bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hard-wired visual filters for environment-agnostic object recognition
Authors: Kang Minjun , Baek Seungdae , Paik Se-Bum 
Published: October 2024

SummaryConventional deep neural networks (DNNs) are highly susceptible to variations in input domains, unlike biological brains which effectively adapt to environmental changes. Here, we demonstrate that hard-wired Gabor filters, replicating the structure of receptive fields in the brain’s early visual pathway, facilitate environment-agnostic object recognition without overfitting. Our approach involved fixing the pre-designed Gabor filters in the early layers of DNNs, preventing any alterations during training. Despite the restricted learning flexibility of this model, our networks maintained robust performance even under significant domain shifts, in contrast to conventional DNNs that typically fail in similar conditions. We found that our model effectively clustered identical “classes” across diverse domains, while conventional DNNs tend to cluster images by “domain” in the latent space. We observed that the fixed Gabor filters enabled networks to encode global shape information rather than local texture features, thereby mitigating the risk of overfitting.One sentence summaryHard-wired Gabor filters enable environment-agnostic object recognition without overfitting.Research HighlightsConventional deep neural networks (DNNs) are vulnerable to input domain variationsHard-wired Gabor filters facilitate environment-agnostic object recognitionFixed Gabor filters prevent overfitting and facilitate shape-based classificationsOur model cluster identical “classes” while conventional DNNs cluster by “domain”
A host-directed adjuvant resuscitates and sensitizes intracellular bacterial persisters to antibiotics
Authors: Lu Kuan-Yi , Yang Xiangbo , Eldridge Matthew J.G. , Wagner Nikki J. , Hardy Brian , Axtman Matthew , Rowe Sarah E. , Wang Xiaodong , Fowler Vance G. , Helaine Sophie , Pearce Kenneth H. , Conlon Brian P. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThere are two major problems in the field of antimicrobial chemotherapy–antibiotic resistance and antibiotic tolerance. In the case of antibiotic tolerance, antibiotics fail to kill the bacteria as their phenotypic state affords them protection from the bactericidal activity of the antibiotic. Antibiotic tolerance can affect an entire bacterial population, or a subset of cells known as persister cells. Interaction with the host induces the formation of persister cells in numerous pathogens, with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species production being heavily implicated in the collapse of bacterial energy levels and entrance into an antibiotic tolerant state. Here, we developed a high-throughput screen to identify energy modulators for intracellularStaphylococcus aureus. The identified compound,KL1, increases intracellular bacterial energy and sensitizes the persister population to antibiotics, without causing cytotoxicity or bacterial outgrowth. We demonstrate thatKL1exhibits adjuvant activity in a murine model ofS. aureusbacteremia and intracellular infection ofSalmonella Typhimurium. Transcriptomic analysis and further studies on its mechanism of action reveal thatKL1modulates host immune response genes and suppresses the production of reactive species in host macrophages, alleviating one of the major stressors that induce antibiotic tolerance. Our findings highlight the potential to target intracellular persister cells by stimulating their metabolism and encourage larger efforts to address antibiotic tolerance at the host–pathogen interface, particularly within the intracellular milieu.
Jerusalem artichoke extracts regulate the gene expression of key enzymes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis
Authors: Bunch Heeyoun , Yoon Young-Ran , Calderwood Stuart K. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTJerusalem artichoke (JA) is a traditional remedy for alleviating symptoms of diabetes. In fact, the suppressive effects of JA on blood sugar have been reported in multiple studies since 1934. Recent studies have indicated that type II diabetes is often caused by insulin resistance rather than insulin reduction and that increased blood and interstitial fatty acid levels contribute to insulin resistance and the development of diabetes. However, whether JA affects lipogenesis has not been studied. Here, we elucidated the effects of JA on the expression of two key enzymes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid synthase (FASN) and acetyl-coA carboxylase (ACACA), using three immortalized human bone marrow, colon, and liver cell lines. Caffeine and ICRF193, a catalytic inhibitor of topoisomerase II (TOP2), were included as positive controls, and JA was extracted into water- or dimethyl sulfoxide-soluble components, termed H-JA and D-JA. D-JA significantly reduced the expression ofFASNandACACAat the mRNA and protein levels. D-JA-treated cells exhibited altered TOP2 levels andFASN/ACACAexpression appeared to be controlled by TOP2 activity and levels. Taken together, our study revealed a novel effect of JA extracts on inhibiting the expression of the key enzymes involved in the fatty acid synthesis and suggested the potential of JA as a natural medicinal agent to control lipogenesis in humans.HighlightsJerusalem artichoke extracts reduce the expression ofFASNandACACAgenes at the mRNA and protein levelsTopoisomerase II regulatesFASNandACACAgene expressionJerusalem artichoke extracts and plasma glucose concentrations regulate cellular topoisomerase II protein expression
