bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multimodal analysis unveils tumor microenvironment heterogeneity linked to immune activity and evasion
Authors: Lapuente-Santana Óscar , Sturm Gregor , Kant Joan , Ausserhofer Markus , Zackl Constantin , Zopoglou Maria , McGranahan Nicholas , Rieder Dietmar , Trajanoski Zlatko , de Miranda Noel Filipe da Cunha Carvalho , Eduati Federica , Finotello Francesca 
Published: December 2023

SummaryThe cellular and molecular heterogeneity of tumors is a major obstacle to cancer immunotherapy. Here, we use a systems biology approach to derive a signature of the main sources of heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment (TME) from lung cancer transcriptomic data. We demonstrate that this signature, which we callediHet, is conserved in different cancers and associated with antitumor immunity. Through the analysis of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data, we trace back the cellular origin of the variability that explains the iHet signature. Finally, we demonstrate that iHet has predictive value for cancer immunotherapy, which can be further improved by disentangling three major determinants of anticancer immune responses: activity of immune cells, immune infiltration or exclusion, and cancer-cell foreignness. This work shows how transcriptomics data can be integrated to derive a holistic representation of the phenotypic heterogeneity of the TME, and ultimately to determine its unfolding and fate during immunotherapy with immune checkpoint blockers.
High CD44 expression identifies rare chemoresistant leukemic cells endowed with enhanced E-Selectin binding in T-ALL
Authors: Calvo Julien , Naguibneva Irina , Kypraios Anthony , Uzan Benjamin , Gaillard Baptiste , Bellenger L Lea , Renou Laurent , Antoniewski Christophe , Lapillone Helene , Petit Arnaud , Ballerini Paola , Mancini Stéphane JC. , Marchand Tony , Peyron Jean-François , Pflumio Françoise 
Published: December 2023

AbstractT-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a hematopoietic malignancy characterized by an increased proliferation and incomplete maturation of T-cell progenitors. Despite therapeutic improvements, relapses are often of bad prognosis. Therapeutic vulnerabilities and chemoresistance mechanisms arising from cell plasticity induced by the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment remain an important field of investigation. Employing single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) of human T-ALL cells recovered from adipocyte-rich and -poor BM, a distinct leukemic stem cell (LSC) population defined by quiescence and elevated CD44 level (Ki67neg/lowCD44high) expression is identified in both territories.In vivochemotherapy demonstrated that the LSC population evades drug treatment. Patient sample analyses confirmed the presence of Ki67neg/lowCD44highLSC both at diagnosis and relapse that displayed a specific transcriptomic signature. Interestingly, the intense expression of CD44 in T-ALL Ki67neg/lowLSC was associated with E-selectin binding. Importantly, when 39 human T-ALL samples were analyzed, the E-selectin binding ability was found significantly higher in Relapse/Refractory compared to drug-sensitive patients. These findings characterize a T-ALL LSC population with chemoresistant properties and shade light on new strategies for prognostic stratification while opening avenues for novel therapeutic options.
Development of a quantitative colorimetric LAMP assay for fast and targeted molecular detection of the invasive lionfishPterois milesfrom environmental DNA
Authors: Hartle-Mougiou Katherine , Gubili Chrysoula , Xanthopoulou Panagiota , Kasapidis Panagiotis , Valiadi Martha , Gizeli Electra 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTThe Mediterranean basin has seen an increased influx of invasive species since the Suez Canal expansion in 2015. The invasive lionfish species,Pterois miles, has rapidly established new populations in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, impacting local fish biodiversity. Here, we have developed a new, fast (< 35 min) molecular approach to detect and quantifyP. milesenvironmental DNA (eDNA) in combination with a portable device for field-based analysis. Using a species-specific real-time colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (qcLAMP) for the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene, we demonstrate a high sensitivity with a limit of detection of 0.002 ng DNA per reaction, equivalent to only 50 copies of the COI gene. The assay is specific to the target in the presence of closely related and co-occurring species, and it is quantitative over five orders of magnitude. We validated the assay using aquarium water samples and further demonstrated its utility on natural eDNA samples collected from locations around the island of Crete whereP. mileshad been sighted.P. mileswas indeed detected in three out of nine locations, two nature reserves and a closed bay. Lack of detection in the remaining locations suggest that populations are still at a low density. We also demonstrate the feasibility ofP. mileseDNA qualitative detection directly from the filter used to collect eDNA-containing particles, completely omitting DNA extraction. Overall, we present a new approach for fast and targeted eDNA quantification. The developed LAMP assay together with the quantitative real-time colorimetric detection approach open new possibilities for monitoring invasiveP. milesin the field.
Cell Types or Cell States? An Investigation of Adrenergic and Mesenchymal Cell Phenotypes in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Bukkuri Anuraag , Andersson Stina , Brown Joel S. , Hammarlund Emma U. , Mohlin Sofie 
Published: December 2023

