ceftazidime (42%), while exhibiting low resistance to amikacin (7%) and imipenem (10%). Among the carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) isolates, a significant proportion (66.6 %) tested positive for carbapenemase activity.
Conclusion: This study reports a high prevalence of multi-drug resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Kaduna, northwest Nigeria. The emergence of pathogenic P. agglomerans and an alarmingly high prevalence of carbapenemase-producing CRE are also observed. The presence of carbapenemase producers in an area with low carbapenem usage and resistance rates raises significant concerns. Continuous surveillance and robust antibiotic stewardship policies are imperative to preserve the efficacy of carbapenems in this region.
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Mypoviridae 2023
Authors: Kuhn Jens H. , Adkins Scott , Brown Katherine , de la Torre Juan Carlos , Digiaro Michele , Hughes Holly R. , Junglen Sandra , Lambert Amy J. , Maes Piet , Marklewitz Marco , Palacios Gustavo , Sasaya Takahide , Turina Massimo , Zhang Yong-Zhen
Published: December 2023

Mypoviridae is a family of negative-sense RNA viruses with genomes of about 16.0 kb that have been found in myriapods. The mypovirid genome consists of three monocistronic RNA segments that encode a nucleoprotein (NP), a glycoprotein (GP), and a large (L) protein containing an RNA-directed RNA polymerase (RdRP) domain. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the family Mypoviridae, which is available at: ictv.global/report/mypoviridae.
Arctos: Community-driven innovations for managing biodiversity and cultural collections
Authors: Cicero Carla , Koo Michelle S. , Braker Emily , Abbott John , Bloom David , Campbell Mariel , Cook Joseph A. , Demboski John R. , Doll Andrew C. , Frederick Lindsey M. , Linn Angela J. , Mayfield-Meyer Teresa J. , McDonald Dusty L. , Nachman Michael W. , Olson Link E. , Roberts Dawn , Sikes Derek S. , Witt Christopher C. , Wommack Elizabeth
Published: December 2023

Museum collections house millions of objects and associated data records that document biological and cultural diversity. In recent decades, digitization efforts have greatly increased accessibility to these data, thereby revolutionizing interdisciplinary studies in evolutionary biology, biogeography, epidemiology, cultural change, and human-mediated environmental impacts. Curators and collection managers can make museum data as accessible as possible to scientists and learners by using a collection management system. However, selecting a system can be a challenging task. Here, we describe Arctos, a community solution for managing and accessing collections data for research and education. Specific goals are to: (1) Describe the core elements of Arctos for a broad audience with respect to the biodiversity informatics principles that enable high quality research; (2) Highlight the unique aspects of Arctos; (3) Illustrate Arctos as a model for supporting and enhancing the Digital Extended Specimen; and (4) Emphasize the role of the Arctos community for improving data discovery and enabling cross-disciplinary, integrative studies within a sustainable governance model. In addition to detailing Arctos as both a community of museum professionals and a collection database platform, we discuss how Arctos achieves its richly annotated data by creating a web of knowledge with deep connections between catalog records and derived or associated data. We also highlight the value of Arctos as an educational resource. Finally, we present a financial model of fiscal sponsorship by a non-profit organization, implemented in 2022, to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of Arctos. We attribute Arctos’ longevity of nearly three decades to its core development principles of standardization, flexibility, interdisciplinarity, and connectivity within a nimble development model for addressing novel needs and information types in response to changing technology, workflows, ethical considerations, and regulations.
Circulating Inflammatory Cytokines and Risk of Intracranial Aneurysm: A Mendelian-randomization Study
Authors: Zhang Quan , Liu Tiantian , Zhang Linlin , Yang Rongcheng , Zhao Yao , Sun Xiaojing , Wang Ting , Kuang Xiaoxiao , Liu Hengfang , Liang Jiao , Liu Ya , Feng Tao
Published: December 2023

