bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Step-by-Step Maturation Mechanism of Binary Toxin Pore Revealed by Cryo-EM Analysis
Authors: Yamada Tomohito , Sugita Yukihiko , Yoshida Toru , Noda Takeshi , Tsuge Hideaki 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMembrane pore-forming proteins (PFPs) form ring-shaped membrane-translocating oligomers on membranes, contributing to infection, immunity, and cell death functions. Binary toxins produced by some bacteria consist of an enzymatic component that acts as a toxin and a membrane-binding component that forms a pore that delivers the enzymatic component into target cells. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has advanced our understanding of these translocation mechanisms by revealing several binary toxin complexes’ structures. However, the mechanisms underlying the initial pore formation remain unclear. We determined the structures of several oligomeric forms of the membrane-binding component, Ib, of the Iota toxin fromClostridium perfringensat various stages of pore formation. Structural comparisons revealed that the symmetrically arranged soluble oligomer (prepore) became a transmembrane oligomer (pore). These findings enhance our understanding of the PFP mechanisms and provide a structural basis for developing nanodevices using membrane pores.
Reliable RNA-seq analysis from FFPE specimens as a means to accelerate cancer-related health disparities research
Authors: Frederick M.J. , Perez-Bello D. , Yadollahi P. , Castro P. , Frederick A. , Frederick A. , Osman R.A. , Essien F. , Yebra I. , Hamlin A. , Ow T.J. , Skinner H.D. , Sandulache V.C. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWhole transcriptome sequencing (WTS/ RNA-Seq) is a ubiquitous tool for investigating cancer biology. RNA isolated from frozen sources limits possible studies for analysis of associations with phenotypes or clinical variables requiring long-term follow-up. Although good correlations are reported in RNA-Seq data from paired frozen and formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples, uncertainties regarding RNA quality, methods of extraction, and data reliability are hurdles to utilization of archival samples. We compared three different platforms for performing RNA-seq using archival FFPE oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma (OPSCC) specimens stored up to 20 years, as part of an investigation of transcriptional profiles related to health disparities. We developed guidelines to purify DNA and RNA from FFPE tissue and perform downstream RNA-seq and DNA SNP arrays. RNA was extracted from 150 specimens, with an average yield of 401.8 ng/cm2of tissue. Most samples yielded sufficient RNA reads >13,000 protein coding genes which could be used to differentiate HPV-associated from HPV-independent OPSCCs. Co-isolated DNA was used to identify patient ancestry. Utilizing the methods described in this study provides a robust, reliable, and standardized means of DNA & RNA extraction from FFPE as well as a means by which to assure the quality of the data generated.
CCG interruptions are unstable and hypermethylated in DM1 patients
Authors: Lameiras Sonia , Lampraki Eirini Maria , Kilburn Duncan , Alaeitabar Tina , Jamail Ismail , Servant Nicolas , Baulande Sylvain , Kingan Sarah , Holt Sam , Gaysinskaya Valeriya , De Sena Brandine Guilherme , Stucki David , Stojkovic Tanya , Bassez Guillaume , Furling Denis , Gourdon Geneviève , Tomé Stéphanie 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMyotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) exhibits highly heterogeneous clinical manifestations caused by an unstable CTG repeat expansion reaching up to 4,000 CTG. The dynamics of CTG repeats and clinical variability depends on the CTG repeat number, CNG repeat interruptions, DNA methylation, somatic mosaicism, but also gene modifiers. Around 10% of the DM1 population carries triplet repeat interruptions (CCG, CGG, CTC, CAG), which differ in number and nature between DM1 families. CCG interruptions have been associated with stabilization of the CTG repeat expansions and a milder phenotype in the DM1 population. However, the dynamics and precise role of interruptions in CTG repeat instability remain relatively underexplored due to the complexities of analyzing them. In this study, we showed that the number of CCG interruptions within the expansion varies within tissues and between generations using single-molecule real-time long-read sequencing. Although the interrupted expanded alleles showed global stabilization, the CCG interruptions themselves displayed variability across generations and within somatic tissues. Importantly, our findings reveal, for the first time, CCG hypermethylation within the CTG expansion, which is linked to downstream hypermethylation of the repeat. These results support the hypothesis that methylation of CCG interruptions within the expandedDMPKalleles may contribute to the stabilization of trinucleotide repeats.
H2AK119ub dynamics controls hair follicle stem cell quiescence
Authors: Flora Pooja , Li Meng Yen , Zhou Yudong , Mercédes Maria , Zheng Xiang Yu , Galbo Phillip M. , Zheng Deyou , Ezhkova Elena 
Published: October 2024