SummaryNeuroblastoma is a pediatric cancer that exhibits two cellular phenotypes: adrenergic (ADRN) and mesenchymal (MES). ADRN is differentiated and therapy-sensitive, while MES is less differentiated with elevated therapy resistance. To understand neuroblastoma and its treatment response, it is important to elucidate how these phenotypes impact the eco-evolutionary dynamics of cancer cell populations and whether they represent distinct cell types or dynamic cell states. Here, we show that neuroblastoma cells undergo an ADRN to a MES phenotypic switch under chemotherapy treatment. We use a strong inference approach to generate four hypotheses on how this switch may occur: cell types without resistance, cell types with resistance, cell states without resistance, and cell states with resistance. For each of these hypotheses, we create theoretical models to make qualitative predictions about their resulting eco-evolutionary dynamics. Our results provide a framework to further experimentally determine whether ADRN and MES phenotypes are distinct cell types or dynamic cell states.
The crucible of the unfinished master plans for Cairo and a plan for the new administrative capital city
Authors: Soliman Ahmed , Soliman Yahya A. , Hassan Ghada Farouk , Afifi Samy 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to examine Cairo's master plans during the past 70 years, including the establishment of the New Administrative Capital City—which is based on two fundamental courses on the phenomenon of urbanisation—and other initiatives to address Cairo's Plans based on the thoughts of three planning schools—Chicago, Los Angeles and Liverpool. The aim is to determine if the right time to relocate Egypt's capital to a different place makes sense.Design/methodology/approachCairo has experienced significant urban challenges throughout its millennial history due to the continually shifting socioeconomic and political changes. This research uses prospective and retrospective methods to examine how planning theories have historically influenced building Cairo’s urban fabric and provides insight into the city’s master plans from the July Revolution of 1952.FindingsIt is assumed that Cairo's socio-spatial transitions over time were caused by scattered expansion, leading to contemporary Cairo's socio-spatial evolution. The paper ends with some questions about the future of the city. Should planning policies change to cope with socioeconomic, spatial and political transitions?Originality/valueThe article's significance stems from the necessity of adaptable and considerate ideas that move Cairo's communities towards a better setting and provide a crucial route for enhancing their environments. Using digital technologies to implement new capital while creating platform urbanism may be accomplished even with constrained budgets and short course lengths.
Beyond purchase intention in sports sponsorship: an alternative approach to measuring brand equity using best-worst scaling
Authors: Almaiman Khaled Hamad , Ang Lawrence , Winzar Hume 
Published: December 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of sports sponsorship on brand equity using two managerially related outcomes: price premium and market share.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a best–worst discrete choice experiment (BWDCE) and compares the outcome with that of the purchase intention scale, an established probabilistic measure of purchase intention. The total sample consists of 409 fans of three soccer teams sponsored by three different competing brands: Nike, Adidas and Puma.

