bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional Profiling and Genetic Analysis of a Cystic Fibrosis Airway-Relevant Model Shows Asymmetric Responses to Growth in a Polymicrobial Community
Authors: Kesthely Christopher A. , Rogers Rendi R. , Hafi Bassam El , Jean-Pierre Fabrice , O’Toole George A. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBacterial infections in the lungs of persons with cystic fibrosis are typically composed of multispecies biofilm-like communities, which modulate clinically relevant phenotypes that cannot be explained in the context of a single species culture. Most analyses to-date provide a picture of the transcriptional responses of individual pathogens, however, there is relatively little data describing the transcriptional landscape of clinically-relevant multispecies communities. Harnessing a previously described cystic fibrosis-relevant, polymicrobial community model consisting ofPseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sanguinisandPrevotella melaninogenica, we performed an RNA-Seq analysis to elucidate the transcriptional profiles of the community grown in artificial sputum medium (ASM) as compared to growth in monoculture, without mucin, and in fresh medium supplemented with tobramycin. We provide evidence that, although the transcriptional profile ofP. aeruginosais community agnostic, the transcriptomes ofS. aureusandS. sanguinisare community aware. Furthermore,P. aeruginosaandP. melaninogenicaare transcriptionally sensitive to the presence of mucin in ASM, whereasS. aureusandS. sanguinislargely do not alter their transcriptional profiles in the presence of mucin when grown in a community. OnlyP. aeruginosashows a robust response to tobramycin. Genetic studies of mutants altered in community-specific growth provide complementary data regarding how these microbes adapt to a community context.ImportancePolymicrobial infections constitute the majority of infections in the cystic fibrosis (CF) airway, but their study has largely been neglected in a laboratory setting. Our lab previously reported a polymicrobial community that can explain clinical outcomes in the lungs of persons with CF. Here we obtain transcriptional profiles of the community versus monocultures to provide transcriptional information about how this model community responds to CF-related growth conditions and perturbations. Genetic studies provide complementary functional outputs to assess how the microbes adapt to life in a community.
Mechanism of the Temperature-Dependent Self-Assembly and Polymorphism of Chitin
Authors: Romany Aarion , Payne Gregory F. , Shen Jana 
Published: May 2023

AbstractChitin is the second most abundant natural biopolymer; its crystalline structures have been extensively studied; however, the mechanism of chitin’s self-assembly is unknown. Here we applied all-atom molecular dynamics to study chitin’s self-assembly process at different temperatures. Strikingly, at 278 K, an amorphous aggregate was formed, whereas at 300 K single-sheet and at 323 K both single- and multi-sheet nanofibril regions were formed. The nanofibrils contain antiparallel, parallel or mixed orientation chains, with antiparallel being slightly preferred, recapitulating chitin’s polymorphism observed in nature. The inverse temperature dependence is consistent with the recent experiment. The analysis suggested that the multi-sheet nanofibrils are assembled by stacking the single nanofibril sheets, which are formed through two types of pathways in which hydrophobic collapse either precedes or is concomitant with increasing number of interchain hydrogen bonds and solvent expulsion. Furthermore, the antiparallel and parallel chains are mediated by different interchain hydrogen bonds. The analysis also suggested that the inverse temperature dependence may be attributed to the hydrophobic effect reminiscent of the low critical solution temperature phase behavior. The present study provides a rich, atomic-level view of chitin’s polymorphic self-assembly process, paving the way for the rational design of chitin-derived novel materials.
