bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nontarget impacts of neonicotinoids on nectar-inhabiting microbes
Authors: Cecala Jacob M. , Vannette Rachel L. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPlant-systemic neonicotinoid (NN) insecticides can exert non-target impacts on organisms like beneficial insects and soil microbes. NNs can affect plant microbiomes, but we know little about their effects on microbial communities that mediate plant-insect interactions, including nectar-inhabiting microbes (NIMs). Here we employed two approaches to assess impacts of NN exposure on several NIM taxa. First, we assayedin vitroeffects of six NN compounds on NIM growth using plate assays. Second, we inoculated a standardized NIM community into nectar of NN-treated canola (Brassica napus) and assessed survival and growth after 24 hours. With few exceptions,in vitroNN exposure tended to decrease bacterial growth metrics. However, the magnitude of decrease and the NN concentrations at which effects were observed varied substantially across bacteria. Yeasts showed no consistentin vitroresponse to NNs. In nectar, we saw no effects of NN treatment on NIM community metrics. Rather, NIM abundance and diversity responded to inherent plant qualities like nectar volume. In conclusion, we found no evidence NIMs respond to field-relevant NN levels in nectar within 24 h, but our study suggests that context, specifically assay methods, time, and plant traits, is important in assaying effects of NN on microbial communities.
Human Pancreatic α-Cell Heterogeneity and Trajectory Inference Analysis Using Integrated Single Cell- and Single Nucleus-RNA Sequencing Platforms
Authors: Kang Randy B. , Lee Jungeun , Varela Miguel , Li Yansui , Rosselot Carolina , Zhang Tuo , Karakose Esra , Stewart Andrew F. , Scott Donald K. , Garcia-Ocana Adolfo , Lu Geming 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTPrior studies have shown that pancreatic α-cells can transdifferentiate into β-cells, and that β-cells de-differentiate and are prone to acquire an α-cell phenotype in type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the specific human α-cell and β-cell subtypes that are involved in α-to-β-cell and β-to-α-cell transitions are unknown. Here, we have integrated single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single nucleus RNA-seq (snRNA-seq) of isolated human islets and human islet grafts and provide additional insight into α-β cell fate switching. Using this approach, we make seven novel observations. 1) There are five differentGCG-expressing human α-cell subclusters [α1, α2, α-β-transition 1 (AB-Tr1), α-β-transition 2 (AB-Tr2), and α-β (AB) cluster] with different transcriptome profiles in human islets from non-diabetic donors. 2) The AB subcluster displays multihormonal gene expression, inferred mostly from snRNA-seq data suggesting identification by pre-mRNA expression. 3) The α1, α2, AB-Tr1, and AB-Tr2 subclusters are enriched in genes specific for α-cell function while AB cells are enriched in genes related to pancreatic progenitor and β-cell pathways; 4) Trajectory inference analysis of extracted α- and β-cell clusters and RNA velocity/PAGA analysis suggests a bifurcate transition potential for AB towards both α- and β-cells. 5) Gene commonality analysis identifiesZNF385D, TRPM3, CASR, MEG3andHDAC9as signature for trajectories moving towards β-cells andSMOC1, PLCE1, PAPPA2, ZNF331, ALDH1A1, SLC30A8, BTG2, TM4SF4, NR4A1andPSCK2as signature for trajectories moving towards α-cells. 6) Remarkably, in contrast to the eventsin vitro, the AB subcluster is not identifiedin vivoin human islet grafts and trajectory inference analysis suggests only unidirectional transition from α-to-β-cellsin vivo. 7) Analysis of scRNA-seq datasets from adult human T2D donor islets reveals a clear unidirectional transition from β-to-α-cells compatible with dedifferentiation or conversion into α-cells. Collectively, these studies show that snRNA-seq and scRNA-seq can be leveraged to identify transitions in the transcriptional status among human islet endocrine cell subpopulationsin vitro,in vivo, in non-diabetes and in T2D. They reveal the potential gene signatures for common trajectories involved in interconversion between α- and β-cells and highlight the utility and power of studying single nuclear transcriptomes of human isletsin vivo. Most importantly, they illustrate the importance of studying human islets in their naturalin vivosetting.
