bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying disease-critical cell types and cellular processes across the human body by integration of single-cell profiles and human genetics
Authors: Jagadeesh Karthik A. , Dey Kushal K. , Montoro Daniel T. , Mohan Rahul , Gazal Steven , Engreitz Jesse M. , Xavier Ramnik J. , Price Alkes L. , Regev Aviv 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTGenome-wide association studies (GWAS) provide a powerful means to identify loci and genes contributing to disease, but in many cases the related cell types/states through which genes confer disease risk remain unknown. Deciphering such relationships is important for identifying pathogenic processes and developing therapeutics. Here, we introduce sc-linker, a framework for integrating single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), epigenomic maps and GWAS summary statistics to infer the underlying cell types and processes by which genetic variants influence disease. We analyzed 1.6 million scRNA-seq profiles from 209 individuals spanning 11 tissue types and 6 disease conditions, and constructed gene programs capturing cell types, disease progression, and cellular processes both within and across cell types. We evaluated these gene programs for disease enrichment by transforming them to SNP annotations with tissue-specific epigenomic maps and computing enrichment scores across 60 diseases and complex traits (average N=297K). Cell type, disease progression, and cellular process programs captured distinct heritability signals even within the same cell type, as we show in multiple complex diseases that affect the brain (Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis), colon (ulcerative colitis) and lung (asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, severe COVID-19). The inferred disease enrichments recapitulated known biology and highlighted novel cell-disease relationships, including GABAergic neurons in major depressive disorder (MDD), a disease progression M cell program in ulcerative colitis, and a disease-specific complement cascade process in multiple sclerosis. In autoimmune disease, both healthy and disease progression immune cell type programs were associated, whereas for epithelial cells, disease progression programs were most prominent, perhaps suggesting a role in disease progression over initiation. Our framework provides a powerful approach for identifying the cell types and cellular processes by which genetic variants influence disease.
Bacterial hopanoids: a newly identified potent inducer of monocyte to macrophage differentiation
Authors: Bhattacharya Anindita , Ghosh Arnab , Mallik Suman , Mandal Subhasis , Sen Prosenjit 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMonocyte to macrophage differentiation is an extremely essential cellular and immunological process aimed to combat the assault of foreign pathogens as well as this process has immense importance in the maintenance of physiological homeostasis. Differentiated macrophage, serving as specialized phagocytes is an indispensable component of innate immunity. Besides this, being a well-documented antigen-presenting cell (APC) macrophages also function as a key regulator of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity: the two integral components of adaptive immunity. Bacterial hopanoids are a primitive analogous of eukaryotic sterols that are established as a prominent immunomodulator. In this study, we have demonstrated the isolation protocol of neutral lipid fractions from different Gram-negative bacteria, and adopting several analytical approaches we proposed that the extracted lipid fractions may contain hopanoid as an active component. We have delved deeper into the biological effect of these probable hopanoids like compounds. Here, by considering the several structural and functional attributes like altered phenotype, expression of macrophage-specific markers, increased intracellular organelles, acquirement of enhanced phagocytic and inflammatory property, induction of autophagy, etc we have established hopanoids as a potential inducer of monocyte to macrophage differentiation. Thus, our study has unraveled a new immunomodulator present in Gram-negative bacteria and would undoubtedly help to understand the intricacies of host-pathogen interaction in a better and conclusive manner.
A versatile CRISPR toolbox to study neurological CaV3.2 channelopathies by promoter-mediated transcription control
Authors: Tsortouktzidis Despina , Tröscher Anna R. , Schulz Herbert , Schoch Susanne , Becker Albert J. , van Loo Karen M.J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPrecise genome editing in combination with viral delivery systems provides a valuable tool for neuroscience research. Traditionally, the role of genes in neuronal circuits has been addressed by overexpression or knock-out/knock-down systems. However, those techniques do not manipulate the endogenous loci and therefore have limitations. Those constraints include that many genes exhibit extensive alternative splicing, which can be regulated by neuronal activity. This complexity cannot be easily reproduced by overexpression of one protein variant. The CRISPR activation and interference/inhibition systems (CRISPRa/i) directed to promoter sequences can modulate the expression of selected target genes in a highly specific manner. This strategy could be particularly useful for the overexpression of large proteins and for alternatively spliced genes, e.g. for studying large ion channels known to be affected in ion channelopathies in a variety of neurological diseases. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of a newly developed CRISPRa/i toolbox to manipulate the promoter activity of theCacna1hgene. Impaired, function of the low-voltage-activated T-Type calcium channel CaV3.2 is involved in genetic/mutational as well as acquired/transcriptional channelopathies that emerge with epileptic seizures. We show CRISPR-induced activation and inhibition of theCacna1hlocus in NS20Y cells and primary cortical neurons, as well as activation in mouse organotypic slice cultures. In future applications, the system offers the intriguing perspective to study functional effects of gain-of-function or loss-of-function variations in theCacna1hgene in more detail. A better understanding of CaV3.2 channelopathies might result in a major advancement in the pharmacotherapy of CaV3.2 channelopathy diseases.
