bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypoxic volatile metabolic markers in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line
Authors: Issitt Theo , Reilly Matthew , Sweeney Sean T. , Brackenbury William J. , Redeker Kelly 
Published: March 2023

AbstractHypoxia in disease describes persistent low oxygen conditions, observed in a range of pathologies, including cancer. In the discovery of biomarkers in biological models, pathophysiological traits present a source of translatable metabolic products for the diagnosis of disease in humans. Part of the metabolome is represented by its volatile, gaseous fraction; the volatilome. Human volatile profiles, such as those found in breath, are able to diagnose disease, however accurate volatile biomarker discovery is required to target reliable biomarkers to develop new diagnostic tools. Using custom chambers to control oxygen levels and facilitate headspace sampling, the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line was exposed to hypoxia (1% oxygen) for 24 hours. The maintenance of hypoxic conditions in the system was successfully validated over this time period. Targeting and non-targeting gas chromatography mass spectrometry approaches revealed four significantly altered volatile organic compounds when compared to control cells. Three compounds were actively consumed by cells: methyl chloride, acetone and n-Hexane. Cells under hypoxia also produced significant amounts of styrene. This work presents a novel methodology for identification of volatile metabolisms under controlled gas conditions with novel observations of volatile metabolisms by breast cancer cells.
Efficient transgene-free genome editing in plants in the T0 generation based on a co-editing strategy
Authors: Huang Xiaoen , Jia Hongge , Xu Jin , Wang Yuanchun , Wen Jiawen , Wang Nian 
Published: March 2023

AbstractTransgene-free genome editing of plants in the T0 generation is highly desirable but challenging, especially in perennials and vegetatively propagated plants. Here, we investigated the co-editing strategy for generating transgene-free, gene-edited plants viaAgrobacterium-mediated transient expression of cytosine base editor (CBE)/gRNA-Cas12a/crRNA-GFPin planta. Specifically, CBE/gRNA was used to base edit theALSgene to confer resistance to herbicide chlorsulfuron as a selection marker, which has no negative effects on plant phenotypes; Cas12a/crRNA was used for editing genes(s) of interest; GFP was used for selecting transgene-free transformants. Using this approach, transgene-free genome-edited plants were efficiently generated for various genes (either individual or multiplex) in tomato, tobacco, potato, and citrus in the T0 generation. The biallelic/homozygous transgene-free mutation rates for target genes among herbicide-resistant transformants ranged from 8% to 50%. Whole genome sequencing further confirmed transgene-free and absence of off-target mutations in the edited plants. The co-editing strategy is efficient for generating transgene-free, genome-edited plants in the T0 generation, thus being a potent tool for plant genetic improvement.
A native herbaceous community exerts a strong allelopathic effect on the woody range-expanderBetula fruticosa
Authors: Wang Lichao , Oduor Ayub M. O. , Liu Yanjie 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBiological invasions by range-expanding native and alien plant species often reduce native plant community diversity and productivity. Superior performance of some invasive plants over native plants is due to production of allelochemicals by invaders that suppress growth of native plants. Nevertheless, native plants can also produce allelopathic compounds, which may provide biotic resistance against invasive plant species, in accordance with the homeland security hypothesis. In support of the hypothesis, several previous studies found evidence for allelopathic effects of native plant species on alien plant species. However, as most of these studies tested allelopathic effects of single native plant species on invasive plant species, the contribution of allelopathy to the resistance of native plant communities to invasion has received considerably less attention. Here, we performed two competition experiments in a greenhouse to test for potential pairwise allelopathic effects on each other of a woody range-expanderBetula fruticosaand a community of four native herbaceous species in China. We tested whetherB. fruticosaand the herbaceous community differed in their competitive effects and responses, and whether these were changed by the presence of activated carbon – an allelopathy neutralizer in the soil. Results show that presence of activated carbon ameliorated suppressive effects of the resident herbaceous community on above-ground biomass ofB. fruticosa. By contrast, presence of activated carbon tended to aggravate suppressive effects ofB. fruticosaon the resident herbaceous community. Overall, these results provide support to the homeland security hypothesis and suggest that strong biotic resistance of the resident herbaceous community may limit invasion success of the woody range-expanderB. fruticosa.
