bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of gene expression-based predictors of lymph node metastasis in bladder cancer
Authors: Johansson Hafdís Birta , Liedberg Fredrik , Bernardo Carina , Zadoroznyj Aymeric , Höglund Mattias , Eriksson Pontus , Sjödahl Gottfrid 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe presence of cancer in pelvic lymph nodes removed during radical surgery for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is a key determinant of patient outcome. It would be beneficial to predict node status preoperatively to individually tailor the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and extent of lymph node dissection. Several studies have published node status predictors based on RNA expression signatures in the primary tumor, but none have been successfully validated in subsequent reports.We use gene expression data and node status from the two largest available MIBC cohorts to evaluate 12 published node-predictive signatures. Additionally, we examine the extent of overlap between differentially expressed genes and signatures across the two datasets, and we train new prediction models which we evaluate in cross-validation and by application to the independent cohort.All published node status predictors performed either no better than chance or only slightly better than chance in two independent validation datasets (maximal AUC 0.59 and 0.65 and maximum balanced accuracy 0.54 and 0.57 in the two cohorts). Most differentially expressed genes and signatures were only identified in one dataset and only a few, such as upregulation of interferon-response in node negative cases, were enriched in the same direction in both datasets. Transcriptomic predictors trained in one dataset performed poorly when applied to the other independent dataset (AUC 0.60 and 0.62).In this systematic evaluation, neither the 12 published signatures nor our own models reached an adequate performance for clinical node status prediction in independent data. This indicates that the biological determinants of nodal spread are poorly captured by bulk tumor RNA expression profiles.
Temporal expectations modulate coupling between frontal and sensory brain areas
Authors: Nagy Péter , Kovács Petra , Boncz Ádám , Szalárdy Orsolya , Baumgartner Robert , Ignatiadis Karolina , Winkler István , Tóth Brigitta 
Published: November 2024

AbstractTemporal prediction is a crucial mechanism that allows the brain to optimize sensory processing by anticipating event timing. This predictive ability enhances processing efficiency by modulating brain activity through cortical oscillations that periodically influence neuronal excitability. For example, stimuli with predictable timing are processed more accurately. Although it is well-established that predictions are generated across large-scale brain networks, the roles of different cortical regions, particularly the frontal cortices and sensory areas, remain debated. In this study, we investigated the role of frontal cortices in temporal prediction during auditory perception. Cue tones predicted the timing of auditory targets with different levels of certainty (50%, 80%). We recorded electroencephalographic data (EEG) while participants detected the targets. Functional connectivity analyses revealed that the level of predictability modulates the relative contributions of frontal and auditory cortices during both the anticipation and detection of targets: as the certainty of predictions grows, the involvement of frontal brain regions increases. Our findings suggest that the auditory temporal prediction network relies on an integrated system of frontal and sensory regions, which are sensitive to the level of predictability.
Compulsion derived from incentive cocaine-seeking habits is associated with a downregulation of the dopamine transporter in striatal astrocytes
Authors: Fouyssac Maxime , Hynes Tristan , Belin-Rauscent Aude , Joshi Dhaval D. , Belin David 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe development of compulsive cue-controlled -incentive- drug-seeking habits, a hallmark of substance use disorder, is predicated on an intrastriatal shift in the locus of control over behaviour from a nucleus accumbens (Nac) core - dorsomedial striatum network to a Nac core - anterior dorsolateral striatum (aDLS) network. Such shift parallels striatal adaptations to chronic drug, including cocaine self-administration, marked by dopamine transporter (DAT) alterations originating in the ventral striatum that spread eventually to encompass the aDLS. Having recently shown that heroin self-administration results in a pan-striatal reduction in astrocytic DAT that precedes the development of aDLS dopamine-dependent incentive heroin-seeking habits we tested the hypothesis that similar adaptations occurr following cocaine exposure. We compared DAT protein levels in whole tissue homogenates, and astrocytes cultured from ventral and dorsal striatal territories of drug naïve male Sprague Dawley rats to those of rats with a history of cocaine-taking or an aDLS dopamine-dependent incentive cocaine-seeking habit. Cocaine exposure resulted in a decrease in whole tissue and astrocytic DAT across all territories of the striatum. We further demonstrated that compulsive, i.e., punishment-resistant, incentive cocaine-seeking habits were associated with a reduction in DAT mRNA levels in the Nac shell, but not the Nac core-aDLS incentive habit system. Together with the recent evidence of heroin-induced downregulation of striatal astrocytic DAT, these findings suggest that alterations in astrocytic DAT may represent a common mechanism underlying the development of compulsive incentive drug-seeking habits across drug classes.
