bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling timelines to elimination of sleeping sickness in the DRC accounting for possible cryptic human and animal transmission
Authors: Crump Ronald E , Aliee Maryam , Sutherland Samuel A , Huang Ching-I , Crowley Emily H , Spencer Simon E F , Keeling Matt J , Shampa Chansy , Miaka Erick Mwamba , Rock Kat S
Published: March 2024

Sleeping sickness (gambiense human African trypanosomiasis, gHAT) is a vector-borne disease targeted for global elimination of transmission (EoT) by 2030. There are, however, unknowns that have the potential to hinder the achievement and measurement of this goal. These include asymptomatic gHAT infections (inclusive of the potential to self-cure or harbour skin-only infections) and whether gHAT infection in animals can contribute to the transmission cycle in humans. Using modelling we explore how cryptic (undetected) transmission impacts the monitoring of progress towards as well as the achievement of the EoT goal. We have developed gHAT models that include either asymptomatic or animal transmission, and compare these to a baseline gHAT model without either of these transmission routes, to explore the potential role of cryptic infections on the EoT goal. Each model was independently calibrated using available historic human case data for 2000––2020 (obtained from the World Health Organization’s HAT Atlas) which includes routine data from active and passive screening for five different health zones in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Our results suggest that when matched to past case data, we estimated similar numbers of new human infections between model variants, although human infections were slightly higher in the models with cryptic infections. We simulated the continuation of screen-confirm-and-treat interventions and found that forward projections from the animal and asymptomatic transmission models produced lower probabilities of EoT than the baseline model. Simulation of a (as yet to be available) screen-and-treat strategy found that removing a parasitological confirmation step was predicted to have a more noticeable benefit to transmission reduction under the asymptomatic model compared to the others. Our simulations suggest vector control could greatly impact all transmission routes in all models, although this resource-intensive intervention should be carefully prioritised.
Molecular basis for the activation of the Fatty Acid Kinase complex ofStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Myers Megan J. , Xu Zhen , Ryan Benjamin J. , DeMars Zachary R. , Ridder Miranda J. , Johnson David K. , Krute Christina N. , Flynn Tony S. , Kashipathy Maithri M. , Battaile Kevin P. , Schnicker Nicholas , Lovell Scott , Freudenthal Bret D. , Bose Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2024

Gram-positive bacteria utilize a Fatty Acid Kinase (FAK) complex to harvest fatty acids from the environment. The complex, consisting of the fatty acid kinase, FakA, and an acyl carrier protein, FakB, is known to impact virulence and disease outcomes. However, FAK’s structure and enzymatic mechanism remain poorly understood. Here, we used a combination of modeling, biochemical, and cell-based approaches to establish critical details of FAK activity. Solved structures of the apo and ligand-bound FakA kinase domain captured the protein state through ATP hydrolysis. Additionally, targeted mutagenesis of an understudied FakA Middle domain identified critical residues within a metal-binding pocket that contribute to FakA dimer stability and protein function. Regarding the complex, we demonstrated nanomolar affinity between FakA and FakB and generated computational models of the complex’s quaternary structure. Together, these data provide critical insight into the structure and function of the FAK complex which is essential for understanding its mechanism.
Lossless Single-Molecule Counting To Absolute Quantify Proteoforms
Authors: Gross Tobias , Hundertmark Tobias , Csiszár Villő , Sulyok András Attila , Gross Nina , Breiden Maike , Kitschen Niklas , von Groll Uritza , Niemöller Christoph , Sánchez-Martín Pablo , Hein Anne , Göpffert Jens , Szórádi Tamás , Lübbert Philipp , Koltay Peter , Porschewski Peter , von Stetten Felix , Zengerle Roland , Jeney Csaba
Published: March 2024

A novel immunoassay, termed Protein Interaction Coupling (PICO), is introduced to deliver unequivocal, reference-free quantification of proteoforms - absolute quantification. PICO employs a compartmentalized, homogeneous single-molecule assay with a lossless and highly sensitive signal generation, capable of detecting down to a few molecules per reaction. Additionally, it utilises a background-free, digital enumeration principle, known as the decouplexing. PICO is presented as exact mathematical theories, providing a theoretical comprehension of its chemistry. Consequently, PICO demonstrates absolute quantification, as exemplified with recombinant and non-recombinant ErbB2 and multi-tagged peptide rTRX targets, validating absolute quantification against internal and external references in both analytical and cellular matrices. Furthermore, PICO enables combinatorial multiplexing (cplex), a readout between any two antibodies, demonstrated by an 8-plex antibody, 12-cplex PICO, measuring functional changes of ErbB pathway upon mock and dactolisib treatment delivering absolute quantitative cellular stoichiometry. PICO possesses immense potential for versatile, standardized, and accurate protein measurements, offering insights into physiological and perturbed cellular processes.
Health-Related Effects of Real-Time Circuit Tele-Training and Gym Resistance-Aerobic Training in Ambulatory Adults with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Aviram Ronit , Parmet Yisrael , Bar-Haim Simona
Published: March 2024

Objective

To compare the impacts of gym training and circuit Zoom-tele-training on health parameters in ambulatory adults with spastic cerebral palsy.