Quorum sensing and DNA methylation play active roles in clinicalBurkholderiaphase variation
Authors: Coulon Pauline M.L. , Groleau Marie-Christine , Hachani Abderrahman , Padula Matthew P. , Stinear Timothy P. , Déziel Eric 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPhenotypic diversity in bacteria often results from adaptation to changing environmental conditions and is exemplified by variable colony morphotypes. Discrete genomic changes and modulation in gene expression occur inBurkholderia pseudomalleiundergoing adaptation. Alternatively, adapted colony morphotype variants of species belonging to theBurkholderia cepaciacomplex (Bcc) lose a complete replicon (the pC3 virulence megaplasmid), which affects their production of virulence factors. We report that variants arising inBurkholderia ambifariaclinical isolates - with affected phenotypes - have retained their pC3, suggesting that another phase variation mechanism can take place in this Bcc species. Proteomic and phenotypic characterisation showed that morphotype variants ofB. ambifariastrains CEP0996 (pC3-null) and HSJ1 (pC3-positive) share similarities in phenotypes controlled by the Cep quorum sensing system. Thus, we determined the role of quorum sensing inB. ambifariaHSJ1 phase variation and confirmed that the main quorum sensing system Cep is important for the emergence of variants. As DNA methylation is one of the main epigenetic factors involved in bacterial phase variation that regulates some virulence factors of the Bcc speciesBurkholderia cenocepacia, we hypothesized thatB. ambifariaHSJ1 phase variation could also be regulated by adenosine DNA methylation. By deleting the three putative adenosine DNA methyltransferases, we found that an orphan type II DNA methyltransferase prevents the emergence of phase variants. This is the first study to report quorum sensing and adenosine DNA methylation as two antagonistic systems independently controlling phase variation.ImportanceSomeBurkholderiaspecies are pathogenic to plants, animals, or humans. In immunocompromised individuals, such as those with cystic fibrosis, infection withBurkholderia cepaciacomplex (Bcc) bacteria can lead to "cepaciasyndrome." In the Australian Aboriginal population, melioidosis caused byB. pseudomalleiis prevalent, particularly among those with diabetes or alcoholism.Burkholderia’s phenotypic plasticity, including colony morphotype variation (CMV), enables rapid adaptation to diverse environments, enhancing survival and pathogenicity. This study reveals phase variation as a new CMV mechanism within the Bcc group. We found that quorum sensing and DNA methylation are involved in phase variation. Understanding the underlying CMV mechanisms could lead to the development of targeted therapies against these highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Comparison of morphological and physiological response to drought stress among temperate forest understory forbs and graminoids
Authors: Petek-Petrik Anja , Petrík Peter , Halmová Marika , Plichta Roman , Matoušková Marie , Houšková Kateřina , Chudomelová Markéta , Urban Josef , Hedl Radim 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDrought stress can profoundly affect plant growth and physiological vitality, yet there is a notable scarcity of controlled drought experiments focused on herbaceous species of the forest understory.In this study, we collected seeds from five forb and four graminoid species growing in the temperate forest understory of the Czech Republic. These seeds were germinated under controlled glasshouse conditions and subjected to moderate drought stress for five weeks. We assessed biomass partitioning, stomatal and leaf morphology, leaf gas exchange, minimum leaf conductance (gmin), and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters.The comparison of two ecological guilds revealed that graminoids exhibited a higher root-to-shoot ratio, improved water-use efficiency, greater carboxylation efficiency, and enhanced non-photochemical quenching under drought conditions compared to forbs. In contrast, forbs had significantly lowergmin, along with higher total biomass and total leaf area. Despite these differences in morpho-physiological functional traits, both groups experienced a similar relative reduction in biomass during drought stress. Key predictors of biomass accumulation under drought included photochemical quenching, stomatal traits, total leaf area andgmin. A negative correlation between biomass andgminsuggests that plants with lower residual water losses after stomatal closure can accumulate more biomass under drought stress. Additionally,gminwas positively correlated with guard cell length, suggesting that larger stomata contribute to higher residual water loss.Graminoids exhibited morpho-physiological modifications that enhanced drought resistance, indicating a greater emphasis on stress tolerance as a survival strategy. In contrast, forbs maintained higher biomass and total leaf area, reflecting a competitive strategy for maximizing resource acquisition.
Combined explanation of LHC multilepton, diphoton, and top-quark excesses
Authors: Coloretti Guglielmo , Crivellin Andreas , Mellado Bruce 
Published: October 2024

