bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss of VHL-mediated pRb regulation promotes clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Akuma Mercy , Kim Minjun , Zhu Chenxuan , Wiljer Ella , Gaudreau-Lapierre Antoine , Patterson Leshan D. , Trinkle-Mulcahy Laura , Stanford William L. , Riazalhosseini Yasser , Russell Ryan C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor is a component of E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes that target cellular substrates for proteasome-mediated degradation. VHL inactivation by genetic aberrations is observed in most sporadic cases of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). VHL loss leads to constitutive stabilization of E3 ligase targets, including hypoxia inducible factor α (HIFα), in VHL-associated tumors. HIFα stabilization upon VHL loss promotes transactivation of hypoxia responsive genes, which contributes to ccRCC development. However, several HIF-independent VHL targets have also been implicated in the promotion of tumorigenesis. Using proximity labeling to identify proteasomal VHL interactors, we identified retinoblastoma protein (pRb) as a novel substrate of VHL. Mechanistically, VHL interacts with pRb in an oxygen-sensitive manner, promoting its ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Concordantly, VHL-inactivation results in pRb hyperstabilization. Functionally, the hyperstabilization of pRb in ccRCC promoted tumorigenesisin vitroand in mouse models. We also show that downstream transcriptional changes induced by pRb hyperstabilization may contribute to ccRCC tumor development. Together, our findings reveal a novel VHL-related pathway which can be therapeutically targeted to inhibit ccRCC tumor development.
Chromosome-level assembly ofCucumis sativus cv. ‘Tokiwa’ as a reference genome of Japanese cucumber
Authors: Seiko Takashi , Muto Chiaki , Shimomura Koichiro , Yano Ryoichi , Kawazu Yoichi , Sugiyama Mitsuhiro , Kato Kenji , Tomooka Norihiko , Naito Ken 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCucumber is one of the most important vegetables in the Japanese market. To facilitate genomics-based breeding, there is a demand for reference genome of Japanese cucumber. However, although cucumber genome is relatively small, its assembly is a challenging issue because of tandem repeats comprising ∼30% (∼100 Mbp) of the genome. To overcome, we deployed the Oxford nanopore sequencing that produces long reads with N50 length of >30 kbp. With this technology we achieved a chromosome-level assembly of cv ‘Tokiwa’, a founder line of Japanese cucumber represented with the elongated fruit shape and high-crisp texture. Compared to the existing cucumber genomes, the Tokiwa genome is 20% longer and annotated with 10% more genes. The assembly with nanopore long reads also resolved tandem repeats spanning >100 kbp, demonstrating its strength in overcoming repetitive sequences.
Changes in growth, lanthanide binding, and gene expression inPseudomonas alloputidaKT2440 in response to light and heavy lanthanides
Authors: Gorniak Linda , Bucka Sarah Luise , Nasr Bayan , Cao Jialan , Hellmann Steffen , Schäfer Thorsten , Westermann Martin , Bechwar Julia , Wegner Carl-Eric 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTPseudomonas alloputidaKT2440 is a ubiquitous, soil-dwelling bacterium that metabolizes recalcitrant and volatile carbon sources. The latter are utilized by two redundant, Ca- and lanthanide (Ln)-dependent, pyrroloquinoline quinone-dependent alcohol dehydrogenases (PQQ ADH), PedE and PedH, whose expression is regulated by Ln availability.P. alloputidaKT2440 is the best-studied, non-methylotroph in the context of Ln-utilization. We report the most comprehensive differential gene expression analysis, to date, for any Ln-utilizing microbe. Combined with microfluidic cultivation and single-cell elemental analysis, we studied the impact of light and heavy Ln when growingP. alloputidaKT2440 with 2-phenylethanol as the carbon and energy source. Light Ln (La, Ce, Nd) and a mixture of light and heavy Ln (La, Ce, Nd, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb) had a positive effect on growth, while supplementation with heavy Ln (Dy, Ho, Er, Yb) exerted fitness costs. These were likely a consequence of mismetallation and oxidative stress. Gene expression analysis showed that the Ln sensing and signaling machinery, the two-component system PedS2R2 and PedH, responds differently to (non-)utilizable Ln. We broadened the understanding of the Ln switch inP. alloputidaKT2440 and could show that it operates as a dimmer switch, modulating the