In vivo CRISPR screens identify key modifiers of CAR T cell function in myeloma
Authors: Korell Felix , Knudsen Nelson H. , Kienka Tamina , Escobar Giulia , Nobrega Celeste , Anderson Seth , Cheng Andrew Y. , Zschummel Maria , Bouffard Amanda , Kann Michael C. , Goncalves Sadie , Pope Hans W. , Pezeshki Mitra , Rojas Alexander , Suermondt Juliette S. M. T. , Phillips Merle , Berger Trisha R. , Park Sangwoo , Salas-Benito Diego , Darnell Elijah P. , Birocchi Filippo , Leick Mark B. , Larson Rebecca C. , Doench John G. , Sen Debattama , Yates Kathleen B. , Manguso Robert T. , Maus Marcela V. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractChimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are highly effective in hematologic malignancies. However, loss of CAR T cells can contribute to relapse in a significant number of patients. These limitations could potentially be overcome by targeted gene editing to increase CAR T cell persistence. Here, we performedin vivoloss-of-function CRISPR screens in BCMA-targeting CAR T cells to investigate genes that influence CAR T cell persistence, function and efficacy in a human multiple myeloma model. We tracked the expansion and persistence of CRISPR-library edited T cellsin vitroand then at early and late timepointsin vivoto track the performance of gene modified CAR T cells from manufacturing to survival in tumors. The screens revealed several context-specific regulators of CAR T cell expansion and persistence. Ablation ofRASA2andSOCS1enhanced T cell expansionin vitro, while loss ofPTPN2,ZC3H12A, andRC3H1conferred early selective growth advantages to CAR T cellsin vivo. Strikingly, we identified cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B), a cell cycle regulator, as the most important factor limiting CAR T cell fitness at late timepointsin vivo.CDKN1Bablation increased BCMA CAR T cell proliferation and effector function in response to antigen, significantly enhancing tumor clearance and overall survival. Thus, our findings reveal differing effects of gene-perturbation on CAR T cells over time and in different selective environments, highlightCDKN1Bas a promising target to generate highly effective CAR T cells for multiple myeloma, and underscore the importance ofin vivoscreening as a tool for identifying genes to enhance CAR T cell function and efficacy.
The White Sea littoral oligochaeteLumbricillussp. as a model for annelid development studies
Authors: Matveicheva E.P. , Neretina T.V. , Ekimova I.A. , Konduktorova V.V. , Semenova M.L. , Nikishin D.A. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTOligochaetes play a significant role in aquatic ecosystems, and studying their development can contribute to a deeper understanding of the evolutionary features of embryonic development in the phylum Annelida. In this paper, we initially explored a littoral oligochaete species from the White Sea, which is abundant in the vicinity of the White Sea Biological Station MSU and reproduces in the early summer. A molecular phylogenetic analysis utilizing COI and 18S markers confirmed that the species under investigation belongs to the genusLumbricillus, family Enchytridae. The early stages of embryonic development were described in detail, and the timing of the onset of key stages was established. The specifics of the cellular patterns observed in the early embryo were elucidated using the fluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. The embryonic development ofLumbricillussp. exhibits characteristics that are consistent with the typical development of oligochaetes. Additionally, it displays specific characteristics that are typical of representatives of the Enchytriidae family, including equal size of the 2nd and 2D blastomeres and a small size of the 4D blastomere in comparison to the large 4D blastomere. The combination of synchrony and low developmental variability, coupled with the accessibility of the object, ease of maintenance and manipulation, makesLumbricillussp. a highly promising object for the study of embryonic development in Annelides.
Interactive effects of genotype with prenatal stress on DNA methylation at birth
Authors: Mulder Rosa H. , Baltramonaityte Vilte , Defina Serena , Trajanoska Katerina , Suderman Matthew , Schwarz Emanuel , Boks Marco P. M. , Walton Esther , Cecil Charlotte A. M. , Felix Janine F. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntrauterine stress exposure is associated with offspring health. DNA methylation (DNAm) is as a putative underlying mechanism, but large population-based studies reported limited associations between prenatal stress and DNAm. Recent research has shown that environmental factorsin interactionwith genetic variants are better predictors of DNAm than environment or genotype alone. We investigated whether interactions of maternal prenatal stress with genetic variants are associated with DNAm at birth. We examined 2,963 mother-child pairs from the population-based Generation R Study and Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, using a harmonized, comprehensive cumulative prenatal stress measure. We tested genome-wide genotype-by-prenatal stress interactions on epigenome-wide DNAm (GxEmodel), and models including only genetic variants (Gmodel) or prenatal stress (Emodel) as predictors. Follow-up analyses included Gene Ontology analyses and mediation analyses of prenatal alcohol intake, smoking, gestational age, and birth weight. We report two independent gene-by-prenatal-stress interactions on DNAm after multiple testing correction, including five genetic variants inCHD2andORC5,and two DNAm sites inEPPK1. By comparison, the Gmodel showed 691,202 associations and the Emodel showed three associations in genesAHRR, GFI1, andMYO1G, which could largely explained by prenatal smoking. Genes linked to suggestive GxEmodel results were often involved in neuronal development. Our results provide some support of interaction of prenatal stress with the child’s genome on DNAm of genes related to neuronal development. These results do not confirm the notion that gene-by-environment interaction models show more associations with DNAm compared to genes or the environment studied in isolation.
