bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conversion of natural cytokine receptors into orthogonal synthetic biosensors
Authors: Edelstein Hailey I. , Cosio Amparo , Ezekiel Max L. , Corcoran William K. , Morris Aaron H. , Leonard Joshua N. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTSynthetic receptors enable bioengineers to build cell-based therapies that perform therapeutic functions in a targeted or conditional fashion to enhance specificity and efficacy. Although many synthetic receptors exist, it remains challenging to generate new receptors that sense soluble cues and relay that detection through orthogonal mechanisms independent of native pathways. Towards this goal, we investigated co-opting natural cytokine receptor ectodomains into Modular Extracellular Sensor Architecture receptors (yielding natural ectodomain, NatE MESA receptors). We generated multiple high-performing, orthogonal synthetic cytokine receptors, identified design principles and constraints, and propose guidance for extending this approach to other natural receptors. We demonstrate utility of NatE MESA by engineering T cells to sense an immunosuppressive cue and respond with customized transcriptional output to support CAR T-cell activity. Finally, we multiplex NatE MESA to logically evaluate multiple cues associated with the tumor microenvironment. These technologies and learnings will enable engineering cellular functions for new applications.
Transcription Factor HNF4A is Involved in Breast Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Valiya Veettil Rahul , Eyal Altman Noah , Hashkes Ruth , Rubin Eitan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRecurrence is a major challenge for breast cancer (BC) management, yet its mechanism is poorly understood. Although computational analysis of expression compendia has proved useful for studying BC recurrence, some recently developed methods have not been used for this purpose. Here we present a bioinformatics reanalysis of a compendium containing 1519 cases with documentation of expression and information about recurrence with >5y follow-up. A compendium of expression profiles were divided into sub-cohorts by time to recurrence, and genes were ranked by the relative significance of expression differences. The top 1% of the genes (131 genes) were used in enrichment and induced network module analyses. The findings were validated in two independent cohorts, E-MTAB-365 and GSE20685. HNF4A was found to be the major hub in the genes whose expression differs most strikingly between short and long/no recurrence patients: it is highly connected to differentially expressed genes, and high expression of HNF4A is associated with longer recurrence-free survival in the compendium, even when it was split by ER status. These results were further validated in two independent cohorts of ER+ + endocrine + chemotherapy-treated patients and found to be concordant. Here we re-analyze a previously published compendium and find that HNF4A is pivotal to expression differences between early and late/non-recurring BC patients. HNF4A has been reported to be associated with cancer risk in several cancers and is speculated to be recurrence-associated in BC. However, we establish for the first time an association between BC time-to-recurrence and HNF4A expression. Further research is required to check if HNF4A expression is causative or just correlative to recurrence. Yet since linoleic acid is a ligand of HNF4A, our finding may explain why consumption of linoleic acid was proposed to affect recurrence risk in BC.
Relevance of Mediterranean diet as a nutritional strategy in diminishing COVID-19 risk: A systematic review
Authors: Halim Ceria , Howen Miranda , Fitrisubroto Athirah Amirah Nabilah binti , Pratama Timotius , Harahap Indah Ramadhani , Ganesh Lacman Jaya , Siahaan Andre Marolop Pangihutan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundMediterranean Diet has been reported to possess immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are closely associated with the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19.ObjectiveThe present systematic review aimed to determine the association between Mediterranean Diet and COVID-19, COVID-19 symptoms, and COVID-19 severity.MethodsThe protocol for this systematic review was registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with identification number CRD42023451794. The literature search was conducted through Pubmed, Proquest, and Google Scholar on August 2023. The inclusion criteria were studies with a population of human subjects, reported the association between Mediterranean diet adherence with risk of COVID-19 infection, COVID-19 symptoms, or COVID-19 severity, and full text must be available in English. The exclusion criteria were reviews, editorials, letters, replies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, studies on animals, and duplicates. Risk of bias in included studies was assessed using Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS). Data was synthesized narratively. Each study was compared and a structured summary was developed.ResultsAfter selection process, 6 articles were included, with a sample size of 55,489 patients. All studies were observational studies and assessed Mediterranean diet adherence using food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), with scoring system varied between each study. Four studies found a significant correlation between increased adherence to Mediterranean Diet and reduced COVID-19 risk, while one study indicated non-significant association. One study reported a significant association between higher adherence to Mediterranean Diet and COVID-19 symptoms, but three studies reported non-significant association. One study found that individuals with higher adherence to Mediterranean Diet had reduced likelihood of developing severe COVID-19, however, two studies yielded inconclusive findings.LimitationsAll studies used self-administrated food frequency questionnaires (FFQs), which were prone to biased responses, such as recall and estimation bias.DiscussionLower trends of odds ratios (ORs) were consistently observed in higher Mediterranean diet adherence. In every outcome of the included studies, ORs ranged between 0.06-0.992, however, differing levels of significance were reported in each outcome.ConclusionOverall analyses suggest that high adherence to Mediterranean Diet is a protective factor against COVID-19, with unclear benefits against COVID-19 symptoms and severity.Primary Funding SourceThe author(s) received no specific funding for this work.
