Research Model Research Articles

3D cell culture models in research: applications to lung cancer pharmacology.

Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, necessitating innovative research methodologies to improve treatment outcomes and develop novel strategies. The advent of three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures has marked a significant advancement in lung cancer research, offering a more physiologically relevant model compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) cultures. This review elucidates the various types of 3D cell culture models currently used in lung cancer pharmacology, including spheroids, organoids and engineered tissue models, having pivotal roles in enhancing our understanding of lung cancer biology, facilitating drug development, and advancing precision medicine. 3D cell culture systems mimic the complex spatial architecture and microenvironment of lung tumours, providing critical insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of tumour progression, metastasis and drug responses. Spheroids, derived from commercialized cell lines, effectively model the tumour microenvironment (TME), including the formation of hypoxic and nutrient gradients, crucial for evaluating the penetration and efficacy of anti-cancer therapeutics. Organoids and tumouroids, derived from primary tissues, recapitulate the heterogeneity of lung cancers and are instrumental in personalized medicine approaches, supporting the simulation of in vivo pharmacological responses in a patient-specific context. Moreover, these models have been co-cultured with various cell types and biomimicry extracellular matrix (ECM) components to further recapitulate the heterotypic cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions present within the lung TME. 3D cultures have been significantly contributing to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and the understanding of resistance mechanisms against conventional therapies. Therefore, this review summarizes the latest findings in drug research involving lung cancer 3D models, together with the common laboratory-based assays used to study drug effects. Additionally, the integration of 3D cell cultures into lung cancer drug development workflows and precision medicine is discussed. This integration is pivotal in accelerating the translation of laboratory findings into clinical applications, thereby advancing the landscape of lung cancer treatment. By closely mirroring human lung tumours, these models not only enhance our understanding of the disease but also pave the way for the development of more effective and personalized therapeutic strategies.

Will trust move mountains? Fostering radical ideas in public organizations

Abstract Demands for greater quality of public services and enhanced efficiency have intensified changes in public organizations. Not surprisingly, these organizations are increasingly searching for new and useful ideas, including disruptive ones, to meet current demands. Whereas previous studies on team radical creativity have focused on the influence that subordinates’ trust in the supervisor has on this type of creativity, this work innovates by testing the leader's trust in the team as an antecedent. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory, we further add to knowledge by considering the mediating role of team perceived organizational support for creativity and the moderating role of team collaborative climate. The research model was tested with a sample of 228 teams from public organizations with data collected from two sources at three moments in time. We found that the leader's trust in the team has a direct positive relationship with team radical creativity and an indirect positive relationship with creativity via team perceived organizational support. We also observed that team collaborative climate positively moderates the relationship between the leader's trust in the team and team radical creativity. These results deliver meaningful theoretical and practical insights into how organizations, especially public ones, can improve team creativity and thus enhance organizational performance.

Contributions and future potential of animal models for geroscience research on sensory systems

Contributions and future potential of animal models for geroscience research on sensory systems

Integrating large language models in care, research, and education in multiple sclerosis management

Use of techniques derived from generative artificial intelligence (AI), specifically large language models (LLMs), offer a transformative potential on the management of multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent LLMs have exhibited remarkable skills in producing and understanding human-like texts. The integration of AI in imaging applications and the deployment of foundation models for the classification and prognosis of disease course, including disability progression and even therapy response, have received considerable attention. However, the use of LLMs within the context of MS remains relatively underexplored. LLMs have the potential to support several activities related to MS management. Clinical decision support systems could help selecting proper disease-modifying therapies; AI-based tools could leverage unstructured real-world data for research or virtual tutors may provide adaptive education materials for neurologists and people with MS in the foreseeable future. In this focused review, we explore practical applications of LLMs across the continuum of MS management as an initial scope for future analyses, reflecting on regulatory hurdles and the indispensable role of human supervision.