Maintenance of cell wall remodeling and vesicle production are connected inMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Salgueiro Vivian , Bertol Jorge , Gutierrez Claude , Serrano-Mestre Jose L. , Ferrer-Luzon Noelia , Vázquez-Iniesta Lucía , Palacios Ainhoa , Pasquina-Lemonche Laia , Espaillat Akbar , Lerma Laura , Weinrick Brian , Lavin Jose L. , Elortza Felix , Azkalgorta Mikel , Prieto Alicia , Buendía-Nacarino Pilar , Luque-García José L. , Neyrolles Olivier , Cava Felipe , Hobbs Jamie K. , Sanz Joaquín , Prados-Rosales Rafael 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPathogenic and nonpathogenic mycobacteria secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) under various conditions. EVs produced byMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) have raised significant interest for their potential in cell communication, nutrient acquisition, and immune evasion. However, the relevance of vesicle secretion during tuberculosis infection remains unknown due to the limited understanding of mycobacterial vesicle biogenesis. We have previously shown that a transposon mutant in the LCP-related genevirR(virRmut) manifested a strong attenuated phenotype during experimental macrophage and murine infections, concomitant to enhanced vesicle release. In this study, we aimed to understand the role of VirR in the vesicle production process inMtb. We employ genetic, transcriptional, proteomics, ultrastructural and biochemical methods to investigate the underlying processes explaining the enhanced vesiculogenesis phenomenon observed in thevirRmut. Our results establish that VirR is critical to sustain proper cell permeability via regulation of cell envelope remodeling possibly through the interaction with similar cell envelope proteins, which control the link between peptidoglycan and arabinogalactan. These findings advance our understanding of mycobacterial extracellular vesicle biogenesis and suggest that these set of proteins could be attractive targets for therapeutic intervention.
Unveiling consumers’ nonlinear evaluation of service performances in online food delivery: a quantitative Kano analysis
Authors: Ma Bohao , Limierta Jessica , Teo Chee-Chong , Wong Yiik Diew 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThe study proposes an evaluation model that allows quantitative characterization of the effects of service quality on consumer’s satisfaction for online food delivery (OFD) services in a nonlinear manner. As such, the authors endeavor to bridge the research-to-practice gaps whereby the effect magnitudes and nonlinear patterns of service quality have been overlooked in the current literature.Design/methodology/approach The quantitative Kano method is adopted. A Kano questionnaire was first developed by synthesizing and operationalizing existing evidence on OFD service qualities. The questionnaire solicited consumers’ evaluations of 21 OFD service attributes, and it was distributed to an online panel in Singapore. With 580 valid responses, the functions that quantitatively depict effects of each attribute on consumer’s satisfaction were subsequently derived.Findings The results reveal that among Singaporean consumers, food quality, reliability of delivery, responsiveness of customer support, ease-of-use of digital interfaces and promotions are pivotal attributes contributing to above-average satisfaction improvement across all performance levels. Meanwhile, delivery riders’ attitudes and real-time tracking functions emerge as substantial contributors to satisfaction at high-performance levels.Practical implications The findings provide crucial insights for OFD practitioners in Singapore in resource prioritization and service optimization. This study demonstrated the importance of streamlining customer support services and focusing on the utilitarian aspects of OFD services. Moreover, these results can be employed in advanced service improvement procedures, providing a roadmap for future OFD service enhancements.Originality/value This study pioneers the development of a quantitative quality evaluation model in the OFD context. With the established quantitative Kano model, the study addresses the omission of effect magnitudes and nonlinear patterns of service quality. It highlights the transition from a binary “does it affect satisfaction” to a more nuanced “how much does it affect satisfaction” approach, offering a robust understanding of consumer’s satisfaction dynamics.
Inflation and stock market growth: the case of IPO withdrawal
Authors: Jamaani Fouad , Alawadhi Abdullah M. 
Published: November 2023

PurposeDriven by the anticipated global stagflation, this straightforward yet novel study examines the cost of inflation as a macroeconomic factor by investigating its influence on stock market growth. Thus, this paper aims to examine the impact of inflation on the probability of initial public offering (IPO) withdrawal decision.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs a large dataset that covers the period January 1995–December 2019 and comprises 33,536 successful or withdrawn IPOs from 22 nations with various legal and cultural systems. This study applies a probit model utilizing version 15 of Stata statistical software.FindingsThis study finds that inflation is substantially and positively correlated with the likelihood of IPO withdrawal. Results of this study show that the IPO withdrawal decision increases up to 90% when the inflation rate climbs by 10%. Multiple robustness tests provide consistent findings.Practical implicationsThis study's implications are important for researchers, investment banks, underwriters, issuers, regulators and stock exchanges. When processing IPO proposals, investment banks, underwriters and issuers must consider inflation projections to avoid negative effects, as demonstrated by the findings. In addition, regulators and stock exchanges must be aware of the detrimental impact of inflation on competitiveness in attracting new listings.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to present convincing evidence of a major relationship between IPO withdrawal decision and inflation.
