bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Signal and Measurement Considerations for Human Translation of Diffuse in vivo Flow Cytometry
Authors: Ivich Fernando , Pace Joshua , Williams Amber L. , Shumel Malcolm , Fang Qianqian , Niedre Mark 
Published: March 2022

SignificanceDiffuse in vivo flow cytometry (DiFC) is an emerging technology for fluorescence detection of rare circulating cells directly in large deep-seated blood vessels in mice. Because DiFC uses highly scattered light, in principle it could be translated to human use. However, an open question is whether fluorescent signals from single cells would be detectable in human-scale anatomies.AimSuitable blood vessels in a human wrist or forearm are at a depth of approximately 2-4 mm. The aim of this work was to study the impact of DiFC instrument geometry and wavelength on the detected DiFC signal and on the maximum depth of detection of a moving cell.ApproachWe used Monte Carlo simulations to compute Jacobian (sensitivity) matrices for a range of source-detector separations and tissue optical properties over the visible and near infrared (NIR) spectrum. We performed experimental measurements with three available versions of DiFC (488 nm, 640 nm, and 780 nm), fluorescent microspheres, and tissue mimicking optical flow phantoms. We used both computational and experimental data to estimate the maximum depth of detection at each combination of settings.Results and ConclusionsFor the DiFC detection problem, our analysis showed that for deep-seated blood vessels, the maximum sensitivity was obtained with NIR light (780 nm) and 3 mm source-and-detector separation. These results suggest that - in combination with a suitable molecularly targeted fluorescent probes - circulating cells and nanosensors could in principle be detectable in circulation in humans.
Autoantibody discovery across monogenic, acquired, and COVID19-associated autoimmunity with scalable PhIP-Seq
Authors: Vazquez Sara E , Mann Sabrina A , Bodansky Aaron , Kung Andrew F , Quandt Zoe , Ferré Elise M. N. , Landegren Nils , Eriksson Daniel , Bastard Paul , Zhang Shen-Ying , Liu Jamin , Mitchell Anthea , Mandel-Brehm Caleigh , Miao Brenda , Sowa Gavin , Zorn Kelsey , Chan Alice Y. , Shimizu Chisato , Tremoulet Adriana , Lynch Kara , Wilson Michael R. , Kampe Olle , Dobbs Kerry , Delmonte Ottavia M. , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Burns Jane C. , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Lionakis Michail S. , Torgerson Troy R. , Anderson Mark S , DeRisi Joseph L 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTPhage Immunoprecipitation-Sequencing (PhIP-Seq) allows for unbiased, proteome-wide autoantibody discovery across a variety of disease settings, with identification of disease-specific autoantigens providing new insight into previously poorly understood forms of immune dysregulation. Despite several successful implementations of PhIP-Seq for autoantigen discovery, including our previous work (Vazquez et al. 2020), current protocols are inherently difficult to scale to accommodate large cohorts of cases and importantly, healthy controls. Here, we develop and validate a high throughput extension of PhIP-seq in various etiologies of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including APS1, IPEX, RAG1/2 deficiency, Kawasaki Disease (KD), Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), and finally, mild and severe forms of COVID19. We demonstrate that these scaled datasets enable machine-learning approaches that result in robust prediction of disease status, as well as the ability to detect both known and novel autoantigens, such as PDYN in APS1 patients, and intestinally expressed proteins BEST4 and BTNL8 in IPEX patients. Remarkably, BEST4 antibodies were also found in 2 patients with RAG1/2 deficiency, one of whom had very early onset IBD. Scaled PhIP-Seq examination of both MIS-C and KD demonstrated rare, overlapping antigens, including CGNL1, as well as several strongly enriched putative pneumonia-associated antigens in severe COVID19, including the endosomal protein EEA1. Together, scaled PhIP-Seq provides a valuable tool for broadly assessing both rare and common autoantigen overlap between autoimmune diseases of varying origins and etiologies.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test by Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering of Bacterial Metabolites directly from Positive Blood Cultures
Authors: Han Yin-Yi , Wang Jann-Tay , Cheng Wei-Chih , Chen Ko-Lun , Chi Yi , Teng Lee-Jene , Wang Juen-Kai , Wang Yuh-Lin 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTEffective management of sepsis requires timely administration of appropriate antibiotics; therefore, a reliable and rapid antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) is crucial. To meet clinical needs, we developed a novel AST, referred to as SERS-AST, based on the surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) technology. In this study, we applied SERS-AST to eight most common pathogens causing bacteremia, including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, E. faecium, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Seven different antibiotics were tested, including oxacillin, levofloxacin, vancomycin, ampicillin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, levofloxacin, and imipenem. SERS-AST determines antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria directly from positive blood cultures based on variations in bacterial SERS signals derived from secreted purines and their derivatives. The whole process could be completed within 4 hours, and the agreement rates between SERS-AST and VITEK 2 results were 96% for Gram-positive bacteria and 97% for Gram-negative bacteria.
Volatile hydrogen cyanide released by Pseudomonas aeruginosa provides a competitive advantage over Staphylococcus aureus in biofilm and in vivo lung environments
Authors: Létoffé Sylvie , Wu Yongzheng , Darch Sophie E , Beloin Christophe , Whiteley Marvin , Touqui Lhousseine , Ghigo Jean-Marc 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTDiverse bacterial volatile compounds alter bacterial stress responses and physiology, but their contribution to population dynamics in polymicrobial communities is not well known. In this study, we showed that airborne volatile hydrogen cyanide (HCN) produced by a wide range of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical strains leads to at-a-distance inhibition of the growth of a wide array of Staphylococcus aureus strains. We determined that low oxygen level environments not only enhance P. aeruginosa HCN production but also increase S. aureus sensitivity to HCN, which impacts P. aeruginosa-S. aureus competition in microaerobic in vitro mixed biofilms as well as in an in vitro cystic fibrosis lung sputum medium. Consistently, we demonstrated that production of HCN provides a competitive advantage to P. aeruginosa in a mouse model of airways co-infected by P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Our study therefore demonstrates that P. aeruginosa HCN contributes to local and distant airborne competition against S. aureus and potentially other HCN-sensitive bacteria in contexts relevant to cystic fibrosis and other polymicrobial infectious diseases.IMPORTANCEAirborne volatile compounds produced by bacteria are often only considered as attractive or repulsive scents, but they also directly contribute to bacterial physiology. Here we showed that volatile hydrogen cyanide (HCN) released by a wide range of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical strains inhibits Staphylococcus aureus growth in low oxygen in vitro biofilms or aggregates and in vivo lung environments. These results are of pathophysiological relevance, since lungs of cystic fibrosis patients are known to present microaerophilic areas and to be commonly associated with the presence of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa in polymicrobial communities. Our study therefore provides insights into how a bacterial volatile compound can contribute to the exclusion of S. aureus and other HCN-sensitive competitors from P. aeruginosa ecological niches. It opens new perspectives for the management or monitoring of P. aeruginosa infections in lower lung airway infections and other polymicrobial disease contexts.
High resolution analysis of proteolytic substrate processing
Authors: Schillinger Jasmin , Koci Michelle , Bravo-Rodriguez Kenny , Heilmann Geronimo , Kaschani Farnusch , Kaiser Markus , Beuck Christine , Luecke Hartmut , Huber Robert , Hellerschmied Doris , Burston Steven G. , Ehrmann Michael 
Published: March 2022

