bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Instantaneous phase of rhythmic behaviour under volitional control
Authors: Lancia Leonardo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe phase of a signal representing a cyclic behavioural pattern provides valuable information for understanding the mechanisms driving the observed behaviour. Methods usually adopted to estimate the phase, which are based on projecting the signal onto the complex plane, have strict requirements on its frequency content, which limits their application. To overcome these limitations, input signals can be processed using band-pass filters or decomposition techniques. In this paper, we briefly review these approaches and propose a new one. Our approach is based on the principles of Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD), but unlike EMD, it does not aim to decompose the input signal. This avoids the many problems that can occur when extracting a signal’s components one by one. The proposed approach estimates the phase of experimental signals that have one main oscillatory component modulated by slower activity and perturbed by weak, sparse, or random activity at faster time scales. We illustrate how our approach works by estimating the phase dynamics of synthetic signals and real-world signals representing knee angles during flexion/extension activity, heel height during gait, and the activity of different organs involved in speech production.
Myeloperoxidase-dependent tyrosine halogenation potentiates α-defensins functions
Authors: Foti Alessandro , Hurwitz Robert , Textoris-Taube Kathrin , Mülleder Michael , Biswas Abin , Fahjen Pauline , Winkler Moritz , Abu Abed Ulrike , Humme Daniel , Thee Stephanie , Prasse Antje , Seeliger Benjamin , Ralser Markus , Zychlinsky Arturo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNeutrophils are immune cells specialized in detecting and eliminating microbes through potent cytotoxic mechanisms. Most of the neutrophil antimicrobial proteins are stored in intracellular organelles called granules, which are rapidly mobilized to direct the neutrophil cytotoxic machinery against the microbe. However, it remains unclear how the cytotoxic mechanisms cooperate with each other to minimize self-damage and allow an efficient immune response. Here we show that after neutrophil activation, highly oxidative myeloperoxidase-derived hypohalous acids target the antimicrobial peptides α-defensin 1-3, leading to chlorination of tyrosine 21 and iodination of tyrosine 16. We observe α-defensin 1-3 halogenation in rat neutrophils, and notably, in sputum samples from Cystic Fibrosis patients as well as inStreptococcus pneumoniaebronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) andStaphylococcus aureusskin abscesses infected patients. Importantly, halogenated α-defensins are more efficient immunomodulators and anti-toxin mediators than the non-modified peptides, indicating that this rare post-translational modification is important for inflammation.
CTCF regulates anxiety and depression like behavior and maintenance of neuronal identity in the adult mouse brain
Authors: Davis Liron , Chatterjee Ipsita , Getselter Dmitriy , Elliott Evan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is a chromatin binding factor that binds to DNA sequence specific sites and, together with cohesin complex, establishes chromatin loops and regulates gene expression. CTCF was previously implicated as a major contributor in neural development. Genetic aberrations in CTCF are associated with intellectual disability, aggression, attention deficit, and autistic behavior. Previous mice-model studies have identified a necessary role for CTCF during development of CaMKIIa expressing excitatory neurons in the ability of learning and memory. However, it is not clear if CTCF is only necessary for development in the brain, or also in maintenance of neuronal functions and behavior in the adulthood. In the current study, adulthood-specific knockout of CTCF in excitatory neurons induced an elevation in anxiety and depression related behavior and a decrease in seeking social novelty. Depression and apathy-like behavior was reversed by treatment with serotonin specific reuptake inhibitor sertraline. Golgi staining analysis reveals major regression of dendritic complexity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. In parallel, there is increased DNA compaction and decreased global H3K9 acetylation. Single nuclei RNA sequencing confirms a retreat in neuronal subtype identity in excitatory neurons after knockout. Gene ontology analysis display upregulation of genes that related regulation of cell population, neuronal development and neuronal differentiation and migration. These findings determine that CTCF is required for a propriate function of the mature excitatory neurons, independent of roles during development.Significance StatementThe gene CTCF is an important regulator of gene expression. Mutations in CTCF have been identified in individuals with a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, including intellectual disability and autism. However, it is unknown if CTCF is important only for neuronal development, or plays functional roles in the brain during adulthood. The current study finds that CTCF deletion during adulthood in excitatory neurons induces a behavioral phenotype that that includes increase in anxiety and depression-like behavior and changes in social behavior. In addition, CTCF depletion in adulthood affects the morphology, identity and gene expression of these specific types of neurons. Therefore, CTCF is not only important in brain development, but also in maintenance of proper neuronal function and behavior during adulthood.
A Comparative Analysis of US and UK Site Self-Assessment of Practices in Recruiting and Meeting the Needs of Diverse Patient Populations in Clinical Trials
Authors: Phiri Peter , Foster Diana , Shah Bupendra , Sajid Sana , Lewis Lynis , Rathod Shanaya , Delanerolle Gayathri , Shi Jian Qing 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe comparative analysis of site practices in recruiting and outreach of diverse patient populations in clinical trials is needed for a harmonious approach to navigating solutions for improving patient diversity globally. With the availability of the Diverse Site Assessment Tool (DSAT), such analyses have become feasible.MethodsThis study presents a comparison of self-reported data related to diversity best practices using the DSAT by members of clinical trials research sites from three distinct cohorts in the United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK). The Diverse Site Assessment Tool (DSAT) is a 25-item self-report measure, exploring best practices for the recruitment of diverse patient populations during clinical trials. The DSAT was administered online via the Qualtrics XM platform. DSAT data for each of these cohorts were retrieved and scored and individual item means were used to conduct reliability, descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.FindingsResults indicate that the DSAT is an exceptionally reliable instrument for self-assessment of diversity best practices. Results also showed that among the three DSAT sections, the section of patient focused services shows the lowest scores regardless of the cohort and that DSAT section scores were considerably different between the 2 US cohorts as well as between the US and UK cohorts. Overall, DSAT scores were higher for US cohorts than for the UK cohort.InterpretationDifferent stakeholders from the US and UK might want to examine the findings of this study carefully and discuss its implications for their own country, sites within it and discuss how harmonized efforts for diversity in clinical trials can be established.FundingFunded by the The Society of Clinical Research Sites, USA.
Metaverse technologies in product management, branding and communications: virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, non-fungible tokens and brain-computer interface
Authors: Kshetri Nir 
Published: November 2023