Comparing sparse inertial sensor setups for sagittal-plane walking and running reconstructions
Authors: Dorschky Eva , Nitschke Marlies , Mayer Matthias , Weygers Ive , Gassner Heiko , Seel Thomas , Eskofier Bjoern M. , Koelewijn Anne D. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractEstimating spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic movement variables with little obtrusion to the user is critical for clinical and sports applications. Previously, we developed an approach to estimate these variables from measurements with seven lower-body inertial sensors, i.e., the full setup, using optimal control simulations. Here, we investigated if this approach is similarly accurate when using sparse sensor setups with less inertial sensors. To estimate the movement variables, we solved optimal control problems on sagittal plane lower-body musculoskeletal models, in which an objective was optimized that combined tracking of accelerometer and gyroscope data with minimizing muscular effort. We created simulations for 10 participants at three walking and three running speeds, using seven sensor setups with between two and seven sensors located at the feet, shank, thighs, and/or pelvis. We calculated the correlation and root mean square deviations (RMSDs) between the estimated movement variables and those from inverse analysis using optical motion capture (OMC) and force plate data. We found that correlations between IMU- and OMC-based variables were high for all sensor setups, while including all sensors did not necessarily lead to the smallest RMSDs. Setups without a pelvis sensor led to too much forward trunk lean and inaccurate spatiotemporal variables. RMSDs were highest for the setup with two foot-worn IMUs. The smallest setup that estimated joint angles as accurately as the full setup (<1 degree difference in RMSD) was the setup with IMUs at the feet and thighs. The mean correlations for joint angles, moments, and ground reaction forces were at least 0.8 for walking and 0.9 for running when either a pelvic sensor or thigh sensors were included. Therefore, we conclude that we can accurately perform a comprehensive sagittal-plane motion analysis with sparse sensor setups when sensors are placed on the feet and on either the pelvis or the thighs.
Contrasting functions of ATP hydrolysis by MDA5 and LGP2 in viral RNA sensing
Authors: Singh Rahul , Wu Yuan , Herrero del Valle Alba , Leigh Kendra E. , Cheng Mark T. K. , Ferguson Brian J. , Modis Yorgo 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTCytosolic long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), among the most potent proinflammatory signals, is recognized by MDA5. MDA5 binds dsRNA cooperatively, forming helical filaments. ATP hydrolysis by MDA5 fulfills a proofreading function by promoting dissociation of shorter endogenous dsRNAs from MDA5 while allowing longer viral dsRNAs to remain bound leading to activation of interferon-β responses. Here, we show that adjacent MDA5 subunits in MDA5-dsRNA filaments hydrolyze ATP cooperatively, inducing cooperative filament disassembly. This amplifies the RNA footprint expansion that accompanies each round of ATP hydrolysis and allows MDA5 to displace tightly bound proteins from dsRNA. Our electron microscopy and biochemical assays show that LGP2 binds to dsRNA at internal binding sites through noncooperative ATP hydrolysis. Unlike MDA5, LGP2 has low nucleic acid selectivity and can hydrolyze GTP and CTP as well as ATP. Binding of LGP2 to dsRNA promotes nucleation of MDA5 filament assembly resulting in shorter filaments. Molecular modeling of the MDA5-LGP2 interface suggests that MDA5 interacts with dsRNA stem-bound rather than end-bound LGP2. We conclude that NTPase-dependent binding of LGP2 to internal sites on dsRNA increases the number and signaling output of MDA5-dsRNA complexes. Our work identifies novel molecular mechanisms contributing the selectivity and sensitivity of cytosolic dsRNA sensing.KEY POINTSCooperative ATP hydrolysis in MDA5 filaments confers selectivity for dsRNA and displaces other proteins from RNANoncooperative NTP hydrolysis by LGP2 induces binding to internal RNA sites with low selectivityRNA stem-bound LGP2 nucleates assembly of MDA5 signaling complexes on a broader set of RNA ligands
Cerebellar granular neuron progenitors exit their germinative niche via Barhl1 mediated silencing of T-Cell Factor transcriptional activity
Authors: Bou-Rouphael Johnny , Doulazmi Mohammed , Eschstruth Alexis , Abdou Asna , Durand Béatrice C. 