Interdependent relation between earned media and TV ratings
Authors: Bae Giwoong , Kim Hye-Jin 
Published: March 2021

PurposeSocial media (e.g., e-WOM) and traditional media (e.g., media coverage) serve different roles in a firm's marketing activities and also interact with each other, which in turn affect the market outcome. In addition, how market outcome affects the two types of media in turn has not been examined, which brings the need for a holistic framework. The rare study that examines this relation mostly relies on the volume of media rather than the valence. This study examines the interdependent relation between the volume and valence of social media, the volume of traditional media and TV ratings.Design/methodology/approachForty-one South Korean TV drama shows from October 2014 to March 2016 were analyzed using the 3SLS estimation to examine the interdependent relation between the variables.FindingsFirst, the volume of traditional media has a negative effect on the volume of social media. Second, ratings negatively affect the valence of social media. Third, the volume of traditional media is found to have a negative effect on ratings. This is explained by the displacement effect.Originality/valueThis study is one of the very few studies that examine the interdependent relation between various earned media and market outcomes in one framework. In addition, it has originality in that it considers the valence of social media, which is an important dimension in analyzing earned media. Our results show negative effects of news media on TV ratings and e-WOM, which diverge from common intuition.
Psychological pricing in online food retail
Authors: Hillen Judith 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThis study aims to analyse the use of psychological pricing in online food retailing. In stationary grocery shops, psychological prices with nine-endings have been a well-documented phenomenon for many decades. However, little is known about the relevance of this pricing practice in the growing grocery e-commerce sector.Design/methodology/approachThe authors investigate the frequency of nine-ending prices at Amazon Fresh for more than 10,000 products from May 2019 until March 2020 for the customer location Berlin, Germany. Applying a within–between logit model, the authors identify the determinants for the use of nine-ending prices.FindingsThe authors find that more than 70% of all prices end in the digit 9. This indicates that Amazon Fresh applies psychological pricing to a similar degree as traditional offline grocers. Nine-ending prices are more likely for so-called “want” products such as snacks and sweets than for “should” products such as fruits and vegetables. Also, psychological price endings are used less for products with a higher price level and for products with temporary sales promotions.Originality/valueThis study is the first to analyse psychological pricing practices for the world's largest online food retailer Amazon Fresh. The study results contrast with most previous empirical and theoretical studies, which suggest that the use of psychological prices would decline in an online context.
A scalable eigenspace-based fuzzy c-means for topic detection
Authors: Murfi Hendri 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe aim of this research is to develop an eigenspace-based fuzzy c-means method for scalable topic detection.Design/methodology/approachThe eigenspace-based fuzzy c-means (EFCM) combines representation learning and clustering. The textual data are transformed into a lower-dimensional eigenspace using truncated singular value decomposition. Fuzzy c-means is performed on the eigenspace to identify the centroids of each cluster. The topics are provided by transforming back the centroids into the nonnegative subspace of the original space. In this paper, we extend the EFCM method for scalability by using the two approaches, i.e. single-pass and online. We call the developed topic detection methods as oEFCM and spEFCM.FindingsOur simulation shows that both oEFCM and spEFCM methods provide faster running times than EFCM for data sets that do not fit in memory. However, there is a decrease in the average coherence score. For both data sets that fit and do not fit into memory, the oEFCM method provides a tradeoff between running time and coherence score, which is better than spEFCM.Originality/valueThis research produces a scalable topic detection method. Besides this scalability capability, the developed method also provides a faster running time for the data set that fits in memory.
