bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disrupting the phase separation of KAT8–IRF1 diminishes PD-L1 expression and promotes antitumor immunity
Authors: Wu Yuanzhong , Zhou Liwen , Zou Yezi , Zhang Yijun , Zhang Meifang , Xu Liping , Zheng Lisi , He Wenting , Yu Kuai , Li Ting , Zhang Xia , Chen Zhenxuan , Zhang Ruhua , Zhou Penghui , Zhang Nu , Zheng Limin , Kang Tiebang 
Published: March 2023

AbstractImmunotherapies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis have become first-line treatments in multiple cancers. However, only a limited subset of individuals achieves durable benefits because of the elusive mechanisms regulating PD-1/PD-L1. Here, we report that in cells exposed to interferon-γ (IFNγ), KAT8 undergoes phase separation with induced IRF1 and forms biomolecular condensates to upregulate PD-L1. Multivalency from both the specific and promiscuous interactions between IRF1 and KAT8 is required for condensate formation. KAT8–IRF1 condensation promotes IRF1 K78 acetylation and binding to the CD247 (PD-L1) promoter and further enriches the transcription apparatus to promote transcription of PD-L1 mRNA. Based on the mechanism of KAT8–IRF1 condensate formation, we identified the 2142–R8 blocking peptide, which disrupts KAT8–IRF1 condensate formation and consequently inhibits PD-L1 expression and enhances antitumor immunity in vitro and in vivo. Our findings reveal a key role of KAT8–IRF1 condensates in PD-L1 regulation and provide a competitive peptide to enhance antitumor immune responses.
Decline in seasonal predictability potentially destabilized Classic Maya societies
Authors: Braun Tobias , Breitenbach Sebastian F. M. , Skiba Vanessa , Lechleitner Franziska A. , Ray Erin E. , Baldini Lisa M. , Polyak Victor J. , Baldini James U. L. , Kennett Douglas J. , Prufer Keith M. , Marwan Norbert 
Published: March 2023

AbstractClassic Maya populations living in peri-urban states were highly dependent on seasonally distributed rainfall for reliable surplus crop yields. Despite intense study of the potential impact of decadal to centennial-scale climatic changes on the demise of Classic Maya sociopolitical institutions (750-950 CE), its direct importance remains debated. We provide a detailed analysis of a precisely dated speleothem record from Yok Balum cave, Belize, that reflects local hydroclimatic changes at seasonal scale over the past 1600 years. We find that the initial disintegration of Maya sociopolitical institutions and population decline occurred in the context of a pronounced decrease in the predictability of seasonal rainfall and severe drought between 700 and 800 CE. The failure of Classic Maya societies to successfully adapt to volatile seasonal rainfall dynamics likely contributed to gradual but widespread processes of sociopolitical disintegration. We propose that the complex abandonment of Classic Maya population centres was not solely driven by protracted drought but also aggravated by year-to-year decreases in rainfall predictability, potentially caused by a regional reduction in coherent Intertropical Convergence Zone-driven rainfall.
A big data approach to assess progress towards Sustainable Development Goals for cities of varying sizes
Authors: Liu Yu , Huang Bo , Guo Huadong , Liu Jianguo 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCities are the engines for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide a blueprint for achieving global sustainability. However, knowledge gaps exist in quantitatively assessing progress towards SDGs for different-sized cities. There is a shortage of relevant statistical data for many cities, especially small cities, in developing/underdeveloped countries. Here we devise and test a systematic method for assessing SDG progress using open-source big data for 254 Chinese cities and compare the results with those obtained using statistical data. We find that big data is a promising alternative for tracking the overall SDG progress of cities, including those lacking relevant statistical data (83 Chinese cities). Our analysis reveals decreasing SDG Index scores (representing the overall SDG performance) with the decrease in the size of Chinese cities, suggesting the need to improve SDG progress in small and medium cities to achieve more balanced sustainability at the (sub)national level.
