bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Various Cell Types in the Bone Marrow sustain Primary B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Smeets Mandy W. E. , van de Ven Cesca , Orsel Jan , Reichert Caitlin E. J. , Boeree Aurélie , Boer Judith , den Boer Monique L. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractB-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) originates from the bone marrow, which besides hematopoietic cells also contains different (supportive) cell types, including mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), osteocytes, chondrocytes, fibroblasts, and adipocytes. These (supportive) cell types create a bone marrow microenvironment that facilitates leukemogenesis and provide a survival benefit to leukemic cells that also affects the response to chemotherapeutic drugs. We here show that the survival benefit provided by supportive tissues does not depend on the type of supportive cells and does not differ between supportive cells collected at the time of full leukemia (diagnosis), at end of consolidation therapy or from healthy controls. The need for supportive cells, however, clearly differed between subtypes of BCP-ALL, withBCR-ABL1-positive andTCF3-PBX1-positive subtypes being the most dependent on this support. Various supportive cell types provided a survival benefit to BCP-ALL cells, with a median benefit of 18% (chondrocytes) and 30-36% (MSCs, osteocytes, and fibroblasts), which was not observed for mature adipocytes. This benefit was direct cell-cell contact dependent and decreased upon physical separation of cell populations in a transwell setting. BCP-ALL cells in contrast to MSCs and the other supportive tissue types hardly produce cyto-/chemokines. The secretome of MSCs changed upon co-culture with BCP-ALL cells resulting in 1.2-fold to 1.4-fold (median) higher levels for the cyto-/chemokines IL6, CCL22, CXCL10, and CXCL5. Together, these data suggest that BCP-ALL cells manipulate different components of the bone marrow supportive tissues via direct cell-cell contact which favors the survival of leukemic cells. This strengthens our earlier observation that BCP-ALL cells hijack the bone marrow microenvironment and offers the perspective that interference with this stromal interaction and/or released cyto-/chemokines may be of additive value in the treatment of BCP-ALL.
Model matters: Differential outcomes in traumatic optic neuropathy pathophysiology between blunt and blast-wave mediated head injuries
Authors: Hetzer S.M. , O’Connell C. , Lallo V. , Robson M. , Evanson N.K. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractOver 3 million people in the United States live with long-term disability as a result of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The purpose of this study was to characterize and compare two different animal models of TBI (blunt head trauma and blast TBI) to determine common and divergent characteristics of these models. With recent literature reviews noting the prevalence of visual system injury in animal models of TBI, coupled with clinical estimates of 50-75% of all TBI cases, we decided to assess commonalities, if they existed, through visual system injury. Blast, repeat blast, and blunt injury were induced in adult male mice to observe and quantify visual deficits. Retinal ganglion cell loss and axonal degeneration in the optic tract, superior colliculus, and lateral geniculate nuclei were examined to trace injury outcomes throughout major vision-associated areas. Optokinetic response, immunohistochemistry, and western blots were analyzed. Where a single blunt injury produces significant visual deficits a single blast injury appears to have less severe visual consequences. Visual deficits after repeat blasts are similar to a single blast. Single blast injury induces contralateral damage to right optic chiasm and tract whereas bilateral injury follows a single blunt injury. Repeat blast injuries are required to see degeneration patterns in downstream regions similar to the damage seen in a single blunt injury. This finding is further supported by Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) staining in injured cohorts. Blunt injured groups present with staining 1.2 mm of the optic nerve, indicating axonal breakage closer to the optic chiasm. In blast groups, APP was identifiable in a bilateral pattern only in the geniculate nucleus. Evidence for unilateral neuronal degeneration in brain tissue with bilateral axonal ruptures are pivotal discoveries in this model differentiation. Analysis of the two injury models suggest there is a significant difference in the histological outcomes dependent on injury type, though visual system injury is likely present in more cases than are currently diagnosed clinically.
Does COVID-19 pandemic spur digital business transformation? Evidence from selected MENA countries
Authors: Mustafa Ali Mohammed Elhaj , Ebaidalla Ebaidalla M. 