Methods

Participants were divided into three groups: The Gym-group that underwent resistance-and-aerobic training program (n=12), the Zoom-group that underwent a circuit Zoom-tele-training program (n=14), and the Control-group that was on a waitlist and underwent no training (n=14). The two training gropes exercised bi-weekly for 12-week. Measurements included blood pressure, waist circumference, BMI, 15-repetition maximum-strength tests, and a LALA aerobic shuttle test analyzed using a linear mixed model.

Results

Weight circumference decreased in both the Gym and Zoom groups (P=.0202 and P=.0014 respectively); in addition, in both these groups systolic (P=.018, P=.0001 respectively) and diastolic (P=.086 -marginal significance, P<.0001 respectively) blood pressure decreased, with a more pronounced reduction in the diastolic blood pressure for the Zoom-group (P=.043). Maximum aerobic speed increased (P<.0001) in the Zoom-group, with the Gym-group achieving the same speed with a lower peak heart rate (P=.0144). Strength significantly improved in the Zoom group for row (P=.05) and knee-extension (P<.0001) exercises. The Gym group improved in all strength measures (Row P<.0001, Chest-press P<.0001, and Knee-extension P<.0001). The Gym-group’s gains were greater than the Zoom-group’s in the row (P<.0001) and knee-extension (P=.005) exercises. The Control-group experienced a rise in BMI (P=.0256), waist circumference (P=.056 marginal significance), and systolic blood pressure (P=.055 marginal significance).

Conclusion

Both exercise programs effectively reduced health-risk factors. The Zoom-group excelled in improving aerobic capacity and diastolic blood pressure, while the Gym-group demonstrated superior strength gains. Not exercising was detrimental to body mass, waist circumference, and blood pressure.

Impact

Exercise programs enhance long life heath and prevent health deterioration in adults with cerebral palsy. Results endorse using waist circumference and blood pressure measures as valuable clinical outcomes for adults with cerebral palsy.
BC-Predict: Mining of signal biomarkers and multilevel validation of cascade classifier for early-stage breast cancer subtyping and prognosis
Authors: Muthamilselvan Sangeetha , Palaniappan Ashok
Published: March 2024

Disease heterogeneity is the hallmark of breast cancer, which remains a scourge and the most common malignancy among women. With a steep increase in breast cancer morbidity and mortality, there exists a critical need for effective early-stage theragnostic and prognostic biomarkers. This would help in patient stratification and optimal treatment selection towards better disease management. In this study, we examined four key problems with respect to the characterization of breast cancer heterogeneity, namely: (i) cancer screening; (ii) identification of metastatic cancers; (iii) molecular subtype (TNBC, HER2, or luminal); and (iv) histological subtype (ductal or lobular). We mined the available public-domain transcriptomic data of breast cancer patients from the TCGA and other databases using stage-encoded statistical models of gene expression, and identified stage-salient, monotonically expressed, and problem-specific biomarkers. Next we trained different classes of machine learning algorithms targeted at the above problems and embedded in these feature spaces. Hyperparameters specific to each algorithm were optimized using 10-fold cross-validation on the training dataset. The optimized models were evaluated on the holdout testset to identify the overall best model for each problem. The best model for each problem was validated with: (i) multi-omics data from the same cohort (miRNA and methylation profiles); (ii) external datasets from out-of-domain cohorts; and (iii) state of the art, including commercially available breast cancer panels. External validation of our models matched or bested available benchmarks in the respective problem domains (balanced accuracies of 97.42% for cancer vs normal; 88.22% for metastatic v/s non metastatic; 88.79% for ternary molecular subtyping; and ensemble accuracy of 94.23% for histological subtyping). We have translated the results into BC-Predict, a freely available web-server that forks the best models developed for each problem, and provides the cascade annotation of input instance(s) of expression data, along with uncertainty estimates. BC-Predict is meant for academic use and has been deployed at:https://apalania.shinyapps.io/BC-Predict.
Versatile gamma-tubulin complexes contribute to the dynamic organization of MTOCs duringDrosophilaspermatogenesis
Authors: Alzyoud Elham , Németh Dóra , Vedelek Viktor , Szögi Titanilla , Tóth Viktória Petra , Krecsmarik Mónika , Ábrahám Edit , Lipinszki Zoltán , Sinka Rita
Published: March 2024