Published: May 2023

SUMMARYT-Cell Factors (TCFs) are the main transcriptional effectors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. TCF responsiveness is a hallmark of self-renewal in mouse embryonic, and adult, neural stem cells (NSC). However,in vivocontribution(s) of TCF activities in long-lived NSCs are poorly understood. Granule neuron progenitors (GNP) in the upper rhombic lip (URL) are long-lived NSCs which expressAtoh1and generate cerebellar granule neurons. Using functional and transcriptomic approaches in amphibian, we demonstrate that TCFs are active in the URL, and are strictly necessary for the emergence and maintenance of the GNP germinative zone. We identify BarH-like 1 (Barhl1), a direct target of Atoh1, as a gate keeper for GNP exit from the URL, through silencing of TCF transcriptional activity. Our transcriptomic andin silicoanalysis identifies Barhl1/TCF URL target genes, and confirms our functional data. Our study providesin vivoevidence that inhibition of TCF repressive activity is necessary for maintenance of the URL, a long-lived neural germinative niche.
Beclin1-Deficient Adipocytes Promote Tumor Progression by YAP/TAZ-dependent Adipocyte Transformation
Authors: Song Yaechan , Na Heeju , Lee Seung Eon , Moon Jihyun , Nam Tae Wook , Kim You Min , Ji Yul , Jin Young , Park Jae Hyung , Cho Seok Chan , Hwang Daehee , Ha Sang-Jun , Park Hyun Woo , Kim Jae Bum , Lee Han-Woong 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAdipocytes are crucial components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that play a prominent role in supporting tumor growth. However, the characteristics of cancer-associated adipocytes (CAAs) that contribute to the pro-tumorigenic niche remain to be fully established. Here, we used adipocyte-specificBeclin1 KO(BaKO) mice to investigate the role of maladaptive adipocytes in promoting tumor progression. BECN1-deficient adipocytes exhibited downregulation of adipogenic markers and activation of YAP/TAZ signaling, similar to the traits observed in CAAs. Thus, we generated adipocyte-specificBecn1/Yap1/Taz KOmice, which exhibit markedly restored phenotypes in adipose tissue, resulting in tumor regression compared to that in BaKO. Further, we observed dysregulation of the BECN1-YAP/TAZ axis in the adipose tissue of mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Treatment with the YAP/TAZ inhibitor, verteporfin, suppressed tumor progression in BaKO and HFD-fed mice, highlighting its efficacy against mice with metabolic dysregulation. Our findings provide insights into CAA formation and its significance in determining malignant TME, thereby suggesting a potential dual therapeutic strategy simultaneously targeting adipocyte homeostasis and cancer growth.
Do small- and medium-sized companies intend to use the Metaverse as part of their strategy? A behavioral intention analysis
Authors: Gil-Cordero Eloy , Maldonado-López Belén , Ledesma-Chaves Pablo , García-Guzmán Ana 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThe purpose of the research is to analyze the factors that determine the intention of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt the Metaverse. For this purpose, the analysis of the effort expectancy and performance expectancy of the constructs in relation to business satisfaction is proposed.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis was performed on a sample of 182 Spanish SMEs in the technology sector, using a PLS-SEM approach for development. For the confirmation of the model and its results, an analysis with PLSpredict was performed, obtaining a high predictive capacity of the model.FindingsAfter the analysis of the model proposed in this research, it is recorded that the valuation of the effort to be made and the possible performance expected by the companies does not directly determine the intention to use immersive technology in their strategic behavior. Instead, the results obtained indicate that business satisfaction will involve obtaining information, reducing uncertainty and analyzing the competition necessary for approaching this new virtual environment.Originality/valueThe study represents one of the first approaches to the intention of business behavior in the development of performance strategies within Metaverse systems. So far, the literature has approached immersive systems from perspectives close to consumer behavior, but the study of strategic business behavior has been left aside due to the high degree of experimentalism of this field of study and its scientific approach. The present study aims to contribute to the knowledge of the factors involved in the intention to use the Metaverse by SMEs interested in this field.