Published: May 2023

PurposeIn the light of high reliance on digital technology to mitigate the consequences of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its containment measures, this study investigates the factors influencing firms' decision to adopt digital technologies during COVID-19 in four Middle East and Northern African (MENA) countries, namely, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia.Design/methodology/approachThe study used the International Labour Organization (ILO)/Economic Research Forum (ERF) COVID-19 - MENA Monitor Enterprise Survey (CMMENT), comprising 5,480 firms, surveyed during 2020–2021. The empirical model is estimated using the linear probability model (LPM) to address the problem of unobserved heterogeneity between firms, countries, and time.FindingsThe results revealed that firm characteristics, such as firm size and foreign ownership, encourage digital transformation in the business sector. Moreover, firms that face challenges during the pandemic, comply with the containment measures, and receive government assistance are more likely to adopt digital solutions. Furthermore, the results indicated that firms operating in services sector have a higher likelihood to adopt digital technology. Disaggregating the total sample into several sub-samples, the results are robust across countries and technology types, supporting the initial hypothesis that COVID-19 encourages digital transformation in the MENA region.Originality/valueThe study has numerous contributions. First, to the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the sole study that uses micro data collected during the COVID-19 to examine the factors influencing firms' decision to adopt and invest in digital solutions in the MENA countries. Second, the paper employs the LPM estimator to address the issue of unobserved heterogeneity between firms, countries and time. Finally, the paper offers some practical recommendations for accelerating digital transformation in MENA region.
The impact of earnings quality on corporate cash holdings: evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Al-Haddad Lara , Al-Ghoul Shadi 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
This study aims to inspect the impact of earnings quality on corporate cash holdings of Jordanian companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach
This study examines a large sample of (98) Jordanian companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange during the period that ranges from 2009 to 2019. Earnings quality was computed using two different methods; firstly, through the absolute abnormal discretionary accruals (as an inverse measure of earnings quality), which were estimated using the Dechow et al.’s (1995) cross-sectional version of the Modified Jones model and the Kothari et al. (2005) model; and secondly, through earnings persistence as a direct measure of earnings quality.

Findings
The empirical results of this study reveal that poor accounting quality (high levels of abnormal discretionary accruals) is associated with higher levels of cash holdings, implying that as the quality of earnings decreases, the harmful effects of information asymmetry and adverse selection costs will increase, leading, therefore, Jordanian companies to increase their corporate cash holdings levels to act as a buffer against any cash shortages. Further, the authors document that higher accounting quality (more persistent earnings) is associated with lower levels of cash holdings. In addition, this study found that earnings quality negatively and significantly affects the cash holdings of profitable companies in Jordan. Thus, earnings quality appeared to be a significant determinant of cash holdings for profit-making companies but not for companies enduring losses.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the limited evidence that investigates the relationship between earnings quality and corporate cash holdings. Where the majority of previous studies have focused on developed economies, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first in Jordan to comprehensively explore the relationship between earnings quality, computed by the absolute abnormal discretionary accruals and earnings persistence, and corporate cash holdings. Also, it is the first to explore the nature of the earnings quality-cash holding nexus in loss-making companies compared with their profit-making counterparts to the best of the authors’ knowledge. The results of this study have important policy implications for managers, creditors, investors and academics in Jordan and other emerging economies that share similar characteristics.