Projected increase in carbon dioxide drawdown and acidification in large estuaries under climate change
Authors: Li Ming , Guo Yijun , Cai Wei-Jun , Testa Jeremy M. , Shen Chunqi , Li Renjian , Su Jianzhong 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMost estuaries are substantial sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere. The estimated estuarine CO2 degassing is about 17% of the total oceanic uptake, but the effect of rising atmospheric CO2 on estuarine carbon balance remains unclear. Here we use 3D hydrodynamic-biogeochemical models of a large eutrophic estuary and a box model of two generic, but contrasting estuaries to generalize how climate change affects estuarine carbonate chemistry and CO2 fluxes. We found that small estuaries with short flushing times remain a CO2 source to the atmosphere, but large estuaries with long flushing times may become a greater carbon sink and acidify. In particular, climate downscaling projections for Chesapeake Bay in the mid-21st century showed a near-doubling of CO2 uptake, a pH decline of 0.1–0.3, and >90% expansion of the acidic volume. Our findings suggest that large eutrophic estuaries will become carbon sinks and suffer from accelerated acidification in a changing climate.
Statistical modeling of adaptive neural networks explains co-existence of avalanches and oscillations in resting human brain
Authors: Lombardi Fabrizio , Pepić Selver , Shriki Oren , Tkačik Gašper , De Martino Daniele 
Published: March 2023

AbstractNeurons in the brain are wired into adaptive networks that exhibit collective dynamics as diverse as scale-specific oscillations and scale-free neuronal avalanches. Although existing models account for oscillations and avalanches separately, they typically do not explain both phenomena, are too complex to analyze analytically or intractable to infer from data rigorously. Here we propose a feedback-driven Ising-like class of neural networks that captures avalanches and oscillations simultaneously and quantitatively. In the simplest yet fully microscopic model version, we can analytically compute the phase diagram and make direct contact with human brain resting-state activity recordings via tractable inference of the model’s two essential parameters. The inferred model quantitatively captures the dynamics over a broad range of scales, from single sensor oscillations to collective behaviors of extreme events and neuronal avalanches. Importantly, the inferred parameters indicate that the co-existence of scale-specific (oscillations) and scale-free (avalanches) dynamics occurs close to a non-equilibrium critical point at the onset of self-sustained oscillations.
Three-dimensional morphologic and molecular atlases of nasal vasculature
Authors: Hong Seon Pyo , Yang Myung Jin , Bae Jung Hyun , Choi Du Ri , Kim Young-Chan , Yang Myeon-Sik , Oh Byungkwan , Kang Kyung Won , Lee Sang-Myeong , Kim Bumseok , Kim Yong-Dae , Ahn Ji Hoon , Koh Gou Young 
Published: March 2023

AbstractUnderstanding the function of the nasal vasculature in homeostasis and pathogenesis of common nasal diseases is important. Here we describe an extensive network of venous sinusoids (VSs) in mouse and human nasal mucosa. The endothelium of the VSs expressed Prox1 (considered to be a constitutive marker of lymphatic endothelium) and high levels of VCAM-1 and exhibited unusual cell-to-cell junctions. VSs are supported by circular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and surrounded by immune cells. The nasal mucosa also showed a rich supply of lymphatic vessels with distinctive features, such as the absence of the lymphatic marker LYVE1 and sharp-ended capillaries. In mouse models of allergic rhinitis or acute Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, Prox1+ VSs were regressed or compromised. However, in aged mice, the VSs lost the SMC support and were expanded and enlarged. Our findings demonstrate three-dimensional morphological and molecular heterogeneities of the nasal vasculature and offer insights into their associations with nasal inflammation, infection and aging.