pool of PQQ ADH dependent on Ln availability. Determined quantities of cell-associated Ln suggest a role for Ln beyond alcohol oxidation. The usability of Ln governs the response ofP. alloputidaKT2440 to different Ln elements.ImportanceThe Ln switch, the inverse regulation of Ca- and Ln-dependent PQQ ADH dependent on Ln availability in organisms featuring both, is central to our understanding of Ln utilization. Although the preference of bacteria for light Ln is well known, the effect of different Ln, light and heavy, on growth and gene expression has rarely been studied. We provide evidence for a dimmer switch-like regulation of Ca- and Ln-dependent PQQ ADH inP. alloputidaKT2440, and could show that the response to (non-)utilizable Ln differs depending on the element. Ln commonly co-occur in nature. Our findings underline that Ln-utilizing microbes must be able to discriminate between Ln to use them effectively. Considering the prevalence of Ln-dependent proteins in many microbial taxa, more work addressing Ln sensing and signaling is needed. Ln availability likely necessitates different adaptations regarding Ln utilization.
Validation of a urine- based proteomics test to predict clinically significant prostate cancer: complementing MRI pathway
Authors: Frantzi Maria , Morillo Ana Cristina , Lendinez Guillermo , Blanca-Pedregosa Ana , Ruiz Daniel Lopez , Parada Jose , Heidegger Isabel , Culig Zoran , Mavrogeorgis Emmanouil , Beltran Antonio Lopez , Mora-Ortiz Marina , Carrasco-Valiente Julia , Mischak Harald , Medina Rafael A , Hernandez Juan Pablo Campos , Gómez Enrique Gómez 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeProstate cancer (PCa) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men. One major clinical need is to accurately predict clinically significant PCa (csPCa). A proteomics based 19-biomarker model (19-BM) was previously developed using Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry (CE-MS) and validated in 1000 patients at risk for PCa. Here, our objective was to validate 19-BM in a multicentre prospective cohort of 101 biopsy-naive patients using current diagnostic pathways.Materials and MethodsUrine samples from 101 PCa patients were analysed through CE-MS. All patients underwent MRI using a 3-T system. The 19-BM score was estimated via a support vector machine-based software (MosaCluster; v1.7.0), employing previously established cut-off criterion of -0.07. Previously developed diagnostic nomograms were calculated along with MRI.ResultsIndependent validation of the 19-BM yielded a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 85% (AUC:0.81). This performance surpasses that of PSA (AUC:0.56), and PSA density (AUC:0.69). For PI-RADS≤ 3 patients, the 19-BM showed a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 88%. Integrating the 19-BM with MRI resulted in significantly better accuracy (AUC:0.90) compared to the individual investigations alone (AUC19BM=0.81; p=0.004 and AUCMRI:0.79; p=0.001). Examining the decision curve analysis, the 19-BM with MRI surpassed other approaches for the prevailing risk interval from 30% cut-off.Conclusions19-BM exhibited favourable reproducibility for prediction of csPCa. In PI-RADS≤3 patients the 19-BM correctly classified 88% of the patients with insignificant PCa at the cost of one csPCa patient that was missed. Utilising 19-BM test could prove valuable complementing MRI and reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies.
Propionylpromazine: Unveiling a Novel Inhibitory Agent AgainstMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Suresh U. , Punnam M. , Kartick C. , Sugunan A. P. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTThe emergence of multidrug-resistantmycobacterium tuberculosispresents a significant hurdle, as it shows resistance to existing standard therapies, underscoring the critical need for novel antibacterial agents. This study presents propionylpromazine as a promising compound with potent activity againstM. tuberculosis. Our research indicates that propionylproma zine effectively curtails the proliferation ofM. tuberculosisH37Rv. Importantly, propionylpromazine has shown the capability to impede the growth ofM. tuberculosiswithin macrophages without causing detrimental effects. These findings endorse the potential of propionylpromazine to be further developed as a clinical drug for the effective treatment ofM. tuberculosisinfections.
Elastic and anelastic behavior associated with magnetic ordering in the skyrmion host
Cu2OSeO3
Authors: Adachi Kanta , Wilhelm Heribert , Schmidt Marcus P. , Carpenter Michael A. 
Published: April 2024