Findings
With sports sponsorship, fans were willing to pay more for the sponsor’s product, with the sponsoring brand obtaining the highest market share. Prominent brands generally performed better than less prominent brands. The best–worst scaling method was also 35% more accurate in predicting brand choice than a purchase intention scale.

Research limitations/implications
Future research could use the same method to study other types of sponsors, such as title sponsors or other product categories.

Practical implications
Sponsorship managers can use this methodology to assess the return on investment in sponsorship engagement.

Originality/value
Prior sponsorship studies on brand equity tend to ignore market share or fans’ willingness to pay a price premium for a sponsor’s goods and services. However, these two measures are crucial in assessing the effectiveness of sponsorship. This study demonstrates how to conduct such an assessment using the BWDCE method. It provides a clearer picture of sponsorship in terms of its economic value, which is more managerially useful.
Unraveling unemployment hysteresis in Nordic countries: a multifaceted analysis of age, gender and frequency differentials
Authors: Yılancı Veli , Kırca Mustafa , Canbay Şeri̇f , Sağlam Muhlis Selman 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThis study aims to test the unemployment hysteresis hypothesis for Nordic countries by considering age and gender differentials at various frequencies.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the authors test the linearity of the unemployment series and apply appropriate unit root tests based on the linearity test results. The authors use these tests for both original and wavelet-decomposed unemployment rates.FindingsThe authors' findings indicate that the results obtained from the original and decomposed series differ. While the authors find evidence of unemployment hysteresis in the six unemployment rates in the short run, they observe supportive results for hysteresis in the three unemployment rates in the long run.Originality/valueThe authors take into account different age and gender groups. Furthermore, the authors propose a testing strategy for unemployment hysteresis that considers the nonlinearity and structural breaks in unemployment rates. Finally, the authors determine whether the unemployment hysteresis is valid at various frequencies.
A knowledge and preventive approach to COVID-19 and vaccination acceptance among Afghan immigrants in Iran
Authors: Gholinataj Jelodar Mohsen , Rafieian Shahab , Nasiriani Khadijeh , Dehghan Chenari Haniyeh , Haji Maghsodi Majid , Mirzaei Samaneh 
Published: December 2023

Purpose
Considering the importance of knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) in communities toward COVID-19 and the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination in the control of this disease, this study aims to evaluate and compare the KAP level toward COVID-19 and the acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccination between the Afghan immigrant population and Iranians

Design/methodology/approach
This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2021 on Afghan immigrants, Afghan-neighboring Iranians and Afghan nonneighboring Iranians. Of the 885 people who participated in the survey, 295 from each group were randomly selected. Data collection tools were the following questionnaires: KAP toward COVID-19 and acceptance and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination.

Findings
A total of 837 participants were included for data analysis. According to the findings, the KAP score on COVID-19 in Afghan immigrants was lower than the group of Iranians. Compared with Iranians, the score of nonneighboring Iranians was higher than the neighboring Iranians with Afghan immigrants. This difference in the mean scores suggests a statistically significant difference in the three groups (p < 0.0001). Among demographic data, the relationship between gender, education, type of job, income level and age with KAP indicated a significant difference in the total population studied. In the group of Afghan immigrants, the most likely reason for accepting the vaccination was the employer’s recommendation (55.63%). In comparison, the neighboring and nonneighboring Iranian groups with Afghan immigrants stated that they would receive the vaccine as soon as possible (49.22% and 63.22%, respectively).

Originality/value
Considering the low KAP score in the immigrant population in this study, these people are more vulnerable to the health and socioeconomic effects of COVID-19; therefore, the host countries have more challenges and responsibilities to protect these populations.
Effect of downward line extension on consumers’ purchase intentions: power distance belief as a moderator
Authors: He Yue , Mo Zan , Fu Huijian 
Published: December 2023

Purpose
Downward line extension is a valuable growth strategy that enables multiple products and services to meet diverse customer needs. However, downward extended products launched by high-status brands may be challenged by horizontal extended products launched by relatively low-status brands when these two types of products target similar consumers. This study aims to examine the impact of product type (horizontal extended versus downward extended) on consumers’ purchase intentions, the underlying mechanism and the moderating role of power distance belief.

