bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uptake of the Interim Canada Dental Benefit: An investigation of data from the first 18 months of the program
Authors: Goubran Saif , de Jesus Vivianne Cruz , Menon Anil , Olatosi Olubukola O. , Schroth Robert J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In 2022, the Government of Canada introduced the Interim Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) to support Canadian families with children < 12 years of age. This program operated from October 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024, with two application periods. The purpose of this study was to analyze data on applications accepted by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) during the first 18 months of the program.

Methods

This study used available data sourced from the CRA for applicants as of March 29, 2024, and assessed as of April 5, 2024. Data covered the entirety of the first period (October 1, 2022–June 30, 2023) of the Interim CDB and the first nine months of the second period (July 1, 2023–March 29, 2024). The rate of child participation was calculated using population data from Statistics Canada (2021).

Results

Over the first 18 months of the Interim CDB, a total of 410,920 applications were submitted and $403M distributed; $197M for 204,270 applications in period 1 and $175M for 173,160 applications in the first nine months of period 2. A total of 91.8% of applicants had a net family income < $70,000, receiving the maximum benefit amount. The provinces with the highest rate of child participation were Manitoba (77.1/1,000 period 1; 74.9/1,000 period 2), Ontario (82.5/1,000 period 1; 72.2/1,000 period 2), Nova Scotia (73.4/1,000 period 1; 71.1/1,000 period 2), and Saskatchewan (72.3/1,000 period 1; 68.2/1,000 period 2). Overall, there was an increase in the number of applications approved in period 2 compared to period 1.

Conclusions

Uptake in the first three quarters of period 2 remained consistent and in many instances, revealed higher rates of applications by parents for the Interim CDB. Analyzing this data will aid in policy recommendation for enhancement of the Canadian Dental Care Program.
Examining the Role of Social Environment on COVID-19 Infections and Vaccine Uptake Among Migrants in Japan: Findings from Nationwide Surveys in 2021 and 2023
Authors: Teng Yuanyuan , Sabel Clive E. , Hanibuchi Tomoya , Nakaya Tomoki
Published: August 2024

Studies have shown that migrants and ethnic minority groups were unevenly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with most evidence coming from Western countries. This study explores the experience of migrants in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic, examining the association between social environment (i.e., population density, neighborhood deprivation, ethnic density, and social networks) and both COVID-19 infections and vaccination uptake. Data from two nationwide online surveys conducted in 2021 and 2023 were used to analyze these associations during the middle and waning stages of the pandemic. We found that migrants in Japan were more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection but were more receptive to vaccination compared to Japanese nationals. However, not all migrant groups experienced the same outcomes. The effects of social environmental factors on infection and vaccination acceptance were complex and could change, as the pandemic progressed. Environmental factors such as neighborhood population density were not necessarily determinants of COVID-19 infection. More social contacts with Japanese nationals could mitigate vaccination hesitancy, while larger social ties with co-national in the neighborhoods could lead to a higher infection rate. In anticipation of future pandemics, customized programs should be prepared to address the unique healthcare needs of migrants.
Incorporating computer vision on smart phone photographs into screening for inflammatory arthritis: results from an Indian patient cohort
Authors: Phatak Sanat , Saptarshi Ruchil , Sharma Vanshaj , Shah Rohan , Zanwar Abhishek , Hegde Pratiksha , Chakraborty Somashree , Goel Pranay
Published: August 2024

Background

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been used to classify medical images; few studies use smartphone photographs that are scalable at point of care. We previously showed proof of principle that CNNs could detect inflammatory arthritis in three hand joints. We now studied a screening CNN to differentiate from controls.

Methods

We studied consecutive patients with early inflammatory arthritis and healthy controls, all examined by a rheumatologist (15% by two). Standardized photographs of the hands were taken using a studio box, anonymized, and cropped around joints. We fine-tuned pre-trained CNN models on our dataset (80% training; 20% test set). We used an Inception-ResNet-v2 backbone CNN modified for two class outputs (Patient vs Control) on uncropped photos. Inception-ResNet-v2 CNNs were trained on cropped photos of Middle finger Proximal Interphalangeal (MFPIP), Index finger PIP (IFPIP) and wrist. We report representative values of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity.

Results

We studied 800 hands from 200 controls (mean age 37.8 years) and 200 patients (mean age 49.6 years; 134 with rheumatoid arthritis amongst other diagnoses). Two rheumatologists had a concordance of 0.89 in 404 joints. The wrist was commonly involved (173/400) followed by the MFPIP (134) and IFPIP (128). The screening CNN achieved excellent accuracy (98%), sensitivity (98%) and specificity (98%) in predicting a patient compared to controls. Joint-specific CNN accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were highest for the wrist (80%, 88%, 72%) followed by the IFPIP (79%, 89%,73%) and MFPIP (76%, 91%, 70%).

