bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oligodendrocyte-derived IL-33 functions as a microglial survival factor during neuroinvasive flavivirus infection
Authors: Norris Geoffrey T. , Ames Joshua M. , Ziegler Steven F. , Oberst Andrew 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn order to recover from infection, organisms must balance robust immune responses to pathogens with the tolerance of immune-mediated pathology. This balance is particularly critical within the central nervous system, whose complex architecture, essential function, and limited capacity for self-renewal render it susceptible to both pathogen-and immune-mediated pathology. Here, we identify the alarmin IL-33 and its receptor ST2 as critical for host survival to neuroinvasive flavivirus infection. We identify oligodendrocytes as the critical source of IL-33, and microglia as the key cellular responders. Notably, we find that the IL-33/ST2 axis does not impact viral control or adaptive immune responses; rather, it is required to promote the activation and survival of microglia. In the absence of intact IL-33/ST2 signaling in the brain, neuroinvasive flavivirus infection triggered aberrant recruitment of monocyte-derived peripheral immune cells, increased neuronal stress, and neuronal cell death, effects that compromised organismal survival. These findings identify IL-33 as a critical mediator of CNS tolerance to pathogen-initiated immunity and inflammation.Author SummaryThe central nervous system (CNS) is an extraordinarily complex organ system with limited capacity for repair and renewal. When infectious pathogens invade the CNS, resulting immune responses must clear the pathogen while limiting immune-mediated tissue pathology. IL-33 is an “alarmin” cytokine, whose release from dying cells can promote a variety of immune responses. IL-33 is expressed at high levels in the brain, and previous work has implicated signaling by IL-33 in CNS development as well as in the response to parasitic infection of the CNS. Here, we identify IL-33 as a key mediator of disease tolerance in the context of neuroinvasive infection with the flaviviruses West Nile virus and Zika virus. Notably, we find that IL-33 signaling is not involved in the clearance of virus from the brain; rather, IL-33 is required to promote the survival and reprogramming brain-resident immune cells (microglia). When IL-33 signaling is disrupted in mice, flavivirus infection results in defective microglial activation, increased death of both microglia and neurons, increased invasion of the brain by peripheral immune cells, and increased host death. This work suggests that IL-33 is a key mediator of host tolerance upon neuroinvasive flavivirus infection.
Resting State Brain Connectivity analysis from EEG and FNIRS signals
Authors: Blanco Rosmary , Koba Cemal , Crimi Alessandro 
Published: April 2023

AbstractContemporary neuroscience is highly focused on the synergistic use of machine learning and network analysis. Indeed, network neuroscience analysis intensively capitalizes on clustering metrics and statistical tools. In this context, the integrated analysis of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG) provides complementary information about the electrical and hemodynamic activity of the brain. Evidence supports the mechanism of the neurovascular coupling mediates brain processing. However, it is not well understood how the specific patterns of neuronal activity are represented by these techniques. Here we have investigated the topological properties of functional networks of the resting-state brain between synchronous EEG and fNIRS connectomes, across frequency bands, using source space analysis, and through graph theoretical approaches. We observed that at global-level analysis small-world topology network features for both modalities. The edge-wise analysis pointed out increased inter-hemispheric connectivity for oxy-hemoglobin compared to EEG, with no differences across the frequency bands. Our results show that graph features extracted from fNIRS can reflect both shortand longrange organization of neural activity, and that is able to characterize the large-scale network in the resting state. Further development of integrated analyses of the two modalities is required to fully benefit from the added value of each modality. However, the present study highlights that multimodal source space analysis approaches can be adopted to study brain functioning in healthy resting states, thus serving as a foundation for future work during tasks and in pathology, with the possibility of obtaining novel comprehensive biomarkers for neurological diseases.
Temporal origin of nestedness in interaction networks
Authors: Staniczenko Phillip P. A. , Panja Debabrata 
Published: April 2023

