bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Limits of parasitoid-mediated host population density suppression: Implications for biological control
Authors: Singh Abhyudai 
Published: July 2023

AbstractParasitoid wasps are increasingly being used to control insect pest populations, where the pest is the host species parasitized by the wasp. Here we use the discrete-time formalism of the Nicholson-Bailey model to investigate a fundamental question - are there limits to parasitoid-driven suppression of the host population density while still ensuring a stable coexistence of both species? Our model formulation imposes an intrinsic self-limitation in the host’s growth resulting in a carrying capacity in the absence of the parasitoid. Different versions of the model are considered with parasitism occurring at a developmental stage that is before, during, or after the growth-limiting stage. For example, the host’s growth limitation may occur at its larval stage due to intraspecific competition, while the wasps attack either the host egg, larval or pupal stage. For slow-growing hosts, models with parasitism occurring at different life stages are identical in terms of their host suppression dynamics but have contrasting differences for fast-growing hosts. In the latter case, our analysis reveals that wasp parasitism occurring after host growth limitation yields the lowest pest population density conditioned on stable host-parasitoid coexistence. For ecologically relevant parameter regimes we estimate this host suppression to be roughly 10-20% of the parasitoid-free carrying capacity. We further expand the models to consider a fraction of hosts protected from parasitism (i.e., a host refuge). Our results show that for a given host reproduction rate there exists a critical value of protected host fraction beyond which, the system dynamics are stable even for high levels of parasitism that drive the host to arbitrary low population densities. In summary, our systematic analysis sheds key insights into the combined effects of density-dependence in host growth and parasitism refuge in stabilizing the host-parasitoid population dynamics with important implications for biological control.
Prominent contributions of selective neuronal subtypes to pediatric drug-resistant focal dysplasia
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Li Lin , Zhu Fengjun , Zhang Xinyang , Xia Dan , Zhong Cheng , Liang Shuli , Cao Dezhi , Zou Huafang , duan Jing , Shu Yousheng , Yao Yi , Song Jianming , Hu Songnian , Liao Jianxiang , Zhou Qiang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAbout 75% cases of epilepsy begin during childhood, and 10 - 30% of pediatric epilepsy patients are resistant to drug treatment. The predominant seizure type in children is focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) which is highly associated with drug-resistant epilepsy, but its underlying cause is poorly understood. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing and patch-clamp recording on fresh brain tissues obtained from pediatric FCD patients shortly after surgery to reveal critical factors contributing to FCD.We report that known epilepsy genes or significant transcriptomic alterations occur in only a few neuronal subgroups, suggesting that epilepsy-associated neurons cluster into only a few neuronal subtypes. These epilepsy-subtypes displayed significant epilepsy-related transcriptomic alterations, especially in the genes associated with excitation/inhibition balance and neuron functional signal pathways. Among eight epilepsy-subtypes, L2_4_CUX2_YWHAH and PVALB_RGS5 subtypes showed the most prominent alterations in FCD patient tissues. Supporting PV-neurons being important, recording from fast-spiking/parvalbumin-containing neurons in acute FCD patient brain slices revealed reduced excitatory synaptic inputs, implicating lower activity in these neurons and fewer synaptic inputs onto them. A higher percentage of mitochondria genes, and likely higher activity in the pathways associated with oxidative phosphorylation and ATP biosynthetic process, was observed in the epilepsy-subtypes, suggesting a high energy expenditure in them. Interestingly, the activity of the above two pathways in most epilepsy-subtypes was lower in the FCD patients, suggesting these subtypes may be more vulnerable to energy deficit in epilepsy.Altogether, transcriptomics is significantly altered in only a few neuronal subtypes in pediatric FCD patient brains. These selective epilepsy-subtypes may play prominent roles in the genesis of pediatric drug-resistant seizure and targeting them may provide new treatment options.
Molecular signatures of hyperexcitability and lithium responsiveness in bipolar disorder patient neurons provide alternative therapeutic strategies
Authors: Khayachi Anouar , Abuzgaya Malak , Liu Yumin , Jiao Chuan , Dejgaard Kurt , Schorova Lenka , Kamesh Anusha , He Qin , Cousineau Yuting , Pietrantonio Alessia , Farhangdoost Nargess , Castonguay Charles-Etienne , Chaumette Boris , Alda Martin , Rouleau Guy A. , Milnerwood Austen J. 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACTBipolar disorder (BD) is a multifactorial psychiatric illness affecting about 1% of the world population. The first line treatment, lithium (Li), is effective in only a subset of patients and its mechanism of action remains largely elusive. In the present study, we used iPSC-derived neurons from BD patients responsive (LR) or not (LNR) to lithium and combined electrophysiology, calcium imaging, biochemistry, transcriptomics, and phosphoproteomics to report mechanistic insights into neuronal hyperactivity in BD, and Li’s mode of action. We show a selective rescue of neuronal hyperactivity by Li in BD LR neurons through changes in Na+currents. The whole transcriptome sequencing revealed altered gene expression in BD neurons in pathways related to glutamatergic transmission, and Li selectively altered those involved in cell signaling and ion transport/channel activity. We found the therapeutic effect of Li in BD LR patients was associated with Akt signaling and confirmed that an Akt activator mimics Li effect in BD LR neurons. Further, we showed that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) reduces neural network activity and sodium currents in BD LNR patients. These findings suggest the potential for novel treatment strategies in BD, such as Akt activators in BD LR cases, and the use of AMPK activators for BD LNR patients.
Exploring the Role of MMP9 and its Association with TGFβ Signalling in Patients with Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy-Hippocampal Sclerosis
Authors: Paul Debasmita , Srivastava Arpna , Banerjee Jyotirmoy , Tripathi Manjari , Doddamani Ramesh , Lalwani Sanjeev , Siraj Fouzia , Sharma Meher Chand , Chandra Poodipedi Sarat , Dixit Aparna Banerjee 
Published: July 2023