Conclusion

Computer vision without feature engineering can distinguish between patients and controls based on smartphone photographs with good accuracy, showing promise as a screening tool prior to joint-specific CNNs. Future research includes validating findings in diverse populations, refining models to improve specificity in joints and integrating this technology into clinical workflows.
Tesorai Search: Large pretrained model boosts identifications in mass spectrometry proteomics without the need for Percolator
Authors: Burq Maximilien , Stepec Dejan , Restrepo Juan , Zbontar Jure , Urazbakhtin Shamil , Crampton Bryan , Tiwary Shivani , Miao Melissa , Cox Juergen , Cimermancic Peter
Published: August 2024

Current database search algorithms for mass spectrometry proteomics typically fail to identify up to 75% of spectra. To mitigate the issue, tools such as the widely used Percolator and PeptideProphet leverage machine learning for rescoring. Though this can boost peptide and protein identification rates, the fact that they are trained to separate targets from decoys can lead to inaccurate false-discovery rate (FDR) estimates. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to peptide-spectrum matching, based on a pre-trained large deep learning model, which does not utilize decoys during training and does not require training a new model for every new sample. We trained the Tesorai model on over 100M real peptide-spectrum pairs and demonstrated that the approach performs robustly across a wide range of use cases including standard trypsin-digested human samples, immunopeptidomics, metaproteomics, single-cell and isobaric-labeled samples. In addition to providing robust FDR control, our method increases identifications by up to 170%. Furthermore, we incorporated it into a cloud-native, end-to-end system that can process hundreds of samples in just a few hours. To facilitate new discoveries, we made the model publicly available atwww.tesorai.com.
LactobacillusRestructures the Micro/Mycobiome to Combat Glycoprotein-130 Associated Microtubule Remodeling and Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Prisco Sasha Z. , Blake Madelyn , Kazmirczak Felipe , Moon Ryan , Vogel Neal , Moutsoglou Daphne , Thenappan Thenappan , Prins Kurt W.
Published: August 2024

Emerging data demonstrate systemic and local inflammation regulate right ventricular (RV) adaption in preclinical and human pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Pathological RV inflammation is targetable as antagonism of glycoprotein-130 (GP130) signaling counteracts pathological microtubule remodeling and improves RV function in rodents. Microtubules control several aspects of cardiomyocyte biology including cellular and nuclear size/structure, t-tubule homeostasis, and the proper localization of connexin-43. The intestinal microbiome regulates systemic inflammation, but the impact of the gut microbiome on the GP130-microtubule axis in RV failure is unknown. Here, we examined how the anti-inflammatory bacteria,Lactobacillus, modulated cellular and physiological RV phenotypes in preclinical and clinical PAH.Lactobacillussupplementation restructured the gut micro/mycobiome, suppressed systemic inflammation, combatted pathological GP130-mediated RV cardiomyocyte microtubule remodeling, and augmented RV function in rodent PAH. Moreover,Lactobacilluswas associated with superior RV adaption in human PAH. These data further support the hypothesis that inflammation negatively impacts RV adaption in PAH, and identify the gut microbiome as a potentially targetable regulator of RV function in PAH.
Validation of a Microfluidic Device Prototype for Cancer Detection and Identification: Circulating Tumor Cells Classification Based on Cell Trajectory Analysis Leveraging Cell-Based Modeling and Machine Learning
Authors: Rejuan Rifat , Aulisa Eugenio , Li Wei , Thompson Travis , Kumar Sanjoy , Canic Suncica , Wang Yifan
Published: August 2024

Microfluidic devices (MDs) present a novel method for detectingcirculating tumor cells(CTCs), enhancing the process through targeted techniques and visual inspection. However, current approaches often yield heterogeneous CTC populations, necessitating additional processing for comprehensive analysis and phenotype identification. These procedures are often expensive, time-consuming, and need to be performed by skilled technicians. In this study, we investigate the potential of a cost-effective and efficient hyperuniform micropost MD approach for CTC classification. Our approach combines mathematical modeling of fluid-structure interactions in a simulated microfluidic channel with machine learning techniques. Specifically, we developed a cell-based modeling framework to assess CTC dynamics in erythrocyte-laden plasma flow, generating a large dataset of CTC trajectories that account for two distinct CTC phenotypes. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) were then employed to analyze the dataset and classify these phenotypes. The results demonstrate the potential effectiveness of the hyperuniform micropost MD design and analysis approach in distinguishing between different CTC phenotypes based on cell trajectory, offering a promising avenue for early cancer detection.