Agricultural drivers of field margin plant communities are scale dependent
Authors: Poinas Isis , Fried Guillaume , Henckel Laura , Meynard Christine N 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn recent decades, agricultural intensification has led to a strong decline in biodiversity. Field margins act as shelters and dispersal corridors for biodiversity in highly disturbed landscapes, and are critical to the maintenance of ecosystem services. However, they are also impacted by agricultural practices in neighbouring fields. Agricultural impacts are often studied at field to landscape scales, and rarely across biogeographic regions. One of the challenges in large-scale studies is the lack of standardized monitoring schemes including both biodiversity and accurate estimation of agricultural practices. Here, we take advantage of a national monitoring scheme in 462 sites in France, to assess the effects of agricultural practices on field margin flora at different extents and resolutions. We used spatial simultaneous autoregressive and generalized dissimilarity models to assess the response of plant richness and composition to climatic, soil and landscape conditions, and to agricultural (fertilization, herbicides) and margin management drivers. Analyses were repeated at the site-level, 40 and 75 km resolutions, and at regional and national extents. We found that the impact of agricultural practices on species richness was most important at the site-level, whereas climate and crop diversity became more important at the 75 km resolution. Compositional variations responded differently, with climate being more important at the site-level, and fertilization and crop diversity at the coarsest resolution. There was a strong variation in the variance explained by models among regions, but climate effects were weaker within biogeographic units compared to the national level, and different agricultural practices stood out as influential in different regions, suggesting that the regional context is fundamental in determining plant community structure. To efficiently conserve biodiversity, we therefore recommend the implementation of agricultural measures adapted to each region.
Physiological stress drives the emergence of aSalmonellasubpopulation through ribosomal RNA regulation
Authors: Mattioli Camilla Ciolli , Eisner Kfir , Rosenbaum Aviel , Wang Mengyu , Amir Ariel , Golding Ido , Avraham Roi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBacteria undergo cycles of growth and starvation, to which they must adapt swiftly. One important strategy for adjusting growth rates relies on ribosomal levels. While high ribosomal levels are required for fast growth, their dynamics during starvation remain unclear. Here, we analyzed ribosomal RNA (rRNA) content of individualSalmonellacells using Fluorescence In-Situ Hybridization (rRNA-FISH). During the transition from exponential to stationary phase we measured a dramatic decrease in rRNA numbers only in a subpopulation, resulting in a bimodal distribution of cells with high and low rRNA content. We showed that the two subpopulations are phenotypically distinct when subjected to nutritional upshifts. Using a transposon screen coupled with rRNA-FISH, we identified two mutants acting on rRNA transcription shutdown and degradation, that abolished the formation of the subpopulation with low rRNA content. Our work suggests thatSalmonellaemploys a bet-hedging strategy in regulating ribosomal levels that may be beneficial for survival.
Small volume blood-brain barrier opening in macaques with a 1 MHz ultrasound phased array
Authors: Manuel Thomas J. , Sigona Michelle K. , Phipps M. Anthony , Kusunose Jiro , Luo Huiwen , Yang Pai-Feng , Newton Allen T. , Gore John C. , Grissom William , Chen Li Min , Caskey Charles F. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractFocused ultrasound blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening is a promising tool for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents into the brain. The volume of opening determines the extent of therapeutic administration and sets a lower bound on the size of targets which can be selectively treated. We tested a custom 1 MHz array transducer optimized for cortical regions in the macaque brain with the goal of achieving small volume openings. We integrated this device into a magnetic resonance image guided focused ultrasound system and demonstrated twelve instances of small volume BBB opening with average opening volumes of 59 ± 37 mm3and 184 ± 2 mm3in cortical and subcortical targets, respectively. We developed real-time cavitation monitoring using a passive cavitation detector embedded in the array and characterized its performance on a bench-top flow phantom mimicking transcranial BBB opening procedures. We monitored cavitation duringin-vivoprocedures and compared cavitation metrics against opening volumes and safety outcomes measured with FLAIR and susceptibility weighted MR imaging. Our findings show small BBB opening at cortical targets in macaques and characterize the safe pressure range for 1 MHz BBB opening. Additionally, we used subject-specific simulations to investigate variance in measured opening volumes and found high correlation (R2= 0.8577) between simulation predictions and observed measurements. Simulations suggest the threshold for 1 MHz BBB opening was 0.53 MPa. This system enables BBB opening for drug delivery and gene therapy to be targeted to more specific brain regions.