AbstractInflammation and blood brain barrier (BBB) damage are associated with epileptogenesis in Mesial Temporal lobe epilepsy with Hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS). Animal studies have predicted the role of Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in extracellular matrix (ECM) modulation, BBB leakage and neuro-inflammation, while Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signalling in astrocytes potentiates hyper-excitability leading to seizure generation. We hypothesize whether changes in activity and expression of MMP9, and the ratio of MMP9 and its inhibitor, Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1), have a role in epileptogenesis in the patients with MTLE-HS through zona occludens 1 (ZO1) modulation. We also proposed the role of astrocytic TGFβ signalling in these patients. mRNA expression of MMP9 and TIMP1 was significantly up-regulated. The ratio of MMP9 to its inhibitor TIMP1 was greater than one, suggesting activation of MMP9, further confirmed by gelatin zymography. MMP9 activity as well as immunoreactivity was higher in patients with MTLE-HS as compared to non-seizure controls, whereas the immunoreactivity of ZO1 was significantly lower in the patients. The downstream TGFβ signalling effector molecules, SMAD3 and pSMAD3 immunoreactivity were also significantly higher in MTLE-HS patients and both molecules showed co-localisation with astrocytes in the hippocampal region. Further, we showed preliminary data about interaction of MMP9 and TGFβ1 in these patients as evidenced by a co-immunoprecipitation assay. This study highlighted the MMP9 and astrocytic TGFβ signalling mediated potential mechanism of epileptogenesis in MTLE-HS patients.
Traditional medicinal use is linked with apparency, not specialized metabolite profiles in the order Caryophyllales
Authors: Crum Alex H. , Philander Lisa , Busta Lucas , Yang Ya 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACTA better understanding of the relationship between plant specialized metabolism and traditional medicinal use has the potential to aid in bioprospecting and the untangling of cross-cultural plant use patterns. However, given the limited information available for metabolites in most plant species, associating medicinal properties with a metabolite can be difficult. The order Caryophyllales has a unique pattern of lineages of tyrosine- or phenylalanine-dominant specialized metabolism, represented by mutually exclusive anthocyanin and betalain pigments, making the group ideal to work around a lack of detailed knowledge of specific metabolites. We compiled a list of medicinal species in selected tyrosine- or phenylalanine-dominant families of Caryophyllales across the globe (Nepenthaceae, Polygonaceae, Simmondsiaceae, Microteaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Amaranthaceae, Limeaceae, Molluginaceae, Portulacaceae, Cactaceae, and Nyctaginaceae) by searching scientific literature until no new uses were recovered, and tested for phylogenetic clustering of medicinal uses using a “hot nodes” approach. To test potential non-metabolite drivers of medicinal use, like how often humans encounter a species (apparency), we repeated the same analysis in North American species across the entire order and performed phylogenetic generalized least squares regression (PGLS) with occurrence data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). We hypothesized families with Tyr-enriched metabolism would show clustering of different types of medicinal use compared to the ancestral Phe-enriched metabolism. Instead, weedy, wide-ranging clades in Polygonaceae and Amaranthaceae are overrepresented across nearly all types of medicinal use. Therefore, we found that apparency is a better predictor of medicinal use than metabolite profiles, although metabolism type may still be a contributing factor.
Novel data preprocessing techniques in an expanded dataset improve machine learning model accuracy for a non-invasive blood glucose monitor
Authors: Klyve Dominic , Pandya Kinara , Ward Carl , Shelton Barry 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTo determine the accuracy of a novel sensor designed to measure blood glucose (BG) non-invasively using Radio Frequency (RF) waves, we present results from a study that validates the stability of a machine learning model on an expanded dataset. In this study, we trained a Light Gradient-Boosting Machine (lightGBM) model to predict BG values using 3,311 observations from over 330 hours of data collected from 13 healthy participants, where an observation is defined as data collected from 13 sweeps from the novel Bio-RFID™ sensor paired with a single Dexcom G6® value as reference.
Helical motors and formins synergize to compact chiral filopodial bundles: a theoretical perspective
Authors: Maxian Ondrej , Mogilner Alex 
Published: July 2023