Author summary

Early detection is currently the most effective method to combat cancer, as it maximizes treatment options and improves potential survival rates. However, the cost of early detection presents a significant barrier, limiting access for underrepresented groups and discouraging industrial partners from investing in the research and development of screening devices. This study provides an in-silico conceptual validation for the development of an innovative hyperuniform microchip designed to identify circulating tumor cells (CTCs) without the need for biomarker labeling. We created a cell-based modeling framework to examine CTC dynamics in erythrocyte-laden plasma flow, producing an extensive dataset of CTC trajectories that reflect two distinct CTC phenotypes. Two machine learning architectures were utilized to analyze this dataset and classify the phenotypes. The results demonstrate the potential effectiveness of the hyperuniform micropost MD design and analysis approach in distinguishing between different CTC phenotypes based on cell trajectory, offering a promising and cost-effective method for early cancer detection.
Prediction of Adeno-Associated Virus Fitness with a Protein Language Based Machine Learning Model
Authors: Wu Jason , Qiu Yu , Lyashenko Eugenia , Mueller Christian , Choudhury Sourav R
Published: August 2024

Adeno-associated viral (AAV)-based therapeutics have the potential to transform the lives of patients by delivering one-time treatments for a variety of diseases. However, a critical challenge to their widespread adoption and distribution is the high cost of goods (CoGS). Reducing manufacturing costs by developing AAV capsids with improved yield, or fitness, is key to making gene therapies more affordable. AAV fitness is largely determined by the amino acid sequence of the capsid, however, engineered AAVs are rarely optimized for manufacturability. Here, we report a state-of-the art machine learning (ML) model that predicts the fitness of AAV capsid mutants based on the amino acid sequence of the capsid monomer. By combining a protein language model (PLM) and classical ML techniques, our model achieved a significantly high prediction accuracy (Pearson correlation = 0.818) for capsid fitness. Importantly, tests on completely independent datasets showed robustness and generalizability of our model, even for multi-mutant AAV capsids. Our accurate ML-based model can be used as a surrogate for laborious in vitro experiments, thus saving time and resources, and can be deployed to increase fitness of clinical AAV capsids to make gene therapies economically viable for patients.
Tumor-associated macrophages confer resistance to chemotherapy (Trifluridine/Tipiracil) in digestive cancers by overexpressing Thymidine Phosphorylase
Authors: Malier Marie , Laverriere Marie-Hélène , Henry Maxime , Yakoubi Malika , Bellaud Pascale , Arellano Cécile , Sébillot Anthony , Thomas Fabienne , Josserand Véronique , Girard Edouard , Roth Gael S , Millet Arnaud
Published: August 2024

Pyrimidine analogs are part of the first-line chemotherapy regimen for gastrointestinal cancers. Trifluridine combined with tipiracil, a specific thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor, in TAS-102 has recently emerged as a potential alternative in the face of primary or secondary chemoresistance to 5-fluorouracil. Despite its promise, in the current study, we report that macrophage-specific overexpression of thymidine phosphorylase results in macrophage-induced chemoresistance to TAS-102 that is insensitive to tipiracil inhibition. In addition, we demonstrate the human specificity of this mechanism, as mouse macrophages do not express significant levels of thymidine phosphorylase. To study the importance of macrophages in chemoresistance to trifluridine, we developed a humanized mouse model with tumor-implanted human macrophages and demonstrated their important role in treatment resistance to pyrimidine analogs. We also showed in human colorectal cancer that macrophages represent a major source of thymidine phosphorylase expression leading to chemoresistance.

Significance

Thymidine phosphorylase overexpression in TAMs confers chemoresistance to TAS-102 in digestive cancers.
Burst Estimation through Atomic Decomposition (BEAD): A Toolbox to find Oscillatory Bursts in Brain Signals
Authors: Anand Abhishek , Murthy Chandra , Ray Supratim
Published: August 2024

Recent studies have shown that brain signals often show oscillatory bursts of short durations, which have been linked to various aspects of computation and behavior. Traditional methods often use direct spectral estimators to estimate the power of brain signals in spectral and temporal domains, from which bursts are identified. However, direct spectral estimators are known to be noisy, such that even stable oscillations may appear bursty. We have previously shown that the Matching Pursuit (MP) algorithm, which uses a large overcomplete dictionary of basis functions (called “atoms”) to decompose the signal directly in the time domain, partly addresses this concern and robustly finds long bursts in synthetic as well as real data. However, MP is a greedy algorithm that can give non-optimal solutions and requires a large-sized dictionary. To address these concerns, we extended two other algorithms – orthogonal MP (OMP) and OMP using Multiscale Adaptive Gabor Expansion (OMP-MAGE), to perform burst duration estimation. We also develop a novel algorithm, called OMP using Gabor Expansion with Atom Reassignment (OMP-GEAR). These algorithms overcome the limitations of MP and can work with a significantly smaller dictionary size. We find that, in synthetic data, OMP, OMP-MAGE and OMP-GEAR converge faster than MP. Also, OMP-MAGE and OMP-GEAR outperform both MP and OMP when the dictionary size is small. Finally, OMP-GEAR significantly outperforms OMP-MAGE when the bursts are overlapping. Importantly, the burst durations obtained using MP and OMP with a very large-sized dictionary are comparable to that obtained using OMP-MAGE with a much smaller-sized dictionary in real data obtained from two monkeys passively viewing static gratings which induced gamma bursts in the primary visual cortex. OMP-GEAR yields slightly smaller burst durations, but all the estimated burst durations are still significantly larger than the duration estimated using traditional methods. These results suggest that gamma bursts are longer than previously reported. Raw data from two monkeys, as well as codes for both traditional and new methods, are publicly available as part of this toolbox.
Optimal methods for analyzing targeted pairwise knockout screens
Authors: Chou Juihsuan , Anvar Nazanin Esmaeili , Elghaish Reem , Chen Junjie , Hart Traver
Published: August 2024