Is STEM a better adaptor than non-STEM groups with online education: an Indian peri-urban experience
Authors: Das Aakash Ranjan , Bhattacharyya Asmita 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThe existing literature contains few references on the better adaptors of online distance education amongst STEM (read as science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and non-STEM (composed of humanities, social science and commerce) study groups in an Indian peri-urban context. The study's objective is to determine the better adaptor amongst these two study groups in online distance learning in higher education systems in an Indian peri-urban context.Design/methodology/approachThe investigation was carried out prior to COVID-19 and during the pandemic. The inquiry is triangulated in nature with a disproportionate stratified random sampling approach used to pick 312 post-graduate students (STEM = 135 and non-STEM = 177) from a peri-urban higher education institute in West Bengal, India, using the “Raosoft” scale. Given the prevailing social distance norms, 235 samples of respondents from 312 students were evaluated via telephonic/online interviews during the COVID-19 period. The data were analysed using SPSS 22.FindingsThis study's investigations reveal that the STEM respondents have better digital profiles, better basic computing and Internet knowledge and greater digital usage for academic purposes before the pandemic times than the non-STEM group. This prior digital exposure has enabled the STEM group to cope with regular online distance education during the pandemic more quickly than the non-STEM group, as evidenced by their regular attendance in online classes and their greater awareness of its utilitarian role than the other group.Originality/valueThe study offers a way forward direction to evolve with more inclusive online distance learning in peri-urban Indian regions.
Perceptions of food business operators in relation to importance of official food control in food safety: a case of Kirklees Council
Authors: Babatola Samuel Soledayo 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to critically examine the perceptions of food business operators (FBOs) in Kirklees Council in relation to the importance of official food inspection of food premises, performed by the local authority.Design/methodology/approachA semi-structured questionnaire was developed to survey the opinions of FBOs in Kirklees Council in relation to the significance and consistency of official food control. The business types included were retailers, commercial restaurants, schools, care homes, pub, bars and cafes.FindingsBased on the total of 236 respondents, the results show that 45.8% of the respondents opined that official food control has considerably improved their food hygiene practices and that official inspection is their only source of information about the latest food safety legislation. Moreover, another 168(71.2%) believed that the instructions given by the inspectors are clear and easily understandable. However, some respondents, especially the small and medium-sized businesses believed that remedying noncompliance caused them financial burden. In addition, significant positive correlations exist between the bigger FBOs and high frequencies of negotiating noncompliance with the inspectors due to the high cost of capital that will be needed to remedy the spotted noncompliance by an officer during control (Kruskal–Wallis r = 0.034, p < 0.003).Research limitations/implicationsAs with most studies, it is important to borne in mind that the design of the current study is subject to limitations and these limitations could be addressed in future research. The self-reported data collection employed in this study is limited by the fact that it rarely can be independently verified. In other words, the self-reported data used in this study might be subject to (1) selective memory: respondents might remember or not able to remember all the details of the inspections that occurred at some point in the past, however, inspections are often documented, and businesses usually have a copy of every inspection reports. (2) exaggeration: respondents might over or underrepresent outcomes of inspections and (3) attribution: respondents might attribute positive events and outcomes to their own agency but attribute negative events and outcomes to external forces. Nonetheless, the strength of this study lies in its large sample size and high response rate which makes it easier to assess the representativeness of the sample and to generalise the results.Originality/valueThe behaviour of the FBOs towards food control and the opinion of the FBOs about food safety may have an important effect on the organisation of official food control in Kirklees Council, but there is no scientific data to back it up. Furthermore, the perceptions of FBOs and the role of food control in food safety in Kirklees Council have not been investigated, which makes this research a novelty.
Spillovers of underground gas storage facilities and their role in the sustainable energy markets: assessment and policy recommendations
Authors: Chrysochoou Anastasios , Zissis Dimitris , Chalvatzis Konstantinos , Andriosopoulos Kostas 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the construction and operation of underground gas storage (UGS) facilities, under the prism of the recent rise in energy prices. The focus is on developing energy markets interconnected with gas producers through pipelines and has access to liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in parallel.Design/methodology/approachThrough a focal market in Europe, the authors estimate the economic value for both stakeholders and consumers by introducing a methodology, appropriately adjusted to the specificities of the domestic energy market. The Transmission System Operator, the Energy Market Regulator, the Energy Exchange and Eurostat are the main data sources for our calculations and conclusions.FindingsThe authors investigate the perspectives of UGS facilities, identifying financial challenges considering specific energy market conditions which are barriers to new storage facilities. Nevertheless, the energy price rocketing coupled with the security of gas supply issues, which arose in autumn 2021 and were continuing in 2022 due to the Russia–Ukraine crisis, highlight that gas storage remains, at least for the midterm, at the core of European priorities.Originality/valueThe paper emphasizes on developing markets toward green transition, proposing tangible policy recommendations regarding gas storage. A new methodological approach is proposed, appropriate to quantify the economic value of UGSs in such markets. Last, a mix of energy policy options is suggested which include regulatory reforms, support schemes and new energy infrastructures that could make the gas storage investments economically viable.