PurposeTo examine the effects of the metaverse on firms’ marketing activities.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual paper.FindingsIt provides evidence of the growing importance of different value capture mechanisms in the metaverse.Originality/valueAmong the first articles on this topic.
Financing constraints and corporate investment decision: evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Abdeljawad Islam , Abu Alia Muiz , Demaidi Muhannad 
Published: November 2023

Purpose
Existing theories on the determining factors of corporate investment decisions raise the importance of financial market imperfections in explaining investment behavior. Many factors have been proposed as drivers of investment, mainly in developed economies, while emerging countries have almost been neglected. The main purpose of this study is to examine the effect of financing constraints on the investment behavior of a small context, namely, Jordan, with an imperfect environment.

Design/methodology/approach
This study considers panel data regressions from the industrial companies traded at the Amman Stock Exchange with a total of 1,058 firm-year observations.

Findings
The results are able to demonstrate that business size, tangibility, market-to-book ratio, profitability, financial slack and leverage are major drivers of investment choices. The results support the importance of information asymmetry in explaining the investment behavior of firms. Nonetheless, the Q-theory is in place, as is firm agility.

Practical implications
Policies to reduce information asymmetry are immediately needed to help firms increase investments by providing them with access to training, technology and market information. They also should enhance the firms’ opportunities for growth. Moreover, they should make it easier for businesses to access financial slack, such as by improving access to credit and financial institutions. They also can work to improve the financial infrastructure to meet the financing needs of businesses. Finally, smaller businesses should be assisted by improving their ability to invest and grow.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies, if any, to investigate this issue in a distinct environment. Despite the unique characteristics of Jordan, the findings are applicable to other countries that experience comparable political and economic circumstances because Jordan has traits common to many emerging nations.
Succession intentions of daughters in family businesses: experiences from Sri Lanka
Authors: Ramos Hazel Melanie , Zhan Likun , Jayasinghe Harini 
Published: November 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to explore the succession intentions of daughters in family businesses in Sri Lanka by shedding light on the motives behind their willingness to succeed in the family business.

Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was used to explore the factors that may influence succession intentions among a group of seven prospective successor-daughters.

Findings
Findings showed that while a majority of the daughters sampled have positive succession intentions, there were a few who were either undecided or unwilling. Interestingly, what motivated some daughters to be willing successors was also considered demotivating for others. Daughters perceived succession in family businesses to be impacted by both personal and family background, traditional gender-role expectations and other socio-cultural factors.

Originality/value
Findings from this study provide key insights into gender-related issues with regard to succession in family businesses.
An amperometric sensor based on gamma-irradiated PANI-ZnO-NiO nanocomposite thin films for Escherichia coli detection in water
Authors: Abdullah Huda , Naim Norshafadzila Mohammad , Shum Kok Seng , Abdul Hamid Aidil , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Selvanathan Vidhya , Yap Wing Fen , Mustaza Seri Mastura 
Published: November 2023

Purpose
Regular monitoring of bacteria, especially Escherichia coli, in wastewater is crucial to ensure the maintenance of public health. Amperometric detection proves to be a fast, sensitive and economically viable solution for E. coli enumeration. This paper reported a prototype amperometric sensor based on PANI-ZnO-NiO nanocomposite thin films prepared by sol–gel method and irradiated with gamma ray. The purpose of this study is to investigate the sensor performance of PANI-ZnO-NiO nanocomposite thin films to detect E. coli in water.

Design/methodology/approach
The films were varied with different compositions of ZnO and NiO by using the formula PANI-(ZnO)1-x-(NiO)x, with x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8. PANI-ZnO-NiO nanocomposite thin films were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study the crystallinity and surface morphology of the films. The sensor performance was conducted using the current–voltage (I-V) measurement by testing the films in clean water and E. coli solution.

Findings
XRD diffractograms show the peaks of ZnO (1 0 0) and NiO (1 0 2). AFM analysis shows the surface roughness, and the grain size of PANI-ZnO-NiO thin films decreases when the concentration ratios of NiO increased. I-V curves show the difference in current flow, where the current in E. coli solution is higher than the clean water.

Originality/value
PANI-(ZnO)1-x-(NiO)x nanocomposite thin film with the highest concentration of ZnO performed the highest sensitivity among the other concentrations, which can be used to indicate the presence of E. coli bacteria in water.
Integrating variation in bacterial‐fungal co‐occurrence network with soil carbon dynamics
Authors: Chen Lijun , Dini‐Andreote Francisco , Liu Hongqiang , Wang Huaxiang , Dumbrell Alex , Wang Zhengye , Chen Xingyu , Chen Fangfang , Chen Xiaolong , Wu Lichao , Jiang Yuji 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Bacteria and fungi are core microorganisms in diverse ecosystems, and their cross‐kingdom interactions are considered key determinants of microbiome structure and ecosystem functioning. However, how bacterial‐fungal interactions mediate soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics remains largely unexplored in the context of artificial forest ecosystems.

Here, we characterised soil bacterial and fungal communities in four successive planting of Eucalyptus and compared them to a neighbouring evergreen broadleaf forest. Carbon (C) mineralisation combined with five C‐degrading enzymatic activities was investigated to determine the effects of successive planting of Eucalyptus on SOC dynamics.

Our results indicated that successive planting of Eucalyptus significantly altered the diversity and structure of soil bacterial and fungal communities and increased the negative bacterial‐fungal associations. The bacterial diversity significantly decreased in all Eucalyptus plantations compared to the evergreen forest, while the fungal diversity showed the opposite trend. The ratio of negative bacterial‐fungal associations increased with successive planting of Eucalyptus due to the decrease in SOC, ammonia nitrogen (NH4+‐N), nitrate nitrogen (NO3−‐N) and available phosphorus (AP). Structural equation modelling indicated that the potential cross‐kingdom competition, based on the ratio of negative bacterial‐fungal correlations, was significantly negatively associated with the diversity of total bacteria and keystone bacteria, thereby increasing C‐degrading enzymatic activities and C mineralisation.

