bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mass spectrometry imaging of natural carbonyl products directly from agar-based microbial interactions using 4-APEBA derivatization
Authors: Veličković Dušan , Zemaitis Kevin J. , Bhattacharjee Arunima , Anderton Christopher R. 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTAliphatic carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and ketones play diverse roles in microbial adaptation to their microenvironment, from excretion as toxins to adaptive metabolites for membrane fluidity. However, the spatial distribution of these molecules throughout biofilms, and how microbes in these environments exchange these molecules remains elusive for many of these bioactive species due to inefficient molecular imaging strategies. Herein, we apply on-tissue chemical derivatization (OTCD) using 4-(2-((4-bromophenethyl)dimethylammonio)ethoxy)benzenaminium bromide (4-APEBA) on a co-culture of a soil bacterium (Bacillus subtilisNCIB 3610) and fungus (Fusariumsp. DS 682) grown on agar as our model system. Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI), we spatially resolved more than 300 different metabolites containing carbonyl-groups within this model system. Various spatial patterns are observable of these species, which indicate possible extracellular or intercellular processes of the metabolites, and their up or down regulation during microbial interaction. The unique chemistry of our approach allowed us to bring additional confidence in accurate carbonyl identification, especially when multiple isomeric candidates were possible, and this provided the ability to generate hypotheses about the potential role of some aliphatic carbonyls in thisB. subtilis/Fusariumsp. interaction. The results shown here demonstrate the utility of 4-ABEBA-based OCTD MALDI-MSI in probing interkingdom interactions directly from microbial co-cultures, and these methods will enable future microbial interactions studies with expanded metabolic coverage.IMPORTANCEThe metabolic profiles within microbial biofilms and interkingdom interactions are extremely complex and serve a variety of functions, which include promoting colonization, growth, and survival within competitive and symbiotic environments. However, measuring and differentiating many of these molecules, especially in anin-situfashion, remains a significant analytical challenge. We demonstrate a chemical derivatization strategy that enabled highly sensitive, multiplexed mass spectrometry imaging of over 300 metabolites from a model microbial co-culture. Notably, this approach afforded us to visualize over two dozen classes of ketone-, aldehyde-, and carboxyl-containing molecules, which were previously undetectable from colonies grown on agar. We also demonstrate that this chemical derivatization strategy can enable discrimination of isobaric and isomeric metabolites, without the need for orthogonal separation (e.g.,online chromatography or ion mobility). We anticipate this approach will further enhance our knowledge of metabolic regulation within microbiomes and microbial systems used in bioengineering applications.
Profiling ubiquitin signaling with UBIMAX reveals DNA damage- and SCFβTRCP-dependent ubiquitylation of the actin-organizing protein Dbn1
Authors: Colding-Christensen Camilla S. , Kakulidis Ellen S. , Arroyo-Gomez Javier , Hendriks Ivo A. , Arkinson Connor , Fábián Zita , Gambus Agnieszka , Mailand Niels , Duxin Julien P. , Nielsen Michael L. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractUbiquitin widely modifies proteins, thereby regulating most cellular functions. The complexity of ubiquitin signalling necessitates unbiased methods enabling global detection of dynamic protein ubiquitylation. Here, we describe UBIMAX (UBiquitin target Identification byMass spectrometry inXenopusegg extracts), which enriches ubiquitin-conjugated proteins and quantifies regulation of protein ubiquitylation under precise and adaptable conditions. We benchmark UBIMAX by investigating DNA double-strand break-responsive ubiquitylation events, identifying previously known targets and revealing the actin-organising protein Dbn1 as a novel major target of DNA damage-induced ubiquitylation. We find that Dbn1 is targeted for proteasomal degradation by the SCFβ-Trcp1ubiquitin ligase, in a conserved mechanism driven by ATM-mediated phosphorylation of a previously uncharacterized β-Trcp1 degron containing an SQ motif. We further show that this degron is sufficient to induce DNA-damage dependent protein degradation of a model substrate. Collectively, we demonstrate UBIMAX’s ability to identify novel targets of stimulus-regulated ubiquitylation and reveal an SCFβ-Trcp1-mediated ubiquitylation mechanism controlled directly by the apical DNA damage response kinases.
Predictive Coding Networks for Temporal Prediction
Authors: Millidge Beren , Tang Mufeng , Osanlouy Mahyar , Harper Nicol S. , Bogacz Rafal 
Published: May 2023