Background

Synthetic lethality offers a promising strategy for cancer treatment by targeting genetic vulnerabilities unique to tumor cells, leading to selective tumor cell death. However, single-gene knockout screens often miss functional redundancy due to paralog genes. Multiplex CRISPR systems, including various Cas9 and Cas12a platforms, have been developed to assay genetic interactions, yet no systematic comparison of method to identify synthetic lethality from CRISPR screens has been conducted.

Results

We evaluated data from four in4mer CRISPR/Cas12a screens in cancer cell lines, using three bioinformatic approaches to identify synthetic lethal interactions: delta log fold change (dLFC), Z-transformed dLFC (ZdLFC), and rescaled dLFC (RdLFC). Both ZdLFC and RdLFC provided more consistent identification of synthetic lethal pairs across cell lines compared to the unscaled dLFC method.

Conclusions

The ZdLFC method offers a robust framework for scoring synthetic lethal interactions from paralog screens, providing consistent results across different cell lines without requiring a training set of known positive interactors.
Comprehensive Genomic and Evolutionary Analysis of Biofilm Matrix Clusters and Proteins in the Vibrio Genus
Authors: Yang Yiyan , Yan Jing , Olson Rich , Jiang Xiaofang
Published: August 2024

Vibrio cholerae pathogens cause cholera, an acute diarrheal disease resulting in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Biofilms in vibrios enhance their survival in natural ecosystems and facilitate transmission during cholera outbreaks. Critical components of the biofilm matrix include the Vibrio polysaccharides produced by the vps-1 and vps-2 gene clusters and the biofilm matrix proteins encoded in the rbm gene cluster, together comprising the biofilm matrix cluster. However, the biofilm matrix clusters and their evolutionary patterns in other Vibrio species remain underexplored. In this study, we systematically investigated the distribution, diversity, and evolution of biofilm matrix clusters and proteins across the Vibrio genus. Our findings reveal that these gene clusters are sporadically distributed throughout the genus, even appearing in species phylogenetically distant from V. cholerae. Evolutionary analysis of the major biofilm matrix proteins RbmC and Bap1 shows that they are structurally and sequentially related, having undergone structural domain and modular alterations. Additionally, a novel loop-less Bap1 variant was identified, predominantly represented in two phylogenetically distant Vibrio cholerae subspecies clades that share specific gene groups associated with the presence or absence of the protein. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that rbmB, a gene involved in biofilm dispersal, shares a recent common ancestor with Vibriophage tail proteins, suggesting that phages may mimic host functions to evade biofilm-associated defenses. Our study offers a foundational understanding of the diversity and evolution of biofilm matrix clusters in vibrios, laying the groundwork for future biofilm engineering through genetic modification.
Structural insights into the mechanism of phosphate recognition and transport by human XPR1
Authors: Zhang Wenhui , Chen Yanke , Guan Zeyuan , Wang Yong , Tang Meng , Du Zhangmeng , Zhang Jie , Cheng Meng , Zuo Jiaqi , Liu Yan , Wang Qiang , Liu Yanjun , Zhang Delin , Yin Ping , Ma Ling , Liu Zhu
Published: August 2024

XPR1 is the only known protein responsible for transporting inorganic phosphate (Pi) out of cells, a function conserved from yeast to mammals. Human XPR1 variants lead to cerebral calcium-phosphate deposition, which are associated with a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder known as primary familial brain calcification (PFBC). Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of human XPR1 in both its Pi-unbound form and various Pi-bound states. XPR1 features 10 transmembrane α-helices that form an ion channel-like architecture. Multiple Pi recognition sites are arranged along the channel, facilitating Pi ion transport. Two arginine residues, subject to pathogenic mutation in PFBC families, line the translocation channel and serve to bind Pi ion. Clinically linked mutations in these arginines impair XPR1’s Pi transport activity. To gain dynamic insights into the channel-like transport mechanism, we conducted molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations reveal that Pi ion undergoes a stepwise transition through the sequential recognition sites during the transport process. Together with functional analyses, our results suggest that the sequential arrangement of Pi recognition sites likely enable XPR1 to use a “relay” process to facilitate Pi ion passage through the channel, and they establish a framework for the interpretation of disease-related mutations and for the development of future therapeutics.