SummaryThe transition of stem cells from a quiescent state to an active state is a finely tuned process that requires the dismantling of the quiescence program and the establishment of a cell cycle-promoting transcriptional landscape. Whether epigenetic processes control stem cell states to promote the regeneration of adult tissues remains elusive. In this study, we show that a repressive histone modification, H2AK119ub, is dynamic between quiescent and active hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) in the adult murine skin. Ablation of H2AK119ub in HFSCs leads to impaired quiescence leading to premature activation and an eventual exhaustion of HFSC pool. Transcriptional and chromatin studies revealed that H2AK119ub directly represses a proliferation promoting transcriptional program in the HFSCs to preserve quiescence. Lastly, we identify that the inhibitory FGF signaling produced by the hair follicle niche keratinocytes maintains H2AK119ub in quiescent HFSCs. Together, these findings reveal that a repressive histone mark, H2AK119ub, is under the dynamic regulation of inhibitory niche signaling to prevent the untimely establishment of an activated state to preserve SC function and longevity.
Mechanistic modeling to understand variability in responses to chronic Hepatitis B treatment
Authors: Granjeon-Noriot Solène , Schneider Anne , Porte Solène , Peyronnet Emmanuel , Gómez Germán , Jacob Evgueni , Ratto Nicolas , Wang Yishu , Scalfaro Pietro , André Patrice , Kahoul Riad , Monteiro Claudio , Bruezière Lara 
Published: October 2024

AbstractChronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains the most common serious liver infection globally, accounting for an estimated 820,000 deaths each year. Patient responses to treatment vary widely, due to complex interplay between viral and immune system dynamics. As yet, there is no reliable way to predict response; this is one reason cure rates remain disappointingly low (<10%).We developed a mechanistic model to simulate serum viral markers evolution during two HBV treatment mainstays - the nucleoside analog entecavir (ETV) and pegylated interferon alfa (IFN) - for a variety of patients, and identify and quantify the key processes driving variability in patient responses. Based on a detailed literature review, this model integrates key processes in chronic HBV pathophysiology and drug pharmacokinetics/dynamics and was calibrated on published data only.Post simulation regression and classification analyses, including a global sensitivity analysis and a random forest, highlighted the importance of HBV replication cycle processes in explaining pre-treatment inter-patient variability in serum viral markers. Post-treatment with entecavir, most of the response variability could be attributed to interactions between the viral replication cycle and immune system processes. Response variability after IFN treatment, however, was more directly related to the drug mechanism of action, which includes direct antiviral effects and immune system modulation. Quantifying these measures may help to inform new drug development with identification of more direct tailored and effective HBV therapy.Graphical AbstractHighlightsA mechanistic model of chronic hepatitis B disease, accounting for intra-hepatocyte virus replication and an implemented immune response to entecavir and Peginterferon alfa-2a, allows for reproducing the observed variability between patients in terms of measured serum viral markers in response to treatments.Statistical analysis of simulated virtual populations helps investigate the mechanisms involved in observed variability between patients for both baseline and responses to treatments.Such a mechanistic model offers, via a QSP platform, new perspectives on the exploration of hepatitis B physiopathology, including treatment combinations or hepatitis D co-infection.
Relative importance of competing marketing strategies on different customer metrics: a meta-analytic review of customer equity drivers
Authors: Vieira Valter Afonso , Rafael Diego Nogueira , Ou Yi-Chun 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
This meta-analytic study aims to generalize the impacts of three customer equity drivers (CEDs), including value equity (VE), brand equity (BE) and relationship equity (RE), on different customer metrics (e.g. loyalty, word of mouth [WoM] and satisfaction); examine the relative importance of CEDs on customer metrics; and explore boundary conditions, considering geographic and methodological characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used a meta-analytic approach, collected and coded 85 articles published between 2001 and 2022. After some exclusions, the authors used 272 observations (average of individuals’ sample M = 1,015, min = 10, max = 8,924).

Findings
The generalized effects of VE, BE, and RE on the selected customer metrics are positive. However, the importance of each CED differs for WoM and social equity. Between VE and BE, BE correlates more with WoM. RE correlates more with social equity than VE and BE That is, RE is effective in both WoM and social equity. In addition, the impacts of the CEDs on customer loyalty vary across multiple geographic and methodological characteristics. For example, the impacts of VE and RE on loyalty are stronger in more individualistic, more masculine, long-term orientation or more restraint cultures.