Omnichannel retailing: exploring future research avenues in retail marketing and distribution management
Authors: Sharma Neha , Dutta Nirankush 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThis study explores the present state of research related to omnichannel retail, investigates retail's different sub-areas and suggests future research directions.Design/methodology/approachThe subdomains of omnichannel retail have been identified using a keyword co-occurrence network (KCN) map and content analysis. The 5W1H method assisted in finding the bibliographies of 258 SCOPUS-indexed and ABDC-ranked journal articles and showcasing the omnichannel retail landscape.FindingsMost research on omnichannel retail is concentrated on five subdomains: customer behaviour, channel integration, technological innovation, supply chain and operations and strategy. The study's conceptual framework illustrates the omnichannel retailing environment and the variables that must be considered whilst establishing an omnichannel strategic vision. Besides, future researchers have been urged to concentrate on interdisciplinary research, as a seamless experience is unachievable if focussed on a single subdomain.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a slight probability of missing out on some good articles as this study considered only those articles that have been published in SCOPUS and ranked by the ABDC quality list.Practical implicationsThis study emphasises that for businesses to capitalise on the omnichannel model, the businesses must undergo a transformation involving technology convergence, customer-centricity and internal process reorganisation that integrates consumer feedback to co-create value. When a business adopts an omnichannel model, the business's priorities shift. Rather than depending solely on technology, faster delivery and channel integration, an omnichannel strategy requires strong leadership, a clear vision, training for all stakeholders and an understanding of customer pain points to reach the full potential.Originality/valueThe illustration of the omnichannel retail landscape using the 5W1H methodology and antecedents-decisions-outcomes (ADO) framework.
The coping strategies in fitness apps: a three-stage analysis with findings from SEM and FsQCA
Authors: Xu XiaoYu , Tayyab Syed Muhammad Usman , Jia Qingdan , Wu Kuang 
Published: May 2023

PurposeCombining the coping theory and social support theory, this study aims to reveal users' coping strategies for mobile fitness app (MFA) engagement and fitness intentions with a rigorous and comprehensive hybrid research approach.Design/methodology/approachA three-stage hybrid research design was employed in this study. In the first stage, this study utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate the associations between coping resources and coping outcomes. A post hoc analysis was conducted in the second stage to unveil the reasons behind the insignificant or weak linkages. In the third stage, the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) technique was applied to explore the various configurations of coping resources that lead to the coping outcomes.FindingsThe results in the three stages verify and compensate each other. The SEM results confirm the presence of two coping strategies in MFA, highlighting the importance of the intertwining of the strategies, and the post hoc analysis unveils the mediating role of positive affect. Moreover, the fsQCA results reinforce and complement the SEM findings by revealing eight alternative configurations that are sufficient for leading to users' MFA engagement and fitness intention.Originality/valueThis study offers a prominent methodological paradigm by demonstrating the application of multi-analysis in exploring users' coping strategies. In addition, the study also advances the understanding of the complexity of the mechanism that determines users' behavioral decisions by presenting a comprehensive interpretation.
Addressing labour exploitation in the data science pipeline: views of precarious US-based crowdworkers on adversarial and co-operative interventions
Authors: Bates Jo , Gerakopoulou Elli , Checco Alessandro 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
Underlying much recent development in data science and artificial intelligence (AI) is a dependence on the labour of precarious crowdworkers via platforms such as Amazon Mechanical Turk. These platforms have been widely critiqued for their exploitative labour relations, and over recent years, there have been various efforts by academic researchers to develop interventions aimed at improving labour conditions. The aim of this paper is to explore US-based crowdworkers’ views on two proposed interventions: a browser plugin that detects automated quality control “Gold Question” (GQ) checks and a proposal for a crowdworker co-operative.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors interviewed 20 US-based crowdworkers and undertook a thematic analysis of collected data.

Findings
The findings indicate that US-based crowdworkers tend to have negative and mixed feelings about the GQ detector, but were more enthusiastic about the crowdworker co-operative.

Originality/value
Drawing on theories of precarious labour, this study suggests an explanation for the findings based on US-based workers’ objective and subjective experiences of precarity. The authors argue that for US-based crowdworkers “constructive” interventions such as a crowdworker co-operative have more potential to improve labour conditions.