Supply-chain data sharing for scope 3 emissions
Authors: Stenzel Aurel , Waichman Israel 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis paper deals with data sharing among firms along a supply chain for the calculation of Scope 3 emissions. Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions produced along a firm’s supply chain. They represent the majority of most firms’ carbon footprint. Current estimations of Scope 3 emissions are largely based on industry averages and other approximations, which leads to several disadvantages. By contrast, primary data sharing along the supply chain would provide firms with precise measures of Scope 3 emissions (that are eventually necessary for decarbonizing supply chain emissions beyond industry averages). For that, firms need access to data and information from their suppliers that are not under their control. We review the benefits of and three main obstacles to such data sharing: legal and regulatory challenges, missing interoperability, and data privacy concerns. Finally, we discuss initiatives and approaches for overcoming these obstacles.
The Bank of Japan’s exchange traded fund purchases: a help or hindrance to market efficiency?
Authors: Charteris Ailie , Steyn Conrad Alexander 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWe examine the impact of the Bank of Japan’s exchange traded fund (ETF) purchases on two aspects of market efficiency—long-range dependence and price delay—of the TOPIX and Nikkei 225 indices. An increase in ETF purchases results in lower long-range dependence for both indices while the impact on the price delay varies according to index and measure. A sub-period analysis shows that the impact on market efficiency varies over time, with the dominant pattern being a delayed harmful effect, followed by a positive impact and thereafter a negative effect. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Quest for financial inclusion via digital financial services (Fintech) during COVID-19 pandemic: case study of women in Indonesia
Authors: Setiawan Budi , Phan Thich Dai , Medina Jennifer , Wieriks Martijn , Nathan Robert Jeyakumar , Fekete-Farkas Maria 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBased upon an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study aims to investigate the factors influencing the behavioral intention to adopt Fintech from the perspective of Indonesian women. The research data were collected from 409 Indonesian female respondents and analyzed using the SEMinR statistical data analysis tool. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to assess this research’s measurement model and structural model. The result shows that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, user innovativeness, attitude, trust, and brand image significantly positively impact behavioral intention to adopt Fintech among Indonesian women. Meanwhile, perceived ease of use, financial literacy, and government support are found to have indirect relationships with behavioral intention. In addition, moderation analysis revealed that the saving habits of women during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the relationship between their innovativeness and behavioral intention to adopt Fintech. Based on these results, we recommend practical suggestions to the government, policymakers, and aspiring Fintech service providers further to enhance women’s empowerment through digital financial inclusion.
Does FDI have a social demonstration effect in developing economies? Evidence based on the presence of women-led local firms
Authors: Fang Sheng , Xu Dean , Xu Lixin Colin , Shams Heba 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWe hypothesize that foreign direct investment (FDI) benefits female entrepreneurs in developing economies through a “social demonstration effect,” namely, by exhibiting norms and practices supporting gender equality and promoting women’s role in business. Results based on data from 44,418 firms in 91 developing economies show that, at the country level, increased employment share of foreign invested firms has a positive association with women’s entrepreneurship, namely, it boosts the presence of female leaders in new ventures and small businesses, as foreign firms help break local conventions unfavorable to female entrepreneurs. This positive impact is more evident when women face greater institutional barriers. However, at the industry level, foreign employment share becomes nonsignificant, and it has a negative association with the presence of female entrepreneurs in countries where women face greater barriers. We reason that this is due to occupational competition: The more disadvantaged women are in a country, the greater the advantage foreign firms possess in attracting women to work for foreign firms instead of pursuing their own entrepreneurial opportunities. The practical implication of our study is that governments can reformulate FDI policies with a view to fostering women’s entrepreneurship.