Synthesis and applications: Our results highlight the regulatory role of the negative bacterial‐fungal association in enhancing the correlation between bacterial diversity and C mineralisation. This suggests that promoting short‐term successive planting in the management of Eucalyptus plantations can mitigate the impact of this association on SOC decomposition. Taken together, our study advances the understanding of bacterial‐fungal negative associations to mediate carbon mineralisation in Eucalyptus plantations, giving us a new insight into SOC cycling dynamics in artificial forests.
Depressive symptoms, right ventricular function, and muscular strength are associated with peak oxygen uptake in patients with implantable left ventricular assist devices
Authors: Kitagaki Kazufumi , Aoki Tatsuo , Miura Hiroyuki , Shimada Yukihiro , Konishi Harumi , Tsukamoto Yasumasa , Noguchi Teruo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundLeft ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is among the most effective treatment options for patients with severe heart failure. Although previous studies have examined the factors related to peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2), they were limited by the few patients involved and their focus on medical and physical functions. Therefore, this study comprehensively examined the factors associated with peak VO2, which is an important prognostic factor in patients with implantable LVADs.MethodsEighty‐nine patients who underwent initial LVAD implantation and were eligible for cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) between May 2014 and September 2021 were included. The patients' mean age was 48 ± 12 years, and 70% were males. Based on previous studies, the cut‐off was set at 12 and 14 mL/kg/min for patients taking β‐blocker and those not taking β‐blockers, respectively. Furthermore, factors associated with peak VO2 were examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe mean time from surgery to CPX administration was 73 ± 40 days. The high group had a higher cardiac index, right ventricular stroke work index (RVSWI), and isometric knee extensor muscular strength and lower Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) and B‐type natriuretic peptide values than the low group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that RVSWI and KEMS were positively correlated, whereas PHQ‐9 was negatively associated with peak VO2.ConclusionRight ventricular function, depressive symptoms, and lower limb muscular strength were associated with exercise capacity in patients with implantable LVADs.
Social safety nets and productivity outcomes: Evidence and implications for Bangladeshi rice growers
Authors: Salam Md Abdus , Anik Asif Reza 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUsing national representative cross‐sectional data from 8846 rice growing plots in Bangladesh, we analyze the impact of social safety net programs (SSNPs) on rice farmers' productivity and efficiency. This study applied the propensity score matching (PSM) approach to correct the possible self‐selection biases arising from observed and unobserved factors affecting a household's SSNP participation decisions. The stochastic frontier production function is estimated separately for participants and non‐participants to compare yield and technical efficiency. Our results show that the output elasticities of all inputs except land and fertilizer are significantly higher for non‐participants than participants. The SSNP participants are estimated to have 1.95% higher technical efficiency than the non‐participants, while their frontier yield is 11.75% higher. The average treatment effect on treated (ATET) also confirms the yield and efficiency‐enhancing role of SSNPs, particularly in climate‐stressed areas. The study argues for widening the SSNP coverage to increase the marginal farmers' efficiency in climate‐vulnerable areas. Other policy interventions include policies to increase farmers' access to land through the proper functioning land market, education, providing literacy training, and different production inputs.
Post‐transplant сyclophosphamide after matched donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with acute leukemia