Emotional robustness in times of crisis: the effects of venture funding on the digital communication styles of entrepreneurs
Authors: Kaiser Manuel , Kuckertz Andreas 
Published: May 2023

PurposeEntrepreneurial communication describes the communication activities of entrepreneurs and is an essential tool for entrepreneurs to build relationships. However, there is a lack of research regarding how entrepreneurs adapt their communication styles in times of crisis. Nevertheless, entrepreneurial communication during a crisis is essential because entrepreneurs must continue communicating with their stakeholders and be visible. In this regard, communication has the central aim of preventing the startup from suffering any damage that may result from the crisis. Thus, the present paper explores potential shifts in the communication styles of entrepreneurs during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe authors examined the digital footprints of 780 entrepreneurs based in the USA on the social network Twitter. This study used a longitudinal dataset with the software Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) to analyze 110,283 tweets sent pre-crisis and during the first wave of COVID-19.FindingsThe results of the exploratory analysis revealed a connection between crisis and both analytical thinking and emotional responses. In the case of emotions, the results also suggest that entrepreneurs who had already received funding from venture capital investors remained emotionally robust during the crisis, as evidenced by the expression of more positive emotions compared to entrepreneurs without funding.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the understanding of entrepreneurial communication and adds the context of an exogenous shock to this research stream. Furthermore, this study highlights the effects of venture funding on the digital communication style of entrepreneurs, especially in the context of expressed emotions, and suggests emotional robustness for these entrepreneurs.
Single‐cell transcriptomic landscape of peripheral blood cells provides insights into adaptation of red‐eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans)
Authors: GUO Rui , MA Guangwei , ZHAI Xiaofei , SHI Haitao , WANG Jichao 
Published: May 2023

AbstractRed‐eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), as one of the 100 most threatening aliens, have stronger immunity than the native species in response to environmental stress. Blood cells are an important component of immunity in the body. However, the blood cell researches of turtle are still in the traditional blood cell classification and morphological structure observation. Furthermore, turtle granulocytes cannot be accurately identified using traditional methods. Single‐cell RNA sequencing techniques have been successfully implemented to study cells based on the mRNA expression patterns of each cell. The present study profiled the transcriptomes of peripheral blood cells in red‐eared sliders to construct a single‐cell transcriptional landscape of the different cell types and explored environmental adaptation mechanism from the perspective of hematology. All 14 transcriptionally distinct clusters (platelets, erythrocytes1, erythrocytes2, CSF1R monocytes, POF1B monocytes, neutrophils, GATA2high basophils, GATA2low basophils, CD4 T cells, CD7 T cells, B cells, ACKR4 cells, serotriflin cells, and ficolin cells) were identified in the peripheral blood cells of the red‐eared sliders. In particular, a subtype of erythrocytes (erythrocytes1) that expressed immune signals was identified. Peripheral blood cells were grouped into three lineages: platelet, erythroid/lymphoid, and myeloid cell lineages. Furthermore, based on differentiation trajectory and up‐regulated gene expression, ACKR4 cells were newly identified as lymphocytes, and serotriflin and ficolin cells as granulocytes. The single‐cell transcriptional atlas of the peripheral blood cells in red‐eared sliders provided in the present study will offer a comprehensive transcriptome reference for the exploration of physiological and pathological hematology in this species.
Insights from basic adjunctive examinations of GCK‐MODY, HNF1A‐MODY, and type 2 diabetes: A systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Jing , Xiao Xinhua , Zhang Qian , Yu Miao 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundGlucokinase maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (GCK‐MODY) is difficult to distinguish from other diabetic forms. This article aims to characterize the differences in results from routine examinations between GCK‐MODY and hepatocyte nuclear factor 1‐α (HNF1A)‐MODY or type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients in different periods of diabetes.MethodsOvid Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched up until October 9, 2022 for articles containing baseline characteristics of GCK‐MODY, HNF1A‐MOFY, and T2D, excluding pregnant women. The pooled standardized mean differences were derived using a random‐effects model.ResultsCompared to HNF1A‐MODY, GCK‐MODY patients had lower indicators of glucose metabolism. Total triglycerides (TG) (−0.93 [−1.66, −0.21] mmol/l) were consistently lower in GCK‐MODY patients in the all‐family‐members subgroup analysis. Compared to T2D, GCK‐MODY patients were younger at diagnosis and had lower body mass index (BMI), lower high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) (−0.60 [−0.75, −0.44] mg/l), lower fasting C‐peptide (FCP), and lower 2‐hour postprandial glucose (2‐h PG). Indicators of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FPG) were consistently lower in subgroup studies with all family members of GCK‐MODY patients as well.ConclusionsLower HbA1c, FPG, 2‐h PG, and change in 2‐h PG may help to diagnose GCK‐MODY differentially from HNF1A‐MODY at an early stage, and lower TG may strengthen such a diagnosis in the follow‐up stages. Younger age combined with lower BMI, FCP, hsCRP, and 2‐h PG may be useful to distinguish GCK‐MODY from MODY‐like T2D, whereas results of glucose metabolism indicators such as HbA1c and FPG may not help physicians until after a long follow‐up period.