The initiation of microtubule formation is facilitated by γ-tubulin and γ-Tubulin Ring Complex (γ-TuRC) in various microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs). While the heterogeneity of tissue-specific MTOCs and γ-TuRC inDrosophilatestis has been described, their molecular composition and physiological significance are poorly understood. We investigated the testis-specific distribution and biochemical interaction of the canonical γ-TuRC proteins Grip163 and Grip84. We found that while Grip163 is present on the centrosome and basal body, Grip84 localizes to the centrosome and Golgi in spermatocytes and colocalizes with the testis-specific γ-TuRC at the basal body, apical nuclear tip, and near the elongated mitochondria after meiosis. We also show the apical nuclear tip localization of some γ-TuRC interacting partners and prove their binding to testis-specific γ-TuRC proteins. These results highlight and prove the importance of the different γ-TuRCs in organizing the diverse MTOCs present during the extensive rearrangement of cell organelles during the spermatogenesis ofDrosophila.
Inference of selective forces on house mouse genomes during secondary contact in East Asia
Authors: Fujiwara Kazumichi , Kubo Shunpei , Endo Toshinori , Takada Toyoyuki , Shiroishi Toshihiko , Suzuki Hitoshi , Osada Naoki
Published: March 2024

The house mouse (Mus musculus), which is commensal to humans, has spread globally via human activities, leading to secondary contact between genetically divergent subspecies. This pattern of genetic admixture can provide insights into the selective forces at play in this well-studied model organism. Our analysis of 163 house mouse genomes, with a particular focus on East Asia, revealed substantial admixture between the subspeciescastaneusandmusculus, particularly in Japan and southern China. We revealed, despite the different level of autosomal admixture among regions, that all Y Chromosomes in the East Asian samples belonged to themusculus-type haplogroup, potentially explained by genomic conflict under sex-ratio distortion owing to varying copy numbers of ampliconic genes on sex chromosomes,SlxandSly. Our computer simulations, designed to replicate the observed scenario, show that the preferential fixation ofmusculus-type Y Chromosomes can be achieved with a slight increase in the male-to-female birth ratio. We also investigated the influence of selection on the posthybridization of the subspeciescastaneusandmusculusin Japan. Even though the genetic background of most Japanese samples closely resembles the subspeciesmusculus, certain genomic regions overrepresented thecastaneus-like genetic components, particularly in immune-related genes. Furthermore, a large genomic block (∼2 Mbp) containing a vomeronasal/olfactory receptor gene cluster predominantly harboredcastaneus-type haplotypes in the Japanese samples, highlighting the crucial role of olfaction-based recognition in shaping hybrid genomes.
Dynamic adaptive quantum approximate optimization algorithm for shallow, noise-resilient circuits
Authors: Yanakiev Nikola , Mertig Normann , Long Christopher K. , Arvidsson-Shukur David R. M.
Published: March 2024

The quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA) is an appealing proposal to solve NP problems on noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) hardware. Making NISQ implementations of the QAOA resilient to noise requires short ansatz circuits with as few controlled- () gates as possible. Here we present the dynamic adaptive quantum approximate optimization algorithm (Dynamic-ADAPT-QAOA). Our algorithm significantly reduces the circuit depth and the count of standard ADAPT-QAOA, a leading proposal for near-term implementations of the QAOA. Throughout our algorithm, the decision to apply -intensive operations is made dynamically, based on algorithmic benefits. Using density-matrix simulations, we benchmark the noise resilience of ADAPT-QAOA and Dynamic-ADAPT-QAOA. We compute the gate-error probability pgate★ below which these algorithms provide, on average, more accurate solutions than the classical, polynomial-time approximation algorithm by Goemans and Williamson. For small systems with six to ten qubits, we show that pgate★>10−3 for Dynamic-ADAPT-QAOA. Compared to standard ADAPT-QAOA, this constitutes an order-of-magnitude improvement in noise resilience. This improvement should make Dynamic-ADAPT-QAOA viable for implementations on superconducting NISQ hardware, even in the absence of error mitigation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
String fragmentation of a quark pair with entangled spin states: Application to
e+e−
annihilation
Authors: Kerbizi A. , Artru X.
Published: March 2024

We present a recursive quantum mechanical model for the fragmentation of a string stretched between a quark and an antiquark with entangled spin states. The quarks are assumed to be produced in the e+e− annihilation process via the exchange of a virtual photon and the correlations between their spin states are described by a joint spin-density matrix. The string fragmentation process is formulated at the amplitude level by using the splitting matrices of the recent string+P30 model of polarized quark fragmentation with pseudoscalar and vector meson emissions and accounts for the systematic propagation of the spin correlations in the fragmentation chain. The model is formulated as a recursive recipe suitable for a Monte Carlo implementation. It reproduces the expected angular correlation, due to the Collins effect, between back-to-back pseudoscalar and/or vector mesons. For the latter, this correlation also involves the momenta of the decay products. We use the model for studying the sign of the Collins asymmetry for back-to-back vector and pseudoscalar mesons.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Self-interacting dark matter and Dirac neutrinos via lepton quarticity
Authors: Mahapatra Satyabrata , Sahoo Sujit Kumar , Sahu Narendra , Thounaojam Vicky Singh
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we put forward a connection between the self-interacting dark matter and the Dirac nature of neutrinos. Our exploration involves a Z4⊗Z4′ discrete symmetry, wherein the Dirac neutrino mass is produced through a type-I seesaw mechanism. This symmetry not only contributes to the generation of the Dirac neutrino mass but also facilitates the realization of self-interacting dark matter with a light mediator that can alleviate small-scale anomalies of the ΛCDM while being consistent with the latter at large scales, as suggested by astrophysical observations. Thus the stability of the DM and Dirac nature of neutrinos are shown to stem from the same underlying symmetry. The model also features additional relativistic degrees of freedom ΔNeff of either thermal or nonthermal origin, within the reach of cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiment providing a complementary probe in addition to the detection prospects of DM.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Unleashing the power of clustering: a qualitative study of cluster organizations’ role in advancing green transformation
Authors: Mackiewicz Marta , Kuberska Dominika
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to ascertain how cluster organisations have been fostering green transformation in Poland.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a multiple case study approach. Data collection methods involved in-depth interviews with cluster organisation managers and researchers to identify support measures for green transformation and to investigate the factors influencing their actions as well as a comprehensive analysis of documents, including cluster organisations‘ strategies.