Coupling WRF with HEC-HMS and WRF-Hydro for flood forecasting in typical mountainous catchments of northern China

Abstract. The atmospheric–hydrological coupling systems are essential to flood forecasting because they allow for more improved and comprehensive prediction of flood events with an extended forecast lead time. Achieving this goal requires a reliable hydrological model system that enhances both rainfall predictions and hydrological forecasts. This study evaluates the potential of coupling the mesoscale numerical weather prediction model, i.e., the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model, with different hydrological modeling systems to improve the accuracy of flood simulation. The fully distributed WRF-Hydro modeling system and the semi-distributed Hydrological Engineering Center Hydrological Modeling System (HEC-HMS) were coupled with the WRF model, and the lumped HEC-HMS model was also adopted using the observed gauge precipitation as a benchmark to test the model uncertainty. Four distinct storm events from two mountainous catchments in northern China characterized by varying spatial and temporal rainfall patterns were selected as case studies. Comparative analyses of the simulated flooding processes were carried out to evaluate and compare the performance of the coupled systems with different complexities. The coupled WRF–HEC-HMS system performed better for long-duration storm events and obtained optimal performance for storm events uniformly distributed both temporally and spatially, as it adapted to more rapid recession processes of floods. However, the coupled WRF–HEC-HMS system did not adequately capture the magnitude of the storm events as it had a larger flow peak error. On the other hand, the fully distributed WRF–WRF-Hydro system performed better for shorter-duration floods with higher flow peaks as it can adapt to the simulation of flash floods. However, the performance of the system became poor as uniformity decreased. The performance of the lumped HEC-HMS indicates some source of uncertainty in the hydrological model when compared with the coupled WRF–HEC-HMS system, but a larger magnitude error was found in the WRF output rainfall. The results of this study can help establish an adaptive atmospheric–hydrologic coupling system to improve flood forecasting for different watersheds and climatic characteristics.

Examining the link between CSR perceptions and employee advocacy through organizational justice: Can corporate hypocrisy mitigate?

AbstractThis research aims to understand the relationship between employees' perceptions of corporate social responsibility and employee advocacy behavior through organizational justice. Furthermore, it explores the moderating effect of corporate hypocrisy in the relationship of organizational justice with employee advocacy behavior. Grounded in signaling and cognitive inconsistency theories, the proposed hypotheses were tested on data collected from 360 employees from the hospitality sector. The study followed a time‐lagged approach. In phase 1, the data were collected for demographic variables, corporate social responsibility perceptions, and corporate hypocrisy. In the second phase, data were collected for organizational justice and employee advocacy behavior, using separate survey links. Smart PLS 4.0 was applied to test the relationships proposed in the research model. The study found that employees who positively perceive firms' corporate social responsibility will engage in advocacy behavior. The results suggest a significant mediating effect of procedural justice in the relationship between corporate social responsibility and employee advocacy behavior. However, the mediating effect of distributive justice in this relationship could not be established. Further, the study found evidence that corporate hypocrisy moderates the indirect relationship between corporate social responsibility perceptions and advocacy behavior via procedural justice. Also, to the best of our knowledge, literature has no empirical evidence of the moderating effect of corporate hypocrisy in the indirect association between the perception of corporate social responsibility and employee advocacy behavior via organizational justice. It provides several important implications for advancing theoretical knowledge and practical insights for hospitality industry practitioners.

Breaking into the black box of customer perception towards robot service: Empirical evidence from service sector

The advent of artificial intelligence and machine learning has enabled robots to serve in consumer market for a better customer experience. Nevertheless, acceptance of robotic technology among consumers is still lacking. Therefore, this study has developed an integrated model with robot appearance, expectation confirmation model, diffusion of innovation and theory of planned behavior and empirically investigates customer intention to use service robot. The research model is empirically tested with 349 responses retrieved from customers visiting retail stores. Statistical results have revealed that customer innovativeness, compatibility, behavioral control, expectation confirmation, service robot appearance and subjective norms explained R2 80.1 % variance in customer attitude to use service robot. Practically, this research has suggested that policy makers should pay attention in innovativeness, compatibility, perceived behavioral control, expectation confirmation, robot appearance and subjective norms to boost robot service acceptance among customers. This study is original as it develops an integrated model with the combination robot appearance, theory of planned behavior, expectation confirmation and diffusion of innovation theory. In addition to that customer self-identity is conceptualized as moderating factor and hence distinguishing current research with past studies.