One Sentence Summary

Combined cryo-EM, molecular dynamics simulations and functional studies demonstrate that human XPR1 employs a channel-like transport mechanism to export inorganic phosphate out of cells
GDC: An Integrated Resource to Explore the Pathogenesis of Hearing Loss through Genetics and Genomics
Authors: Cheng Hui , Wang Xuegang , Zhong Mingjun , Geng Jia , Li Wenjian , Pei Kanglu , Lu Yu , Cheng Jing , Bu Fengxiao , Yuan Huijun
Published: August 2024

Effective research and clinical application in audiology and hearing loss (HL) often require the integration of diverse data. However, the absence of a dedicated database impeded understanding and insight extraction in HL. To address this, the Genetic Deafness Commons (GDC) was developed by consolidating extensive genetic and genomic data from 51 public databases and the Chinese Deafness Genetics Consortium, encompassing 5,983,613 variants across 201 HL genes. This comprehensive dataset detailed the genetic landscape of HL, identifying six novel mutational hotspots within DNA binding domains of transcription factor genes, which were eligible for evidence-based variant pathogenicity classification. Comparative phenotypic analyses highlighted considerable disparities between human and mouse models, with only 130 human HL genes exhibiting hearing abnormality in mice. Moreover, gene expression analyses in the cochleae of mice and rhesus macaques demonstrated a notable correlation (R2= 0.76). Utilizing gene expression, function, pathway, and phenotype data, a SMOTE-Random Forest model identified 18 candidate HL genes, includingTBX2andERCC2, newly confirmed as HL genes. The GDC, as a comprehensive and unified repository, significantly advances audiology research and clinical practice by enhancing data accessibility and usability, thereby facilitating deeper insights into hearing disorders.
Linguistic vitality improves health and wellbeing in Indigenous communities: a scoping review
Authors: Harding Louise , DeCaire Ryan , Delaurier-Lyle Karleen , Ellis Ursula , Schillo Julia , Turin Mark
Published: August 2024

Introduction

While Indigenous communities have long recognized the importance of their languages for their wellbeing, this topic has only recently received attention in scholarship, research and public policy. This scoping review synthesizes and assesses existing literature on the links between Indigenous linguistic vitality and health or wellness in English-speaking settler colonial countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States).

Methods

The JBI methodology for scoping reviews was followed by an interdisciplinary research team. Key databases searched included MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Searches were restricted to English language literature. The last search was on February 8, 2021. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted to categorize and elucidate the nature of the links reported.

Results

Over 10,000 records were reviewed and 262 met the inclusion criteria – 70% academic and 30% gray literature. The largest number of studies focus on Canadian contexts. 78% of the original research studies report only supportive links between Indigenous languages and health, while 98% of the literature reviews report supportive links. Linguistic vitality tends to support health and wellness outcomes, while the diminishment of languages is associated with worse health. The most prevalent links with linguistic vitality are healthcare outcomes, overall health and healing, and mental, cognitive, and psychological health and development. The results of the remaining original research studies were mixed (10%), statistically non-significant (6%), adverse (5%) and neutral (1%).

Conclusions

The results of this scoping review suggest that linguistic vitality is a determinant of health for Indigenous peoples in the contexts studied. Recommendations for harnessing the healing effects of language include increasing tangible support to language programs, delivering linguistically tailored health care and promotion, and advancing knowledge through funding relevant community-engaged research and education.

Article Highlights

Our interdisciplinary authorship team conducted a scoping review involving the screening of nearly 10,000 publications.

262 academic and grey literature reports were published between 1949-2019 which had a central focus on exploring the links between Indigenous languages and health.

78% of original research studies and 98% of reviews report exclusively supportive links between linguistic vitality and the health and wellness of Indigenous peoples.

Key areas linked to health include healthcare outcomes, overall health and healing, and mental, cognitive, and psychological health and development.

Linguistic vitality is a determinant of health for Indigenous peoples and should be leveraged through supporting language programs, delivering linguistically tailored care, and funding community-engaged research and education.
Single-residue effects on the behavior of a nascent polypeptide chain inside the ribosome exit tunnel
Authors: Pardo-Avila Fátima , Kudva Renuka , Levitt Michael , von Heijne Gunnar
Published: August 2024

Nascent polypeptide chains (NCs) are extruded from the ribosome through an exit tunnel (ET) traversing the large ribosomal subunit. The ET’s irregular and chemically complex wall allows for various NC-ET interactions. Translational arrest peptides (APs) bind in the ET to induce translational arrest, a property that can be exploited to study NC-ET interactions by Force Profile Analysis (FPA). We employed FPA and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate how individual residues placed in a glycine-serine repeat segment within an AP-stalled NC interact with the ET to exert a pulling force on the AP and release stalling. Our results indicate that large and hydrophobic residues generate a pulling force on the NC when placed ≳10 residues away from the peptidyl transfer center (PTC). Moreover, an asparagine placed 12 residues from the PTC makes a specific stabilizing interaction with the tip of ribosomal protein uL22 that reduces the pulling force on the NC, while a lysine or leucine residue in the same position increases the pulling force. Finally, the MD simulations suggest how the Mannheimia succiniproducens SecM AP interacts with the ET to promote translational stalling.