AbstractProteolysis is a key catalytic event in protein and thus cellular homeostasis. Despite the importance and wide implications of proteolytic processing and degradation, methods describing the degradation of folded proteins at high temporal and spatial resolution are not well established. However, this information is required to obtain a deep mechanistic understanding of proteolytic events and their consequences. Here, we describe an integrated method comprising time-resolved mass spectrometry, circular dichroism spectroscopy and bioinformatics to reveal the sequential degradation and unfolding of the model substrate annexin A1 by the human serine protease HTRA1. This workflow represents a general strategy for obtaining precise molecular insights into protease-substrate interactions that can be conveniently adapted to studying other posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation in dynamic protein complexes.
Antifungal activity of Cinnamomum cassia and Origanum compactum essential oils against Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Leclercq Manon , Commenge Isciane , Bouriot Marylou , Crusset Floricia , Gonzalez Patrick , Grimaud Julien , Yates Frank , Sarfati-Bert Jacqueline , Saint-Pol Agnès 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAspergillosis is a nosocomial disease that usually affects the respiratory system. While most patients develop mild symptoms, aspergillosis can become a serious health threat in immunocompromised populations and patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Aspergillosis is caused by fungi of the Aspergillus genus. Existing treatments include drugs such as amphotericin B, with strong side effects. Numerous studies have shown the antifungal properties of essential oils (EOs), which represent potential alternative treatments against fungal infections. Here, we screened the antifungal properties of five EOs against Aspergillus oryzae: Melaleuca alternifolia, Mentha x piperita, Thymus zygis, Origanum compactum, and Cinnamomum cassia. Of the five EOs, two demonstrated antifungal activity: Origanum compactum acted as a fungistatic, while Cinnamomum cassia showed both fungistatic and fungicidal effects against A. oryzae. Therefore, both EOs represent potential alternative treatments against Aspergillosis.
High-throughput screening of a Debaryomyces hansenii library for potential candidates with improved stress tolerance and wider carbon utilisation capabilities
Authors: Dyerberg Anne Sofie B. , Navarrete Clara , Martínez José L. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIndustrial biotechnology comprises the manufacturing of bulk chemicals and high-value end-products from renewable feedstocks, thus it presents a valuable aspect in the present transition from traditional-resource demanding manufacturing to sustainable solutions. The non-conventional yeast Debaryomyces hansenii encompasses halotolerant characteristics that ensures its use in industrial applications, and hence, its industrial importance. For this purpose, a comprehensive and holistic understanding of its behaviour and response to abiotic stresses is essential. Through high-throughput screening methods, using advanced robotics and automation devices, the present study enlightens intraspecies behavioural characteristics of novel D. hansenii strains in response to sodium, as well as their ability to tolerate abiotic stress in semi-controlled micro-fermentations and spot-test studies. A significantly improved performance under those abiotic stresses was observed under the presence of 1M NaCl. Moreover, a positive and summative effect on growth was also found in pH 4 and high salt content. Our results align with previous findings suggesting the halophilic (and not just halotolerant) behaviour of D. hansenii, which is now extensive to all the D. hansenii strains included in this study. Strain-specific differential responses to the presence of sodium were also observed, with some strains exerting a more notable induction by the presence of salt than the standard strain (CBS767). Furthermore, our study provides indications of the use of D. hansenii in industrial bioprocesses based on lignocellulosic biomass and non-lignocellulosic feedstocks.
Leveraging personalization and customization affordances of virtual try-on apps for a new model in apparel m-shopping
Authors: Tawira Letwin , Ivanov Alex 
Published: March 2022

