bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PREDICTING SPEECH INTELLIGIBILITY FROM A SELECTIVE ATTENTION DECODING PARADIGM IN COCHLEAR IMPLANT USERS
Authors: Nogueira Waldo , Dolhopiatenko Hanna 
Published: September 2021

1.ABSTRACTObjectivesElectroencephalography (EEG) can be used to decode selective attention in cochlear implant (CI) users. This work investigates if selective attention to an attended speech source in the presence of a concurrent speech source can predict speech understanding in CI users.ApproachCI users were instructed to attend to one out of two speech streams while EEG was recorded. Both speech streams were presented to the same ear and at different signal to interference ratios (SIRs). Speech envelope reconstruction of the to-be-attended speech from EEG was obtained by training decoders using regularized least squares. The correlation coefficient between the reconstructed and the attended (ρASIR) and between the reconstructed and the unattended (ρUSIR) speech stream at each SIR was computed.Main ResultsSelective attention decoding in CI users is possible even if both speech streams are presented monaurally. A significant effect of SIR on the correlation coefficient to the attended signal ρASIR, as well as on the difference correlation coefficients ρASIR – ρUSIR and ρASIR – ρUSIR was observed, but not on the unattended correlation coefficient ρUSIR. Finally, the results show a significant correlation between speech understanding performance and the correlation coefficients ρASIR–ρUSIR or −ρUSIR across subjects. Moreover, the difference correlation coefficient ρASIR – ρU−SIR, which is less affected by the CI electrical artifact, presented a correlation trend with speech understanding performance.SignificanceSelective attention decoding in CI users is possible, however care needs to be taken with the CI artifact and the speech material used to train the decoders. Even if only a small correlation trend between selective attention decoding and speech understanding was observed, these results are important for future development of objective speech understanding measures for CI users.
Network-based prediction and functional validation of metformin for potential treatment of atrial fibrillation using human inducible pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial-like cardiomyocytes
Authors: Lal Jessica Castrillon , Zhou Yadi , Gore-Panter Shamone R. , Rennison Julie H. , Barnard John , Van Wagoner David R. , Cheng Feixiong , Chung Mina K. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, and effective therapeutic interventions are lacking. Here, we harness an integrative, network medicine approach to repurpose FDA-approved drugs for AF. We hypothesize that the use of an unbiased method for prioritizing AF drugs using patient transcriptomics data can help to identify alternative therapeutic strategies and mechanism-of-action for these drugs. To achieve this, we first characterized the molecular networks specific to AF by incorporating transcriptomic data of left atrial tissue. We quantified the network proximity of genes differentially expressed in AF to drug targets to identify putative drugs for repurposing. We identified nine high-confidence drug candidates that were validated using enrichment analysis of drug-gene signatures in human cell lines. We identified metformin for the potential treatment of AF and validated its use in human inducible pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial-like cardiomyocytes. We identified AF-specific dysregulated networks enriched in cardiac metabolism, ion transport, and immune pathways that were improved following metformin treatment. In summary, this study utilized network-based approaches for rapid identification of drugs that may be repurposed for AF treatment and validated metformin as a candidate drug using a robust human atrial cell model.
Marker-free genome engineering in Amycolatopsis using the pSAM2 site-specific recombination system
Authors: Santos Luísa D. F. , Caraty-Philippe Laëtitia , Darbon Emmanuelle , Pernodet Jean-Luc 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTActinobacteria belonging to the genus Amycolatopsis are important for antibiotic production and other valuable biotechnological applications such as biodegradation or bioconversion. Despite their industrial importance, tools and methods for the genetic manipulation of Amycolatopsis are less developed than in other actinobacteria such as Streptomyces. Moreover, most of the existing methods do not support convenient marker-free genome engineering. Here, we report the use of the pSAM2 site-specific recombination system for the efficient deletion of marker genes or large DNA regions in Amycolatopsis. For this purpose, we constructed a shuttle vector, replicating in Escherichia coli and Amycolatopsis, expressing the Xis and Int proteins from the Streptomyces integrative and conjugative element pSAM2. These proteins are sufficient for site-specific recombination between the attachment sites attL and attR. We also constructed two plasmids, replicative in E. coli but not in Amycolatopsis, for the integration of the recombination sites attL and attR on each side of a region targeted for deletion. We exemplified the use of these tools in Amycolatopsis mediterranei DSM 40773 by obtaining with high efficiency (>95%) a marker-free deletion of one single gene in the rifamycin biosynthetic gene cluster or of the entire 90-kb cluster.IMPORTANCEThe genus Amycolatopsis is regarded as an important source of diverse specialized metabolites. Members of this genus are used in industry for the production of valuable antibiotics such as rifamycins or vancomycin. Amycolatopsis spp. also present a great interest for biotechnological applications such as biodegradation or bioconversion. Despite their importance, their genetic manipulation was somehow hampered by the lack of efficient tools. Here we report the successful use of the pSAM2 site-specific recombination system to construct unmarked deletion mutants, allowing marker recycling, or to create large deletions in A. mediterranei DSM 40773. The high efficiency of this site-specific recombination system and it possible application to other Amycolatopsis species open new opportunities for marker-free genome engineering in this genus.