Extracellular flux analysis in intact cardiac tissue slices—A novel tool to investigate cardiac substrate metabolism in mouse myocardium
Authors: Bottermann Katharina , Spychala Andre , Eliacik Asena , Amin Ehsan , Moussavi‐Torshizi S. Erfan , Klöcker Nikolaj , Gödecke Axel , Heinen Andre 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAimCardiac pathologies are accompanied by alterations in substrate metabolism, and extracellular flux analysis is a standard tool to investigate metabolic disturbances, especially in immortalized cell lines. However, preparations of primary cells, such as adult cardiomyocytes require enzymatic dissociation and cultivation affecting metabolism. Therefore, we developed a flux analyzer‐based method for the assessment of substrate metabolism in intact vibratome‐sliced mouse heart tissue.MethodsOxygen consumption rates were determined using a Seahorse XFe24‐analyzer and “islet capture plates.” We demonstrate that tissue slices are suitable for extracellular flux analysis and metabolize both free fatty acids (FFA) and glucose/glutamine. Functional integrity of tissue slices was proven by optical mapping‐based assessment of action potentials. In a proof‐of‐principle approach, the sensitivity of the method was tested by analyzing substrate metabolism in the remote myocardium after myocardial infarction (I/R).ResultsHere, I/R increased uncoupled OCR compared with sham animals indicating a stimulated metabolic capacity. This increase was caused by a higher glucose/glutamine metabolism, whereas FFA oxidation was unchanged.ConclusionIn conclusion, we describe a novel method to analyze cardiac substrate metabolism in intact cardiac tissue slices by extracellular flux analysis. The proof‐of‐principle experiment demonstrated that this approach has a sensitivity allowing the investigation of pathophysiologically relevant disturbances in cardiac substrate metabolism.
Fostering innovation to solve the biomechanics of microbe–host interactions: Focus on the adhesive forces underlying Apicomplexa parasite biology
Authors: Vigetti Luis , Tardieux Isabelle 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe protozoa, Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium spp., are preeminent members of the Apicomplexa parasitic phylum in large part due to their public health and economic impact. Hence, they serve as model unicellular eukaryotes with which to explore the repertoire of molecular and cellular strategies that specific developmental morphotypes deploy to timely adjust to their host(s) in order to perpetuate. In particular, host tissue‐ and cell‐invasive morphotypes termed zoites alternate extracellular and intracellular lifestyles, thereby sensing and reacting to a wealth of host‐derived biomechanical cues over their partnership. In the recent years, biophysical tools especially related to real time force measurement have been introduced, teaching us how creative are these microbes to shape a unique motility system that powers fast gliding through a variety of extracellular matrices, across cellular barriers, in vascular systems or into host cells. Equally performant was this toolkit to start illuminating how parasites manipulate their hosting cell adhesive and rheological properties to their advantage. In this review, besides highlighting major discoveries along the way, we discuss the most promising development, synergy, and multimodal integration in active noninvasive force microscopy methods. These should in the near future unlock current limitations and allow capturing, from molecules to tissues, the many biomechanical and biophysical interplays over the dynamic host and microbe partnership.