Findings

Cluster organisations manage and participate in actions that create favourable conditions for pursuing low-carbon and circular economy ventures. They not only assist their members in overcoming obstacles related to green transformation but also engage non-members – which can lead to spillovers reaching beyond their borders. Their engagement takes place across all phases of the green transformation process.

Research limitations/implications

For various reasons, the research was designed as qualitative to understand the opinions and experiences of various actors engaged in green transformation within cluster organisations’ ecosystems. The key factor influencing this decision stems from the fact that knowledge of the involvement of cluster organisations in supporting green transformation still needs to be completed and scattered. The limitations of the study include limited access to information and the fact that qualitative research allows for a certain amount of subjectivity, and the results should be generalised carefully. Moreover, the interviews were carried out with a non-random sample of participants. Another limitation of the study is related to biased views, which could have been shared by interviewees acting as representatives of the studied cluster organisations.

Practical implications

Cluster organisations have emerged as drivers of circular transition by promoting sustainable practices such as material recycling, biological recovery and parts harvesting. These initiatives contribute to reducing waste, conserving resources, and minimising the environmental footprint of industries. These organisations can be active agents of transformation, orchestrating collaborative efforts that have a far-reaching impact on industries and economies.

Originality/value

This is one of the first and most comprehensive studies on the role of cluster organisations in Poland in supporting green transformation. This paper identifies and systematises the actions undertaken to provide a clear understanding of the internal processes within cluster organisations.
Corporate social performance and board gender diversity: the moderating role of governance
Authors: Phillips Cynthia R , Stefanidis Abraham , Shoaf Victoria
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Drawing on legitimacy and upper-echelon theory, this paper aims to investigate the moderating role of corporate governance in the relationship between corporate social performance (CSP) and board gender diversity (BGD).

Design/methodology/approach

Using Morgan Stanley Capital International measures of social and governance performance, the authors use 2,950 firm-year observations from US companies for the years 2016–2020 to show that good performance on social issues drives BGD.

Findings

The panel data model indicates that the relationship between CSP and BGD is strengthened when firms display robust corporate governance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the extant literature through empirical consideration of CSP as a predictor of BGD, a relationship that has rarely been examined. It further highlights the significant role of corporate governance in ensuring that women have access to corporate boards. Discussion and findings highlight that social performance and governance may significantly contribute to the diversity of socially cognizant boards.
Does social capital affect supply chain performance? Establishing an underlying mechanism and a boundary condition
Authors: Chohan Aisha , Hussain Ghulam , Shafique Imran
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study examines the direct and indirect effects of social capital on supply chain performance via supply chain quality integration (SCQI), which refers to integrating supply chain partners from the perspective of quality management. It also examines the moderating role of environmental uncertainty in the link between social capital and SCQI and determines the conditional indirect effect of social capital on supply chain performance via SCQI.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a time-lagged research design through a self-administered survey of supply chain professionals in manufacturing firms in Pakistan. Hayes’ PROCESS Macro was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show a positive relationship between social capital and supply chain performance. SCQI partially mediates the relationship between social capital and supply chain performance. Environmental uncertainty significantly moderates that relationship in such a way that firms that operate under high environmental uncertainty are more likely to use their social capital to develop SCQI than firms that operate under low environmental uncertainty.

Practical implications

The study has practical implications for managers who seek to implement SCQI practices using social capital. Leveraging social capital across the supply chain fosters strong connections and a quality-oriented approach across the supply chain, and improves overall performance. Managers can use the power of social capital to navigate environmental uncertainty.

Originality/value

This study’s originality lies in its drawing on the dynamic capability theory and contingency theory and integrating the dispersed scholarly work on social capital, SCQI, and supply chain performance under the boundary condition of environmental uncertainty.
Do plus-size models really benefit obese consumers? Investigating the influence of plus-size models on negative emotions and mental imagery
Authors: Yim Mark Yi-Cheon , Kim Eunice (Eun-Sil) , Ahn Hongmin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

In keeping with recent body image social trends, consumer demand for the adoption of plus-size models is increasing, although the use of thin models remains prevalent. The current study explores how consumers process information about fashion products displayed on different sizes of models in advertisements, focusing on model and consumer body sizes and both genders. As an underlying mechanism explaining how the relationship between model and consumer body sizes shapes consumer purchase intention, this study explores the role of guilt, shame and mental imagery.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study uses a text analytics technique to identify female consumers' general opinions of thin models in advertising. Employing a 3 (consumer body size: normal, overweight, obese) × 2 (model body size: thin, plus-size) × 2 (gender: male, female) between-subjects online experiment (n = 718), the main study comparatively analyzes the influences of plus-size and thin models on consumer responses.