Magnetic ordering in Cu2OSeO3 occurs without any detectable changes in the lattice symmetry but involves significant coupling with strain. The strain coupling effects in Cu2OSeO3 have been investigated with a focus on the skyrmion lattice by examining elastic and anelastic properties. Resonant ultrasound spectroscopy has been used to measure these properties of a Cu2OSeO3 single crystal as a function of temperature and magnetic field. On heating, the skyrmion phase has been characterized by slightly softer elasticity compared to the helical phase. However, there were no obvious anomalies in elastic and anelastic properties associated with the boundary of the stability field of the skyrmion lattice. Evolution of elastic properties with magnetic field, passing through the stability field of the skyrmion lattice, showed a characteristic pattern of a glassy state, where an equilibrium state is never reached. These imply that coupling of the skyrmions with strain is extremely weak in Cu2OSeO3, leading to glassy or liquidlike behavior of skyrmions. Three Debye-like loss peaks were observed near ∼40, ∼50, and ∼60K. The relaxation mechanism for the 40 K loss peak has been found to have a single relaxation time. Overlapping acoustic loss peaks in the temperature interval ∼50–62K suggest that the magnetic transitions with variable temperature in this temperature range involve freezing of some dynamic aspect(s) of the magnetic structure with an activation energy of ∼0.1–0.15 eV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Effects of app icon familiarity and authority on app icon image fit and usage intention: focusing on the moderating effects of app icon features and app type
Authors: Bai Hao-Yue , Bao Yi-Wen , Kim Jung-Hee 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThis research delves into the dynamic realm of app design by examining the impact of app icon familiarity and authority on image fit, influencing users' app usage intention. Focusing on the distinctive circumstances of Chinese and Korean customers, the study aims to provide insightful information about how application user behavior changes.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing structural equation modeling, the study employs data from 293 Korean and Chinese consumers. The research design incorporates a thoughtful approach, including parallel translation methods, focus group interviews, and pre-experimental testing to ensure survey accuracy and validity. The study strategically selects stimuli from the Apple App Store rankings, emphasizing icon features and type considerations.FindingsThe results provide important new information about the connections between usage intention, image fit, authority, and familiarity with app icons. Notably, app icon familiarity and authority positively influence image fit. Furthermore, app icon image fit emerges as a positive predictor of usage intention, mediating the complex interplay between familiarity, authority, and intention. The study also identifies moderating effects, shedding light on the nuanced role of app icon features and types.Originality/valueOriginating from a comprehensive exploration of icons, this study significantly contributes to the field by exploring icon differences and uncovering the intricate mechanisms guiding users' decisions. The findings offer valuable insights for app designers, marketers, and researchers seeking a deeper understanding of user behavior in diverse cultural contexts, thereby enhancing the theoretical and practical foundations in app usability and consumer behavior.
Alan Fox and the managerial “unitary” frame of reference in unionised companies: context, roots, elaboration and international applicability
Authors: Lyddon Dave , Cao Xuebing 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThis study investigates the origins and elaboration of the managerial “unitary” frame of reference associated with Alan Fox, focusing on unionised firms: the industrial relations context, intellectual roots, elaboration, adaptation by other writers, and international applicability.Design/methodology/approachTracing the above requirements through contemporaneous sources.FindingsFox’s designation of the unitary frame needs to be understood in its 1960s’ context, particularly the promotion of “productivity bargaining”, and its furthering through management training and education. Fox’s specific contribution is identified. Subsequent UK writers have underplayed the importance of the legal dimension of managerial authority, especially relevant in the US context, while other extra-economic factors bolster the managerial unitary frame in authoritarian societies such as China.Originality/valueThe use of Fox's neglected 1960s’ writings; tracking how Fox developed the unitary frame concept and how it was funnelled into the narrow parameters of non-unionism by subsequent writers; identifying its applicability beyond the UK (with the USA as a historical example and China as a contemporary one).
An innovative sanitary fixture for performing ablution in public facilities
Authors: Mokhtar Ahmed Hanafi 
Published: April 2024