Evaluating novel piperazine derivatives as aluminum corrosion inhibitor: a computational study
Authors: Desai P.S. , Vashi R.T. 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
The aim of this study is to evaluate the corrosion inhibitory properties of three piperazine derivatives – Ethyl 5-(piperazine-1-yl) benzofuran-2-carboxylate (EPBC), 5-[4–(1-tert-butoxyethenyl) piperazin-1-yl]-1-benzofuran-2-carboxamide (BBPC) and Tert-butyl-4–(2-(ethoxycarbonyl)benzofuran-5-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylate (TBPC) – on Al surfaces in the presence of hydrochloric acid (HCl). The research uses density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics simulations to explore the effectiveness of these derivatives as corrosion inhibitors and to understand their adsorption behavior at the molecular level.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a computational approach using DFT at various levels (B3LYP/6–31+G(d,p), B3LYP/6–311+G(d,p), WB97XD/DGDZVP) to calculate essential quantum chemical parameters such as energy gap (ΔE), ionization energy (I), absolute electronegativity (χ), electron affinity (E), dipole moment (µ), absolute softness (s), fraction of electron transferred (ΔN) and absolute hardness (η). The Fukui function and local softness indices are used to assess the sites for electrophilic and nucleophilic attacks on the inhibitors. Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to analyze the adsorption behavior of these derivatives on the Al (110) surface using the adsorption locator method. Theoretical methods like DFT provide quantum chemical parameters, explaining inhibitor reactivity, whereas molecular dynamics simulate adsorption behavior on Al (110), both supporting and correlating with experimental inhibition efficiency trends.

Findings
This study demonstrates that all three piperazine derivatives exhibit strong adsorption on the Al surface, with high adsorption energies, good solubility and low toxicity, making them effective corrosion inhibitors in acidic environments. Among the three, TBPC showed superior inhibitory performance, particularly in the presence of HCl, due to its optimal electronic properties and stable adsorption on the Al (1 1 0) surface.

Originality/value
This research contributes to the field by combining DFT calculations and molecular dynamic simulations to evaluate the corrosion inhibition potential of piperazine derivatives comprehensively. This work advances the understanding of the adsorption mechanisms of organic inhibitors on metal surfaces and offers a detailed quantum chemical and adsorption behavior analysis.
Public auditors’ perception of digital platforms for popular reporting: insights from the case study of OpenBDAP
Authors: Eltrudis Davide , Monfardini Patrizio , Pattaro Anna Francesca 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis paper employs the Biondi and Lapsley (2014) accounting information transparency model to investigate whether effective transparency can be achieved through digital platforms for popular reporting. In order to address the limitations in previous research, which predominantly targets non-expert users, this is attained by focusing on the perception of local government auditors. By engaging auditors who are experts in accounting, the study aims to investigate if any cognitive biases in the design of online platforms could impact the achievement of a sophisticated understanding with shared meanings among citizens.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts an explorative and inductive approach, semi-structured interviews and an online survey among the Italian local governments’ Professional Auditors’ Association (ANCREL). Auditors assessed the OpenBDAP (https://openbdap.rgs.mef.gov.it/) platform in facilitating the comparison and analysis of the budgets and financial statements of Italian public sector organisations.FindingsThe results present a nuanced assessment of OpenBDAP, highlighting a general consensus on its ability to enhance the access and understanding of financial data and the appreciation of the utility of infographics in understanding financial data. Therefore, a clear challenge emerges in achieving active engagement of stakeholders. Despite expectations expressed during interviews with the Italian National Accounting Office regarding the design of custom APIs to meet user needs, our findings indicate the potential presence of cognitive biases in the design of the online platform as key obstacles.Originality/valueBy extending the application of the Biondi and Lapsley (2014) model on digital platforms for popular reporting to local government auditors, this study highlights the potential presence of cognitive bias in the design of online platforms that may impact the achievement of effective transparency, an aspect not previously identified in existing research. Finally, it suggests that these popular reporting platforms may evolve beyond mere transparency tools, assuming a broader role as potent learning instruments. This transformation could help to address the inherent complexity of accounting information, which is the real obstacle to achieving transparency.