Findings

The results reveal that, despite body positivity movements, thin models still generate negative emotions among female consumers. For obese female consumers, advertisements featuring plus-size models produce fewer negative emotions but not more mental imagery than advertisements featuring thin models. Conversely, for obese male consumers, advertisements featuring plus-size models generate more mental imagery but not more negative emotions than advertisements featuring thin models. The results also reveal that the relationship between consumer body size and guilt is moderated by perceived model size, which is also moderated by gender in generating mental imagery. While guilt plays a mediating role in enhancing mental imagery, resulting in purchase intention, shame does not take on this role.

Originality/value

This study is the first to present an integrated model that elucidates how consumers with varying body sizes respond to different sizes of models in advertising and how these responses impact purchase intentions.

Research limitations/implications

Our findings only apply to contexts where consumers purchase fashion clothing in response to advertisements featuring thin versus plus-size models.

Practical implications

Exposing normal-size consumers to plus-size models generates less mental imagery, and thus, practitioners should seek to match the body sizes of the models featured in advertising to the body sizes of their target audience or ad campaigns that include both plus-size and thin models may help improve message persuasiveness in fashion advertising. Moreover, guilt-appeal advertising campaigns using thin models would appeal more to thin consumers of both genders than shame-appeal advertising.
A consensus map for Ladakh’s development as potential geotourism destination: key drivers
Authors: Khalid Rimsha , Kumar Rajinder , Sinha Rupa , Selem Kareem M.M. , Raza Mohsin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Given the prevalence of protecting geoheritage tourism sites, Ladakh has enormous potential. However, Ladakh’s potential and developments in its growth as a geotourism destination have received scant consideration. As such, this paper aims to explore Ladakh’s key drivers as a potential geotourism destination through cognitive dissonance and protection motivation theories.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducted in-depth interviews with 86 geoscientists and tourism professionals to assess Ladakh’s potential as a geotourism destination. This paper used a qualitative approach to congregate four constructs based on the image difference of the consensus map.

Findings

Because of the interviewees’ heterogeneity and uniqueness, meaningful constructs in the consensus were included for each figure and cloud words. This paper concluded that four drivers are the main forces behind geotourism development.

Originality/value

This paper explores the drivers – geotourism services, legislative requirements, experiential geotourism and SPARC (scientific, preservation, aesthetic, recreational, cultural) values – affecting geotourism in Ladakh. It is feasible to lessen the negative effects of overtourism and make sure that Ladakh’s distinctive nature is preserved for future generations by implementing sustainable tourism practices.
Precious metal prices: a tale of four US recessions
Authors: Agnese Pablo , Garcia del Barrio Pedro , Gil-Alana Luis Alberiko , Perez de Gracia Fernando
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the degree of persistence in four precious metal prices (i.e. gold, palladium, platinum and silver) during the last four US recessions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using daily price data for gold, palladium, platinum and silver running from July 2, 1990, to March 21, 2022, and dating of business cycles in the USA provided by NBER (2022), the paper uses fractional integration to test the degree of persistence of precious metal prices.

Findings

The empirical analysis shows the unrelenting prominence of gold in relation to other precious metals (palladium, platinum and silver) as a hedge against market uncertainty in the post-pandemic new era.

Originality/value

Two are the main contributions of the paper. Firstly, the authors contribute to the commodity markets and finance literature on precious metal price modelling. Secondly, the authors also contribute to the literature on commodity markets and business cycles with a special focus on recessionary periods.
Enterprise digital transformation and audit quality: Empirical evidence from annual reports of Chinese listed companies
Authors: Fang Fang , Mo Dongyan , Chen Ruyi
Published: March 2024

This study explores how enterprise digital transformation affects audit quality. The results show that the relationship between enterprise digital transition and audit quality takes on a U‐shaped. Mechanism test results indicate that during the initial stages of digitization, the restrictive effect of auditor's professional competence mismatch predominates. Conversely, during the mature stages of digitization, the promotion effect of improved auditor's substantive independence predominates. Heterogeneity tests demonstrate that this U‐shaped relationship is significant primarily within the sample set of short audit tenure and state‐owned enterprises. The study reveals the internal mechanism of the impact of enterprise digital transition on audit quality, offering empirical evidence to comprehend the incremental dynamic effects of enterprise digitalization and mitigate potential adverse consequences throughout the transformation process.
Prison geographies: Nine disciplinary approaches
Authors: Bloch Stefano , Olivares‐Pelayo Enrique Alan
Published: March 2024