The possibilities and limits of insurance as governance in insuring pandemics
Authors: He Qihao , Faure Michael , Liu Chengwei 
Published: March 2023

AbstractInsurance can, as has clearly been indicated in the literature, play an important role in dealing with catastrophe risks, not only as a compensation mechanism but also as a mechanism to influence the behaviour of the insured. It is the concept known as ‘insurance as governance’. However, we argue that there are limited possibilities for this role as far as the insurance of pandemics is concerned. The traditional technical tools, such as risk-based pricing, are difficult to apply. In addition, there may, ab initio, be serious problems in insuring pandemics within one of the main conditions of insurability (controlling moral hazard through an effective risk differentiation). One remedy that is traditionally applied, more particularly for natural catastrophes, is mandatory coverage. Furthermore, the capacity problem might potentially be solved through a multilayered approach in which, in addition to insurance and reinsurance, the government could also take up a role as reinsurer of last resort. That would also have the major advantage of stimulating market solution (and potentially providing incentives for the mitigation of damages), which clearly fails in a model where the government simply bails out operators. Finally, one important regulatory intervention is that insurers should be better informed than was apparently the case during the last pandemic about exactly which type of risks are covered and which are not.
The moderating role of information technology governance in the relationship between board characteristics and continuity management during the Covid-19 pandemic in an emerging economy
Authors: Almaqtari Faozi A. , Farhan Najib H. S. , Al-Hattami Hamood Mohammed , Elsheikh Tamer 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe main aim of the current study is to investigate the relationship between governance characteristics, information technology governance, and continuity management during Covid-19 in an emerging economy. The study also examines the moderating role of information technology governance in the relationship between governance characteristics and business continuity management. The quantitative approach is used by utilising a survey questionnaire. A sample of 232 questionnaire surveys has been collected from the board of directors, top and middle management executives, external auditors, information technology experts, and some other respondents. The results were estimated using structural equation modelling. The results indicate that information technology governance has a statistically significant effect on business continuity. Board size, board independence, audit committee independence, audit committee diligence, and external audit have a statistically significant positive effect on information technology governance. Further, the results indicate that information technology governance significantly moderates the effect of board size, board independence, board diligence, audit committee independence, audit committee diligence, and external audit on business continuity. However, information technology governance does not moderate the relationship between board committees and business continuity, which indicates less board involvement in information technology governance. The current research provides insight into the role of information technology governance in business continuity management during crises. The present study provides a unique contribution as it investigates the relationship between corporate governance characteristics, information technology governance, and business continuity management during Covid-19, providing empirical evidence from an emerging country.
Language anxiety in an Algerian multilingual tertiary context
Authors: AL-Qadri Abdo Hasan , Al-khresheh Mohammad H. , Boudouaia Azzeddine , Bouflih Amira 
Published: March 2023

AbstractFew phenomena can be as debilitating or frustrating as anxiety. It is a severe problem in language learning and is one of the most important barriers. Although there is plenty of literature on language anxiety, little research has examined the connection between multilingualism, proficiency, and foreign language anxiety. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the degree of English language anxiety among multilingual undergraduate Algerian students exploring the main anxiety factors and taking into account their ethnicity, language proficiency, and university major as three key variables. To accomplish these primary objectives, 471 undergraduate university students ranging in age from 19 to 24 years old and majoring in natural sciences, human sciences, and applied sciences were involved. A foreign language anxiety scale comprised of 23 validated items distributed among three factors: communicative anxiety, fear of failure, and negative experiences, was used as the study instrument for data collection. The study’s findings showed that the participants generally had moderate anxiety levels. Communicative anxiety emerged as the most common form of anxiety, followed by fear of failure and negative experiences. The less anxiety a student experienced, the more advanced their English level was. Arab students were more anxious than Amazigh students. Speaking more than one language may make one less anxious. There were no significant differences between the students’ majors and anxiety levels. Recommendations are made based on these findings.