A new correlation-based approach for ensemble selection in random forests
Authors: El Habib Daho Mostafa , Settouti Nesma , Bechar Mohammed El Amine , Boublenza Amina , Chikh Mohammed Amine 
Published: March 2021

PurposeEnsemble methods have been widely used in the field of pattern recognition due to the difficulty of finding a single classifier that performs well on a wide variety of problems. Despite the effectiveness of these techniques, studies have shown that ensemble methods generate a large number of hypotheses and that contain redundant classifiers in most cases. Several works proposed in the state of the art attempt to reduce all hypotheses without affecting performance.Design/methodology/approachIn this work, the authors are proposing a pruning method that takes into consideration the correlation between classifiers/classes and each classifier with the rest of the set. The authors have used the random forest algorithm as trees-based ensemble classifiers and the pruning was made by a technique inspired by the CFS (correlation feature selection) algorithm.FindingsThe proposed method CES (correlation-based Ensemble Selection) was evaluated on ten datasets from the UCI machine learning repository, and the performances were compared to six ensemble pruning techniques. The results showed that our proposed pruning method selects a small ensemble in a smaller amount of time while improving classification rates compared to the state-of-the-art methods.Originality/valueCES is a new ordering-based method that uses the CFS algorithm. CES selects, in a short time, a small sub-ensemble that outperforms results obtained from the whole forest and the other state-of-the-art techniques used in this study.
A critical assessment of co-creating self-collection services in last-mile logistics
Authors: Wang Xueqin , Wong Yiik Diew , Li Kevin X. , Yuen Kum Fai 
Published: March 2021

PurposeE-commerce last-mile logistics is undergoing dramatic changes. By inviting consumers to participate in self-collection, they collectively form a mass crowd of resources that can be integrated into last-mile logistics. However, consumers' participation may lead to a spectrum of value outcomes from value co-creation to co-destruction. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to critically examine the value formation process focussing on micro-level practices and resource outcomes.Design/methodology/approachAnchored on practice theory and resource conservation theory, content analysis is adopted to analyse 546 practice-based experiences extracted from a leading social media platform.FindingsThe analysis reveals five sequential practices of self-collection: purchasing, delivering, notifying, receiving and confirming. Furthermore, the co-created practices are characterised by gains in material, esteem, social and energy resources of the interacting actors. Meanwhile, the co-destructed practices cause a chain of resource losses, where the interacting actors suffer primary losses which subsequently triggers consumers' coping behaviours and further destroys resources for all.Research limitations/implicationsFocussing on constituent service practices, this study zooms into the value formation process. The authors contribute to logistics literature with a service-dominant logic by stressing end-consumers' involvement in the creation and consumption of last-mile logistics.Originality/valueThis study conceptualises the sources and consequences of the nuanced service practices (value formation or destruction) of self-collection. A unified framework is thus proposed, which guides logistics service providers to channel consumers towards more constructive participation in last-mile logistics.
The rise of emerging Indian multinationals: strategic learning for EMNC foreign market entry and internationalization
Authors: Singh Nitya P. 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe academic literature on emerging market multinational corporations (EMNCs) has classified several strategic options that EMNCs can adopt as part of their internationalization process. Although this research stream does include examples of Indian companies, it has not adequately identified specific strategic practices followed by them as part of their internationalization process. Therefore, this article aims to identify specific firm competencies, home country advantages and strategic practices that Indian EMNCs adopt to achieve foreign market entry and internationalization.Design/methodology/approachThe article adopts a multiple case study methodology supported by unstructured interviews to answer the research question. Using a combination of in-depth interviews and secondary data related to the case study in question, strategic practices of three Indian companies operating in different industry segments are identified and evaluated.FindingsThe results highlight that as part of their internationalization process, EMNCs from India adopt a combination of strategic practices that include strategic alliances, acquisitions, entry into targeted geographic markets, localized and innovative product offerings and niche market focus. This mix of strategic practices, in combination with high levels of corporate parenting, plays an important role in the ability of Indian EMNCs to internationalize successfully.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the international business field by developing a better understanding of the internationalization process followed by emerging market multinational firms. In addition, as the article adopts a case study approach, specific business strategies adopted by Indian firms as part of their internationalization process are identified. The study, therefore, provides a strategic roadmap for firms from emerging countries on how to internationalize successfully.
Corporate social responsibility and firm performance: does institutional quality matter?