Graphical Abstract
Mechanical control of the insect extracellular matrix nanostructure
Authors: Itakura Yuki , Wada Housei , Inagaki Sachi , Hayashi Shigeo
Published: August 2024

Nanoscale modifications of apical extracellular matrix (ECM) have created a variety of functional surfaces with distinct physical properties, as exemplified by structural coloration and superhydrophobicity in animals and plants1. While the surface nanostructures of various organisms have inspired numerous biomimetic applications, the biological mechanisms underlying ECM patterning at the nanoscale remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the morphogenesis of cuticular pores inDrosophilaolfactory organs2,3. Hundreds of uniform-sized nanopores of ∼50 nm permit selective access of odorant molecules to olfactory neurons. We showed that matrices composed of the zona pellucida domain (ZPD) protein4–6cover sensory organs in cell type-specific patterns and combinations. The ZPD proteins Dyl, Tyn, Mey, and Nyo form matrices with specific mixing and sorting properties, restricting cell growth and movement. The disruption of ZPD matrices leads to detachment of the envelope layer of the cuticle from the plasma membrane, and reduced numbers and irregularly sized nanopores. Our results suggest that compressive force from the ECM is essential for robust nanopore morphogenesis. This work reveals a previously unrecognized role for ZPD proteins as modular units that establish the mechanical environment required to modulate the nanoscale assembly of cuticle materials, opening a new biological context to these biomimetically important structures.
Excitation of nonlinear second order betatron sidebands for knock-out slow extraction at the third-integer resonance
Authors: Niedermayer Philipp , Singh Rahul
Published: August 2024

Radio frequency knock out resonant slow extraction is a standard method for extracting stored particle beams from synchrotrons by transverse excitation. Classically, the beam is excited with an rf field comprising a frequency band around one of the betatron sidebands. This article demonstrates that the third-integer resonance commonly used for the slow extraction induces nonlinear motion, resulting in the appearance of additional sidebands of higher order at multiples of the betatron tune. Measured and simulated beam spectra are presented, revealing these sidebands and the beam’s response to being excited at first and second order sidebands. The feasibility of using a second order sideband for the purpose of slow extraction is demonstrated. This results in a significant improvement in the temporal structure (spill quality) of the extracted beam, but at the cost of higher excitation power requirements. This is observed both experimentally and in tracking simulations. The mechanism behind the observed improvement is explained using beam dynamics simulations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Non-Abelian Hopf-Euler insulators
Authors: Jankowski Wojciech J. , Morris Arthur S. , Davoyan Zory , Bouhon Adrien , Ünal F. Nur , Slager Robert-Jan
Published: August 2024

We discuss a class of three-band non-Abelian topological insulators in three dimensions that carry a single bulk Hopf index protected by spatiotemporal (PT) inversion symmetry. These phases may also host subdimensional topological invariants given by the Euler characteristic class, resulting in real Hopf-Euler insulators. Such systems naturally realize helical nodal structures in the three-dimensional Brillouin zone, providing a physical manifestation of the linking number described by the Hopf invariant. We show that, by opening a gap between the valence bands of these systems, one finds a fully-gapped “flag” phase, which displays a three-band multigap Pontryagin invariant. Unlike the previously reported PT-symmetric four-band real Hopf insulator, which hosts a Z⊕Z invariant, these phases are not unitarily equivalent to two copies of a complex two-band Hopf insulator. We show that such uncharted phases can be obtained through dimensional extension of two-dimensional Euler insulators, and that they support (i) an optical bulk integrated circular shift effect quantized by the Hopf invariant, (ii) quantum-geometric breathing in the real-space Wannier functions, and (iii) surface Euler topology on boundaries. Consequently, our findings pave the way for novel experimental realizations of real-space quantum geometry, as these systems may be directly simulated by utilizing synthetic dimensions in metamaterials or ultracold atoms.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The contronymity of project accounting for performing the relevance of project outcomes
Authors: Themsen Tim Neerup , Jacobsen Peter Holm , Tryggestad Kjell
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to advance recent literature on the performativity of accounting by examining how project accounting affects a project organization’s ability to deliver a relevant project outcome, such as a product or a building, for a receiving client organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on a longitudinal case study of a 41.4-billion-kroner (5.5-billion-euro) Danish project of constructing 16 new public hospitals. Its objective was to reduce the average unit costs and improve the quality of patient care. Each hospital construction was managed by a separate project organization and handed over to a separate receiving hospital organization. The project organizations applied a common approach to project accounting. The paper relies on Michel Callon’s concepts of performativity and sociotechnical agencement – approaching project accounting as an arrangement of devices.