Trade potential in European Union manufacturing
Authors: Chatzilazarou Lazaros Antonios , Dadakas Dimitrios 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThis study deals with changes in European Union's (EU's) trade potential in Machinery (HS 84–85) and Transportation (HS86-89) products.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a Structural Gravity model, Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML) estimation together with panel data for the years 2002–2018 and a two-step procedure that employs predicted values of bilateral trade to compare potential to actual trade.FindingsResults for Machinery products suggest a potential to expand trade with existing Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) in the American continent, and countries of the IGAD region in Africa. In Transportation, a high trade potential with RTAs is found in the Americas, Africa and the Middle East. Policy suggestions concentrate on opportunities for enhancing trade relations through trade liberalization and agreement proliferation.Originality/valueThere are no studies to date, that examine “collective” measure of EU trade potential, that treats the EU as a single country. Changes in existing opportunities to expand trade, common for EU members, are of special interest for policy formulation, especially after the recent turmoil presented by the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and the Greek Economic Crisis (GEC). Treating the EU as a single entity, is necessary for the formulation of an effective, common, EU trade policy. This study concentrates on the manufacturing sector to examine existing opportunities for the EU to expand trade, after the GFC and the GEC. This article deals with Machinery (HS 84 and 85) and Transportation (HS 86 through 89) products as they comprise a significant part of total EU exports, reaching 41% of total exports in 2016. Finally, this study offers a unique illustration of results through trade potential heat maps.
Netizens' concerns during COVID-19: a topic evolution analysis of Chinese social media platforms
Authors: Deng Zhaohua , Ma Rongyang , Wu Manli , Evans Richard 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThis study analyzes the evolution of topics related to COVID-19 on Chinese social media platforms with the aim of identifying changes in netizens' concerns during the different stages of the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 793,947 posts were collected from Zhihu, a Chinese Question and Answer website, and Dingxiangyuan, a Chinese online healthcare community, from 31 December, 2019, to 4 August, 2021. Topics were extracted during the prodromal and outbreak stages, and in the abatement–resurgence cycle.FindingsNetizens' concerns varied in different stages. During the prodromal and outbreak stages, netizens showed greater concern about COVID-19 news, the impact of COVID-19 and the prevention and control of COVID-19. During the first round of the abatement and resurgence stage, netizens remained concerned about COVID-19 news and the prevention and control of the pandemic, however, less attention was paid to the impact of COVID-19. During later stages, popularity grew in topics concerning the impact of COVID-19, while netizens engaged more in discussions about international events and the raising of spirits to fight the global pandemic.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to the practice by providing a way for the government and policy makers to retrospect the pandemic and thereby make a good preparation to take proper measures to communicate with citizens and address their demands in similar situations in the future.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by applying an adapted version of Fink's (1986) crisis life cycle to create a five-stage evolution model to understand the repeated resurgence of COVID-19 in Mainland China.
December 2001: Rapidly progressive motor weakness, starting in pregnancy
Authors: Hilton David A. , McLean Brendan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCases of the Month, October–December 2001The October Case of the Month (COM). A 40‐year‐old Xhosa male presented with progressive upper lumbar back pain and weakness At examination he was emaciated and had enlarged lymph nodes in the groin and axilla. Both lower limbs were severely atrophic and weak. Sensation to touch and pain was decreased below L3 bilaterally. MR of the spine showed a discrete, contrast‐enhancing epidural mass. A T10–T12 laminectomy revealed an soft, vascular extradural tumor dorsal to the cord. The mass was loosely applied to the dura and easy to remove. The operative specimen consisted of a sausage‐shaped (3.5×2.0×1.2 cm), thinly‐encapsulated mass of reddish‐brown tissue. The cut surface had a mottled, vaguely nodular, yellowlsh‐brown appearance. Microscopic examination revealed sheets of hematopoeitic elements, including myeloid, red cell and megakaryocytic lines, the latter showing Factor 8‐related positivity. The final diagnosis was extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH). A bone marrow biopsy performed as a result of the diagnosis showed a myeloproliferative disease and polycythemia vera. EMH in the spinal epidural space is a rare but treatable cause of progressive paraparesis in patients with a variety of hematological disorders. Since 1956 there have been more than 50 reported cases, most of which occurred in association with thalassaemia. In spinal cord compression secondary to EMH, the lesions are commonly localized to the mid‐lower thoracic region.The November COM. A 67‐year‐old man was found to have massive pituitary necrosis occupying approximately 85% of the anterior lobe after being supported with mechanical ventilation for 35 days. The findings were compatible with “respirator pituitary” found In mechanically ventilated patients. The lesions represent coagulative infarctions due to ischemia. The role of the respirator is believed to be buying time to allow the changes to develop.The December COM. A 25‐year‐old woman presented with rapidly progressive motor weakness necessitating ventilation 10 months after the onset. Despite immunosuppressive therapy she died 27 months later, without developing significant extramotor features. Autopsy revealed evidence of both upper and lower motor neuron loss with wide‐spread motor and extramotor intraneuronal basophilic inclusions, most of which did not show ubiquitin immunoreactivity. Motor neuron disease with basophilic inclusions appears to be a rare, but distinctive pathological subtype, with most reported cases occurring sporadically in young women and having a rapid clinical progression.