Authors: Karmani Majdi , Boussaada Rim 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether institutional quality influences the corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm performance (FP) relationship.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a large sample of 814 European firms from roughly 2008 to 2017. In order to resolve the problem of endogeneity and heterogeneity the system generalized method of moment is performed.FindingsFirst, the effect of CSR on FP is simultaneously positive and significant for the economic, social and overall score based on an equal-weighted performance of four CSR pillars. Second, we found that the institutional quality matters, as corruption significantly decreases the FP, while government stability law and order exert a positive impact. Third, results suggest, similarly, that FP benefits from the interactional relationship between CSR and institutional quality. Finally, as for firm specifics, we found that the lagged performance and growth rate of sales significantly increase the European FP. However, FP is negatively sensitive to the leverage ratio.Research limitations/implicationsThis study aims to fill the gap in the CSR-FP interrelation and institutional context. Since we have a large number of firms (814) compared to a relatively small temporal dimension (10 years), the dynamic panel data analysis, and more precisely, the SGMM approach, is the most appropriate to resolve the problem of endogeneity and heterogeneity.Practical implicationsThe institutional environment affects the firm's CSR response and results. The strong institutional quality may result in increased regulatory pressures placed on the firm related to social responsibility compliance and can thereby enhance the CSR–FP relationship.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that explored the relationship between CSR–FP and institutional quality in the European context. Indeed, this paper shows that institutional quality mediates the relationship between CSR practices and FP.
The sponsorship performance cycle: longitudinal evidence of sponsors’ contribution to Formula One team achievement
Authors: Cobbs Joe B. , Jensen Jonathan A. , Tyler B. David 
Published: March 2021

PurposeA sponsorship performance cycle of business-to-business (B2B) exchange is conceptualized, where distinct types of resources are invested by sponsoring firms into sponsored properties and the competitive success of those properties enhances returns to sponsors. While the latter return channel in this cycle is well-documented, the former investment channel has remained opaque. Recognizing this empirical missing link, this paper aims to illuminate the investment channel through a longitudinal analysis.Design/methodology/approachBased on 50 years of Formula One (F1) team and sponsor alliances, this study models the effects of three different sponsorship categories on team performance in the annual F1 constructors’ championship.FindingsThe results demonstrate that each incremental sponsor offering performance-based resources is associated with four additional team points in the championship, controlling for factors such as past success and team experience. Conversely, sponsors offering access to financial or operational resources have no competitive impact. This performance-based sponsor effect is illustrated in models of the current and following seasons.Research limitations/implicationsIn combination with related literature, this study substantiates a complete sponsorship performance cycle in the motorsports context.Practical implicationsThe findings contribute an empirically-based strategy for sustainable sponsorship support that emphasizes acquisition of performance resources in the business-to-business exchange over operational or strictly financial alternatives.Originality/valueWhile scholars have discerned that sponsors invest heterogeneous resources into sponsored properties, and the competitive success of those properties can enhance returns to sponsors, this study demonstrates that particular resources invested by sponsors are related to the property’s competitive success.
Brand cocreation and immersion: the link between sense of brand community and attitude toward a brand
Authors: Acikgoz Fulya , Tasci Asli D.A. 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe current study aims to develop a comprehensive model of cocreation and immersion/engagement for café brands as well as their antecedent and consequences in a café brand context. Inherently involving highly socially involving consumption settings, cafés are particularly conducive to brand cocreation.Design/methodology/approachThe current study tested a model of these relationships by analyzing data from customers of a local café and those of a global café, Starbucks, situated in the same town, Karakoy, in Istanbul, Turkey. Data from 241 respondents were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the model of the study.FindingsResults show that sense of brand community is a powerful predictor of cocreation and brand immersion, which are also important antecedents of attitude toward a brand including, cognitive, affective and conative dimensions. Results also revealed slight differences between the local and global brands in terms of brand cocreation's influence on brand trust and loyalty.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is conducted with a limited number of customers of two cafés in a city in Turkey. Future research with the customers from other locations of these cafés, especially the multinational customers of the international café brand is needed to retest the model for its validity.Practical implicationsThe significant differences between ratings of local and global café brands are positive news for local and traditional cafés that are losing considerable market share to their global competitors. Strategic cocreation implementations can be used to instill special and robust relationships with consumers.Originality/valueThe study provides evidence that in highly socially dynamic brand contexts, such as café brands, brand community is a critical predictor of cocreation and brand immersion, which then affect attitude toward a brand with cognitive, affective and conative dimensions, reflected in brand trust, brand love, satisfaction with the brand, brand commitment and brand loyalty.