AbstractNestedness is a common property of communication, finance, trade, and ecological networks. In networks with high levels of nestedness, the link positions of low-degree nodes (those with few links) form nested subsets of the link positions of high-degree nodes (those with many links), leading to matrix representations with characteristic upper-triangular or staircase patterns. Recent theoretical work has connected nestedness to the functionality of complex systems and has suggested it is a structural by-product of the skewed degree distributions often seen in empirical data. However, mechanisms for generating nestedness remain poorly understood, limiting the connections that can be made between system processes and observed network structures. Here, we show that a simple probabilistic model based on phenology — the timing of co-presences among interaction partners — can produce nested structures and correctly predict around two-thirds of interactions in two fish market networks and around one-third of interactions in 22 plant-pollinator networks. Notably, the links most readily explained by frequent actor co-presences appear to form a backbone of nested interactions, with the remaining interactions attributable to opportunistic interactions or preferences for particular interaction partners that are not routinely available.Significance statementNetworks describe the relationships among actors in complex systems. In nested networks, actors involved in few interactions are connected to actors involved in many interactions, with those highly-connected actors also interacting with other highly-connected actors. This pattern is seen in a variety of empirical systems and influences the response to external perturbations, but little is known about the processes that give rise to nestedness. We show that phenology, the day-to-day timing of interaction partner availability, is a general mechanism that generates nested structures. We present a simple probabilistic model which accounts for actor overlap through time but assumes actors have no preference for specific interaction partners, thereby providing an instructive baseline for investigating higher-level selection processes in interaction networks.
Quantification of Rho-terminationin vivousing qRT-PCR: a comprehensive analysis
Authors: Abishek N Monford Paul , Jeon Heung Jin , Wang Xun , Lim Heon M. 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACTIn prokaryotes, the Rho protein mediates Rho-dependent termination (RDT) by identifying a non-specific cytosine-rich Rho utilization site on the newly synthesized RNA. As a result of RDT, downstream RNA transcription is reduced. Due to the bias in reverse transcription and PCR amplification, we were unable to identify the RDT site by directly measuring the amount of mRNA upstream and downstream of RDT sites. To overcome this difficulty, we employed a 77 bp reporter geneargX, coding transfer RNA that binds L-arginine, tRNAargfromBrevibacterium albidum, and transcriptionally fused it to the sequences to be assayed. We constructed a series of plasmids by combining a segment of the galactose (gal) operon sequences, both with and without the RDT regions at the ends of cistrons (galE,galT,andgalM) upstream ofargX. The RNA polymerase will transcribe thegaloperon sequence andargXunless it encounters the RDT encoded by the inserted sequence. We observed similar tRNAarghalf-lives expressed in these transcriptional fusion plasmids. Therefore, the amount of tRNAargdirectly represents the number of transcripts transcribed. Using this approach, we were able to effectively assay the RDTs in thegaloperon by quantifying the relative amount of tRNAargusing quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses. The resultant RDT% forgalET, galTK, and at the end ofgalMwere 36, 26, and 63, individually. Our findings demonstrate that combining tRNAarg, with qRT-PCR can directly measure RDT efficienciesin vivo, making it a useful tool for gene expression research.
LOCC: a novel visualization and scoring of cutoffs for continuous variables
Authors: Luo George , Letterio John J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectiveThere is a need for new methods to select and analyze cutoffs employed to define genes that are most prognostic significant and impactful. We designed LOCC (Luo’s Optimization Categorization Curve), a novel tool to visualize and score continuous variables for a dichotomous outcome.MethodsTo demonstrate LOCC with real world data, we analyzed TCGA hepatocellular carcinoma gene expression and patient data using LOCC. We compared LOCC visualization to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for prognostic modeling to showcase its utility in understanding predictors in various TCGA datasets.ResultsAnalysis ofE2F1expression in hepatocellular carcinoma using LOCC demonstrated appropriate cutoff selection and validation. In addition, we compared LOCC visualization and scoring to ROC curves and c-statistics, demonstrating that LOCC better described predictors. Analysis of a previously published gene signature showed large differences in LOCC scoring, and removing the lowest scoring genes did not affect prognostic modeling of the gene signature demonstrating LOCC scoring could distinguish which predictors were most critical.ConclusionOverall, LOCC is a novel visualization tool for understanding and selecting cutoffs, particularly for gene expression analysis in cancer. The LOCC score can be used to rank genes for prognostic potential and is more suitable than ROC curves for prognostic modeling.Graphical Abstract
TEAD1 regulates ITGA1 and ITGA2 to control prostate cancer progression
Authors: Sara Cruz Pereira , Qin Zhang , Raman Devarajan , Paia Christos , Binjie Luo , Kai Zhang , Jihan Xia , Anne Ahtikoski , Markku Vaarala , Tomasz Wenta , Gong-Hong Wei , Aki Manninen 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACTThe extracellular matrix (ECM) undergoes significant changes during prostate cancer (PCa) progression and actively regulates PCa growth and invasion. Here, we performed a meta-analysis of PCa cohorts and found that downregulation or loss ofITGA1andITGA2integrin genes was associated with tumor progression to metastasis and poor prognosis in PCa patients. Genomic deletion of both α1- and α2-integrins activated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in benign prostate epithelial cells, thereby enhancing their invasive potentialin vitroand converting them into tumorigenic cellsin vivo. Mechanistically, EMT was induced by enhanced secretion and subsequent activation of autocrine TGFβ1 and nuclear targeting of YAP1. Our unbiased genome-wide co-expression analysis of large PCa cohort datasets identified the transcription factor TEAD1 as a key regulator ofITGA1andITGA2expression in PCa cells while TEAD1 loss phenocopied the dual loss of α2- and α2-integrins in vitro and in vivo. Notably, clinical data analysis revealed thatTEAD1downregulation or loss was associated with aggressive PCa and could synergize withITGA1andITGA2expression to impact PCa prognosis and progression. Altogether, our results demonstrate that loss of α1- and α2-integrins, either via deletion/inactivation of theITGA1/ITGA2locus or via loss ofTEAD1, contributes to PCa progression by inducing TGFβ1-driven EMT.
Determinants of COVID-19 masking among artisanal fisherfolks in Ghana: the role of time discounting
Authors: Akpalu Wisdom , Adanu Kwami 
Published: April 2023