Decent work, capabilities and flourishing at work
Authors: Ragadu Suzette Cora , Rothmann Sebastiaan 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the associations among decent work (DW), capabilities and the flourishing of employees in a South African context.

Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a convenience sample (N = 436) of early childhood development practitioners from two South African provinces. A demographic questionnaire, the Decent Work Scale, the Capability Set for Work Questionnaire and the Flourishing-at-Work Scale were administered.

Findings
Latent class analysis showed four capability sets: robust, relational, knowledge/skills and weak capability sets. Employees with a robust capability set were more inclined to report DW than those with knowledge/skills and weak capability sets. Employees with a weak capability set were significantly less inclined to report organisational values that complement family and social values than the other three capability sets. Employees with a robust capability set reported significantly higher emotional well-being (EWB), psychological well-being (PWB) and social well-being (SWB) levels than those with relational, knowledge/skills and weak capability sets. DW was significantly related to EWB, PWB and SWB.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature regarding DW, capabilities and flourishing of employees in a non-western, educated, industrialized, rich and democratic and non-POSH context. The study highlights the need for well-being policies that focus on DW and the capabilities of people in disadvantaged positions. These together would strengthen their agency for converting capabilities into well-being.
The Secretariat of Francis Walsingham, 1568–1590
Authors: TU HSUAN‐YING 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMid‐Elizabethan rivalry over policy and patronage split the system of state information and espionage into the collaboration of individuals. To maintain the utmost privacy, Francis Walsingham, principal secretary to Queen Elizabeth I, designed a comparatively enclosed information management and secretarial machinery that combined household space with clientage. This strategy facilitated the multiple infiltrations of clientage into the different levels of power politics, ranging from pan‐European espionage to government administration and parliament. The political involvement of clientele hence constructed the late Tudor polity out of another amalgam of bureaucratic and household elements. Using the model of Walsingham's privatised, flexible and meritocratic secretariat, this essay will examine a new style of Tudor clientage and their capture of power within the mid‐Elizabethan regime. In doing so, it explores the connection within and between clients, bureaucrats and the monarch, as well as a political controversy concerning the late Tudor polity.
Incidence and risk factors for severe postpartum haemorrhage in women with anterior low‐lying or praevia placenta and prior caesarean: Prospective population‐based study
Authors: Pinton Anne , Deneux‐Tharaux Catherine , Seco Aurélien , Sentilhes Loïc , Kayem Gilles ,   the PACCRETA Study Group
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the incidence and risk factors for severe postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in women with an anterior low‐lying or praevia placenta, prior caesarean and no prenatal suspicion of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).DesignPopulation‐based study in 176 maternity units in France.PopulationAll women with anterior low‐lying (0–19 mm from the cervical internal os) or praevia placenta, diagnosed prospectively before birth, prior caesarean and no prenatal suspicion of PAS.MethodsMultivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for severe PPH in the main population and after exclusion of women with PAS diagnosed only at birth.Main outcome measuresSevere PPH defined by a composite criterion either estimated blood loss of ≥1500 ml, transfusion of ≥4 or more units of packed red blood cells, embolisation or surgical treatment.ResultsOf the 520 114 women constituting the source population, 230 (0.44/1000 women; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38–0.50) met the inclusion criteria. Severe PPH rate was 24.8% (95% CI 19.2–30.4) overall, 27.5% (95% CI 21.8–33.3) in women with placenta praevia and 15.4% (95% CI 10.7–20.0) in women with low‐lying placenta. PAS was diagnosed at birth in 22 women (9.9%; 95% CI 5.8–13.4), although previously unsuspected. After their exclusion, severe PPH incidence was 17.3% (95% CI 12.4–22.2). In multivariate analysis, the only factor associated with a higher severe PPH risk was placenta previa (aOR, 3.65; 95%CI, 1.20–15.8).ConclusionSevere PPH is frequent among women with anterior low‐lying or praevia placenta and prior caesarean, even after exclusion of women with PAS. The risk of severe PPH for those with praevia is nearly twice that with low‐lying placenta.