Background

Multiple studies have established the significant influence of inflammatory factors on the initiation and advancement of intracranial aneurysm (IA). However, the causality between specific inflammatory cytokines and IA remains uncertain. This study aims to elucidate it using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

The genetic data of cytokines were collected from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) conducted on circulating cytokines in the Finnish population, involving the genetic characteristics of 41 cytokines obtained through a meta-analysis of 8,293 samples. The genetic data for IA were derived from the most extensive GWAS study, which included 7,495 samples from individuals of European ancestry and 71,934 healthy control subjects. The inverse variance weighted method primarily determined the causal correlation between exposures and outcomes. In addition, other robust MR analysis methods and sensitivity analyses were utilized to guarantee the accuracy of the results.

Results

Our results indicate a negative correlation between IP-10 and unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) (odds ratio, OR: 0.63, 95%CI: 0.45-0.9, p=0.01). IL-10 and VEGF exhibit a positive correlation with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) (OR: 1.19, 95%CI: 1.02-1.39, p=0.024; OR: 1.12, 95%CI: 1.01-1.23, p=0.025). The levels of FGFBasic and TRAIL exhibit a negative correlation with aSAH. (OR: 0.62, 95%CI: 0.42-0.92, p=0.018; OR: 0.89, 95%CI: 0.8-1, p=0.041). The increased levels of IL-12p70, IL-4, IFNg, IL-10, IL-17, IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-9, VEGF, and FGFBasic were observed as the consequence of IA. (Beta: 0.18, 95%CI: 0.08-0.28, p=6.2e-4; Beta: 0.15, 95%CI: 0.07-0.23, p=2e-4; Beta: 0.15, 95%CI: 0.07-0.23, p=3.5e-4; Beta: 0.13, 95%CI: 0.05-0.21, p=1.4e-3; Beta: 0.1, 95%CI: 0.02-0.18, p=0.015; Beta: 0.17, 95%CI: 0.02-0.32, p=0.031; Beta: 0.14, 95%CI: 0.05-0.32, p=0.003; Beta: 0.13, 95%CI: 0.01-0.24, p=0.035; Beta: 0.14, 95%CI: 0.05-0.23, p=0.002; Beta: 0.09, 95%CI: 0.01-0.17, p=0.032).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that IP-10 may serve as a protective factor for UIA. FGFBasic and TRAIL have demonstrated a defensive impact against aSAH, while IL-10 and VEGF have been identified as factors that elevate the risk of IA rupture. Additionally, the levels of IL-12p70, IL-4, IFNg, and various cytokines are increased due to IA pathogenesis, and these cytokines may have the function of controlling inflammation in the progression of IA.
How clustering promotes biodiversity: A solution to the plankton paradox
Authors: Huruntz Karen K. , Ghukasyan Lilit E. , Gevorgyan Gor A.
Published: December 2023

From a mathematical perspective, randomly assembled species-rich competitive communities exhibit a high degree of instability, as described by May’s stability theorem. This suggests that actual ecological communities should possess a significant level of organization in their competitive network structure, often with a modular topology, to withstand May’s instability. It is also known that a species-saturated ecological community driven by competitive Lotka–Volterra equations, following a path of competitive exclusion, lingers in a long-term state with species congregated in niche space into well-separated clusters, thereby competing in a modular manner. Without regard to origin, we characterize the modular network topology of interspecific competition in such a community as a hierarchical one, representing interspecific competition and the associated fragmentation of niche space among community species as a two-tiered process. That is, in pairs between species within individual groups (clusters) of ecologically related species, on the one hand, and collectively between these groups as holistic ecological units – ecological species, on the other hand. To illustrate this hierarchical organization, we introduce a generalized multi-resource multi-species competition model that recognizes this topology at the basis of its own network structure of interrelated governing equations of species dynamics. This kind of generalization substantially reduces the competitive exclusion constraints on species coexistence, offering promising potential for a conceptual resolution of the plankton paradox.
Climatic limits to Atlantic salmon population fitness at continental scales
Authors: Morris Olivia , Bárðarson Hlynur , González-Ferreras Alexia , Lauridsen Rasmus , Pawar Samraat , Rosindell James , Woodward Guy
Published: December 2023