Research limitations/implications
While the authors examined VE, BE and RE as the most important marketing strategies, there might be other types of CEDs, such as interactions with others (e.g. employees and customers). Interactions with others at any touchpoints along the customer journey are important experiences (Lemon and Verhoef, 2016). Second, the authors limited the customer metrics to customer loyalty, WoM, customer satisfaction, customer trust and social equity.

Practical implications
The magnitudes of VE, BE and RE differ across the three customer metrics. Compared with VE, BE symbolizes customers’ identity, status and extended self, which motivates WoM. Compared with VE and BE, RE convinces customers of companies’ actions in social equity such as corporate social responsibilities.

Originality/value
The meta-analysis resolves the issue of inconsistent impacts of CEDs across studies. Moreover, including CEDs in a model provides insight into these strategies’ relative importance when considering different marketing objectives. Finally, this study enriches understanding of the boundary conditions on the CEDs–loyalty link.
The current research status of Kansei engineering in the field of emotional clothing design
Authors: Wei Cong , Li Xinrong , Feng Wenqian , Dai Zhao , Yang Qi 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis study provides a comprehensive overview of the research landscape of Kansei engineering (KE) within the domain of emotional clothing design. It explores the pivotal technologies, challenges and potential future directions of KE, offering application methodologies and theoretical underpinnings to support emotional clothing design.Design/methodology/approachThis study briefly introduces KE, outlining its overarching research methodologies and processes. This framework lays the groundwork for advancing research in clothing Kansei. Subsequently, by reviewing literature from both domestic and international sources, this research initially explores the application of KE in the design and evaluation of clothing products as well as the development of intelligent clothing design systems from the vantage point of designers. Second, it investigates the role of KE in the customization of online clothing recommendation systems and the optimization of retail environments, as perceived by consumers. Finally, with the research methodologies of KE as a focal point, this paper discusses the principal challenges and opportunities currently confronting the field of clothing Kansei research.FindingsAt present, studies in the domain of clothing KE have achieved partial progress, but there are still some challenges to be solved in the concept, technical methods and area of application. In the future, multimodal and multisensory user Kansei acquisition, multidimensional product deconstruction, artificial intelligence (AI) enabling KE research and clothing sales environment Kansei design will become new development trends.Originality/valueThis study provides significant directions and concepts in the technology, methods and application types of KE, which is helpful to better apply KE to emotional clothing design.
Co-evolution, organizational capacity building, logistics capabilities and operational agility during health emergencies
Authors: Mutebi Henry , Muhwezi Moses , Byarugaba Pontius , Mayanja Ssekajja S. , Aryatwijuka Wilbroad , Munduru Sharon Brenda 
Published: October 2024