PurposeDaily COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality rates are still high globally, and masking is considered a reliable method of preventing its infections. Yet, the rate of voluntary compliance with masking remains very low in most parts of the world, especially in developing countries. The authors hypothesize that the decision to wear a mask entails some benefit-cost analysis that involves time discounting. In addition, the authors surmise that feel-good benefits from pro-social behavior and from wearing fashionable masks are substantial.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a survey of 900 fishermen and fish traders in Ghana. A simple experiment was designed to elicit individual rates of time preference. In addition, the fishers were asked questions about their political affiliation and knowledge of the COVID-19 pandemic, among others. A logit model is used to investigate the determinants of the decision to wear a mask.FindingsThe authors found that masking compliance increases in time discounting for fishmongers, suggesting that private benefits from pro-social behavior or feel-good benefits from wearing a mask are very strong. In addition, those who belonged to the ruling political party were more likely to wear a mask. Other factors increasing the likelihood of masking include affiliation with the ruling political party, knowledge of COVID-19 and knowledge of someone who lost his/her job due to COVID-19.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the effect of time discounting on the voluntary compliance of a health safety measure, which could provide a direct utility. In addition, the study explores the effect of political affiliation on voluntary masking behavior.
Utilisation of drones in achieving various applications in smart warehouse management
Authors: Ali Sadia Samar , Khan Shahbaz , Fatma Nosheen , Ozel Cenap , Hussain Aftab 
Published: April 2023

PurposeOrganisations and industries are often looking for technologies that can accomplish multiple tasks, providing economic benefits and an edge over their competitors. In this context, drones have the potential to change many industries by making operations more efficient, safer and more economic. Therefore, this study investigates the use of drones as the next step in smart/digital warehouse management to determine their socio-economic benefits.Design/methodology/approachThe study identifies various enablers impacting drone applications to improve inventory management, intra-logistics, inspections and surveillance in smart warehouses through a literature review, a test of concordance and the fuzzy Delphi method. Further, the graph theory matrix approach (GTMA) method was applied to ranking the enablers of drone application in smart/digital warehouses. In the subsequent phase, researchers investigated the relation between the drone application's performance and the enablers of drone adoption using logistic regression analysis under the TOE framework.FindingsThis study identifies inventory man agement, intra-logistics, inspections and surveillance are three major applications of drones in the smart warehousing. Further, nine enablers are identified for the adoption of drone in warehouse management. The findings suggest that operational effectiveness, compatibility of drone integration and quality/value offered are the most impactful enablers of drone adoption in warehouses. The logistic regression findings are useful for warehouse managers who are planning to adopt drones in a warehouse for efficient operations.Research limitations/implicationsThis study identifies the enablers of drone adoption in the smart and digital warehouse through the literature review and fuzzy Delphi. Therefore, some enablers may be overlooked during the identification process. In addition to this, the analysis is based on the opinion of the expert which might be influenced by their field of expertise.Practical implicationsBy considering technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework warehousing companies identify the opportunities and challenges associated with using drones in a smart warehouse and develop strategies to integrate drones into their operations effectively.Originality/valueThis study proposes a TOE-based framework for the adoption of drones in warehouse management to improve the three prominent warehouse functions inventory management, intra-logistics, inspections and surveillance using the mixed-method.
Emergence, evolution, challenges and future prospect in LIS education and its impact on job opportunity of LIS education in Pakistan
Authors: Shah Suhaib Hussain , Pei Lei , Chen Tianyu 
Published: April 2023

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the status of library and information science (LIS) education in Pakistan, as well as LIS progress, level of employment and issues, infrastructure and facilities, challenges faced by LIS institutions and future prospects of the profession.