Anadromous fish populations are declining globally, partly due to acute pressure from rapid environmental change in their freshwater and marine habitats. A more mechanistic understanding of how climatic and land use changes impact their population-level fitness is needed to mitigate these declines. Here we develop a model that successfully captures the thermal niche of the declining Atlantic salmon. This allows us to predict the combined effects of changes in two dominant threats to this species: climate and resource availability. Specifically, the model predicts that a 50% reduction from metabolically optimal resource supply could constrict their thermal niche by ∼7°C. We also show that daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations have a relatively minor impact. A conservative increase of 1.5°C in global temperatures will cause fitness declines for populations in higher climatic regimes, across resource levels. Our results provide new and general insights into factors limiting the distribution of extant Atlantic salmon populations. They also highlight the relative importance of future threats from climatic warming, fluctuations, and changes in resource availability due to land use change.
Engineered Protein Nanosheets for the Scale up of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Culture on Bioemulsions
Authors: Bosch-Fortea Minerva , Nadal Clemence , Chrysanthou Alexandra , Marciano Daniele , Kanso Hassan , Nguyen Nam , Gautrot Julien E.
Published: December 2023

The rapid progress in cell therapies and stem cell technologies requires the development of novel bioprocessing and biomanufacturing pipelines able to cope with the scale up of cell manufacturing. In this respect, microdroplet technologies have already revolutionised the field of biotechnologies, but remain ill-suited to the culture of adherent cells. In this report, we describe the engineering of albumins with cell adhesive peptides for the stabilisation of microdroplets enabling the scale up of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) expansion. We characterise the modified albumins prior to study their self-assembly at liquid-liquid interfaces via interfacial shear rheology, and mechanical strengthening through the formation of crosslinked nanosheets. The biofunctionalisation of these protein nanosheets is then characterised by fluorescence microscopy. In turn, the ability of the resulting bioactive microdroplets to promote rapid cell adhesion and expansion is examined and the extensive deposition of matrix associated with such cultures is characterised. The culture of MSCs is then scaled up 100 fold, first at the surface of fluorinated oil emulsions, then on plant-based emulsions stabilised by engineered protein nanosheets and the phenotype of resulting cells is characterised. The microdroplet culture system presented displays attractive advantages over existing technologies, in terms of simplicity of processing, compatibility with regulatory expectations and costs of production, and offers exciting opportunities for translation to cell manufacturing, for cell therapies and cultivated meat applications.
CytoCellDB: A Resource Database For Classification and Analysis of Extrachromosomal DNA in Cancer
Authors: Fessler Jacob , Ting Stephanie , Yi Hong , Haase Santiago , Chen Jingting , Gulec Saygin , Wang Yue , Smyers Nathan , Goble Kohen , Cannon Danielle , Mehta Aarav , Ford Christina , Brunk Elizabeth
Published: December 2023

Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA), or double minute chromosomes, are established cytogenetic markers for malignancy and genome instability. More recently, the cancer community has gained a heightened awareness of the roles of ecDNA in cancer proliferation, drug resistance and epigenetic remodeling. A current hindrance to understanding the biological roles of ecDNA is the lack of available cell line model systems with experimental cytogenetic data that confirm ecDNA status. Although several recent landmark studies have identified common cell lines and tumor models with ecDNA, the current sample size limits our ability to detect ecDNA-driven molecular differences due to limitations in power. Increasing the number of model systems known to express ecDNA would provide new avenues for understanding the fundamental underpinnings of ecDNA biology and would unlock a wealth of potential targeting strategies for ecDNA-driven cancers. To bridge this gap, we created CytoCellDB, a resource that provides karyotype annotations and leverages publicly available global cell line data from the Cancer Dependency Map (DepMap) and the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE). Here, we identify 139 cell lines that express ecDNA, which is a 200% increase from the current sample size. We expanded the total number of cancer cell lines with ecDNA annotations to 577, which is a 400% increase or 31% of cell lines in CCLE/ DepMap. We demonstrate that a strength of CytoCellDB is the ability to interrogate ecDNA, and a compendium of other chromosomal aberrations, in the context of cancer-specific vulnerabilities, drug sensitivities, and molecular data (genomics, transcriptomics, methylation, proteomics). We anticipate that CytoCellDB will advance cytogenomics research and population-scale discoveries related to ecDNA as well as provide insights into strategies and best practices for determining novel therapeutics that overcome ecDNA-driven drug resistance.
Structures of kinetic intermediate states of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase DNA synthesis
Authors: Vergara Sandra , Zhou Xiahong , Santiago Ulises , Conway James F , Sluis-Cremer Nicolas , Calero Guillermo
Published: December 2023

Reverse transcription of the retroviral single-stranded RNA into double-stranded DNA is an integral step during HIV-1 replication, and reverse transcriptase (RT) is a primary target for antiviral therapy. Despite a wealth of structural information on RT, we lack critical insight into the intermediate kinetic states of DNA synthesis. Using catalytically active substrates, and a novel blot/diffusion cryo-electron microscopy approach, we captured 11 structures that define the substrate binding, reactant, transition and product states of dATP addition by RT at 1.9 to 2.4 Å resolution in the active site. Initial dATP binding to RT-template/primer complex involves a single Mg2+(site B), and promotes partial closure of the active site pocket by a large conformational change in the β3-β4 loop in the Fingers domain, and formation of a negatively charged pocket where a second “drifting” Mg2+can bind (site A). During the transition state, the α-phosphate oxygen from a previously unobserved dATP conformer aligns with the site A Mg2+and the primer 3′-OH for nucleophilic attack. In the product state, we captured two substrate conformations in the active site: 1) dATP that had yet to be incorporated into the nascent DNA, and 2) an incorporated dAMP with the pyrophosphate leaving group coordinated by metal B and stabilized through H- bonds in the active site of RT. This study provides insights into a fundamental chemical reaction that impacts polymerase fidelity, nucleoside inhibitor drug design, and mechanisms of drug resistance.
A Bayesian active learning platform for scalable combination drug screens
Authors: Tosh Christopher , Tec Mauricio , White Jessica , Quinn Jeffrey F. , Ibanez Sanchez Glorymar , Calder Paul , Kung Andrew L. , Dela Cruz Filemon S. , Tansey Wesley
Published: December 2023

Large-scale combination drug screens are generally considered intractable due to the immense number of possible combinations. Existing approaches use ad hoc fixed experimental designs then train machine learning models to impute novel combinations. Here we propose BATCHIE, an orthogonal approach that conducts experiments dynamically in batches. BATCHIE uses information theory and probabilistic modeling to design each batch to be maximally informative based on the results of previous experiments. On retrospective experiments from previous large-scale screens, BATCHIE designs rapidly discover highly effective and synergistic combinations. To validate BATCHIE prospectively, we conducted a combination screen on a collection of pediatric cancer cell lines using a 206 drug library. After exploring only 4% of the 1.4M possible experiments, the BATCHIE model was highly accurate at predicting novel combinations and detecting synergies. Further, the model identified a panel of top combinations for Ewing sarcomas, all of which were experimentally confirmed to be effective, including the rational and translatable top hit of PARP plus topoisomerase I inhibition. These results demonstrate that adaptive experiments can enable large-scale unbiased combination drug screens with a relatively small number of experiments, thereby powering a new wave of combination drug discoveries. BATCHIE is open source and publicly available (https://github.com/tansey-lab/batchie).
Global organelle profiling reveals subcellular localization and remodeling at proteome scale
Authors: Hein Marco Y. , Peng Duo , Todorova Verina , McCarthy Frank , Kim Kibeom , Liu Chad , Savy Laura , Januel Camille , Baltazar-Nunez Rodrigo , Bax Sophie , Vaid Shivanshi , Vangipuram Madhuri , Ivanov Ivan E. , Byrum Janie R. , Pradeep Soorya , Gonzalez Carlos G. , Aniseia Yttria , Wang Eileen , Creery Joseph S. , McMorrow Aidan H. , Burgess James , Sunshine Sara , Yeung-Levy Serena , DeFelice Brian C. , Mehta Shalin B. , Itzhak Daniel N. , Elias Joshua E. , Leonetti Manuel D.
Published: December 2023