Organizational slack, entrepreneurial orientation, and corporate political activity: From the behavioral theory of the firm
Authors: Li Yanyan , Gao Yu , Gao Shanxing 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAs a popular non-market strategy, corporate political activity (CPA) benefits a firm’s risk management and competitive advantage. However, the mechanism of promoting firms to engage in corporate political activity remains obscure. Based on the behavioral theory of the firm, this research develops a mediation model containing organization slack, entrepreneurial orientation, and corporate political activity to investigate the prediction effect of different types of slack, as well as the mediation effect of different dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation. Based on the multiple informant data from 303 firms in China, this research conducted ordinary least-squares estimation with SPSS and post hoc analysis with PROCESS. The results support the main and key hypotheses. First, entrepreneurial orientation plays a mediation effect between slack and corporate political activity. Second, financial slack provides stronger support to develop certain capabilities than operational slack. Third, two sub-dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation play heterogeneous mediation effects according to their different emphasis. Managerial attitude also mediates the effect of entrepreneurial behavior effect toward CPA. This research enriches the antecedent research of CPA, deepens our understanding of the CPA engagement mechanism, and extends the behavioral theory of the firm.
Do personal remittance outflows impede economic growth in Saudi Arabia? The role of trade, labor force, human, and physical capital
Authors: Islam Md. Saiful , Alhamad Ibrahim A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSaudi Arabia is the leading economy in the Arabian Gulf region; it accounts for a significant amount of remittance outflow (RMO) to the rest of the world. The objective of the study is to investigate the impact of remittance outflow on the economic growth (EG) of Saudi Arabia by utilizing time-series data from 1985 to 2019 controlling trade, labor force, human capital, and physical capital. It employs the non-linear autoregressive distributive lag (NARDL) model, cointegrating regressions, and vector error correction (VEC) Granger causality check to accomplish the study. The outcomes of the NARDL exercise confirm a cointegrating association among variables and reveal that RMO has mixed but negative resultant impacts on the EG in the short run, while in the long run, EC growth is augmented if remittance outflows decline. Both trade and labor force positively contribute to EG, while neither human nor physical capital significantly influences the latter. The cointegrating regression outcomes precisely authenticate the NARDL findings and acknowledge their robustness. Moreover, the VEC Granger causality test also supports the NARDL outcomes. The outcome suggests that the policymakers may allure the expatriates through pragmatic labor laws, policies, and smart incentives to direct their savings to domestic consumption and investments. Moreover, the quality of education in general and tertiary education, in particular, needs to be upgraded in the real sense to develop the practical skills and efficiency of the Saudi labor force so that they can replace the expatriates. This will eventually reduce outbound remittances.
Rapid elemental prediction of heterogeneous tropical soils from pXRF data: a comparison of models via linear regressions and machine learning algorithms
Authors: Faria Álvaro José Gomes de , Silva Sérgio Henrique Godinho , Lima Luiza Carvalho Alvarenga , Andrade Renata , Botelho Lívia , Melo Leônidas Carrijo Azevedo , Guilherme Luiz Roberto Guimarães , Curi Nilton 
Published: March 2023

Context USEPA 3051a is a standard analytical methodology for the extraction of inorganic substances in soils. However, these analyses are expensive, time-consuming and produce chemical residues. Conversely, proximal sensors such as portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry reduce analysis time, costs and consequently offer a valuable alternative to laboratory analyses. Aim We aimed to investigate the feasibility to predict the results of the USEPA 3051a method for 28 chemical elements from pXRF data. Methods Samples (n = 179) representing a large area from Brazil were analysed for elemental composition using the USEPA 3051a method and pXRF scanning (Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, Ti, V, Zn and Zr). Linear regressions (simple linear regression – SLR and stepwise multiple linear regressions – SMLR) and machine learning algorithms (support vector machine – SVM and random forest – RF) were tested and compared. Modelling was developed with 70% of the data, while the remaining 30% were used for validation. Key results Results demonstrated that SVM and RF performed better than SLR and SMLR for the prediction of Al, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, P, Pb, Sn, Sr, Ti, Tl, V, Zn and Zr; R2 and RPD values ranged from 0.52 to 0.94 and 1.43 to 3.62, respectively, as well as the lowest values of RMSE and NRMSE values (0.28 to 0.70 mg kg−1). Conclusions and implications Most USEPA 3051a results can be accurately predicted from pXRF data saving cost, time, and ensuring large-scale routine geochemical characterisation of tropical soils in an environmentally friendly way.