Mathematical models of COVID-19 vaccination in high-income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Burch Eleanor , Khan Saher Aijaz , Stone Jack , Asgharzadeh Asra , Dawe Joshua , Ward Zoe , Brooks-Pollock Ellen , Christensen Hannah 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectivesSince COVID-19 first emerged in 2019, mathematical models have been developed to predict transmission and provide insight into disease control strategies. A key research need now is for models to inform long-term vaccination policy. We aimed to review the variety of existing modelling methods, in order to identify gaps in the literature and highlight areas for future model development.Study designThis study was a systematic review.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase and Scopus from 1 January 2019 to 6 February 2023 for peer-reviewed, English-language articles describing age-structured, dynamic, mathematical models of COVID-19 transmission and vaccination in high-income countries that include waning immunity or reinfection. We extracted details of the structure, features and approach of each model and combined them in a narrative synthesis.ResultsOf the 1109 articles screened, 47 were included. Most studies used deterministic, compartmental models set in Europe or North America that simulated a time horizon of 3.5 years or less. Common outcomes included cases, hospital utilisation and deaths. Only nine models included long COVID, costs, life-years or quality of life-related measures. Two studies explored the potential impact of new variants beyond Omicron.ConclusionsThis review demonstrates a need for long-term models that focus on outcome measures such as quality-adjusted life years, the population-level effects of long COVID and the cost-effectiveness of future policies – all of which are essential considerations in the planning of long-term vaccination strategies.
Bacterial defenses and their trade-off with growth are not ubiquitous but depend on ecological contexts
Authors: Liu Zhi-Ling , Liu Jia , Niu Deng-Ke 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBacteriophages, also known as bacterial viruses, significantly influence microbial ecosystems, driving bacteria to evolve diverse antiviral defense mechanisms. This study explores the intricate relationship between bacterial defenses and growth rates across diverse ecological contexts. Our investigation reveals that bacteria lacking defenses exhibit prolonged doubling times. Integrating phylogenetic eigenvectors into the ecological feature matrix, we employed a phylogenetic random forest model to identify key ecological features influencing defense presence and abundance. Further phylogenetic regressions unveil nuanced dependencies of bacterial defenses on specific environmental factors, challenging assumptions of a universal defense system distribution and underscoring reliance on subtle ecological cues. Notably, symbiotic and endosymbiotic bacteria often exhibit reduced defense systems and negative correlations between defense system abundance and the minimal doubling time. Conversely, free-living and motile bacteria show significant positive correlations between minimal doubling time and defense system abundance. Moreover, we highlight the pivotal role of ecological variables like habitat specificity and nutrient availability in shaping bacterial growth rates and defense mechanisms. Our findings underscore the complexity of microbial interactions and stress the need to consider ecological context in understanding defense strategies. We propose that trade-offs between growth and defense are ubiquitous due to sporadically inefficient optimization of limited resources, particularly in populations with small effective sizes, where both mechanisms may weaken concurrently due to genetic drift. This challenges traditional notions of trade-offs and underscores the impact of ecological context on microbial strategies.