Can the optimal fiscal policy counteract corporate tax evasion without harming job creation?
Authors: Lisi Gaetano , Castañeda-Rodríguez Víctor Mauricio 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis paper studies the relation between corporate tax evasion, job creation and optimal fiscal policy. Job creation depends on firms’ profits since firms open (“create”) new jobs when profits increase. In turn, firms’ profits depend on incentives (rewards) and disincentives (penalties) to comply with tax rules. Hence, any fiscal policy to combat tax evasion also has repercussions on job creation.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is both theoretical and empirical. From a theoretical point of view, a modified and extended version of the search and matching model of the labor market is used. In this framework, moreover, the welfare function of workers and firms is closely related to the job creation condition. Empirically, a panel analysis of a system of two simultaneous equations that covers 54 countries (both developed and developing) and four years (2018–2021) is carried out.FindingsThe paper finds that anti-tax evasion policies should be related to job creation policies. Also, anti-tax evasion and job creation policies change according to the extent of tax evasion in the economy. Precisely, when tax evasion is widespread, a lower tax burden (tax cuts or provision of fiscal rewards) requires tighter tax audits, whereas, where most people comply with tax rules, a decrease in tax audits is possible.Practical implicationsThe empirical analysis supports the model-generated theoretical relationships. Eventually, therefore, the optimal fiscal policy suggested by this work can counteract corporate tax evasion and, at the same time, reduce the firm’s tax burden, thus promoting job creation.Originality/valueAs far as we are aware, this is the first paper that considers the close and direct link between fiscal policy, corporate tax evasion and job creation.
Artificial intelligence and big data from digital health applications: publication trends and analysis
Authors: Arslantaş Selma 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe integration of big data with artificial intelligence in the field of digital health has brought a new dimension to healthcare service delivery. AI technologies that provide value by using big data obtained in the provision of health services are being added to each passing day. There are also some problems related to the use of AI technologies in health service delivery. In this respect, it is aimed to understand the use of digital health, AI and big data technologies in healthcare services and to analyze the developments and trends in the sector.Design/methodology/approachIn this research, 191 studies published between 2016 and 2023 on digital health, AI and its sub-branches and big data were analyzed using VOSviewer and Rstudio Bibliometrix programs for bibliometric analysis. We summarized the type, year, countries, journals and categories of publications; matched the most cited publications and authors; explored scientific collaborative relationships between authors and determined the evolution of research over the years through keyword analysis and factor analysis of publications. The content of the publications is briefly summarized.FindingsThe data obtained showed that significant progress has been made in studies on the use of AI technologies and big data in the field of health, but research in the field is still ongoing and has not yet reached saturation.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the bibliometric analysis study conducted has comprehensively covered the literature, a single database has been utilized and limited to some keywords in order to reach the most appropriate publications on the subject.Practical implicationsThe analysis has addressed important issues regarding the use of developing digital technologies in health services and is thought to form a basis for future researchers.Originality/valueIn today’s world, where significant developments are taking place in the field of health, it is necessary to closely follow the development of digital technologies in the health sector and analyze the current situation in order to guide both stakeholders and those who will work in this field.
Are social media “Influencers” leaders? Exploring student perceptions of social media influencers in the context of leadership and followership
Authors: Council Austin , Olowoyo Olamide 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis purpose of the study was to investigate, analyze, and make meaning of student perceptions of social media influencers in the context of leadership and followership.Design/methodology/approachWe investigated whether students perceive social media influencers as leaders, their perceptions of the difference between followers and fans, and the degree of responsibility influencers have over their followers’ behaviors. Existing qualitative data were obtained from n = 41 participants for the study. We used elements of phenomenology within a single case study design (introductory leadership course) to thematically review and analyze students’ discussion posts and agree on common themes.FindingsOur findings show that most students do not believe influencers are leaders based on value differences between influencers and leaders broadly. Students perceived followers as more actively engaged than fans based on their ability to work alongside leaders, while fans are more passive by only consuming and admiring influencers’ content. Lastly, most students noted that influencers are responsible for the behaviors of their followers and should have more awareness of their power and influence online.Originality/valueAs social media continues to influence the perceptions of the younger generations of leaders, our findings seek to provide insights into the evolving and dynamic nature of leadership and followership in the digital age.