AbstractChiral actin bundles have been shown to play an important role in cell dynamics, but our understanding of the molecular mechanisms which combine to generate chirality remains incomplete. We numerically simulate a crosslinked filopodial bundle under the actions of helical myosin motors and/or formins and examine the collective buckling and twisting of the actin bundle. We find that the myosin spinning action effectively “braids” the bundle, compacting it, generating buckling, and enhancing crosslinking. Stochastic fluctuations of actin polymerization rates also contribute to filament buckling and bending of the bundle. Faster turnover of transient crosslinks attenuates the buckling and enhances coiling and compaction of the bundle. Formin twisting action by itself is not effective in inducing filopodial coiling and compaction, but co-rotating formins synergize with helical motors to coil and compact the actin bundle. We discuss implications of our findings for mechanisms of cytoskeletal chirality.
NaMo: transformation from flagship to parent brand
Authors: Kulkarni Medha , Dam Leena B. , Pawar Bharat 
Published: July 2023

Learning outcomes
After working through the case, the students should be able to understand Indian political economy and the brand building process of NaMo; identify the media mix strategies used to build the brand NaMo in India; evaluate possible future growth strategies for brand NaMo; and compare and contrast brand NaMo with business brands.

Case overview/synopsis
Narendra Modi popularly called as NaMo was the current Prime Minister of India. He belonged to Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) which won India’s general elections in two consecutive terms 2014 and 2019. NaMo was recognised worldwide for his prudence in leading the country to greater heights of achievement. NaMo started his political journey as the worker of BJP at a tender age. His rise in political career was akin to flagship brand overtaking the parent brand. All the steps taken in the past to position himself as a cult brand, will it fortify to NaMo’s victory in 2024 general elections? Business firms may follow NaMo’s strategies. What can the business brands emulate from NaMo to market and position themselves? Can political success be transpired to business success?

Complexity academic level
This case is designed for use in a graduate-/postgraduate-level marketing course in segments on brand management, brand expansion and the marketing strategies of a market leader. The case can also be used in a brand management course to discuss brand management models (e.g. Keller’s brand resonance pyramid and brand value chain). This case has particular application for classes that focus on brand equity, STP for any brand (segmentation, targeting and positioning) and brand value chain. The case looks in detail at the Indian political market and brand building process of NaMo and examines competitive moves since its inception. This case can be used in brand management, media management courses. The dilemma can be explained as part of a marketing course for postgraduate and executive programmes.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code
CSS 8: Marketing.
Qoruz: riding the influencer marketing wave
Authors: Pereira Mundkur Jacqueline 
Published: July 2023

Learning outcomes
After working through the case and the assignment questions, students will be able to understand the current practices and importance of influencer marketing strategies within overall marketing strategies; appreciate both the debate and dissonance that surround influencer performance measures; outline the key elements of Qoruz.com’s investments and efforts that brought them success; understand the strategic intent and justify the logic of operationalisation of Qoruz.com by creating two different SBUs after they launched a vastly improved tech platform; and evaluate potential strategies that Qoruz.com could use to move ahead and cement its supremacy in the influencer marketing space.