Defining the subcellular distribution of all human proteins and its remodeling across cellular states remains a central goal in cell biology. Here, we present a high-resolution strategy to map subcellular organization using organelle immuno-capture coupled to mass spectrometry. We apply this proteomics workflow to a cell-wide collection of membranous and membrane-less compartments. A graph-based representation of our data reveals the subcellular localization of over 7,600 proteins, defines spatial protein networks, and uncovers interconnections between cellular compartments. We demonstrate that our approach can be deployed to comprehensively profile proteome remodeling during cellular perturbation. By characterizing the cellular landscape following hCoV-OC43 viral infection, we discover that many proteins are regulated by changes in their spatial distribution rather than by changes in their total abundance. Our results establish that proteome-wide analysis of subcellular remodeling provides essential insights for the elucidation of cellular responses. Our dataset can be explored atorganelles.czbiohub.org.
Evaluating the validity of the eye movement event detection model of Ganzin Sol glasses
Authors: Chien Sung-En , Lee Kueian , Chang Chia-Yang , Lu Shaw-Chun , Chien Shao-Yi
Published: December 2023

Eye tracking requires precise measurement of gaze data. Identifying fixations and saccades reliably is crucial for eye trackers, given these are fundamental eye movements. The present study evaluated the performance of Ganzin Sol glasses, a wearable eye tracker developed by Ganzin Technology, in detecting eye movement events. Participants performed the fixation and saccade invocation task (Komogortsev et al., 2010) and the gap paradigm (Saslow, 1967) using both Ganzin Sol and Tobii Pro 2 glasses separately at both short (50 cm) and long (300 cm) viewing distance. The fixation and saccade invocation task involved maintaining fixation on a regularly shifting visual target, enabling quantitative and qualitative analysis of participants’ oculomotor behaviors. In the gap paradigm, participants executed saccades toward a peripheral target when the fixation disappeared (gap condition) or remained visible (overlap condition). Typically, saccade latency in the gap condition is shorter (i.e., the gap effect). Results revealed aligned performances with Ganzin Sol and Tobii Pro 2 glasses in the fixation and saccade invocation task and the observation of the gap effect with both eye trackers. Therefore, the validity of Ganzin Sol glasses was at least comparable to Tobii Pro 2 glasses in the present study.
Towards understanding interactions in a complex world: Design and analysis of multi-species functional response experiments
Authors: Rosenbaum Benjamin , Li Jingyi , Hirt Myriam R. , Ryser Remo , Brose Ulrich
Published: December 2023

The functional response describes feeding rates of consumers as a function of resource density. While models for feeding on a single resource species are well studied and supported by a large body of empirical research, consumers feeding on multiple resource species are ubiquitous in nature. However, laboratory experiments designed for parameterizing multi-species functional responses (MSFR) are extremely rare, mainly due to logistical challenges and the non-trivial nature of their statistical analysis.

Here, we describe how these models can be fitted to empirical data in a Bayesian framework. Specifically, we address the problem of prey depletion during experiments, which can be accounted for through dynamical modeling. In a comprehensive simulation study, we test the effects of experimental design, sample size and noise level on the identifiability of four distinct MSFR models. Additionally, we demonstrate the method’s versatility by applying it to a list of empirical datasets.