Design/methodology/approach
Four scenario-based experiments were conducted to probe the research questions.

Findings
Consumers develop lower purchase intentions for downward (versus horizontal) extended products due to the reduction of perceived fit and self-congruity (Study 1). Beyond that, power distance belief moderates the impact of product type on consumers’ purchase intentions, as a low power distance belief reduces the negative effect of downward line extension (Studies 2a, 2b and 2c). Perceived fit and self-congruity mediate the interaction effect between product type and power distance belief on consumers’ purchase intentions (Study 2c).

Practical implications
This study provides marketing practitioners with guidance on implementing the strategy of downward line extension.

Originality/value
This study serves as a preliminary effort to compare consumers’ responses between downward and horizontal extended products, which deepens the understanding of downward line extension. It also contributes to the body of knowledge about line extension and power distance belief by demonstrating the moderating role of power distance belief in a line extension context.
Evaluating the impact of cross-institutional teaching enhancement collaborations using a professional capital framework
Authors: Zou Tracy X.P. , Hounsell Dai , Parker Quentin A. , Chan Ben Y.B. 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of four cross-institutional teaching enhancement projects (TEPs), a relatively new form of professional collaboration. The focus is on the impact at departmental, institutional and cross-institutional levels because such impact is the main reason for establishing cross-institutional TEPs.Design/methodology/approachA professional capital framework guided the examination of decisional and social capitals at departmental, institutional and cross-institutional levels. A theory-of-change method was adopted to collect data from 35 sets of documents, 22 project members and 65 stakeholders.FindingsThe authors found five forms of impact, showing the development of decisional and social capitals mostly at institutional and cross-institutional levels, whilst signaling the relatively weak impact at departmental levels. Therefore, the values of cross-institutional TEPs have not been fully realized and future endeavors need to better utilize the capitals in programs.Originality/valueFew studies evaluated the impact of large-scale, cross-institutional TEPs. The authors offered new contributions by gauging the impact of these under-explored forms of complex professional collaborations.
Inclusive leadership, employee performance and well-being: an empirical study
Authors: Umrani Waheed Ali , Bachkirov Alexandre Anatolievich , Nawaz Asif , Ahmed Umair , Pahi Munwar Hussain 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThis study examines the impact of inclusive leadership on two important work outcomes, i.e., employee performance and well-being. In order to better understand the above relationships, this study theorizes that employee psychological capital is a mediating mechanism and family motivation is a moderating mechanism.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected 370 responses in three different time waves with an interval of one week. All the constructs of the study were rated by employees except for the supervisor’s family motivation, which was rated by their supervisors. Given the predictive nature of the study, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for data analysis.FindingsThe authors' findings confirm the mediating role of employee psychological capital in the relationship between inclusive leadership and employee performance and in the relationship between inclusive leadership and employee well-being. The moderating effects of supervisor family motivation in the relationship between inclusive leadership and employee performance were also significant; however, the authors did not find empirical support for the moderating effects of family motivation in the relationship between inclusive leadership and employee well-being.Originality/valueDrawing on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, the present study extends the authors' understanding of the unique ways in which inclusive leadership improves employee performance and benefits their well-being.
Dead wood distributed in different‐sized habitat patches enhances diversity of saproxylic beetles in a landscape experiment
Authors: Haeler Elena , Stillhard Jonas , Hindenlang Clerc Karin , Pellissier Loïc , Lachat Thibault 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Human intervention often alters the availability of habitat for biodiversity. The conservation of biodiversity therefore requires an optimized habitat management. In forests, dead wood represents one of the most important habitats and in boreal and temperate regions around 25% of forest species depend on it (= saproxylic species). Increasing the amount of dead wood in managed forests has thus become a policy objective, but there is no consensus on how to best distribute dead wood in space.