Motivated by a critical concern for state‐sanctioned coercion, control, and containment across “free society,” geographers have extended Foucault's concept of “the carceral” to more and increasingly diffuse spaces and processes. In this paper, however, we aim to re‐center the prison in the carceral geographies literature, reasserting it as the sine qua non of the subfield. In doing so, we organize geographers' analysis of prisons into nine conceptual categories based on this journal's areas of geographical exploration: cultural, development, economic, environment, geographic information systems & quantitative, historical, political, social, and urban. In addition to providing a review of existing prison research in geography, we illustrate the diversity of disciplinary approaches to that most “complete and austere” of institutions.
ASSET‐MARKET SENTIMENTS AND BUSINESS CYCLE FLUCTUATIONS
Authors: Liu Xuewen , Wang Pengfei , Xu Sichuang
Published: March 2024

We present a tractable model that accommodates asset‐market sentiment in a standard Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) setting, allowing us to quantitatively evaluate sentiment‐driven macroeconomic fluctuations. In our model, changes in households' perceived uncertainty about housing prices lead to self‐fulfilling fluctuations in housing prices, which then impact investment and output through entrepreneurs' collateral constraints. Household sentiment shocks hence are transmitted and propagated to the macroeconomy, generating boom–bust cycles. Uncertainty, housing prices, and the real economy are linked. Quantitatively, the sentiment shock in the form of risk–panic is a crucial driver of business cycle fluctuations despite the presence of various competing shocks.
Steroid receptor coactivator 1 promotes human hepatocellular carcinoma invasiveness through enhancing MMP‐9
Authors: Tong Zhangwei , Zhang Yong , Guo Peng , Wang Wei , Chen Qiang , Jin Jing , Liu Shixiao , Yu Chundong , Mo Pingli , Zhang Lei , Huang Junli
Published: March 2024

SRC‐1 functions as a transcriptional coactivator for steroid receptors and various transcriptional factors. Notably, SRC‐1 has been implicated in oncogenic roles in multiple cancers, including breast cancer and prostate cancer. Previous investigations from our laboratory have established the high expression of SRC‐1 in human HCC specimens, where it accelerates HCC progression by enhancing Wnt/beta‐catenin signalling. In this study, we uncover a previously unknown role of SRC‐1 in HCC metastasis. Our findings reveal that SRC‐1 promotes HCC metastasis through the augmentation of MMP‐9 expression. The knockdown of SRC‐1 effectively mitigated HCC cell metastasis both in vitro and in vivo by suppressing MMP‐9 expression. Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation between SRC‐1 mRNA levels and MMP‐9 mRNA levels in limited and larger cohorts of HCC specimens from GEO database. Mechanistically, SRC‐1 operates as a coactivator for NF‐κB and AP‐1, enhancing MMP‐9 promoter activity in HCC cells. Higher levels of SRC‐1 and MMP‐9 expression are associated with worse overall survival in HCC patients. Treatment with Bufalin, known to inhibit SRC‐1 expression, significantly decreased MMP‐9 expression and inhibited HCC metastasis in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Our results demonstrated the pivotal role of SRC‐1 as a critical modulator in HCC metastasis, presenting a potential therapeutic target for HCC intervention.
Association between sex hormones and bone age in boys aged 9–18 years from China
Authors: Shu Wen , Niu Wenquan , Zhang Yaqin , Li Hui
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to analyse the association between sex hormones and bone age (BA) in boys aged 9–18 years, both individually and interactively, and further to explore whether nutritional status may influence this association. A retrospective analysis was performed among 1382 Chinese boys with physical measurements, sexual characteristics, BA radiographs and sex hormone indicators from February 2015 to February 2022. A total of 470 (34.0%) boys had advanced BA. BA was positively associated with estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone in both advanced and normal BA groups after adjusting for age, genetic height and body mass index. Multiple logistic regression showed that after adjusting for covariates, estradiol (odds ratio [OR] = 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–2.12), LH (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.04–1.96), and testosterone (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.17–2.13) were significantly associated with the increased risk of advanced BA in boys, and the association was reinforced when these hormones were interactively explored. Stratified by nutritional status, the interaction between estradiol, LH, and testosterone showed a strong association with advanced BA in boys with normal weight.
Mendelian randomization analysis reveals a causal effect of Streptococcus salivarius on diabetic retinopathy through regulating host fasting glucose
Authors: Li Jingjing , Zheng Gongwei , Jiang Dingping , Deng Chunyu , Zhang Yaru , Ma Yunlong , Su Jianzhong
Published: March 2024