Authors: Borovkova Anastasya Svyatoslavovna , Paina Olesya Vladimirovna , Semenova Elena Vladimirovna , Bykova Tatiana Alexandrovna , Osipova Anna Alekseevna , Slesarchuk Olga Alexandrovna , Kozhokar Polina Valerievna , Tsvetkova Lubov Alexandrovna , Rakhmanova Zhemal Zarifovna , Kozlov Andrei Vadimovich , Chukhlovin Alexei Borisovich , Kazantsev Ilya Viktorovich , Estrina Maria Arkadievna , Goloshchapov Oleg Valerievich , Bondarenko Sergei Nikolaevich , Moiseev Ivan Sergeevich , Kulagin Alexander Dmitrievich , Zubarovskaya Ludmila Stepanovna 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe data on post‐transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) in pediatric acute leukemia after matched allo‐HSCT are limited to case series. The present study aimed to assess the results of PTCy‐based GVHD prophylaxis in a large cohort of children with acute leukemia after matched allo‐HSCT.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 190 pediatric patients with acute leukemia who had a first allograft between 2008 and 2020 from a matched sibling donor (MSD) or matched unrelated donor (MUD) was carried out. In the MSD setting, GVHD prophylaxis consisted of PTCy alone (n = 28) for the study group, and calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) ± antimetabolite (n = 30) for the control group. In MUD setting, most patients in the study group received GVHD prophylaxis with PTCy+CNI+mycophenolate mofetil (n = 42, 66.7%) or PTCy+CNI+sirolimus (n = 12, 19%). All patients (n = 69) in the control group received ATG+CNI+antimetabolite.ResultsAfter MUD allo‐HSCT, the incidences of acute GVHD grade III‐IV and moderate/severe chronic GVHD were significantly lower in the PTCy group compared to control (6.6% vs. 35.0% and 12.7% vs. 47.1%, respectively, p < .0001). Five‐year GVHD‐free, relapse‐free survival (GRFS) after MUD allo‐HSCT was higher in the PTCy group compared to control (35.1% vs. 7.3%, p < .0001). At the same time, there was no significant difference between both groups after MSD allo‐HSCT.ConclusionsIn pediatric acute leukemia, PTCy‐based GVHD prophylaxis for MUD allo‐HSCT is a feasible and effective option that results in a low incidence of GVHD. Compared to the ATG‐based approach, PTCy provides better control of GVHD in children. In pediatric allo‐HSCT from MSD, PTCy demonstrates comparable effectiveness to conventional GVHD prophylaxis.
Predicting complex kidney drug handling using a physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic model informed by biomarker‐estimated secretory clearance and blood flow
Authors: Granda Michael L. , Huang Weize , Yeung Catherine K. , Isoherranen Nina , Kestenbaum Bryan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractKidney function‐adjusted drug dosing is currently based solely on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), however, kidney drug handling is accomplished by a combination of filtration, tubular secretion, and re‐absorption. Mechanistic physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models recapitulate anatomic compartments to predict elimination from estimated perfusion, filtration, secretion, and re‐absorption, but clinical applications are limited by a lack of empiric individual‐level measurements of these functions. We adapted and validated a PBPK model to predict drug clearance from individual biomarker‐based estimates of kidney perfusion and secretory clearance. We estimated organic anion transporter‐mediated secretion via kynurenic acid clearance and kidney blood flow (KBF) via isovalerylglycine clearance in human participants, incorporating these measurements with GFR into the model to predict kidney drug clearance. We compared measured and model‐predicted clearances of administered tenofovir and oseltamivir, which are cleared by both filtration and secretion. There were 27 outpatients (age 55 ± 15 years, mean iohexol‐GFR [iGFR] 76 ± 31 mL/min/1.73 m2) in this drug clearance study. The mean observed and mechanistic model‐predicted tenofovir clearances were 169 ± 102 mL/min and 163 ± 80 mL/min, respectively; estimated mean error of the mechanistic model was 37.1 mL/min (95% confidence interval [CI]: 24–52.9), compared to a mean error of 41.8 mL/min (95% CI: 25–61.6) from regression model. The mean observed and model‐predicted oseltamivir carboxylate clearances were 183 ± 104 mL/min and 179 ± 89 mL/min, respectively; estimated mean error of the mechanistic model was 42.9 mL/min (95% CI: 29.7–56.4), versus error of 48.1 mL/min (95% CI: 31.2–67.3) from the regression model. Individualized estimates of tubular secretion and KBF improved the accuracy of PBPK model‐predicted tenofovir and oseltamivir kidney clearances, suggesting the potential for biomarker‐informed measures of kidney function to refine personalized drug dosing.