In search of a core cellular network with single cell transcriptome data in the fruit fly
Authors: Yang Ming , Harrison Benjamin R. , Promislow Daniel E.L. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAlong with specialized functions, cells of multicellular organisms also perform essential functions. Whether diverse cells do this by using the same set of genes, interacting in a fixed coordinated fashion, remains a central question in biology. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) measures gene expression of individual cells, enabling researchers to discover gene expression patterns that contribute to the diversity of cell functions. Current efforts focus primarily on identifying differentially expressed genes. However, patterns of co-expression between genes are more indicative of biological processes than are the expression of individual genes. Here, we constructed cell type-specific gene co-expression networks using the fly brain transcriptome atlas to search for a core cellular network. We detected a set of highly coordinated genes preserved across cell types and defined this set as the core network. This network was further validated through two additional datasets profiling fly brains or heads. This core has a small size and shows dense connectivity. Modules within this core are enriched for basic cellular functions and gene members of these modules have distinct evolutionary signatures. Overall, we demonstrated that a core cellular network exists in diverse cell types of fly brains and this core exhibits unique topological, structural, functional and evolutionary properties.
Targeted biallelic integration of an inducible Caspase 9 suicide gene for safer cellular therapies prevents development of drug-resistant escapees in human iPSCs
Authors: Wunderlich Stephanie , Haase Alexandra , Merkert Sylvia , Jahn Kirsten , Deest Maximillian , Glage Silke , Korte Wilhelm , Martens Andreas , Kirschning Andreas , Zeug Andre , Ponimaskin Evgeni , Goehring Gudrun , Ackermann Mania , Lachmann Nico , Moritz Thomas , Zweigerdt Robert , Martin Ulrich 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDrug-inducible suicide systems may help to minimize risks of cellular therapies due to the tumor forming potential of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Recent research challenged the usefulness of such systems since rare drug-resistant subclones were observed that showed elimination or silencing of the transgene.We have introduced a drug-inducible Caspase9 suicide system (iCASP9) into the AAVS1 safe harbor locus of hiPSCs. In these cells, apoptosis could be efficiently induced in vitro. In mice, drug treatment generally led to rapid elimination of teratomas, but individual animals subsequently formed tumor tissue from monoallelic iCASP9 hiPSCs. Very rare drug-resistant subclones of monoallelic iCASP9 hiPSCs appeared in vitro with frequencies of ~ 3×10-8. Transgene elimination, presumably via Loss of Heterozygosity (LoH), or methylation of the CAG promoter but not methylation of the ppp1r12c locus were identified as underlying mechanisms. In contrast, we never observed any escapees from biallelic iCASP9 hiPSCs, even after treatment of up to 0.8 billion hiPSCs.In conclusion, biallelic integration of an iCASP9 system in the AAVS1 locus may substantially contribute to the safety level of iPSC-based therapies, which should be calculated by relating clonal escapee frequencies to the cell number in tumors of a size that is readily detectable during routine screening procedures.
Optineurin links Hace1-dependent Rac ubiquitylation to integrin-mediated mechanotransduction to control bacterial invasion and cell division
Authors: Petracchini Serena , Hamaoui Daniel , Doye Anne , Asnacios Atef , Fage Florian , Vitiello Elisa , Balland Martial , Janel Sebastien , Lafont Frank , Gupta Mukund , Ladoux Benoit , Gilleron Jerôme , Maia Teresa , Impens Francis , Gagnoux-Palacios Laurent , Daugaard Mads , Sorensen Poul H. , Lemichez Emmanuel , Mettouchi Amel 
Published: September 2021

SUMMARYExtracellular matrix (ECM) elasticity is perceived by cells via focal adhesion structures, which transduce mechanical cues into chemical signalling to conform cell behaviour. Although the contribution of ECM compliance to the control of cell migration or division has been extensively studied, little has been reported regarding infectious processes. We have studied how mechanical properties of the ECM impact invasion of cells by the extraintestinal Escherichia coli pathogen UTI89. We show that UTI89 takes advantage, via its CNF1 toxin, of integrin mechanoactivation to trigger its invasion into cells. We identified OPTN as a protein regulated by ECM stiffness whose function is required for bacterial invasion and integrin mechanical coupling and for stimulation of HACE1 E3 ligase activity towards the Rac1 GTPase. We showed that OPTN knockdown cells display enhanced Rac1 activation, strong mechanochemical adhesion signalling and increased cyclin D1 translation, together with enhanced cell proliferation independent of ECM stiffness. Despite such features, OPTN knockdown cells displayed defective traction force buildup associated with limited cellular invasion by UTI89. Together, our data indicate that OPTN, through a new role in mechanobiology, supports CNF1-producing uropathogenic E. coli invasion and links HACE1-mediated ubiquitylation of Rac1 to ECM mechanical properties and integrin mechanotransduction.