We identify experimental designs for feeding trials that produce the most accurate parameter estimates in two- and three-prey scenarios. Although noise introduces systematic bias in parameter estimates, model selection performs surprisingly well for the four MSFRs, almost always identifying the correct model even for small datasets.

This flexible framework allows the simultaneous analysis of feeding experiments from both single- and multi-prey scenarios, either with or without prey depletion. This will help to elucidate mechanisms such as prey selectivity, prey switching and their implications for food web stability and biodiversity. Our approach equips researchers with the appropriate statistical tools to improve the understanding of feeding interactions in complex ecosystems.
ARBUR, a machine learning-based analysis system for relating behaviors and ultrasonic vocalizations of rats
Authors: Chen Zhe , Jia Guanglu , Zhou Qijie , Zhang Yulai , Quan Zhenzhen , Chen Xuechao , Fukuda Toshio , Huang Qiang , Shi Qing
Published: December 2023

Deciphering how different types of behavior and ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) of rats interact can yield insights into the neural basis of social interaction. However, the behavior-vocalization interplay of rats remains elusive because of the challenges of relating the two communication media in complex social contexts. Here, we propose a machine learning-based analysis system (ARBUR) that can cluster without bias both non-step (continuous) and step USVs, hierarchically detect eight types of behavior of two freely behaving rats with high accuracy, and locate the vocal rat in 3-D space. By simultaneously recording the video and ultrasonic streams of two freely behaving rats, ARBUR reveals that rats communicate via distinct USVs when engaging in different types of social behavior. Moreover, we show that ARBUR can not only automatically reveal the well-understood behavior-associated vocalizations that were carefully concluded by other behavioral researchers, but also hold the promise to indicate novel findings that can be hardly found by manual analysis, especially regarding step USVs and the active/passive rat-associated USVs during easy-to-confuse social behaviors. This work highlights the potential of machine learning algorithms in automatic animal behavioral and acoustic analysis and could help mechanistically understand the interactive influence between the behaviors and USVs of rats.
Symmetry groups of two-way twofold and three-way threefold fabrics
Authors: De Las Peñas Ma. Louise Antonette , Tomenes Mark , Liza Kristan
Published: December 2023

This work discusses the symmetry groups of two classes of woven fabrics, two-way twofold fabrics and three-way threefold fabrics. A method to arrive at a design of a fabric is presented, employing methods in color symmetry theory. Geometric representations of all possible layer group or diperiodic symmetry structures of the fabrics are derived. There are 50 layer symmetry groups corresponding to two-way twofold fabrics and 27 layer symmetry groups corresponding to three-way threefold fabrics.
Extended model to explain customer attitude toward NFT and moderating effect of technology optimism
Authors: Lee Won-jun
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study empirically examined consumer adoption attitudes and behaviors toward nonfungible tokens (NFTs). Findings indicate that consumer attitudes toward NFTs are influenced by perceived usefulness, reliability and profit expectancy and that strong attitudes are associated with purchase intentions. Additionally, the relationship between attitudes and purchase intentions was moderated by technology optimism.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilized a partial least squares (PLS) model to examine the hypotheses in this empirical analysis. Obtaining a sample of actual NFT holders or experienced users is challenging. A total of 105 individuals participated in the study as valid responders by answering the screening question in the questionnaire. The authors opted for the PLS model as a research approach due to the limited size of the consumer population in the NFT market.

Findings

This study discovered that the adoption of NFTs was affected by technical aspects such as usefulness and reliability and the potential for future asset growth. Furthermore, the degree of attitude-to-intention conversion varied based on optimism, an inherent characteristic.

Research limitations/implications

This study offers valuable insights for NFT owners, content providers and trading firms. For the NFT market to expand, it must meet consumers' expectations for the desired content features and asset investment attributes. Additionally, customer targeting strategies should attract and appeal to technology enthusiasts with an optimistic outlook on technology.