Design/methodology/approach
A total of 115 permanent/regular and visiting academic members from different Pakistani institutions/universities participated in the research. A mixed-method was used, and data was collected through questionnaires and interviews. The data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively.

Findings
This study’s results showed that assistant, associate and associate professors have been very involved in producing high-quality research articles and producing quality graduates. This study also found that there are several problems with LIS education in Pakistan, such as a lack of qualified teachers, resources and facilities. This study provides all the answers to these problems. They are useful for LIS teachers and students in Pakistan because LIS education has been around for a long time, but there are still some problems that need to be fixed. The results could have an immediate effect on the direction, ability to survive and future of LIS education in Pakistan.

Originality/value
Previously, different studies have been conducted on evolution and challenges to the LIS profession, but to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has been reported based on the professional experiences in other Universities of Pakistan. According to the research, the findings are crucial for LIS professors and students in Pakistan. In addition, the research investigates the challenges faced by LIS teachers in Pakistan. It concludes with suggestions on how to address some of these problems. It is also said that Pakistan must develop universal standards for LIS to close the gap between what users want and what library workers can do.
Do regional characteristics influence PPP contract governance skills requirements?
Authors: Umar Abdullahi Ahmed , Zawawi Noor Amila Wan Abdullah , Abdul Aziz Abdul Rashid 
Published: April 2023

PurposeThis study aims to seek, on the basis of Hofstede's culture consequences, to explore the notion that regional characteristics may influence the prioritisation of certain types of public-private partnerships (PPP) contract governance skills over others. It further sets out to determine which skills are considered the most critical between the groups of respondents surveyed.Design/methodology/approachTo bring this important and neglected perspective into the mainstream of PPP discussions, the study, being of an exploratory nature, relied on a survey of 340 respondents from around the globe. The respondents are a rich mix of public policy experts, economists, construction professionals, project finance experts, lawyers and academic researchers in PPP.s.FindingsAnalysis revealed that, regional characteristics was an important factor influencing skills prioritisation. Furthermore, exploratory factor analysis with Monte Carlo principal component analysis (PCA) confirmation revealed that project management, contract design, negotiations, performance management and stakeholder management skills were very critical for successful contract management of PPP projects.Practical implicationsThe findings indicate that the design and implementation of regulatory governance for infrastructure PPPs should be context-specific rather than the current one-size-fits all model. Training should be tailored to reflect regional specific characteristics.Originality/valueStudies are increasingly pointing to the absence of critical PPP skills among institutions responsible for managing PPP contracts. This lack of capacity has resulted in poor oversight of private companies providing public services resulting in poor services, and financial recklessness, which threaten the sustainability of service provision.
Family incivility and service delivery of frontline hotel employees: roles of negative rumination, psychological capital and perceived organisational support
Authors: Kuriakose Vijay , T S Dhanya , Hycinth Frank 
Published: April 2023

PurposeThis study anchoring on the theory of conservation of resources examines the relationship between family incivility, negative rumination and service delivery. This study also analyses the mediating role of negative rumination in the relationship between family incivility and service delivery. This study also examines psychological capital and perceived organisational support (POS) as boundary conditions influencing the relationships postulated in the study.Design/methodology/approachTo test the relationships among the variables, responses were drawn from 419 frontline hotel employees at two-time points and the hypothesised relationships were tested using structural equation modelling.FindingsThe structural equation modelling analysis proved that family incivility is negatively related to service delivery. It was also found that family incivility is positively associated with negative rumination and an inverse relationship between negative rumination and service delivery. This study also found support for the mediating role of negative rumination and the moderating roles of psychological capital and perceived organisational support.Practical implicationsThis study findings extend the theory and provide guidelines for managers to mitigate the adverse effect of family incivility on employees and their service delivery. Employees and managers can use psychological capital and POS as strategies to prevent the spill-over effect of family incivility on service delivery.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, no prior studies have examined the effect of family incivility on service delivery. By establishing the mediating mechanism and boundary conditions, this study adds value to the theory and practice.