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of leading causes of vision loss in adults with increasing prevalence worldwide. Increasing evidence has emphasized the importance of gut microbiome in the aetiology and development of DR. However, the causal relationship between gut microbes and DR remains largely unknown. To investigate the causal associations of DR with gut microbes and DR risk factors, we employed two‐sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses to estimate the causal effects of 207 gut microbes on DR outcomes. Inputs for MR included Genome‐wide Association Study (GWAS) summary statistics of 207 taxa of gut microbes (the Dutch Microbiome Project) and 21 risk factors for DR. The GWAS summary statistics data of DR was from the FinnGen Research Project. Data analysis was performed in May 2023. We identified eight bacterial taxa that exhibited significant causal associations with DR (FDR < 0.05). Among them, genus Collinsella and species Collinsella aerofaciens were associated with increased risk of DR, while the species Bacteroides faecis, Burkholderiales bacterium_1_1_47, Ruminococcus torques, Streptococcus salivarius, genus Burkholderiales_noname and family Burkholderiales_noname showed protective effects against DR. Notably, we found that the causal effect of species Streptococcus salivarius on DR was mediated through the level of host fasting glucose, a well‐established risk factor for DR. Our results reveal that specific gut microbes may be causally linked to DR via mediating host metabolic risk factors, highlighting potential novel therapeutic or preventive targets for DR.
4‐octyl itaconate alleviates cisplatin‐induced ferroptosis possibly via activating the NRF2/HO‐1 signalling pathway
Authors: Zhang Li , Song Wenao , Li Hua , Cui Xiaolin , Ma Jingyu , Wang Rongrong , Xu Yue , Li Ming , Bai Xiaohui , Wang Dawei , Sun Haihui , Lu Zhiming
Published: March 2024

Ferroptosis, characterized by iron‐dependent lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, plays a pivotal role in cisplatin‐induced ototoxicity. Existing research has suggested that in cisplatin‐mediated damage to auditory cells and hearing loss, ferroptosis is partially implicated. 4‐Octyl itaconate (4‐OI), derived from itaconic acid, effectively permeates cell membranes, showcasing potent anti‐inflammatory as well as antioxidant effects in several disease models. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of 4‐OI on cisplatin‐induced ferroptosis and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The survival rates of HEI‐OC1 cells and mice cochlea hair cells were measured by CCK8 and immunofluorescence, respectively. The auditory brainstem response (ABR) audiometry was used to detect changes in hearing thresholds in mice before and after treatment. Levels of ROS were evaluated by DCFH‐DA. Real‐time PCR quantified inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β. Network Pharmacology and RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) analysis of the potential mechanism of 4‐OI resistance to cisplatin‐induced ferroptosis. The expressions of ferroptosis‐related factors (GPX4, SLC7A11 and PTGS2) and important antioxidant factors (NRF2, HO‐1, GCLC and NQO1) were tested by real‐time PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence. Results demonstrated cisplatin‐induced significant ROS and inflammatory factor release, reduced NRF2 expression, hindered nuclear translocation and activated ferroptosis. Pretreatment with 4‐OI exhibited anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects, along with resistance to ferroptosis, ultimately mitigating cisplatin‐induced cell loss. In the present study, we show that 4‐OI inhibits cisplatin‐induced ferroptosis possibly through activation of the NRF2/HO‐1 signalling pathway, thereby exerting a protective effect against cisplatin‐induced damage to auditory cells, and providing a new therapeutic strategy for cisplatin‐induced hearing loss.
Unveiling the role of YARS1 in bladder cancer: A prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target
Authors: Wang YaXuan , Wang Jinfeng , Zhang Lu , He JiaXing , Ji Bo , Wang JianShe , Ding BeiChen , Ren MingHua
Published: March 2024

YARS is responsible for catalysing the binding of tyrosine to its cognate tRNA and plays a crucial role in basic biosynthesis. However, its biological functions in bladder cancer remains to be proven. We analysed variations in YARS1 expression and survival in bladder cancer using multiple data sets, including TCGA‐BLCA, GSE13507 and bladder cancer‐specific tissue microarrays. Furthermore, we explored the biological functions of YARS1 using transcriptome data. Our findings revealed a noteworthy correlation between YARS1 and immune infiltration in bladder cancer, as determined using the XCELL algorithm and single‐cell analysis. In addition, we employed the TIDE algorithm to evaluate the responsiveness of different cohorts to immune checkpoint therapy. We investigated the regulatory associations between YARS1 and various aspects of bladder cancer, including senescence, ferroptosis and stemness. Finally, we established a ceRNA network that is directly linked to the overall prognosis, YARS1 can serve as a prognostic biomarker for bladder cancer; its interaction with MYC has implications for bladder cancer cell senescence, ferroptosis and stemness. Moreover, the identified ceRNA network has potential as a therapeutic target in bladder cancer.
Impacts of integration of mola with prawn–carp gher farming: An approach to enhance household fish consumption and family income
Authors: Islam Shikder Saiful , Mondal Saikat Ranjan , Bir Joyanta , Sabbir Wasim , Azad Md. Abul Kalam , Wahab Md. Abdul , Borski Russell , Huq Khandaker Anisul
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the production performance, household fish consumption, and commercial feasibility of prawn–carp–mola mixed gher farming system. Three treatments with different species compositions were compared: prawn + rohu, prawn + mola, and prawn + rohu + mola, each having different stocking densities. The results indicated that the integration of mola improved the utilization of feed protein by prawns. However, mola inclusion did not significantly affect the growth of prawn and rohu or the production system's cost. Mola inclusion led to a significant increase in the gross production, household consumption, and sale of mola, prawn, and rohu. It also increased gross returns, income above variable cost, and net returns to land, family labor, and management. In addition, the inclusion of mola significantly increased household consumption by increasing the intake of nutrient‐rich mola and overall fish consumption. This improvement in food consumption contributed to ensuring the nutritional requirements and food security of impoverished rural farmers, especially women and children. Consequently, the integration of small fish mola in prawn–carp gher farming systems is recommended as a beneficial practice for wider adoption, effectively addressing household nutrition security at the rural level and improving the livelihoods of farmers.
Is the wandering mind a planning mind?
Authors: Junker Frederik Tollerup , Grünbaum Thor
Published: March 2024