Case overview / synopsis
Interest in influencer marketing which found many takers during the pandemic was expected to intensify and form the core of many brand strategies. Coupled with this heightened interest and increased budget overlay, demands from brands and agencies alike for clearer ROI linkages and KPIs that have better correlation with business goals, have gained momentum. Qoruz, an early entrant in the influencer marketing space in India, attributed their success to their focus on product innovation and service quality. From a predominantly narrow service offering providing analytics that facilitated decision-making for influencer marketing campaigns, their recently launched multi-feature platform enabled them to expand their services and consolidate their position. However, today, in an increasing volatile market, drawn by the high growth trajectory of the influencer marketing space, many players had jumped in and tried to introduce technology-based platforms with almost similar features while aggressively playing the price card. With the monetary and economic conditions under pressure and constantly changing demands of clients, Qoruz.com found itself faced with a dilemma to protect their first mover advantage. The co-founders of Qoruz realised that to give confidence to their loyal client base, and really cement their leadership, they would need to urgently take stock and relook at their strategy afresh relying on their deep experience of the industry, loyalty of their customers and their tech-centric DNA to build a holistic and ambitious strategy.

Complexity academic level
This case is designed for use by graduate and under-graduate level students in marketing management and strategic management courses.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 11: Strategy.
Deterministic and probabilistic analysis of Ukrainian residential property market evolution in turbulent 2019-2022 years
Authors: Yakubovsky Valery , Bychkov Oleksiy , Zhuk Kateryna 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the influence of Covid-19, current war and other factors on the dynamics of real estate prices in Ukraine from 2019Q2 to 2022Q4. More specifically, the authors examine the extent of the influence of Covid-19 and war on the real estate market in Ukraine.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors monitor and accumulate information flows from the existing real estate market with their subsequent in-depth math-stat processing to examine dynamics and drivers of Ukrainian real estate prices evolution.

Findings
The study finds that the Ukrainian residential property market has experienced an average growing trend from June 2019 to December 2022, despite the strong influence of pandemic and war. The analysis shows that the impact of these factors varies across different regions and property types, with some areas and property types being more affected than others. The study also identifies the main drivers of the market evolution, including cost-sensitive factors such as floor level, overall area, housing conditions and geographical location.

Research limitations/implications
This research is oriented to analyze evolution of residential property market in Ukraine in 2019–2022 years characterized by influence of such disturbing factors as pandemic and military actions.

Practical implications
Results gained are essential for any type of Ukrainian residential market analytics implementation including but not limited to investment analysis, valuation services, collateral, insurance and taxation purposes, etc. In broader sense, it can be also useful for comparison with same type market development in other geographical arears.

Social implications
Initial data base collected and constantly monitored covers all different regions of the country that gives a broad view on the overall market development influenced by pandemic and war.

Originality/value
The lack of a reliable database of the purchase and sale of residential properties remains one of the biggest obstacles in obtaining reliable data on their market value. This considerably complicates the process of carrying out a valuation and reduces the accuracy and reliability of the results of such work. This is especially important for market which evolves in times of unrest being influenced by such strongly disturbing factors as pandemic and military actions. The originality of the study lies in the development of a complete probabilistic processing of the initial database, which provides a reliable and accurate assessment of the market evolution. The results achieved could be used by various stakeholders, such as property owners, investors, valuers, insurers, regulators and other interested customers, to make informed decisions and mitigate risks in the turbulent Ukrainian real estate market.
The mediating role of occupational stress: a missing link between organisational intelligence traits and digital government service quality
Authors: Ramakrishnan Subashini , Wong Meng Seng , Chit Myint Moe , Mutum Dilip S. 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the mediating role of occupational stress in addressing the missing gap between organisational intelligence (OI) traits and digital government service quality.Design/methodology/approachBy employing multistage cluster sampling, a total of 394 responses from the Malaysian service providers at federal government agencies were obtained. For data analysis, the partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach with a disjoint two-stage approach was employed to assess the proposed higher-order model. The analysis was carried out to examine how occupational stress mediates the relationship between OI traits at each component level and digital service quality.FindingsOccupational stress mediates the relationship between OI traits at the third-order component level and digital service quality. At the second-order component level, only the employee-oriented OI traits exhibit a significant indirect effect on the digital government service quality. Narrowing down to the first order component level, two OI traits, namely “Alignment and Congruence”, and “Heart” demonstrate significant indirect effects in the mediation analysis.Originality/valueBy incorporating the organisational model of stress (OMS) with public service-dominant logic (PSDL), this paper takes an approach to revitalise the stressors and individual-level performance used in a traditional work setting. Precisely, it examines how digital service quality is influenced by today's high-performing public organisation stressors (OI traits) along with non-technical element (occupational stress). More importantly, digital government service quality was examined from a less emphasised perspective, namely the supply side or service providers’ standpoint in sustaining the digital government service performance.