Digital technology-enabled AEC project management: practical use cases, deployment patterns and emerging trends
Authors: Chen Xichen , Chang-Richards Alice Yan , Ling Florence Yean Yng , Yiu Tak Wing , Pelosi Antony , Yang Nan 
Published: March 2024

PurposeDespite extensive academic research related to digital technologies (DT), their integration into architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) projects lags in practice. This paper aims to discover DT deployment patterns and emerging trends in real-life AEC projects.Design/methodology/approachA case study methodology was adopted, including individual case analyses and comparative multiple-case analyses.FindingsThe results revealed the temporal distribution of DT in practical AEC projects, specific DT products/software, major project types integrated with digital solutions, DT application areas and project stages and associated project performance. Three distinct patterns in DT adoption have been observed, reflecting the evolution of DT applications, the progression from single to multiple DT integration and alignment with emerging industry requirements. The DT adoption behavior in the studied cases has been examined using the technology-organization-environment-human (TOE + H) framework. Further, eight emerging trend streams for future DT adoption were identified, with “leveraging the diverse features of certain mature DT” being a shared recognition of all studied companies.Practical implicationsThis research offers actionable insights for AEC companies, facilitating the development of customized DT implementation roadmaps aligned with organizational needs. Policymakers, industry associations and DT suppliers may leverage these findings for informed decision-making, collaborative educational initiatives and product/service customization.Originality/valueThis research provides empirical evidence of applicable products/software, application areas and project performance. The examination of the TOE + H framework offers a holistic understanding of the collective influences on DT adoption. The identification of emerging trends addresses the evolving demands of the AEC industry in the digital era.
Promoting tourism business through digital marketing in the new normal era: a sustainable approach
Authors: Deb Santus Kumar , Nafi Shohel Md. , Valeri Marco 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis paper aims to measure the intention to use digital marketing strategies to enhance the performance of tourism business as well as the extent of digital renovation applications in tourism for sustainable business in a new normal era.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is an insight from the existing relevant literature on the tourism business from time immemorial. The conceptual framework of this study is designed based on previous studies of digital marketing practices for tourism businesses. Furthermore, data were collected from 270 respondents, of which the valid response rate is 72.97%. Partial least square (PLS)-structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to validate the conceptual framework and hypotheses testing.FindingsAmong the nine hypotheses path, seven were supported. This study result shows that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, social media marketing and tourism business performance are critical factors for adopting digital marketing in tourism. Thus, tourism service providers' intention has a positive impact to meet the expectation of tourists and adoption of digital marketing.Research limitations/implicationsThe study's results will assist tourism researchers and service providers in understanding an authentic relationship between digital practices of tourism business and tourist satisfaction. In addition, the legacy of tourism business through digital marketing empowers the owner and community.Originality/valueThe study is the first to explore the relationship between tourism business performance and digital marketing during the new normal era for the empowerment of local community and expanded business in tourism sector.
The effects of a short information-giving intervention on householders’ beliefs and actions related to window opening as purge ventilation of water vapour: implications for surveyors
Authors: Boulton Richard John , Boulton Lia Louise , Boulton Michael John 
Published: March 2024

PurposeHigh levels of interior water vapour lead to condensation and black mould that in turn represent significant risks to residential properties and their occupants. Beliefs about window opening are good predictors of the degree to which householders will actually open windows to purge their homes of water vapour, including water vapour that they themselves generate. The present study tested if a short information-giving intervention could enhance householders’ beliefs that foster window opening as purge ventilation and, in turn, lead to greater window opening.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 242 UK householders with robust psychometrically sound measures embedded in an online self-report survey that also presented the intervention information.FindingsThe intervention led participants, and males in particular, to have significantly greater concerns about condensation and mould and significantly less concerns about heat loss costs arising from opening windows, and these altered beliefs in turn predicted a greater intention to open windows in the future.Practical implicationsBy sharing simple information, surveyors and other building professionals can help householders take the simple step of opening their windows and so reduce the threats that condensation and mould present to themselves and their homes.Originality/valueThis is the first study to test (1) a time-based model that predicted the intervention would have a positive effect on specific window opening attitudes and that those new attitudes would in turn affect window opening intentions, and (2) if the intervention had different effects on men and women.
Effect of plant-based natural fibers on the mechanical properties and volume change of cement paste
Authors: Ramadan Rawan , Ghanem Hassan , Khatib Jamal M. , ElKordi Adel M. 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to check the feasibility of using biomaterial such as of Phragmites-Australis (PA) in cement paste to achieve sustainable building materials.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, cement pastes were prepared by adding locally produced PA fibers in four different volumes: 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2% for a duration of 180 days. Bottles and prisms were subjected to chemical shrinkage (CS), drying shrinkage (DS), autogenous shrinkage (AS) and expansion tests. Besides, prism specimens were tested for flexural strength and compressive strength. Furthermore, a mathematical model was proposed to determine the variation length change as function of time.FindingsThe experimental findings showed that the mechanical properties of cement paste were significantly improved by the addition of 1% PA fiber compared to other PA mixes. The effect of increasing the % of PA fibers reduces the CS, AS, DS and expansion of cement paste. For example, the addition of 2% PA fibers reduces the CS, expansion, AS and DS at 180 days by 36%, 20%, 13% and 10%, respectively compared to the control mix. The proposed nonlinear model fit to the experimental data is appropriate with R2 values above 0.92. There seems to be a strong positive linear correlation between CS and AS/DS with R2 above 0.95. However, there exists a negative linear correlation between CS and expansion.Research limitations/implicationsThe PA used in this study was obtained from one specific location. This can exhibit a limitation as soil type may affect PA properties. Also, one method was used to treat the PA fibers.Practical implicationsThe utilization of PA fibers in paste may well reduce the formation of cracks and limit its propagation, thus using a biomaterial such as PA in cementitious systems can be an environmentally friendly option as it will make good use of the waste generated and enhance local employment, thereby contributing toward sustainable development.Originality/valueTo the authors best knowledge, there is hardly any research on the effect of PA on the volume stability of cement paste. Therefore, the research outputs are considered to be original.
Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 mitigation measures on quality assurance of cross-border construction logistics and supply chain
Authors: Ghansah Frank Ato , Lu Weisheng 
Published: March 2024

PurposeWhile COVID-19 mitigation measures (CMMs) aided in steady recovery during the pandemic, they also impeded movement across economies/borders, affecting quality assurance (QA) of Cross-border Construction Logistics and Supply Chain (Cb-CLSC). However, prior studies on the pandemic in the construction project industry have not revealed how CMMs have impacted QA. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the impact of the CMMs on the QA of Cb-CLSC.Design/methodology/approachThis is achieved by adopting an embedded mixed-method approach involving a desk literature review and engaging 150 experts from different economies across the globe using expert surveys, and results verified via semi-structured expert interviews. Structural equation modelling-based multiple regression analysis (SEM-MRA) was integrated to examine the impact of the CMMs on the QA, along with descriptive and content analysis.FindingsThe study confirmed that CMMs have not only impacted the QA negatively but also influenced the positioning of the QA for the post-pandemic era and probably to survive the risks of future pandemics. Among all the identified CMMs, the top three critical measures include “lockdown (CMM2)”, “use of personal protective equipment, such as nose masks, disinfects, etc. (CMM5)”, and “electronic/virtual meetings (CMM7)”. However, CMM5 possesses the highest contributory power to form CMM in impacting the QA, and this can be regarded as largely positive by strengthening health and safety management systems. Its negative impact lies with the project cost increment and the inconveniences of using nose and face masks.Practical implicationsThis study provides a better understanding to construction practitioners and policy makers on how the pandemic policies, i.e. CMMs, have impacted QA and can aid in formulating planning and operational decisions to adequately position the QA for the post-pandemic era and to endure the risks of future pandemics.Originality/valueThe study contributes to knowledge in that it provides a better understanding of how the pandemic policies, such as CMMs, have impacted QA and can aid in formulating planning and operational decisions to adequately position the QA for the post-pandemic era and to endure the risks of future pandemics. This area of study has been given limited attention among prior studies during the pandemic.
Access and success in higher education: fostering resilience in historically disadvantaged students in South Africa
Authors: Woldegiorgis Emnet Tadesse , Chiramba Otilia 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis qualitative study interrogates the barriers that historically disadvantaged higher education students in South Africa face when it comes to access and success. It specifically explores the challenges black students encounter in gaining epistemic access within the South African higher education system.Design/methodology/approachThis research draws upon empirical data collected from a mixed-methods research project conducted at six higher education institutions. It focuses on issues of epistemic access and success within humanities and sciences faculties. The dataset comprises interview transcripts involving 34 student and ten staff cases. Thematic analysis, aided by MaxQDA software, was meticulously conducted to extract and synthesise meaningful themes, crafting comprehensive narratives.FindingsThe study uncovers multifaceted challenges, including difficulties in understanding the admission process, financial barriers and language proficiency issues, faced by disadvantaged students when accessing universities and transitioning from basic to higher education. The research emphasises universities taking proactive measures, such as providing comprehensive early support, identifying at-risk students and collaborating with schools to prepare prospective students better. It advocates for the potential of resilience theory in addressing social justice issues related to access and success for these students. Furthermore, the study recommends developing inclusive curricula and underscores the need for universities to actively support disadvantaged students academically and socially.Originality/valueThis research departs from the conventional focus on physical access to universities, introducing a more comprehensive perspective that emphasises epistemic access as a pivotal aspect of higher education. Drawing on empirical data, it sheds light on the obstacles faced by disadvantaged students during the transition from high school to higher education while also exploring their resilience strategies.