Originality/value

The authors conducted an initial empirical analysis of actual NFT consumers, an area of research studied sparingly despite its significance.
COVID-19 and the decline of active social media engagement
Authors: Poole Maxwell , Pancer Ethan , Philp Matthew , Noseworthy Theodore J.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered an increase in online traffic, with many assuming that this technology would facilitate coping through active social connections. This study aims to interrogate the nature of this traffic-engagement relationship by distinguishing between passive (e.g. browsing) and active (e.g. reacting, commenting and sharing) engagement, and examining behavioral shifts across platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

Three field studies assessed changes in social media engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic. These studies included social media engagement with the most followed accounts (Twitter), discussion board commenting (Reddit) and news content sharing (Facebook).

Findings

Even though people spent more time online during the pandemic, the current research finds people were actively engaging less. Users were reacting less to popular social media accounts, commenting less on discussion boards and even sharing less news content.

Research limitations/implications

While the current work provides a systematic observation of engagement during a global crisis, it does not claim causality based on its correlational nature. Future research should test potential mechanisms (e.g. anxiety, threat and privacy) to draw causal inference and identify possible interventions.

Practical implications

The pandemic shed light on a complex systemic issue: the misunderstanding and oversimplification of how online platforms facilitate social cohesion. It encourages thoughtful consideration of online social dynamics, emphasizing that not all engagement is equal and that the benefits of connection may not always be realized as expected.

Originality/value

This research provides a postmortem on the traffic-engagement relationship, highlighting that increased online presence does not necessarily translate to active social connection, which might help explain the rise in mental health issues that emerged from the pandemic.
Sustainable performance among power companies in Uganda: role of stakeholder orientation, human capital, regulatory governance, and management control systems
Authors: Akankunda Brendah , Nkundabanyanga Stephen Korutaro , Adaramola Muyiwa Samuel , Kaawaase Twaha Kigongo
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the connections between the regulatory governance, human capital, stakeholder orientation, management control systems (MCSs) and sustainable performance (SP) of power companies. The authors especially looked at how much regulatory governance, human capital, stakeholder orientation and MCSs affect the SP across power companies in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a cross-sectional and correlational study. Data were collected from 105 power companies using a questionnaire and analysed using SPSS.

Findings

Stakeholder orientation, MCSs, human capital and regulatory governance significantly predict variances in the SP of power providers in Uganda. Stakeholder orientation is the most important predictor of SP of power companies.

Research limitations/implications

The absence of validation from important stakeholders and the major reliance on company-provided data in existing research on SP raises the possibility of self-desirability bias. To evaluate and verify the information supplied by firms with external stakeholders, further studies might consider using an explanatory mixed methods technique, in which quantitative data are initially gathered from the managers of power companies and analysed and then validated by interviews with important stakeholders.

Originality/value

Using stakeholder, legitimacy and resource-based theories has provided a better explanation for SP which is a multi-dimensional notion. Moreover, the study adds to the body of perception-based research that offers direct management incentives for SP. The perspectives of managers have been gathered through the use of self-administered questionnaires to gather impressions of managers of businesses, which has helped to tap into all aspects of SP. The study’s results offer, probably for the first time to the best of the authors’ knowledge, evidence of the contextual elements that affect SP in African nations like Uganda particularly in the power sector.
Institutional ownership stability and product quality failures
Authors: Le Thanh Dat , Nguyen Nguyen
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study examines the effect of stable institutional investors on firms' product quality failures. Furthermore, the authors investigate the channels through which institutional ownership stability enhances product quality management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses probit, ordered probit and negative binomial regression frameworks to investigate the research questions. In addition, the authors utilize the three-stage least-squares to address the endogeneity issues.