Findings

The paper shows that the project-accounting agencement simultaneously supported and undermined the project organizations’ ability to deliver hospitals relevant to the receiving hospital organizations. The agencement performed hospital designs, disciplined project actors and guided decision-making, thus supporting the overall work of the project organizations. It also, however, compelled the project organizations to compromise on hospital designs when unexpected events occurred. These compromises led to the delivery of hospitals, which largely prevented the receiving hospital organizations from achieving the project’s objective.

Originality/value

This paper advances our limited understanding of the dynamic and complex relationship between project accounting and the relevance of project outcomes. It introduces the concept of a “contronymity device” to capture the way project accounting simultaneously produces two opposing consequences, both supporting and undermining the enactment of a particular reality. The paper lastly enriches our understanding of how project-accounting devices impact hospital organizations’ operating cost structures and challenge patient care capabilities.
Revisiting the ability of research and development activities to improve value relevance
Authors: Sulistiawan Dedhy , Rudiawarni Felizia Arni
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This article aims to evaluate the informativeness of accruals on stock prices. Investors may misinterpret the information contained in accruals and produce accrual anomalies. Accruals accounting improves the quality of financial statements by providing useful information, although it also contains judgments and is less objective than operating cash-flows.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ data panel regression analysis to investigate the value relevance of financial information. Our study takes the object of companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange (NASDAQ) as the representative of the prominent stock exchange for technology-driven enterprises and entrepreneurs. Expanding the findings, we also use Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) data.

Findings

Our research finds that accruals are still relevant. However, firms with R&D expenditures reduce the ability of accruals to explain stock prices for non-technology firms and firms without intangible assets. After analyzing only tech firms (and firms with intangible assets), our tests show that R&D expenditures improve the relevancy of accruals. These findings apply to both Nasdaq and SSE.

Practical implications

Practitioners and the investment community get valuable insights into how the recognition and measurement of R&D expenditures affect the value relevance. Information about R&D increases relevancy only in firms with intangible assets and those that operate in the technology industry.

Originality/value

Our paper provides benefits by using R&D expenses to affect accruals' informativeness by comparing two countries with different recognition of R&D.
The manner in which you craft your job depends on the context: evidence from Poland and China
Authors: Wojtczuk-Turek Agnieszka , Turek Dariusz , Tan Le , Gao Hanyu
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Drawing on the job demands-resources theory (JD-R), this study aims to discuss the relationship between paradoxical leadership and job crafting (approach and avoidance), considering the moderating role of overwork climate and organisational identification in two cultural context (China and Poland).

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted on employees from diversified organisations in two different cultural context: China (N = 408) and Poland (N = 400). Statistical verifications of the three-way interaction effect were conducted with Jamovi version 2.3 and multigroup analysis with SPSS AMOS version 29.

Findings

The results showed that employees who perceive high levels of paradoxical leadership and overwork climate as well as possess a high level of organisational identification engage stronger in job crafting, both approach and avoidance. Moreover, the results demonstrated that the dimensions of culture: individualism-collectivism moderate the relationship between the variables tested, in such a way that the relationship is stronger with the lower level of individualism.

Research limitations/implications

This study has two limitations: its cross-sectional design and the use of self-reported questionnaire data.

Originality/value

The study expands knowledge of the relationship between paradoxical leadership and job crafting in two different cultural contexts.
The determinants of IT audit usage in Saudi Arabia with specific reference to computer audit assisted tools
Authors: Almaqtari Faozi A.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants and the intention to use information technology (IT) audit technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model explores the external and internal factors that influence IT audit usage in Saudi Arabia. The external factors include IT audit education, professional support provided by professional accounting and auditing bodies, external pressure and social factors. The internal factors include the firm’s organizational support, complexity of accounting information systems, IT audit competency, adoption risk, ease of use and readiness. These factors affect the intention to use IT audits, represented by the perceived benefits and intention to use IT audits, which in turn affect IT audit usage. The study uses structural equation modelling to estimate a sample size of 261 respondents.

Findings

The findings suggest that internal factors significantly influence both IT audit usage and intention to use IT audits. However, the external factors exhibit insignificant associations with IT audit usage. The findings also indicate that IT auditors in Saudi Arabia heavily rely on Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and email/Outlook as essential IT audit tools. However, the findings reveal that there is still a role for specialized IT audit tools such as generalized audit software and Audit Command Language but this usage is marginal.

Practical implications

The present study provides significant insights for auditors, companies’ boards, professional bodies and policymakers to enhance the development and usage of IT audits. The study revealed the absence of supportive external factors that policymakers and professional bodies should exercise in this regard. The findings also indicate that IT audit education and capacity programmes are required to promote competency and adoption of IT audit technologies.