The teacher guidance model for practitioner research: a longitudinal case study

ABSTRACT This study investigated whether and how a teacher guidance model could be applied by researchers to guide Dutch elementary school teachers in learning to conduct practitioner research. The authors’ guidance model is inspired by the cognitive apprenticeship approach and comprises four phases with different guidance strategies to scaffold and fade support for teacher learning. Over the course of three years, two researchers facilitated four teacher teams (7–11 members per team) during three phases of the model. The researchers and teachers both appraised the guidance strategies; teachers also rated their proficiency in conducting practitioner research before and after each phase. Results showed that teachers’ confidence increased and that they considered the guidance strategies valuable. Thus, the teacher guidance model provides a good starting point for researchers aiming to support teachers in learning to conduct practitioner research. Future research should aim to refine the guidance strategies within the model.

Abstract B163: Researcher, Clinician, and Community Focus Groups to Inform an Understanding of Cancer Disparities in the Transgender and Gender Diverse

Abstract Background: A growing number of Americans identify as transgender or gender diverse (TGD). This population experiences barriers and challenges across to socio-ecological spectrum including healthcare. Simultaneously, there is limited data on cancer in TGD persons. While advances in data-capture provide promising opportunity for future research, a comprehensive understanding of cancer disparities for the TGD community is needed to inform clinically and socially relevant research questions – particularly on cancer prevention, risk, screening, and treatment. Our study aimed to develop a transdisciplinary (TDS) academic-community team to create a shared understanding of factors associated with cancer disparities in the TGD population with aid from discussion sessions and interviews with researchers, clinicians, and community members. Methods: The TDS team engaged in literature reviews and discussion to ground their collective understanding. The team also conducted focus groups and interviews with researchers, clinicians, and community members (N=55) to enrich the team’s understanding of factors associated with cancer disparities. Data were summarized and thematized and groups were compared. Results: Community organizations/members noted systemic issues such as insufficient training of healthcare providers and staff, individual mistrust, and not believing they would live long enough to worry about cancer development. Providers identified personal uncertainty working with TGD patients, knowledge of appropriate recommendations for cancer screening, and individual risk behaviors (i.e. tobacco and alcohol use) as potential causes for cancer disparities. Researchers indicated they had not considered including TGD individuals as a specific subject population, were unsure how to study given lack of mouse models for early-stage research and acknowledged the opportunity for future study inclusion. Further, community members discussed the persistent stress of existing as a TGD person during a time of increasingly aggressive anti-TNB legislation and social attitudes. Healthcare providers and researchers reflected on the behavioral and physiological impact of stress on an individual’s health and cancer risk. Conclusion: The findings from our focus groups elucidated areas of shared understanding between the three different audiences; however, they also highlighted concepts that were not shared which offer opportunities for further collaboration and learning by key stakeholders. Through our TDS and collaborative approach, we will continue deep learning between team members to identify specific research questions to address the root causes of TGD cancer disparities through TDS collaboration and innovative research. Citation Format: Tobi Cawthra, Chandler Cortina, laura Pinsoneault, Michael Munson, Andrew Petroll, Melinda Stolley. Researcher, Clinician, and Community Focus Groups to Inform an Understanding of Cancer Disparities in the Transgender and Gender Diverse [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B163.