Sleep, oscillations, and epilepsy
Authors: Bernard Christophe , Frauscher Birgit , Gelinas Jennifer , Timofeev Igor 
Published: May 2023

AbstractSleep and wake are defined through physiological and behavioral criteria and can be typically separated into non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stages N1, N2, and N3, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and wake. Sleep and wake states are not homogenous in time. Their properties vary during the night and day cycle. Given that brain activity changes as a function of NREM, REM, and wake during the night and day cycle, are seizures more likely to occur during NREM, REM, or wake at a specific time? More generally, what is the relationship between sleep–wake cycles and epilepsy? We will review specific examples from clinical data and results from experimental models, focusing on the diversity and heterogeneity of these relationships. We will use a top‐down approach, starting with the general architecture of sleep, followed by oscillatory activities, and ending with ionic correlates selected for illustrative purposes, with respect to seizures and interictal spikes. The picture that emerges is that of complexity; sleep disruption and pathological epileptic activities emerge from reorganized circuits. That different circuit alterations can occur across patients and models may explain why sleep alterations and the timing of seizures during the sleep–wake cycle are patient‐specific.
Generating instability? The impact of the EU's hybrid migration governance in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan
Authors: Cooper Luke , Nimer Maissam 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis article analyses the migration agreements between the European Union (EU) and Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan. These international policy frameworks were negotiated in tandem with one another, and all were announced in 2016. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in the three countries, the article argues that they fuse humanitarian elements with a bloc‐based security logic in an ad‐hoc mix that lacks substantive legitimacy in the three states, rendering the frameworks unstable. The article introduces the idea of hybrid migration governance which we have developed inductively to conceptualise the empirical findings from our fieldwork, building on existing work on hybridity in the conflict and security studies literature and Nora Stel's conception of governance as the ability to shape the field of action of others. In our usage, hybrid migration governance refers to the efficacy of EU intervention in the institutional management of migration in the three case study countries (‘shaping the field of action’), the ‘frozen’ character of the societal relations formed through this process and their underlying lack of domestic legitimacy. In conclusion, we argue that hybrid migration governance poses problem for the EU's ‘Barcelona’ conception of human security, because rather than expanding the bloc's ‘zone of security’ to the international neighbourhood, these policies have generated downstream security‐risks.
ON THE DISTRIBUTIONAL EFFECTS OF INTERNATIONAL TARIFFS
Authors: Carroll Daniel , Hur Sewon 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWe provide a quantitative analysis of the distributional effects of the 2018 increase in tariffs by the United States and its major trading partners. We build a trade model with incomplete asset markets and households that are heterogeneous in their age, income, wealth, and labor skill. When tariff revenues are used to reduce distortionary taxes on consumption, labor, and capital income, the average welfare loss from the trade war is equivalent to a permanent 0.1% reduction in consumption. Much larger welfare losses are concentrated among retirees and low‐wealth households, whereas only wealthy households experience a welfare gain.
Purification and concentration of infectious koi herpesvirus using steric exclusion chromatography
Authors: Eilts Friederike , Jordan Lisa K. , Harsy Yasmina M. J. , Bergmann Sven M. , Becker Anna M. , Wolff Michael W. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractKoi herpesvirus (KHV) is the causative agent of a koi herpesvirus disease (KHVD) inducing high mortality rates in common carp and koi (Cyprinus carpio). No widespread effective vaccination strategy has been implemented yet, which is partly due to side effects of the immunized fish. In this study, we present an evaluation of the purification of infectious KHV from host cell protein and DNA, using the steric exclusion chromatography. The method is related to conventional polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation implemented in a chromatographic set‐up and has been applied for infectious virus particle purification with high recoveries and impurity removal. Here, we achieved a yield of up to 55% of infectious KHV by using 12% PEG (molecular weight of 6 kDa) at pH 7.0. The recoveries were higher when using chromatographic cellulose membranes with 3–5 μm pores in diameter instead of 1 μm. The losses were assumed to originate from dense KHV precipitates retained on the membranes. Additionally, the use of >0.6 M NaCl was shown to inactivate infectious KHV. In summary, we propose a first step towards a purification procedure for infectious KHV with a possible implementation in fish vaccine manufacturing.