Multi-functional feedforward inhibitory circuits for cortical odor processing
Authors: Suzuki Norimitsu , Tantirigama Malinda L. S. , Huang Helena H.-Y. , Bekkers John M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractFeedforward inhibitory circuits are key contributors to the complex interplay between excitation and inhibition in the brain. Little is known about the function of feedforward inhibition in the primary olfactory (piriform) cortex. Using in vivo two-photon targeted patch clamping and calcium imaging in mice, we find that odors evoke strong excitation in two classes of interneurons – neurogliaform (NG) cells and horizontal (HZ) cells – that provide feedforward inhibition in layer 1 of the piriform cortex. NG cells fire much earlier than HZ cells following odor onset, a difference that can be attributed to the faster odor-driven excitatory synaptic drive that NG cells receive from the olfactory bulb. As a consequence, NG cells strongly but transiently inhibit odor-evoked excitation in layer 2 principal cells, whereas HZ cells provide more diffuse and prolonged feedforward inhibition. Our findings reveal unexpected complexity in the operation of inhibition in the piriform cortex.
The weighted impact factor: the paper evaluation index based on the citation ratio
Authors: Ding Jingda , Xie Ruixia , Liu Chao , Yuan Yiqing 
Published: September 2021

PurposeThis study distinguishes the academic influence of different papers published in journals of the same subject or field based on the modification of the journal impact factor.Design/methodology/approachTaking SSCI journals in library and information science (LIS) as the research object, the authors first explore the skewness degree of the citation distribution of journal articles. Then, we define the paper citation ratio as the weight of impact factor to modify the journal impact factor for the evaluation of papers, namely the weighted impact factor. The authors further explore the feasibility of the weighted impact factor in evaluating papers.FindingsThe research results show that different types of skewness exist in the citation distribution of journal papers. Particularly, 94% of journal paper citations are highly skewed, while the rest are moderately skewed. The weighted impact factor has a closer correlation with the citation frequency of papers than the journal impact factor. It resolves the issue that the journal impact factor tends to exaggerate the influence of low-cited papers in journals with high impact factors or weaken the influence of high-cited papers in journals with low impact factors.Originality/valueThe weighted impact factor is constructed based on the skewness of the citation distribution of journal articles. It provides a new method to distinguish the academic influence of different papers published in journals of the same subject or field, then avoids the situation that papers published in the same journal having the same academic impact.
Impact of knowledge management processes on organizational performance: the mediating role of absorptive capacity
Authors: Migdadi Mahmoud M. 
Published: September 2021

PurposeExisting research on knowledge management processes (KMPs) and absorptive capacity (ACAP) is primarily conceptual and descriptive in nature, and empirical research confirming the real impact of KMPs when developing ACAP is lacking. Furthermore, the relationship between ACAP and organizational performance (OP) has not been adequately studied. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to introduce a comprehensive, delineated and integrated conceptual model which encompasses KMPs, ACAP and OP. Then, an empirical investigation is undertaken to test the relationships among the proposed study model variables.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 245 questionnaires were useable. Partial least square 3.3.3 is utilized to examine the validity of the measurement model and test the hypotheses.FindingsThe findings of this study suggest that KMPs influence ACAP and ACAP affects OP. Finally, the results show that KMPs affect OP directly and indirectly through ACAP (mediator).Practical implicationsThe results of this study help managers to ascertain the managerial practices that can be employed as well as determine the level of effort and resources necessary to enhance ACAP. Additionally, managers should shed additional light on the ACAP's positive implications for OP.Originality/valueThis study focuses on the conceptualization of KMP and empirically tests the effect of these individual processes on ACAP and on OP. Finally, the relationship between KMPs and OP, although implied, needs to be addressed empirically in the research literature through utilizing ACAP as mediator between KMPs and OP, this appears to be the first study to try to achieve this main objective.
Do social interactions matter for borrowing behaviour of the Europeans aged 50+?