The economic significance of industrial design awards: A conceptual framework
Authors: Gemser Gerda , Wijnberg Nachoem M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis paper explores the importance of industrial design awards in shaping competition. We propose that there exists a positive relationship between winning industrial design awards and the corporate performance of the award‐winner, and that this relationship is moderated by, first, the type of products involved, and second, by the reputation of the award. The reputation of an award, in turn, is considered to be the result of a) the fit between the selection system dominating the relevant industry and the selection system expressed by the award and b) other institutional factors specific to the award, such as the age and the monetary value of the award.
Analysis of Friction Characteristics of Valve Plate Pair in an Axial Piston Pump Considering Cylinder Block Dynamics
Authors: Han Bo , Wang Zhaoqiang , Ji Hong , Sun Lingtao , Lu Yangjun 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The lubrication properties and friction characteristics of the valve plate pair play a vital role in determining the overall lifespan of the axial piston pump, which makes the analysis of these parameters of significant importance. In this paper, the lubrication model of the cylinder block/valve plate sliding interface of the axial piston pump, considering elastic deformation and cylinder block dynamics, is established. The oil film carrying pressure and asperity microcontact pressure are calculated using the Reynolds equation, Greenwood–Williamson asperity microcontact model, and Hertz contact theory. The dynamic analysis is carried out, and the Newton–Raphson iterative method is introduced to solve the nonlinear equations. The influence of working pressure, cylinder speed, and sealing belt width on the friction characteristics of the valve plate pair is analyzed using the numerical calculation model. The simulation results demonstrate the dynamic changes of the cylinder block and the impact of them on lubrication properties and friction characteristics. The experimental results of the friction coefficient at different cylinder speeds are consistent with the simulation results in trend and accurately reflect the fluctuation of the friction coefficient.
Ultrasound Doppler technique for the diagnosis of focal nodular hyperplasia – case series and systematic review
Authors: Sawatzki Mikael , Burkart Thomas , Baumeler Stephan , Semela David , Dong Yi , Jenssen Christian , Srivastava David , Dietrich Christoph F. 
Published: November 2023

With the Superb Micro-Vascular Imaging (SMI), the established Doppler technology has been extended by another mode. With this technique, microvascular structures with slow blood flow can now also be displayed in real time. As with the introduction of Doppler ultrasound, this new technique opens further diagnostic fields for the examiner, which were previously reserved for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or contrast ultrasound (CEUS). Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) of the liver is characterized by a typical spoke-wheel vascular malformation (spoke-wheel sign, SWS) anda good example using SMI for the diagnostic profit of our patients. The aim of this report is to describe the use of SMI as a new non-invasive, quick, and probably cost-effective diagnostic imaging tool
What made primary health care resilient against COVID-19? A mixed-methods positive deviance study in Nigeria
Authors: Neill Rachel , Peters Michael A , Bello Segun , Dairo Magbagbeola David , Azais Viviane , Samuel Jegede Ayodele , Adebowale Ayo Stephen , Nzelu Charles , Azodo Ngozi , Adoghe Anthony , Wang William , Bartlein Rebecca , Liu Anne , Ogunlayi Munirat , Yaradua Saudatu Umma , Shapira Gil , Hansen Peter M , Fawole Olufunmilayo I , Ahmed Tashrik 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionThe SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic overwhelmed some primary health care (PHC) systems, while others adapted and recovered. In Nigeria, large, within-state variations existed in the ability to maintain PHC service volumes. Identifying characteristics of high-performing local government areas (LGAs) can improve understanding of subnational health systems resilience.MethodsEmploying a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, we quantitatively identified ‘positive deviant’ LGAs based on their speed of recovery of outpatient and antenatal care services to prepandemic levels using service volume data from Nigeria’s health management information system and matched them to comparators with similar baseline characteristics and slower recoveries. 70 semistructured interviews were conducted with LGA officials, facility officers and community leaders in sampled LGAs to analyse comparisons based on Kruk’s resilience framework.ResultsA total of 57 LGAs were identified as positive deviants out of 490 eligible LGAs that experienced a temporary decrease in PHC-level outpatient and antenatal care service volumes. Positive deviants had an average of 8.6% higher outpatient service volume than expected, and comparators had 27.1% lower outpatient volume than expected after the initial disruption to services. Informants in 12 positive deviants described health systems that were more integrated, aware and self-regulating than comparator LGAs. Positive deviants were more likely to employ demand-side adaptations, whereas comparators primarily focused on supply-side adaptations. Barriers included long-standing financing and PHC workforce gaps.ConclusionSufficient flexible financing, adequate PHC staffing and local leadership enabled health systems to recover service volumes during COVID-19. Resilient PHC requires simultaneous attention to bottom-up and top-down capabilities connected by strong leadership.