Identifying determinants in the first turnover of new graduate employees in Korea: applying a discrete-time survival analysis
Authors: Lee Yunsoo , Yang Junyeong , Lee Jae Young 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThe high turnover of new graduate employees has become a concern for many organizations in Korea. This study explores when new graduate employees leave first jobs and what makes these employees decide to leave employees' organizations.Design/methodology/approachUsing national panel data from South Korea, the authors employed a survival analysis and examined the factors that explain the turnover of new graduate employees.FindingsThe findings of this study reveal that many new graduate employees leave the employees' organizations within two years. Moreover, work conditions, work satisfaction and job-skill match were associated with new graduate employee turnover.Originality/valueBased on the results of survival analysis derived from actual turnover data, not turnover intentions, the authors emphasize appropriate human resources (HR) intervention, a working environment and organizational culture, and employee development opportunities.
Fear of Covid-19 and perceived academic safety: the buffering role of personal resources
Authors: Azila-Gbettor Edem Maxwell , Mensah Christopher , Agbodza Mavis 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThe study investigates the moderating effect of personal resources, including optimism and resilience, on the link between fear of Covid-19 and perceptions of academic safety among university students in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachA total of 618 students took part in the research by completing an online self-reported questionnaire. The respondents were chosen using a simple random sample method. The data was processed and analysed using IBM SPSS version 24 and SEM-PLS, respectively.FindingsResults reveal fear of Covid-19 positively influence students' perception of academic safety. Furthermore, both resilience and optimism mitigate the impact of fear of Covid-19 on students' perceptions of academic safety.Originality/valueThis is the first study to examine personal resources as a moderator between fear of Covid-19 and students' perceptions of academic safety. Practical and theoretical implications are added to the text.
Financial inclusion matter for poverty, income inequality and financial stability in developing countries: new evidence from public good theory
Authors: Khan Ismail , Khan Iftikhar 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the influence of financial inclusion (FI) on poverty, income inequality and financial stability from the perspective of public good (PG) theory in developing countries.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies the fixed effects model (FEM), pooled ordinary least square (OLS) regression and generalized method of moment (GMM) across panal data of 69 developing countries from 2002 to 2020 inclusive.FindingsMultiple regression analyses show that FI reduces poverty and income inequality while improving financial stability. Secondary enrolment ratio, GDP per capita, and trade openness reduce poverty and income inequality. However, a higher inflation rate increases poverty and income inequality while reducing financial stability. Finally, age dependency ratio and population do not affect poverty, income inequality or financial stability.Research limitations/implicationsThe regulators and policymakers in developing countries should raise the level of formal FI by expanding the size of the formal financial sector and improving the access of the large unbanked population to financial products/services. Improving FI enables the unbanked population to take over productive activities and ease consumption, which in turn complementing economic growth.Social implicationsThe increase in FI enables the developing countries to include the financially excluded population through formal financial products and services, which improve financial stability and eradicate poverty and income inequality in society. Thus, the FI enhances the social welfare of society.Originality/valueThis is the first study that examines the impact of FI poverty, income inequality and financial stability in the context of developing countries. This study contributes to the theoretical implications of the PG theory by examining the influence of FI on poverty, income inequality and financial stability in the context of developing countries.
An international examination of market orientation and performance in residential property management
Authors: Wilson Grant Alexander , Millard Gabriel , Hills Cameron 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThe paper offers clarity to the market orientation (MO) and performance relationship in real estate by examining the limited relevant literature, presenting international results and discussing the implications for market orientation researchers and real estate practitioners.Design/methodology/approachBased on a survey of 1,251 individual renters in the USA, the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada, this study examines the relationship between residential property managers’ MO and performance. It extends MO research in real estate by focusing on property management as opposed to property development.FindingsThe results show that MO and performance are correlated in all three countries. Commitments to understanding and serving customers and differentiating from competitors are shown to enhance performance measures including residential tenants’ loyalty toward the property manager, trust in the property manager, pride in rental accommodation and commitment to paying rent on time.Originality/valueThis study is one of the largest MO studies in real estate in terms of sample size and offers a unique international perspective. The research is novel as MO is evaluated by tenants as opposed to self-assessed by firms. The paper offers a new measure of property manager performance and provides strategic directives for real estate professionals seeking to enhance competitiveness.