PurposeGlobally, health care facilities often fail to respond quickly to health emergencies, resulting in significant deaths. Thus, the study examines the mediating effect of logistics capabilities in the relationship between co-evolution, organization capacity building and operational agility.Design/methodology/approachSmartPLS 4.0.8.3, variance-based structural equation models (VB-SEM) were used to test direct and indirect hypotheses across 45 health facilities. The respondents were 140 nurses and doctors. Disproportionate stratified simple random sampling was used based on government and private health facilities in Kampala City, Uganda.FindingsA significant and positive relationship exists between logistics capability and operational agility. However, co-evolution and organizational capacity are intimately linked to operational agility via logistics capability.Research limitations/implicationsA quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires. The results did not show any variation in the operational agility of health facilities during emergency management; thus, qualitative approaches are needed.Practical implicationsDuring emergency management, health facilities need to cooperate by sharing information, building capacity to increase their responsiveness and flexibility. This should be done by sharing equipment, tools, drugs and medical supplies, and we hope to encourage joint medical research.Originality/valueA complex adaptive systems (CAS) framework is used in this study to examine how co-evolution, organizational capacity building and logistical capability relate to the operational agility of healthcare during times of emergency.
Burj Rashid: a tale of two tides – rising waters and changing traditions
Authors: Elsayed Amira Sadik , El Siedy Rehab , Mustafa Islam Kamal 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis paper delves into the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and practices of Burj Rashid, an ancient historical city on Egypt’s northern coast, which stands at the meeting point of the Nile’s western branch and the Mediterranean Sea. Burj Rashid boasts a strategic location and rich natural resources and has a long history of relationships between land, people, river, sea and climate change, serving as a model for residents’ adaptation to their ever-changing surroundings.Design/methodology/approachClimate studies have exposed the village’s vulnerability to climate and topographical hazards such as rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, decreasing precipitation, encroaching seas due to sea level rise, coastal erosion and high soil salinization. These factors pose a high risk of water scarcity, crop failure in the medium term, potential famine in the long term and declining fish populations, threatening fishing communities. To address these challenges, the Net Zero: Heritage for Climate Action project - launched by the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and the First Aid and Resilience for Culture in Times of Crisis program, funded by Swedish Postcode - proposes a research and development methodology through a platform that weaves together heritage knowledge and climate science. The Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation has implemented a platform in Burj Rashid as an innovative site to study risks, vulnerabilities and capacities.FindingsThe project will explore root causes, identify risk scenarios and establish a stakeholder map to guide the development of mitigation strategies and resilience-building measures.Originality/valueBy harnessing the wisdom of TEK and integrating it with scientific knowledge, the project paves the way for innovative climate change adaptation strategies that ensure the long-term sustainability of Burj Rashid’s unique cultural heritage.
Women digital financial inclusion and economic growth in Nigeria
Authors: Ozili Peterson K. 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis article analyses the trend in women digital financial inclusion in Nigeria using some digital financial inclusion indicators obtained from the global Findex database for the year 2014, 2017 and 2021. The study also analyses the relationship between women digital financial inclusion and economic growth.Design/methodology/approachThe data were analysed using the two-stage least squares (2SLS) and generalised method of moments (GMM) regression estimation methods. The women digital financial inclusion indicators are the percentage of women who (1) own a mobile money account, (2) made a digital payment, (3) received digital payments, (4) made or received a digital payment, (5) own a credit card and (6) own a debit card.FindingsThe trend analysis shows a sustained, although small, improvement in women mobile money account ownership during the period, while the other indicators witnessed a decrease in 2017 and an increase in 2021, except for women credit card ownership which remained at the same level during the period examined. There is a significant positive relationship between women digital financial inclusion and economic growth. Internet usage has a significant positive effect on women digital financial inclusion in Nigeria.Practical implicationsGreater digital financial inclusion for women can accelerate economic growth in Nigeria. Policymakers should encourage investment in fintech and broaden access to the Internet to increase women digital financial inclusion and economic growth in Nigeria. Policymakers and practitioners in Nigeria should also work collaboratively to increase digital financial inclusion for women due to its potential to increase economic growth in Nigeria.Originality/valueExisting studies did not analyse the trends in women digital financial inclusion. Existing studies did not empirically analyse the impact of women digital financial inclusion on economic growth in Nigeria. The present study fills this gap in the literature.
Exploration of the model of deepen industry–education integration in the digital economy era
Authors: Yuan Ping , Yang Xiangpeng 
Published: October 2024

PurposeWhile the industry–education integration has achieved significant results, it also faces many prominent problems. The current problems include some projects prioritizing research and development over education, insufficient breadth and depth of cooperation and a lack of quality monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Breaking through these problems to deepen industry–education integration is an important issue that urgently needs to be studied.Design/methodology/approachTaking the second batch of 10,283 industry–education integration projects of the Ministry of Education in 2019 as a case study, the problems existing in the Chinese industry–education integration projects are analyzed. We should make full use of the advantages and resources in the era of digital economy to seek the right path to deepen the integration of industry–education.FindingsThe study finds that governments can leverage the advantages and opportunities of the digital economy to deepen the reform of industry–education integration.Originality/valueThe policy suggestion is to deepen the mechanism of multi-party linkage and collaborative education, actively build an industry–education integration service platform and promote the two-way docking of industry education supply and demand.
Use of gamification and hyper-personalization in the coupon industry: does it impact the consumer’s intention to redeem?
Authors: Nayal Preeti , Sharma Arun , Pandey Neeraj , Shankar Amit 
Published: October 2024

PurposeDrawing on self-determination theory (SDT), this study analyzes the impact of gamified and personalized coupons on the intention to redeem digital coupons in the presence of consumer engagement and technology anxiety.Design/methodology/approachA between-subjects factorial experimental design was used to examine the influence of three personalizations (no personalization, personalization and hyper-personalization) and two gamification levels (game and no game) on digital coupon redemption intention and consumer engagement.FindingsThe results found a significant interaction between the types of personalization and gamification, with personalized coupons having a greater impact on the intention to redeem digital coupons than hyper-personalized and non-personalized coupons. Consumer engagement was found to mediate the relationship between types of coupons and intention to redeem digital coupons. However, technology anxiety was not found to be significant as a moderator.Originality/valueThis study makes an important contribution in its application of SDT to examine the interaction impact of types of coupons and gamification conditions in the context of digital coupon redemption. This unique approach underscores the novelty of the research and its potential to provide valuable insights for the coupon industry.