PurposeVirtual try-on apps (VTOs) hold great potential to transform online apparel shopping, yet their acceptance by consumers has been lukewarm. By drawing on two theories – Sirgy’s theory of the self and Sundar’s theory of interactive media effects (TIME) – the study tests a PLS model with two new constructs: Photo Satisfaction and Consumer Inspiration, and their impact on Adoption Intention.Design/methodology/approachThis mixed methods study examines the effects from personalization and customization affordances in the latest generation of apparel VTOs. The proposed model was tested in a quasi-experimental within-subjects design, as 61 female participants completed a goal-directed and an exploratory apparel shopping task using two VTO apps available on the market.FindingsInspiration induced from the customization affordance in the exploratory task influenced Adoption Intention as strongly as Fit Confidence did. For both conditions, users’ satisfaction with their avatar picture had a stronger effect on Perceived Augmentation than the individual trait of Body Esteem. The study also demonstrates how TIME’s Sense of Agency component could help theorize positive consumer responses to mobile marketing technology, which in our study were induced via the app’s Mix and Match feature. Also demonstrated was that Perceived Augmentation could be influenced by body-image affective judgments made during the pre-task VTO avatar creation phase.Practical implicationsVTO’s customization feature “Mix and Match” appears vital for the adoption of such apps for exploratory m-shopping of apparel. Also important is the satisfaction with one's photograph during the avatar-creation phase. We further suggest that apparel retailers work with Augmented Reality developers to include dynamic avatar capability as well as social sharing affordances in VTOs.Social implications60 billion USD worth of returns occur annually in the online apparel retail industry, mostly related to fitting problems, not to mention the larger carbon footprint from the increased transportation. A more wide-spread adoption of VTOs can not only help with these problems but also lighten the traffic in brick and mortar fitting rooms, a potential hazard at this time of pandemic.Originality/valueThis is the first study to examine Consumer Inspiration in the context of online apparel retailing and to demonstrate the importance of Photo Satisfaction during the avatar-creation phase in influencing the subsequent user experience in apparel VTOs.
The combined impact of school design and procurement on student wellbeing and educational outcomes
Authors: Rolfe Annie , Franz Jill , Bridge Adrian 
Published: March 2022

Purpose
Despite growing evidence of the impact of school facilities on wellbeing and educational outcomes, no attention has been given to understanding this impact in relation to the interrelationship of design and procurement and their combined effect. This paper aims to address this gap by presenting the outcomes of a study of the design/procurement relationship pre-opening and post-opening of schools.

Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative case study methodology enabled in-depth exploration of six Australian Government schools procured through “public private partnerships” (PPP) or “design & construct” (D&C) and “design, bid, build” (DBB). Data collected through interviews with architects, education department officers, school principals and teachers were analysed thematically using techniques aligned with grounded theory methodology.

Findings
The paper reports three key findings: pre-opening of schools, budget impacts design similarly for procurement across PPP and (D&C/DBB) case schools; pre-opening of schools, prescriptive design impacts procurement similarly across PPPs and D&C/DBB schools; post-opening of schools, procurement impacts design and school operation in different ways across PPP and D&C/DBB schools. These findings point to a fundamental finding that it is design and procurement together that impacts well-being and educational outcomes as experienced by principals and teachers.

Practical implications
This research may be of practical value for education departments, architects, facility managers, school principals and teachers.