In this article, we propose the Δ2HDMS as a combined explanation of several excesses and anomalies observed at the LHC. Especially, tt¯ differential distributions point towards the associated production of new electroweak scale Higgs bosons decaying into bottom quarks and W bosons (>5σ) with masses consistent with the diphoton excesses at ≈95  GeV and ≈151.5  GeV (3.8σ and 4.9σ, respectively). Furthermore, CMS found indications for resonant tt¯ production at ≈400  GeV (3.5σ) and both ATLAS and CMS reported elevated four-top and tt¯W cross sections. The Δ2HDMS is obtained by supplementing the SM Higgs (H2) with a second scalar doublet (H1), real scalar singlet (S), and a Higgs triplet with zero hypercharge (Δ). We fix the masses of the neutral tripletlike and the singletlike scalars by the diphoton excesses, i.e., mΔ0=151.5  GeV and mS=95  GeV, respectively. H, the CP-even component of H1, is produced via gluon fusion from a top-loop and decays dominantly to S+Δ0 whose subsequent decays to W+W− and bb¯ explain the differential tt¯ distributions for σ(pp→H→SΔ0)≈5  pb. Choosing the top-Yukawa of H1 accordingly, the CP-odd Higgs boson A turns out to have the right production cross section to account for the resonant tt¯ excess at 400 GeV, while the top-associated production of H and A results in new physics pollution of Standard Model tt¯W and tt¯tt¯ cross sections, as preferred by the data.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Perceived experiential value and continued use intention of e-retail chatbots
Authors: Mpinganjira Mercy , Dlodlo Nobukhosi , Idemudia Efosa C. 
Published: September 2024

PurposeIn the quest to build a sense of human contact, e-retailers are increasingly depending on the scalability of chatbots to promote assistive dialogue during online shopping. Not much is known about the experiential value of customer interaction. This research proposes and evaluates a conceptual model for understanding the value perceptions emanating from the experiences of fashion shoppers utilising e-retail chatbots.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using an online survey administered to 460 online panellists. Structural equation modelling was used to test the proposed research model.FindingsContinued chatbot use intentions (CUIs) are influenced positively by perceived hedonic and utilitarian experiential value. Perceived social experiential value had a negative effect on shoppers’ continued intention to use the chatbot. Both perceived chatbot anthropomorphism and perceived chatbot intelligence positively and significantly affect shoppers’ experiential value while perceived chatbot risk yields a significantly negative effect.Social implicationsBy using conversational artificial intelligence chatbots, engagement at e-retail stores can be driven based on the user data and made more interactive.Originality/valueThe study introduces an e-retail chatbot model which asserts the power of selected chatbot attributes as catalysts of shoppers’ experiential value. Cumulatively, the model is a first-step approach providing a novel and balanced (both positive attributes and negative risks) view of chatbot continued use intentions.
The role of ICT as LT in shaping inclusive and special education – a systematic review for 2012–2023
Authors: Bosse Ingo Karl , Nussbaumer Daniela , Hövel Dennis Christian 
Published: October 2024