Authors: Fernández-López Sara , Daoudi Djamila , Rey-Ares Lucía 
Published: September 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the linkage between households' social interactions and credit context and how these interactions may influence household borrowing decisions.Design/methodology/approachBased on a sample of 45,907 individuals referred to 18 countries, drawn from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, different probit regressions are used to test the four hypotheses proposed.FindingsEmpirical evidence confirms that intensive and extensive sociability are positively related to consumer debt holding. However, when social activities are considered separately, there is weak evidence that they are also related to mortgage debt holding and over-indebtedness. Moreover, at this level of analysis, the different nature of the social activities in which the individual participates in may condition the relationship with borrowing behaviour. The findings also show that relative income plays a passive role in household borrowing behaviour, since low-income households are more likely to hold mortgage and informal loans or to be over-indebted in highly indebted countries.Originality/valueFirst, this paper extends the knowledge of the relationship between social interactions and borrowing behaviour by considering not only the intensity and diversity of the social activities in which the individual participates, but also the different nature of these activities. Second, it proposes that social interactions may play a passive role on borrowing decision, suggesting that household's behaviour might be passively affected by the density of borrowers surrounding it. To the best of our knowledge, there has not been any attempt to test this issue regarding household borrowing decisions. Third, unlike the few empirical papers on the topic, the paper also analyses previous issues by distinguishing between different types of debts; a distinction that revels the different role played by social interactions.
Framing the customer journey: touch point categories and decision-making process stages
Authors: Towers Angela , Towers Neil 
Published: September 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to define and frame the understanding of customer journeys, associated areas of consumer decision-making process stages and touch point categories based on an ownership perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on a detailed literature review of customer journeys, in peer-reviewed marketing and retail journals, within the last decade. The Chartered Association of Business Schools (ABS) academic journal guide marketing discipline list was used because it only includes peer-reviewed journals, based on an internationally accepted quality ranked list.FindingsThe detailed analysis of the journals identified three groups of touch points (brand owned, partner owned/managed and outside the control of brand owner/partner) and three decision-making process stages (pre-purchase, purchase and post–purchase) that informed a clearer definition and understanding of the customer journey.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations concern the ABS database was used and a ten-year date period was selected, which may exclude some relevant journal articles, particularly those written in a language other than English.Originality/valueThe authors have provided a revised definition of customer journey, clarified the decision-making stages and subsequent categorisation of touch points from an ownership perspective.
Can risk communication in mass media improve compliance behavior in the COVID-19 pandemic? Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Thanh Pham Tien , Tung Le Thanh 
Published: September 2021

PurposeDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, mass media play a vital role in containing the outbreak of the virus by quickly and effectively delivering risk communication messages to the public. This research examines the effects of risk communication exposure on public understanding and risk perception of COVID-19 and public compliance with health preventive measures.Design/methodology/approachData from Vietnam during COVID-19 social distancing and path analysis model are used for empirical analysis.FindingsThis analysis finds that exposure to risk communication in mass media encourages public compliance directly and indirectly through the mediating roles of public understanding and risk perception. Further investigations also find that exposure to risk communication in both online media and traditional media facilitates public compliance. In addition, exposure to risk communication in online media only raises public risk perception, whereas exposure to risk communication in traditional media only raises public understanding.Research limitations/implicationsThis research implies that traditional and online media should be combined to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of government risk communication work.Originality/valueThis research is among the first attempts that examine the role of mass media (both traditional and online) in enhancing public compliance with preventive measures directly and indirectly through the mediating roles of public risk perception and understanding.
Meaning-making on the ground: an empirical study on interactional framing in environmental conflicts
Authors: van Vuuren-Verkerk Korien , Aarts Noelle , van der Stoep Jan 
Published: September 2021

PurposeThe study aims to explain the communicative basis of conflicts in which actors stand in opposition in defining a negotiated situation and to deepen knowledge of environmental conflict development, in particular on how frames are (re)shaped through discursive choices in interaction.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts an interactional approach to framing and 1) identifies the frames shaped and reshaped in four environmental debates and 2) analyzes how framing activities affect the course of the debates.FindingsThis study contributes to understanding 1) the interactive nature of conflicts; 2) how the reception and interpretation of issue framing depends on the surrounding identity and characterization framing and 3) how framing activities, like identity work, emotional alignment and reframing, can affect the course of environmental debates toward polarizing or bridging.Research limitations/implicationsOn a methodological level, this study contributes to communication research by applying methodologies for investigating framing processes on a micro-level. This study investigates interactional framing, considering the perspectives of frame strategists engaging in issue arenas. The study provides an in-depth discourse analysis of the debates but lacks an overview on the entire issue arena regarding this conflict.Practical implicationsSkilled actors span boundaries by articulating issue frames that accommodate opponents' concerns and values while demonstrating the added value of the new frame, adjusting identity work in favor of relations with opponents. Furthermore, calibrating emotional intensity offers opportunities to mobilize support.Originality/valueThis research investigates which communicative competences are essential to act adequately in environmental conflicts, given their intractable nature, and suggests opportunities for cocreation by making discursive choices. This approach helps to uncover the micro-processes that escalate and de-escalate a conflict.