AbstractOne of the key problems the brain faces is inferring the state of the world from a sequence of dynamically changing stimuli, and it is not yet clear how the sensory system achieves this task. A well-established computational framework for describing perceptual processes in the brain is provided by the theory of predictive coding. Although the original proposals of predictive coding have discussed temporal prediction, later work developing this theory mostly focused on static stimuli, and key questions on neural implementation and computational properties of temporal predictive coding networks remain open. Here, we address these questions and present a formulation of the temporal predictive coding model that can be naturally implemented in recurrent networks, in which activity dynamics rely only on local inputs to the neurons, and learning only utilises local Hebbian plasticity. Additionally, we show that temporal predictive coding networks can approximate the performance of the Kalman filter in predicting behaviour of linear systems, and behave as a variant of a Kalman filter which does not track its own subjective posterior variance. Importantly, temporal predictive coding networks can achieve similar accuracy as the Kalman filter without performing complex mathematical operations, but just employing simple computations that can be implemented by biological networks. Moreover, when trained with natural dynamic inputs, we found that temporal predictive coding can produce Gabor-like, motion-sensitive receptive fields resembling those observed in real neurons in visual areas. In addition, we demonstrate how the model can be effectively generalized to nonlinear systems. Overall, models presented in this paper show how biologically plausible circuits can predict future stimuli and may guide research on understanding specific neural circuits in brain areas involved in temporal prediction.Author summaryWhile significant advances have been made in the neuroscience of how the brain processes static stimuli, the time dimension has often been relatively neglected. However, time is crucial since the stimuli perceived by our senses typically dynamically vary in time, and the cortex needs to make sense of these changing inputs. This paper describes a computational model of cortical networks processing temporal stimuli. This model is able to infer and track the state of the environment based on noisy inputs, and predict future sensory stimuli. By ensuring that these predictions match the incoming stimuli, the model is able to learn the structure and statistics of its temporal inputs and produces responses of neurons resembling those in the brain. The model may help in further understanding neural circuits in sensory cortical areas.
Willingness to pay for electronic transaction levy: empirical evidence from Ghana
Authors: Amoah Anthony , Kwablah Edmund , Amoah Benjamin , Adjei-Mantey Kwame 
Published: May 2023

PurposeIn countries where the electronic levy (e-levy) has been implemented, one question that resonates with the populace is, “how much would you want to pay for e-levy per transaction?” In response, varied perspectives have been shared with no convergence. Against this background, this study seeks to estimate people's willingness to pay (WTP) for electronic transaction levy in Ghana, while analysing the associated determinants.Design/methodology/approachThis study relies on a survey of 2,810 respondents obtained from February 9 to 16, 2022 in Ghana. A multivariate logit model was estimated with its marginal effects. Further, a robustness check was undertaken using the linear probability model to validate the results.FindingsWith respect to the sample, the authors find evidence that approximately 46% of the respondents are not willing to pay any amount per transaction for the e-levy. Second, about 21% of the respondents are willing to pay Ghs0.5% as e-levy per transaction. Furthermore, about 10% of the respondents are willing to pay 1% per transaction as e-levy. Those who indicated that they would pay rates above 1% (specifically, 1.50%–1.75%) per transaction are less than 5%. For flat rates, approximately 10% of the respondents were willing to pay Ghs5 per month for all transactions above Ghs100. All others who are interested in other flat rates together are less than 5% of the respondents. The key statistically significant determinants of the probability that an individual would be willing to pay for the e-levy are also provided. This study recommends a comprehensive dialogue between the government and all stakeholders to reach a reasonable conclusion on an acceptable e-levy rate and by extension, implementation strategies.Originality/valueTo the best of the researchers' knowledge, this is the first empirical study that estimates individuals' willingness to pay for e-levy on electronic transactions in a developing country.
What happens to others will happen to me! Examining the cross-lagged relationship between perceived overall justice and job insecurity
Authors: Lazauskaite-Zabielske Jurgita , Urbanaviciute Ieva , De Witte Hans 
Published: May 2023