Purpose
This study aims to introduce the design and the design process for an innovative sanitary fixture to be used in public facilities for the purpose of ablution. This purpose-made fixture is needed to support the hygienic, safe and comfortable performance of this essential function in public facilities in many parts of the world. The study also clarifies the need for this function and critically reviews current designs to address it.

Design/methodology/approach
The study started by critically reviewing the standard built-in models for ablution. It also identified and analyzed new approaches to designing standalone ablution fixtures. The study then specified the characteristics of a better ablution fixture and involved drafting a design based on these characteristics, making a wooden prototype to test the design and receiving users’ feedback. The design was adjusted and tested again for more feedback. Finally, the study resulted in the development of a final design. It used digital fabrication to create the design prototype with improved aesthetics, tested it again and received user feedback.

Findings
A survey of users showed that they found the innovative fixture more comfortable and safer than the commonly used built-in models. The main concern was the potential for water to splash on clothes from the high faucet.

Originality/value
In addition to showing an innovative design for a purpose-made sanitary fixture for ablution, the study makes the reader aware of the various challenges of providing a hygienic, safe and comfortable facility for users to perform this function. This is very useful for the many designers and facility managers who deal with the issue.
Determinants of e-commerce customer satisfaction: mediating role of IT innovation acceptance
Authors: Sayem S.M. , Islam Azharul , Uddin Mohammad Rajib , Promy Jarin Sadia 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThe study aims to identify the determinants of customer satisfaction in the electronic commerce (e-commerce) industry in Bangladesh. It also investigates whether acceptance of IT innovation mediates the relationship between the determinants of e-commerce and customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire had been designed and distributed among the customers of e-commerce businesses. Data were collected from 408 respondents, who were mostly from urban areas of the country. The collected data had been analysed with the application of the partial least square approach using SmartPLS4. First, the measurement model was applied to determine the validity and reliability of the dataset. Then, the structural model was utilized to justify the hypothesis.FindingsThe results showed that customer service, perceived ease of use and customer trust in e-commerce services have a significant positive impact on customer satisfaction. The acceptance of IT innovation, which showed a positive influence on customer satisfaction, enhanced customer satisfaction when accompanied by perceived ease of use and digital literacy.Practical implicationsThe results would have valuable insight for the e-commerce business in designing their products and services and taking policies to achieve long-term customer loyalty.Originality/valueThis is the first study that incorporates IT innovation acceptance as a mediating variable. Although a number of factors have been identified as the determinants of customer satisfaction, the specific mechanism of IT innovation acceptance as a mediator between predictors and customer satisfaction is unique in this study.
Economy or premium? A systematic review of factors influencing retailers’ own product brand strategies
Authors: Chen Shaoyuan , Wang Pengji , Wood Jacob 
Published: April 2024