PurposeDigital inequalities are pressing concerns, especially for students in need of special educational support. In recent years, numerous reviews have been published on the use of learning technologies (LT) in inclusive and special education. They mostly provide findings for specific groups, technologies, and countries. This systematic review aims to identify changes in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) as LT that evolved globally in inclusive and special education over the last 12 years.Design/methodology/approachWeb of Science, Scopus, and EBSCOhost were systematically searched for publications for 2012 to 2023. Only peer-reviewed English publications were included to ensure a comprehensive review. The findings of the 421 included papers were then analysed, reflecting diverse perspectives at the technology, learners, teachers, and institutional levels.FindingsThe most used devices were computers, iPads/tablets, and specifically designed apps. More studies were conducted in separate settings than in inclusive ones. The primary participant groups were students on the autism spectrum. More than half the research publications were related to technology use. Technology development was the most common research objective, with approximately 40% of test hypotheses based on standardised tests or observations.Research limitations/implicationsBy shifting the focus from specific disabilities to a more usability-based approach, we can envision a future in which the quality of education for all students is substantially improved.Practical implicationsLT have the potential to significantly contribute to creating the least restrictive learning environment for students in need of special educational support. One step for practitioners is to consider the interdependencies between the different dimensions of heterogeneity relevant to digital inclusion. In order to solve these complex pedagogical tasks appropriately, multidisciplinary cooperation is necessary, involving experts in technical, pedagogical, didactic and inclusive education in digitalised societies.Originality/valueAll data were meticulously collected and analysed to ensure credibility and originality.
Building sales through connections: how network capabilities and tie strength foster entrepreneurial marketing
Authors: Torres Gersson , Rojas-Berrio Sandra Patricia , Duque-Uribe Veronica , Robledo Sebastian 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to delve into the intricate relationship between network capabilities (NCs), entrepreneurial marketing (EM) and sales performance (SP), with a specific focus on uncovering the nuanced role that ties strength (TS) plays as a mediator.

Design/methodology/approach
This research was conducted using a survey method with a population of software small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Colombia using a sample size of 164 questionnaires. The data analysis method used was the partial least squares.

Findings
The results show that EM has an impact on SP. TS mediates the influence of NC and EM. Findings highlighted the importance of networking in EM and the relationship with SP.

Practical implications
NCs emerge as a vital determinant for fostering EM within SMEs. Owners should prioritize the development and enhancement of their NCs; for example, building relationships, fostering collaborations and leveraging connections within the industry. Also, this could lead to more innovative marketing strategies, differentiating the firm in a competitive marketplace. The mediating role of TS underscores the importance of not just having network connections but building strong, meaningful relationships with customers. SMEs with high NCs should design more targeted and customized marketing strategies.

Originality/value
The value of this research lies in its intricate exploration of the complex relationships between NCs, TS and EM. This study paves the way for a deeper understanding of network dynamics and their implications within EM. It sets the stage for subsequent studies that may lead to the formulation of more sophisticated network marketing strategies tailored for EM contexts.
Three days together around the table: using the group analysis method to value the expertise and lived experiences of key voices to innovate solutions
Authors: Plourde Chantal , Alarie-Vézina Pascale , Laventure Myriam , Tremblay Joël 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis paper presents the use of the Group Analysis Method (GAM), an innovative method developed in a francophone context, to discuss issues related to the services offered in the field of addiction in Quebec’s Indigenous communities and to identify perspectives for innovative solutions.Design/methodology/approachThis article begins with a detailed description of the method’s phases and steps based on the French-language writings of the developers of the GAM. The authors then illustrate a concrete example of how this method has been applied to addiction intervention stakeholders in Indigenous communities in Quebec (Canada), highlighting the type of results possible.FindingsThe strengths and weaknesses of the GAM for addressing sensitive issues in an Indigenous context are discussed. Recommendations for further integration of the Indigenous perspective into the approach are proposed.Originality/valueThis article presents a relevant qualitative method for co-constructing solutions with groups which, to our knowledge, has not been described in the English-language literature. In the light of their experience in an Indigenous context, the authors adopt a critical perspective, demonstrating the relevance of the method and suggesting adaptations to ensure an equitable distribution of power through the process.
Agomelatine‐loaded nanostructured lipid carriers alleviate neuropathic pain in rats by Nrf2/HO‐1 signalling pathway
Authors: Firdoos Sundas , Dai Rongji , Younas Zahid , Shah Fawad Ali , Gul Maleeha , Rasheed Madiha 
Published: October 2024