In a landscape experiment, we exposed freshly cut beech branches in bundles of different sizes (one, three, six and 12 branches) in the forest, representing newly created habitat patches to be colonized by saproxylic beetles. We investigated how species richness in a ‘single large’ branch bundle compares to that in ‘several small’ bundles (SLOSS debate). We further tested the effects of dead wood availability (amount and isolation) in the surrounding landscape (20–200 m) and environmental factors (temperature and light availability) on species richness, abundance and community composition.

The species richness of the pooled small bundles (1 + 3 + 6 = 10 branches) was as high as that of the large bundle (12 branches), despite having a smaller total surface, demonstrating the benefit of spatially dispersed habitat patches for total diversity. Also community composition differed and every bundle size yielded some unique species. Dead wood availability in the surrounding landscape had a minor effect in comparison. Our results further highlight the importance of microsite heterogeneity: species richness was related to light availability, and abundance and community composition were related to temperature.

Synthesis and applications: Larger amounts of dead wood harbour more saproxylic beetle species and the distribution of dead wood in patches of different sizes within the forest can promote the development of variable species communities. Combined, this results in a higher species diversity. In managed forests, where retained dead wood is often homogeneous in terms of size or tree species, increasing heterogeneity by distributing dead wood in the forest could foster higher diversity of saproxylic species.
The mountains are high and the emperor is far away: Credit scoring and the infrastructure of surveillance capitalism in China
Authors: Xu Ruowen , Millo Yuval , Spence Crawford 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPrevious research on calculative intermediaries shows how these effectively challenge, distort, and disrupt accounting practices in ways that policy‐makers might not anticipate. The promises of surveillance capitalism—with its attendant data architectures, datafication processes, and technological sophistication—are different, supposing more accurate ways of reading individuals and greater calculative certainty overall. Yet there is little empirical research to explore how surveillance capitalism manifests itself at the organizational level, either conceptually or operationally. As a result, it remains uncertain whether such specters of omniscience are as haunting in reality as they appear in theory. We explore these themes by way of an ethnographic study into credit scoring in China, showing how intermediary organizations developed a multiplicity of credit scoring models based on machine learning and big data that differed both from original expectations and from each other. These different “renditions” of credit scoring suggest that the data architectures of surveillance capitalism are just as much subject to challenge and adaptation by intermediary organizations as calculative practices, such as accounting, are in more analog environments.
Impact of COVID‐19 on surgical exposure and training for general surgery trainees in Australia: a national audit
Authors: Tang Patrick , Newton Peter , Mori Krinal 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPurposeThe COVID‐19 pandemic has caused a major disruption in operative volumes over the last few years, which has directly impacted on surgical training. This study aims to quantify the impact of COVID‐19 and the relevant restrictions on General Surgery trainees in Australia.MethodsLogbook data of General Surgery trainees from 2019 to 2021 was analysed and compared to assess the impact of COVID‐19 on operative numbers and supervision levels during major operations.ResultsThere was a statistically significant reduction in overall operative numbers in Australia, with a decrease of 2.0% in 2020 (IRR 0.980, 95% CI 0.973–0.986, P < 0.001) and 6.8% in 2021 (IRR 0.932, 95% CI 0.926–0.938, P < 0.001). Elective operations reduced by 6.6% in 2020 (IRR 0.934, 95% CI 0.927–0.942, P < 0.001) and 10.3% in 2021 (IRR 0.934, 95% CI 0.927–0.942, P < 0.001). Victoria and NT were the most affected jurisdictions; while hepatobiliary, trauma and surgical oncology were the most affected subspecialties. The proportion of overall primary operating has significantly decreased (41.8% vs. 40.2%, P < 0.001) between 2019 and 2020, and decreased further to 39.7% in 2021.ConclusionThe COVID‐19 pandemic has had an overall negative impact on surgical training in General Surgery. Efforts should be directed at minimizing detraining of trainees and further disruptions to their training.