Penerimaan Aplikasi Loklok Menggunakan Metode Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) oleh Masyarakat Jakarta

Nowadays, the development of communication and information technology has brought major chages in various aspect of life, one of them is in entertainment aspects. For example video streaming technology. Video streaming technology has been part of modern society. Loklok is of video streaming technology application which is popular in Indonesia. The purpose of this research is to analyze the acceptance video streaming technology on Loklok application and find out whether it can be generally acceptance by the people of Jakarta. This research was done for loklok application users. Loklok is an application or platform that provides video streaming services with many varieties of genres such Korean dramas, western films and animations. The conceptual model of technology acceptance assessment is based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which is a research model that analyzes the factors that influence the acceptance of computer technology. The statistical analysis used is the partial least squares structural equation model. This research uses quantitative methods with data collection techniques in the form of filling out online questionnaires through Google Forms with the number of respondents determined by the Slovin formula and sampling techniques using simple random sampling. This study uses PLS-SEM data analys with SmartPLS tools with a sample size of 100. The results of this study indicate that the variables Perceived Usefulness -> Attitude of use, Perceived ease of use -> Attitude of use, Attitude of use - > Behavioral Intention Of Use and Behavioral Intention Of Use -> Actually System Use are positive which means that the LokLok application is well received by the Jakarta Community.

Gauging the impact of M-marketing capabilities on perceived sales performance of organization

The aim of this study to address the purposeful question for the managers and researchers is how organizational resources through mobile marketing (M-marketing) capabilities can improve sales performance of organizations. The study considered training, internal marketing, organizational culture and product-related knowledge as organizational resources that enhance perceived sales performance through different M-marketing capabilities like accessibility, cost saving and quick decision making. This research incorporated dynamic capability and resource-based view (RBV) theories to construct the research model. 396 responses were received from SMEs employees from ten big cities of Pakistan and structure equation modelling used to examine the research model. Findings showed that the organizational resources (training, internal marketing, organizational culture and product-related knowledge) and M-marketing capabilities (accessibility, cost saving and quick decision making) significantly impacted the PSP. M-marketing capabilities significantly partially mediate among the relationships of organizational resources and PSP.

THE NEW WORK REVOLUTION: TECH, TELECOMMUTING, AND FLEXIBILITY REWRITE THE RULES

The rapid transformation of workplace dynamics, driven by technological advancements and evolving workforce expectations, has been significantly accelerated by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Telecommuting and workplace flexibility have emerged as critical trends, reshaped traditional organizational structures and influenced employee experiences. This paper explores the intersection of these trends with technological innovations, assessing their implications for organizational success and sustainability. Through a comprehensive analysis of 261 academic publications sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection, this study employs both trend analysis and sentiment analysis to examine the evolving discourse on telecommuting and flexibility. The trend analysis reveals the increasing adoption and prominence of these models in scholarly research, highlighting key moments of growth and decline in publication activity. Sentiment analysis further elucidates the prevailing attitudes towards these trends, uncovering both optimistic perspectives—emphasizing benefits such as enhanced productivity, employee well-being, and work-life balance—and critical views that focus on challenges, including professional isolation, technological dependence, and the erosion of organizational cohesion. The findings demonstrate the dual role of technology as both an enabler and barrier to the successful implementation of flexible work models. The study concludes by discussing the long-term implications of these trends for leadership, organizational culture, and future research, emphasizing the need for holistic strategies that address both the opportunities and challenges posed by telecommuting and workplace flexibility.

EndoC-βH3 pseudoislets are suitable for intraportal transplantation in diabetic mice

ABSTRACT Background Islet or β-cell transplantation is a therapeutical approach to substitute the insulin-producing cells which are abolished in type 1 diabetes mellitus. The shortage of human islets as well as the complicated and costly isolation process limit the application of these techniques in daily clinical practice. EndoC-βH is a human β-cell line that readily forms aggregates termed pseudoislets, providing an alternative to primary human islets or β-cells. Methods EndoC-βH3 cells were seeded and incubated to form pseudoislets. Their insulin secretion was analyzed by ELISA and compared with cell monolayers. Pseudoislets were transplanted into streptozotocin-treated NMRi nu/nu mice. Blood glucose was monitored before and after transplantation and compared with wild types. Grafts were analyzed by immunohistology. Results This study shows that EndoC-βH cells are able to form pseudoislets by aggregation, leading to an enhanced glucose stimulated insulin secretion in vitro. These pseudoislets were then successfully transplanted into the livers of diabetic mice and produced insulin in vitro. Blood glucose levels of the streptozocin-treated recipient mice were significantly decreased when compared to pre-transplantation and matched the levels found in control mice. Conclusion We suggest pseudoislets aggregated from EndoC-βH cells as a valuable and promising model for islet transplantation research.