Originality/value

The study contributes to IT auditing by identifying significant factors influencing IT audit adoption. It underlines the relevance of internal and external determinants and perceived benefits as drivers of IT audit adoption. The current study provides an original piece of research that highlights a comprehensive investigation of the determinates of IT audit usage in a developing country that is shifting towards artificial intelligence and IT advancements.
Unlocking trade potential: gender equality, economic complexity and trade openness in the Developing-8 (D-8) countries
Authors: Sajid Saima , Hassan Syed Saqlain Ul , Rehman Shafique Ur , Arooj Maryam , Sadekin Md Nazmus
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Prioritizing the shift from a traditional economy towards complex integrated economies has been the top priority among policymakers to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). Countries involved in economic integration must safeguard their labor markets. The Developing-8 (D-8) is an alliance of economic cooperation including Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey, all of which are among the world’s largest labor-abundant countries but have insufficient attention toward labor market policies, especially in gender roles. This issue motivated this study, which aims to investigate the impact of economic complexity on trade through with the interaction of gender equality.

Design/methodology/approach

The annual data for the panel of D-8 countries from 1990 to 2020 were collected. The Driscoll and Kraay (D-K) regression was employed for empirical investigation after observing the presence of autocorrelation, heteroscedasticity and cross-sectional dependency (CSD) across the sample.

Findings

Findings show that the economic complexity index (ECI) and gender equality (GE) have a significant impact on trade openness (TO). Moreover, the interaction of GE and ECI strengthens the relationship between ECI and TO. Therefore, both factors worked together to enhance the trading system by supplying the nation with highly sophisticated and complex products.

Research limitations/implications

Policymakers in D-8 countries should enable equal access to resources, investment and decision-making for both men and women. This leads toward stubble, innovative and complex products that enhance trade and goodwill in the international market.

Originality/value

This study incorporated GE as an interaction term in economic complexity and TO in D-8 countries for the first time, to the best of the authors' knowledge.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-11-2023-0908
The role of source attractiveness and source credibility in advertising field hockey: a minority sport
Authors: Gazley Aaron , Coombes Jamie
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the extent to which source attractiveness and source credibility (or skill in a sporting context) provide an effective marketing strategy for Field Hockey in New Zealand, a minority sport Minority sports struggle to generate capital and have minimal sponsorship backing due to small participation and viewership rates compared to “major sports”. By understanding how source attractiveness and source credibility work in the context of a minority sport such as hockey, more effective advertising towards target audiences can be achieved. We also consider differences between advertising to players and no-players of the sport. This is the first research to consider these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Four advertisements were created in an experimental design that manipulated the two variables: source credibility and source attractiveness, in an advertisement promoting Hockey. A survey was conducted, using an online questionnaire.

Findings

Results show that a mixture physical attractiveness and skill (credibility) increase attitudes towards the advertisement. This results in positive intentions to both watch and play hockey. When the respondents were segmented into hockey players and non-hockey players, only skill is effective for the Hockey Player segment, whereas both skill and attractiveness are effective for non-players.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should include comparing hockey to further minority sports codes. Additionally, understanding if male models created the same effects would be particularly interesting for further research.

Practical implications

Management should focus on skill, with physical attractiveness being considered, but not as the most important attribute. If targeting hockey players, skill needs to be especially visible. Even though these elements could be argued to be within the “proverbial eye of the beholder”, the results have shown that in terms of sports advertising, it is possible to portray these two attributes in a generalised way.

Originality/value

This research to focuses on source credibility and attractiveness in a minority sporting context, in particular field hockey, whereas the majority of research considers major sporting codes. In addition, involvement with the sport is also considered.
Echoes of dysfunction: a thematic exploration of toxic leadership in higher education
Authors: Azeez Fousia , Aboobaker Nimitha
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Numerous studies have examined effective or positive leadership styles and their effects on employees and organizational outcomes. In recent years, toxic leadership has drawn the attention of several organizations, and toxic managers undoubtedly harm an organization’s social, economic and individual quality of life. This study aims to examine academicians’ perceptions of toxic leadership behavior exhibited by their immediate leaders in the higher education sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative interpretive phenomenological research design was used, and data was analyzed using Clarke & Braun’s thematic analysis method. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews with 26 teachers from the technical education sector within higher education who had five years or more of experience in the higher education sector.

Findings

Five themes emerged from the teacher's narratives based on the research questions that were framed with the help of expert opinions and a thorough literature review (“frequency of occurrences,” “outward behavior,” “repercussions,” “coping strategies” and “support mechanisms”). Using the NVIVO 14.0 software, auto-coded themes were generated and corroborated with the findings. The triangulation of outcomes reveals toxic behaviors exhibited by the leaders in universities and colleges, which conforms with the toxic leadership literature.

Originality/value

This study advances the understanding of the harmful or toxic side of leadership, specifically in the higher education sector. This work advances earlier studies in the field by examining teachers’ perceptions of toxic leadership behavior exhibited by their leaders in the higher education sector. The study continues by highlighting areas of toxic leadership research that are yet to be explored in academic literature and are still to be studied.