PurposeConsidering the adverse outcomes that job insecurity might have on employees and organizations (De Witte et al., 2016), this study aims to test the role of perceived justice in preventing job insecurity from occurring. Relying on social information processing theory (Salancik and Pfeffer, 1978) and fairness heuristic theory (Lind, 2001), the authors analyze both an assessment of the extent to which the person is treated fairly by the organization (i.e. self-focused justice) and an individual's evaluation of the extent to which the person's co-workers are treated fairly (i.e. other-focused justice). The authors expect other-focused and self-focused justice to be negatively related to job insecurity.Design/methodology/approachThe hypotheses were tested using cross-lagged structural equation modelling based on two-wave data from 126 employees working in a public sector organization undergoing structural changes.FindingsThe study results revealed that other-focused overall justice but not self-focused overall justice predicted lower job insecurity one year later. Moreover, other-focused overall justice did have a cross-lagged effect on self-focused overall justice.Originality/valueBy investigating the relationship between other- and self-focused overall justice and job insecurity over time, this study provides solid evidence into so far neglected longitudinal relationships between justice and insecurity. The results show that in the context of organizational changes, other-focused overall justice predicted lower job insecurity as well as higher self-focused overall justice one year later.
Does M-payment service quality and perceived value co-creation participation magnify M-payment continuance usage intention? Moderation of usefulness and severity
Authors: Kumari Neha , Biswas Abhijeet 
Published: May 2023

PurposeDemonetization and pandemic-related restrictions in India propelled the usage of mobile payments (M-payments). The culture of online smartphone transactions is expected to rise over the coming years, even after things return to normal. This study aims to unveil the factors that escalate the satisfaction levels of M-payment users and eventually stimulate them to continue using M-payments for their daily activities.Design/methodology/approachThis study evaluated the intention to continue using M-payments for 710 users utilizing structural equation modeling and augmenting the technology acceptance model (TAM) as well as the expectation confirmation model (ECM). Mediation and moderation analysis examined the proposed model's direct and indirect relationships.FindingsThe findings unveil that perceived value co-creation participation, service quality and cognitive processing magnify user satisfaction, significantly escalating M-payment continuance usage intention. Perceived value co-creation participation and user satisfaction with M-payment partially mediate the linkage among the constructs. Furthermore, perceived usefulness strengthens the link, while perceived severity of security threats weakens the linkage between user satisfaction with M-payment and continuance usage intention.Research limitations/implicationsThe study's findings could benefit M-payment service providers, users, policymakers and the telecom industry to strengthen India's digital payment framework.Originality/valueThe perceived value co-creation participation and cognitive processing domain have not garnered much attention in the M-payment literature. The study strives to comprehend these constructs by widening the purview of TAM and ECM models. It also measures the moderating role of perceived severity of security threats and perceived usefulness to unfurl potential linkages between the identified constructs.
Managing empowerment: adjusting organisational units' autonomy to achieve corporate agility
Authors: Kahl Joachim , de Klerk Saskia , Whiteoak John 
Published: May 2023