Recent studies on mind‐wandering reveal its potential role in goal exploration and planning future actions. How to understand these explorative functions and their impact on planning remains unclear. Given certain conceptions of intentions and beliefs, the explorative functions of mind‐wandering could lead to regular reconsideration of one's intentions. However, this would be in tension with the stability of intentions central to rational planning agency. We analyze the potential issue of excessive reconsideration caused by mind‐wandering. Our response resolves this tension, presenting a model that aligns the roles of mind‐wandering in planning with empirical evidence and the sustained stability of intentions.
Microbial dominated Ca‐carbonates in a giant Pliocene cold‐seep system (Crotone Basin – South Italy)
Authors: Perri Edoardo , Borrelli Mario , Heimhofer Ulrich , Umbro Bruno , Santagati Pierluigi , Le Pera Emilia
Published: March 2024

The Pliocene cold‐seep carbonate of the Crotone Basin (South Italy) represents a key site for dimension, outcropping exposure and quality. These deposits form a large carbonate (calcite) body (350 m long, 100 m wide and 40 m thick), and are characterized by a conduit facies made of authigenic calcite interpreted as previously active gas/fluid escape pipes and by a pavement facies, depicted as the surrounding early calcite‐cemented bioclastic and siliciclastic sediments. Pavement facies are commonly colonized by chemosymbiotic and non‐chemosymbiotic macrofauna (Lucinid and Solemyid bivalves, gastropods and serpulids). The conduit microfacies is characterized by the inward accretion of dark micritic laminae alternating with whitish sparitic layers. The micritic laminae show a microbial peloidal to dendrolitic fabric, which commonly incorporates planktonic foraminifera and coprolites, whereas the crystalline layers consist of microsparitic and sparitic crusts of prismatic zoned calcite crystals. The pavement facies shows more variability, because it is typified by laminated microbial boundstones, chemosymbiotic–bivalves packstone, foraminiferal packstone/wackestone and hybrid arenites. The stratigraphic constraint coupled with the foraminiferal assemblage (planktonic taxa) suggest a deep‐water setting occasionally affected by siliciclastic sedimentary flows. The pavement facies also shows common brecciation features, suggesting the establishment of post‐depositional overpressure conditions due to the early cementation of the conduits, which triggered localized rock failure. Stable isotope analysis of the different facies reveals overall negative δ13C values (−6.8 to −37.4‰ Vienna PeeDee Belemnite), indicating the presence of a complex mixture of methane with other hydrocarbons consumed microbially via anaerobic oxidation of methane; whereas δ18O is relatively positive (0.0 to 3.4‰ Vienna PeeDee Belemnite) suggesting the possible dehydration of clay minerals and/or destabilization of gas hydrates. This study, besides helping in the definition of the migration pathways and modality of accumulation of hydrocarbon‐rich fluids, can also help in building more and more realistic models for the complex genesis of cold‐seep carbonates.
Investigating the accuracy and comparability of various lime prediction methods for Irish grassland mineral soils
Authors: Mackessy F. , McCarthy E. , Broderick E. , O'Donnell B. , Quille P.
Published: March 2024

Soil pH is a foundational element of agronomy, profoundly influencing biological, chemical and physical soil processes. Adjusting soil pH is a paramount factor for enhancing soil health and productivity with far‐reaching environmental benefits. Over time soil naturally tends towards acidity, a process expedited by intensive agriculture practices. To determine the extent of necessary pH corrections, precise soil pH testing is imperative. Various methods including buffer systems, titrations, lime incubations and algorithms considering soil texture are used to assess a soil's lime requirement and each method carries distinct advantages and disadvantages. The Shoemaker–McLean–Pratt (SMP) buffer method is extensively used in Ireland and internationally; however, safety concerns owing to the use of hazardous chemicals required within the method have been highlighted. This study investigates various soil lime requirement tests and compares their performance against a lime incubation study. A proposed alternative to the SMP buffer test for Irish grassland soils is also investigated. Analysis of results obtained indicates that the SMP buffer method demonstrated the highest r2 value of .497 when correlated with lime incubation results, while the calcium hydroxide titration method closely aligns with the SMP buffer method with an r2 value of .816, followed by the modified Mehlich buffer method with an r2 value of .763.