AbstractNeuropathic pain arises from impairments or malfunctions within the nervous system, resulting in atypical transmission and interpretation of pain signals. In the present study, we examined the neuroprotective effects of agomelatine (AGM) and agomelatine‐loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (AGM‐NLCs) in neuropathic animal models induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into seven experimental groups to compare the effects of AGM and AGM‐NLCs, which were administered at 20 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days after CCI. Our finding demonstrated that CCI triggered the onset of analgesia in these animals, corroborated by mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Furthermore, CCI induced an elevation in inflammatory mediators such as interleukin (IL)‐1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and downregulated heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and nuclear factor E2‐related factor (Nrf2). Treatment with AGM and AGM‐NLCs reversed inflammatory cascades and elevated antioxidant enzyme levels, leading to a reduction in paw withdrawal latency and threshold in rats. To further investigate the effect of AGM and AGM‐NLCs, all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) was administered, which antagonizes Nrf2. ATRA substantially downregulated Nrf2 expression and exacerbated thermal hyperalgesia, whereas Nrf2 and HO‐1 expressions were significantly upregulated after AGM‐NLCs administration. Overall, the results demonstrated that AGM‐NLCs offer promising antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory properties in alleviating neuropathic pain symptoms, which can be attributed to improved drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes compared with AGM alone.
Pre‐ to post‐dialysis potassium gradient and mortality in patients on hemodialysis: A propensity‐matched analysis
Authors: Zhang Huixian , Liu Jing , Liu Xu , Guo Wang , Huang Hongdong , Liu Wenhu , Diao Zongli 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionPre‐ to post‐dialysis potassium gradient (ΔK) has arrhythmogenic effects; however, its effect on mortality remains unclear. The relationship between ΔK and mortality was assessed.MethodsAll patients undergoing hemodialysis in Beijing in 2014 were eligible for inclusion. The low (≤1.2 mmol/L), median (1.2–1.8 mmol/L), and high (>1.8 mmol/L) ΔK groups were matched by sex, age, diabetes, and dialysis time for enrollmen. The primary and secondary outcomes were all‐cause and cardiovascular death within the follow‐up. Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of ΔK on mortality. We also analyzed the associations of combinations of ΔK and pre‐dialysis potassium with mortality.ResultsWe enrolled 2181 patients in three matched groups (n = 727 per group). The median follow‐up was 72.0 (interquartile range, 53.7–72.0) months. All‐cause mortality occurred in 215/727 (29.6%), 95/727 (13.1%), and 198/727 (27.2%) patients in the low‐, median‐, and high‐ΔK groups, respectively. After adjusting for multiple factors, the median ΔK group had better survival than the low‐ (hazard ratio (HR), 1.91; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.45–2.52; p < 0.001) and high‐ΔK groups (HR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.57–2.99; p < 0.001). Further analysis based on pre‐dialysis potassium revealed that when maintaining a level of 4.5–5.5 mmol/L and ΔK of 1.2–1.8 mmol/L, patients had the lowest risk of mortality, whereas the highest risk was observed when pre‐dialysis potassium was >5.5 mmol/L and ΔK was >1.8 mmol/L.ConclusionMaintaining serum potassium within a appropriate range and reducing potassium fluctuations during dialysis may help to reduce the mortality risk of maintenance hemodialysis patients. These findings provide important data support for the quality control of hemodialysis.