PurposeEmpowerment is recognised as being a key to achieving organisational agility. Typically associated with a particular leadership style, implications of empowerment for management have remained vague in the literature. Thus, this study aims at unpacking the facets and mechanisms of empowerment in the context of organisational units (OUs).Design/methodology/approachFirst, the authors review the extant literature and discuss the crucial concepts in the context empowerment. Then, the authors analyse qualitative data from interviews conducted in four research and development (R&D) departments in the industrial manufacturing industry.FindingsThis study finds that the empowerment of business entities is crucial when operating in turbulent conditions. However, empowerment must be accompanied by a clear focus when aiming at higher agile performance. Moreover, different autonomy types and their interplay with critical factors of middle management empowerment could be identified. The research results also reveal important details about the effects of autonomy on motivation and performance and the role of OUs' dependencies.Practical implicationsThe model proposed in this paper can help senior and middle managers better manage the empowerment of OUs required to enhance middle management agility and, in turn, increase overall organisational adaptability.Originality/valueBeyond regarding empowerment as a leadership style, this paper takes a middle management perspective and unfolds the facets of empowerment in the context of OUs. Adding to the theory of self-organisation, a model is proposed to capture the key factors to determine and manage the autonomy of OUs. These insights are essential to managing autonomy successfully at the middle management level.
Engagement and consumption behavior of eSports gamers
Authors: Abbasi Amir Zaib , Asif Muhammad , Shamim Amjad , Ting Ding Hooi , Rather Raouf Ahmad 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to present a conceptual model where consumer electronic sports (eSports) engagement (CeSE) acts a predictor for gamers’ online engagement in eSports-related products/firm either through direct contribution (purchase intention) or indirect contribution (co-production, community engagement, word-of-mouth and recruitment).

Design/methodology/approach
Data from 262 eSports consumers aged 18–24 years were collected and analyzed through WarpPLS 8.0.

Findings
The findings of this study confirm that CeSE significantly influences all dimensions of the consumption behaviors (purchase intention, co-production, community engagement, word-of-mouth and recruitment).

Originality/value
This study provides empirical support for a conceptual framework developed through the social exchange theory and engagement theory. Besides, hierarchical component model approach is applied to estimate the composite model of CeSE.
Distinct spatiotemporal succession of bacterial generalists and specialists in the lacustrine plastisphere
Authors: Yang Yuyi , Suyamud Bongkotrat , Liang Shuxin , Liang Xinjin , Wan Wenjie , Zhang Weihong 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe assembly processes of generalists and specialists and their driving mechanisms during spatiotemporal succession is a central issue in microbial ecology but a poorly researched subject in the plastisphere. We investigated the composition variation, spatiotemporal succession, and assembly processes of bacterial generalists and specialists in the plastisphere, including non‐biodegradable (NBMPs) and biodegradable microplastics (BMPs). Although the composition of generalists and specialists on NBMPs differed from that of BMPs, colonization time mainly mediated the composition variation. The relative abundance of generalists and the relative contribution of species replacement were initially increased and then decreased with colonization time, while the specialists initially decreased and then increased. Besides, the richness differences also affected the composition variation of generalists and specialists in the plastisphere, and the generalists were more susceptible to richness differences than corresponding specialists. Furthermore, the assembly of generalists in the plastisphere was dominated by deterministic processes, while stochastic processes dominated the assembly of specialists. The network stability test showed that the community stability of generalists on NBMPs and BMPs was lower than corresponding specialists. Our results suggested that different ecological assembly processes shaped the spatiotemporal succession of bacterial generalists and specialists in the plastisphere, but were less influenced by polymer types.
Structural Factors and Racial/Ethnic Inequities in Travel Times to Acute Care Hospitals in the Rural US South, 2007–2018
Authors: PLANEY ARRIANNA MARIE , PLANEY DONALD A. , WONG SANDY , MCLAFFERTY SARA L. , KO MICHELLE J. 
Published: May 2023