Findings

Using a sample of product recall incidents from 2012 to 2021, the authors find that firms with more stable institutional ownership have a lower probability, frequency and severity of recall incidents and adopt a proactive product recall strategy. Institutional investors with significant and persistent holdings improve quality management by reducing overinvestment and the use of option-linked and relative performance executive compensations. Furthermore, the influence of stable institutional owners on product quality failures is more pronounced in firms with low managerial ability and specialist CEOs. Lastly, the empirical evidence demonstrates that stable holdings by active investors have a more substantial impact on reducing product recalls than passive and other stable institutional holdings.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the impact of institutional ownership stability on firms' product recalls. The authors contribute to the literature on the benefits of stable institutional ownership on firm outcomes and the determinants of product quality failures.
Empowering leadership and employee well-being: the role of psychological empowerment and time pressure
Authors: Tran Pham Toan Khanh
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Little research has focused on empowering leadership (EL) in the context of public organizations. Thus, this study aims to explore the relationship between EL and public employees' well-being (EWB). In addition, utilizing a moderated mediation mechanism, this study investigates the mediating role of psychological empowerment (PE) and the moderating role of time pressure (TP) and collectivist orientation in the proposed model.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative data were collected from 643 public servants working in wards (grassroot-level government) in Vietnam. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the proposed relationships.

Findings

The results show that EL and PE have a significant positive effect on EWB. Moreover, PE has a complementary effect on this nexus. The results also lent credence to the moderating roles of TP and collectivist orientation.

Practical implications

The empirical results of this inquiry provide valuable implications for public managers. The findings suggest that public managers can promote EWB by implementing EL and enhancing PE. Moreover, when designing and implementing tasks, managers should ensure sufficient time for their followers.

Originality/value

This study advances the understanding of public sector EWB via the predictive role of empowering leaders and the mediation mechanism of PE. Moreover, this study is among the pioneering studies exploring the moderating role of TP and collectivist orientation on these relationships.
Monetary policy and corporate investment: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Bagow Sajad , Altaf Nufazil
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study presents a systematic review of the literature on monetary policy and corporate investment together with bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study selected 455 articles from databases, Scopus and Web of science and the papers are reviewed systematically to identify their theoretical and empirical contributions.

Findings

The results reveal that monetary policy can influence corporate investment. Post to the economic crisis (2008), there is an exponential growth in the number of publications. Berger, A., and Hubbard are the two prominent authors based on the highest citation score, whereas Marquez, R., and Vermuelen, P. are the two prolific authors, subject to their highest h-index. Journal of Banking & Finance was the top journal (total citations = 1482) and 5 publications.

Practical implications

This study positively contributes to the comprehensive understanding of corporate investment, monetary policy transmission and firm capital structure choices.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that conducts a systematic review of the influence of monetary policy on corporate investment.
Digital transformation and SME internationalisation: unravelling the moderated-mediation role of digital capabilities, digital resilience and digital maturity
Authors: Aghazadeh Hashem , Zandi Farzad , Amoozad Mahdiraji Hannan , Sadraei Razieh
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study has two main objectives. First, to examine the indirect effects of digital platform capability and digital resilience on digital transformation (DT) outcomes for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and second, to investigate how digital business model maturity influences these indirect effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a quantitative design and collects data through a self-reporting survey from individuals in the technological industries. The Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and PLS multi-group analysis examine the measurement and structural models and the significance of differences in indirect paths based on the digital business model maturity level, serving as a moderator.

Findings

The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the internationalisation of digital SMEs. They indicate that digital platform capability and resilience fully mediate, connecting digital resources to SME growth. The study also confirms the digital business model maturity’s positive and significant moderating effect on these indirect relationships.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the existing literature by focusing on the international outcomes of platform ecosystems in developing markets. It explores how digital platform capability and resilience support the digital transformation of SMEs, considering their vulnerability due to their small size. The study also fills a research gap by investigating the relationship between big data, digital leadership and the international growth of digital platforms. Lastly, it explores the role of digital maturity in the relationships between antecedents, determinants and outcomes of digitalisation.