Originality/value
This paper provides original evidence of the relationship between procurement and design and their combined impact on student well-being and educational outcomes.
Microfinance and entrepreneurship: the enabling role of social capital amongst female entrepreneurs
Authors: Babajide Abiola Ayopo , Obembe Demola , Solomon Helen , Woldesenbet Kassa 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThis paper examines mechanisms through which social capital strengthens microfinance impact on fostering female entrepreneurial success. Specifically, the study focuses on how, and to what extent, resources embedded in social networks determine MF impact on entrepreneurial success.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were collected from 276 female micro-institutions entrepreneurs using multi-stage stratified random sampling across 80 MF institutions in three South-Western Nigerian states. Hypotheses were tested using ordinal regression analysis.FindingsThe study found that relational and network social capital had a positive and significant influence on female entrepreneurial success. Specifically, intra-group trust and productive network ties amongst female entrepreneurs in poor communities predicated the positive impact of MF on entrepreneurial success. Also, resources embedded in networks are more positively correlated to education level and marital status. Furthermore, MF could have more positive impact for borrowers with sustainable relationships with loan officers who organise MF provisions and understand the entrepreneurs’ context.Originality/valueThe research provides empirical evidence for the relationship dynamics between female entrepreneurs and MF institutions, by emphasising the importance of deploying different forms of social capital in sustaining MF impact on female entrepreneurial success.
Critical determinants and firm performance of sustainable technology adoption in the apparel industry: the stakeholder approach
Authors: Hoque Md Aynul , Rasiah Rajah , Furuoka Fumitaka , Kumar Sameer 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThis study examines the factors of sustainable technology adoption (STA) in the Bangladeshi’s apparel industry and its impact on the environmental performance and other firm performances. Mainly, this study adopts stakeholder theory and hypothesizes necessary conditions to examine different stakeholders’ roles to facilitate STA and ameliorate firm performances such as environmental, financial and competitive advantages.Design/methodology/approachIt is an empirical study which collected 240 responses from Bangladeshi apparel firms. Garment factories were considered as the unit of analysis.FindingsCustomer pressure, top management, competition among firms and government support significantly and positively impact STA. Surprisingly, regulatory pressure has no significant impact on the Bangladeshi’s apparel industry, which contradicts most existing literature in the field. The findings show that sustainable technology brings increased simultaneously enhances environmental outcomes and enhances financial performances and competitive advantage.Originality/valueThis study fills up the voids that exist in the STA literature in the clothing industry in the clothing industry’s STA literature. Specifically, western buyers have more influence than regulatory pressure to adopt sustainable technology and sustainable manufacturing for the Bangladeshi garments industry. Moreover, it proposes that sustainable technology can enhance firms’ competitive advantage in selling their products in the West besides environmental-friendly apparel manufacturers.
Effect of microcrystalline cellulose on mechanical property and shape memory property of water-borne epoxy
Authors: Chen Xinyu , Wang Wenjun , Chen Shuaijie , Dong Yubing 
Published: March 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to study the effect of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) on the mechanical property and shape memory property of water-borne epoxy (WEP).

Design/methodology/approach
In the present study, the MCC/WEP composites were successfully prepared by melt-blending, freeze-drying and hot-pressing. The mechanical property tests were performed using a tensile test instrument (Instron Corp, Norwood, Massachusetts, USA). dynamic mechanical analysis Q800 was performed to analyze the sample’s dynamic mechanics. The thermal–mechanical cycle tests performed on a thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) Q400 in dynamic TMA mode enabled to analysis of the shape memory properties of the MCC/WEP composites.

Findings
The results showed that the inclusion of 2 wt.% MCC led to significant improvements in tensile strength and modulus of the composites, with tensile strength increasing by 33.2% and modulus expanding by 65.0%. Although the inclusion of the MCC into WEP enhanced the shape memory property, the MCC/WEP composites still maintained good shape memory fixity and shape memory recovery ratio of more than 95.0%.

Originality/value
This study has a significant reference value for improving the mechanical properties of WEP and other water-borne shape memory polymers.
Employing lesser-known corporate development strategies while avoiding problematic blind spots
Authors: Calandro Joseph 
Published: March 2022

Purpose
All too often M&A deal making falls into the trap of head-to-head competition that drives valuations to “sky-high” levels. The author suggests ways to avoid the trap. 10; 10; 10;

Design/methodology/approach
Four lesser-known corporate development strategies offer lucrative alternatives to engaging in an M&A bidding war.

Findings
One strategy: The derivatives market allows executives to acquire financial products to hedge their material balance sheet exposures when market pricing is incredibly low.

Practical/implications
Relatively few acquirers make initial “toehold” investments in their targets prior to making a bid.

Originality/value
The strategic logic of hyper-efficient resource utilization has rarely been popular, despite how “obvious” it may initially appear. Most executives seem psychologically oriented to a growth-based approach irrespective of the risks that approach may generate over time. 10;