Policy Points
Policymakers should invest in programs to support rural health systems, with a more targeted focus on spatial accessibility and racial and ethnic equity, not only total supply or nearest facility measures.
Health plan network adequacy standards should address spatial access to nearest and second nearest hospital care and incorporate equity standards for Black and Latinx rural communities.
Black and Latinx rural residents contend with inequities in spatial access to hospital care, which arise from fundamental structural inequities in spatial allocation of economic opportunity in rural communities of color. Long‐term policy solutions including reparations are needed to address these underlying processes.
ContextThe growing rate of rural hospital closures elicits concerns about declining access to hospital‐based care. Our research objectives were as follows: 1) characterize the change in rural hospital supply in the US South between 2007 and 2018, accounting for health system closures, mergers, and conversions; 2) quantify spatial accessibility (in 2018) for populations most at risk for adverse outcomes following hospital closure—Black and Latinx rural communities; and 3) use multilevel modeling to examine relationships between structural factors and disparities in spatial access to care.MethodsTo calculate spatial access, we estimated the network travel distance and time between the census tract–level population‐weighted centroids to the nearest and second nearest operating hospital in the years 2007 and 2018. Thereafter, to describe the demographic and health system characteristics of places in relation to spatial accessibility to hospital‐based care in 2018, we estimated three‐level (tract, county, state‐level) generalized linear models.FindingsWe found that 72 (10%) rural counties in the South had ≥1 hospital closure between 2007 and 2018, and nearly half of closure counties (33) lost their last remaining hospital to closure. Net of closures, mergers, and conversions meant hospital supply declined from 783 to 653. Overall, 49.1% of rural tracts experienced worsened spatial access to their nearest hospital, whereas smaller proportions experienced improved (32.4%) or unchanged (18.5%) access between 2007 and 2018. Tracts located within closure counties had longer travel times to the nearest acute care hospital compared with tracts in nonclosure counties. Moreover, rural tracts within Southern states with more concentrated commercial health insurance markets had shorter travel times to access the second nearest hospital.ConclusionsRural places affected by rural hospital closures have greater travel burdens for acute care. Across the rural South, racial/ethnic inequities in spatial access to acute care are most pronounced when travel times to the second nearest open acute care hospital are accounted for.
Rational clinical approach to transient ischaemic attack, stroke and associated mimics: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Goh Rudy , Bacchi Stephen , Lam Lydia , Kleinig Timothy , Jannes Jim 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe present study was performed to identify the individual clinical features and risk factors most strongly associated with the diagnosis of transient neurological symptoms with a cerebrovascular cause (transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke), as compared to common TIA mimics (including retinal ischaemia, migraine and seizure).MethodsIn a retrospective cohort study, consecutive patients presenting with transient neurological symptoms to TIA clinic in Royal Adelaide Hospital were included. Clinical features and risk factors were recorded in a standardised form, categorised into subgroups, and analysed using descriptive statistics and diagnostic performance indicators, such as sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios.ResultsFor 218/1273 individuals diagnosed with stroke, the three features with the highest positive likelihood ratio were the presence of diffusion weighted imaging positive lesion on magnetic resonance imaging (23.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 14.35–51.08), extracranial carotid atherosclerosis (3.98, 95% CI 1.19–6.87) and a history of peripheral vascular disease (3.33, 95% CI 1.64–6.27). For TIA, the three features with the highest positive likelihood ratio were extracranial carotid atherosclerosis (3.98, 95% CI 1.19–8.27), presence of atrial fibrillation (2.43, 95% CI 1.54–3.46) and pre‐existing anticoagulant therapy (2.39, 95% CI 1.61–3.29). For stroke and TIA, the respective features with the lowest negative likelihood ratios were limb weakness (0.71, 95% CI 0.65–0.77) and hypertension (0.66, 95% CI 0.49–0.84).ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that specific clinical features and risk factors were associated with the final diagnosis at TIA clinic. These clinical features may assist with diagnosis of TIA in centres without access to a vascular neurologist.