PurposeGrounded in strategic fit theory, this study aims to identify external and internal factors that influence retailers’ strategic choices regarding their own product brands. Furthermore, it seeks to explore the variations between different own product brand strategies in achieving both external and internal strategic fit.Design/methodology/approachThe systematic review method, incorporating a thematic analysis, was adopted, and 318 articles were included for review.FindingsThe factors that influence retailers’ strategic choices regarding their own product brands encompass a range of external macro and industrial environmental factors, along with various internal resource and capability factors. Moreover, the effects of these factors vary across different own product brand strategies.Originality/valueTo our knowledge, this is the first systematic review of research on retailers’ own product brands from a strategic management perspective, offering systematic and structured guidance for retailers.
Bio-based lubricant with additives: tribological performances in hydrodynamic journal bearing
Authors: Norazman Amanda , Paiman Zulhanafi , Samion Syahrullail , Muhammad Yazid Muhammad Noor Afiq Witri , Rasep Zuraidah 
Published: April 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the performance of bio-based lubricants (BBL), namely, palm mid-olein (PMO) enriched with an antioxidant agent, tertiary-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) and a viscosity improver, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), in journal bearing (JB) applications.

Design/methodology/approach
Samples of the BBL were prepared by blending it with TBHQ and EVA at various blending ratios. The oxidative stability (OS) and viscosity of the BBL samples were examined using differential scanning calorimetry and a viscometer, respectively. Meanwhile, their performance in JB applications was evaluated through the use of a JB test rig with a 0.5 length-to-diameter ratio at various operating conditions.

Findings
It was found that the combination of PMO + TBHQ + EVA demonstrated a superior oil film pressure and load-carrying capacity, resulting in a reduced friction coefficient and a smaller attitude angle compared to the use of only PMO or VG68. However, it was observed that the addition of TBHQ and EVA to the PMO did not have a significant impact on the minimum oil film thickness.

Practical implications
The results would be quite useful for researchers generally and designers of bearings in particular.

Originality/value
This study used PMO as the base stock, and its compatibility with TBHQ and EVA was investigated in terms of its OS and viscosity. The performance of this treated BBL was evaluated in a hydrodynamic JB.

Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-11-2023-0363/
Technological innovation and environmental performance: evidence from China
Authors: Wu Yuying , Zhang Min , Wang Zhiqiang 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThis study empirically investigates the impacts of technological innovation and operational efficiency on environmental performance and the moderating effects of environmental orientation.Design/methodology/approachWe develop a conceptual framework based on the Porter Hypothesis. We collect a sample of 850 listed firms in China between 2010 and 2019. The fixed effect model was used to analyse the data.FindingsThe empirical findings reveal that technological innovation indirectly enhances environmental performance through operational efficiency and partially mediates this impact. We also find that environmental orientation strengthens the positive impacts of technological innovation and operational efficiency on environmental performance.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by revealing that technological innovation is positively associated with operational efficiency and environmental performance, which suggests that technological innovation can simultaneously enhance business and environmental performance. Hence, this study provides empirical support for the Porter Hypothesis. The results also extend the Porter Hypothesis by revealing how technological innovation affects environmental performance and under what conditions technological innovation has a greater impact on environmental performance.
Intellectual capital’s contribution to higher education of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: a qualitative study
Authors: Almuaqel Ibraheem Abdulaziz 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThe study aims to qualitatively analyze how faculty can mobilize the intellectual capital of higher education institutions (HEIs), comprising human, structural and relational capital to enable the education and learning of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Design/methodology/approachDrawing upon the extant literature, the researcher conducted a qualitative study through written, in-depth interviews with a sample of 40 academic staff/faculty members having prior experience in teaching individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The data was collected through a set of questions formulated as key questions, to be asked to all participants for their responses.FindingsResults of the analysis demonstrated that intellectual capital’s contribution to higher education of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can be best understood in terms of its three components/dimensions. Accordingly, three main themes, with each comprising two sub-themes were uncovered. The first theme, leveraging human capital comprised: faculty acumen and faculty training as sub-themes; the second theme, resourcing structural capital comprised: tangible and intangible structural capital as sub-themes; and the third theme, nurturing relational capital comprised: in-class engagement and the second is ex-class connection as sub-themes.Originality/valueThe paper collects data from 40 faculty having prior experience in teaching individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to explore and reveal a completely new perspective of looking at intellectual capital as a means of providing accessible and inclusive higher education to differently-abled students, making them a part of the mainstream.