Highly inhomogeneous interactions between background climate and urban warming across typical local climate zones in heatwave and non-heatwave days

Abstract Urban heat island (UHI) in conjunction with heatwave (HW) leads to exacerbation of thermal stress in urban areas. Prior research on UHI and HW has predominantly concentrated on examining the thermal conditions at the surface and near-surface, with few investigations extending to the radiative and dynamical interactions of UHI and HW, particularly with a focus on the inhomogeneities across local climate zones (LCZs). Here, we analyse the temperature disparity between HW and non-HW conditions across LCZs in the Sydney area by quantifying the contributions of individual radiative and dynamical processes using the coupled surface-atmosphere climate feedback-response analysis method (CFRAM). Three moist HW events in 2017, 2019, and 2020 are simulated using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with the Single-Layer Urban Canopy Model (SLUCM). It is found that the maximum surface and 900-hPa temperature difference between HW and non-HW days may reach up to 10 K, with the increased net solar radiation during HWs being comparable to the typical level of anthropogenic heat flux in urban areas. It is also found that the reduction of clouds, the presence of vapor, and the increase of sensible heat contribute to the warming effect to various degrees, with the contribution of clouds being the most dominant. Conversely, the generation of dry convection and the increase of latent heat flux lead to cooling effects, with the latter being more dominant and capable of causing up to 10 K surface temperature difference between LCZ1 (compact high-rise) and LCZ9 (sparsely built). The differences in the contributions of climate feedback processes across different LCZs become more evident during more severe and humid HWs. These findings underscore the necessity of implementing local climate zone-tailored heat mitigation strategies.

A genome assembly and transcriptome atlas of the inbred Babraham pig to illuminate porcine immunogenetic variation.

The inbred Babraham pig serves as a valuable biomedical model for research due to its high level of homozygosity, including in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) loci and likely other important immune-related gene complexes, which are generally highly diverse in outbred populations. As the ability to control for this diversity using inbred organisms is of great utility, we sought to improve this resource by generating a long-read whole genome assembly and transcriptome atlas of a Babraham pig. The genome was de novo assembled using PacBio longreads and error-corrected using Illumina shortreads. Assembled contigs were then mapped to the porcine reference assembly, Sscrofa11.1, to generate chromosome-level scaffolds. The resulting TPI_Babraham_pig_v1 assembly is nearly as contiguous as Sscrofa11.1 with a contig N50 of 34.95 Mb and contig L50 of 23. The remaining sequence gaps are generally the result of poor assembly across large and highly repetitive regions such as the centromeres and tandemly duplicated gene families, including immune-related gene complexes, that often vary in gene content between haplotypes. We also further confirm homozygosity across the Babraham MHC and characterize the allele content and tissue expression of several other immune-related gene complexes, including the antibody and T cell receptor loci, the natural killer complex, and the leukocyte receptor complex. The Babraham pig genome assembly provides an alternate highly contiguous porcine genome assembly as a resource for the livestock genomics community. The assembly will also aid biomedical and veterinary research that utilizes this animal model such as when controlling for genetic variation is critical.

Pengaruh Persepsi Kualitas Produk, Citra Merek dan Word of Mouth Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Produk Perawatan Skintific

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of perceived product quality, brand image and word of mouth on purchasing decisions for Skintific care products. The population in this study were consumers who had purchased Skintific products with a sample of 130 people with the sampling technique used was purposive sampling. The data collection method used a questionnaire. The data analysis techniques used are validity test, reliability test, classical assumption test, multiple linear regression analysis, t test, F test and determination coefficient test. The results of the analysis state that perceived product quality, brand image and word of mouth have a positive effect on purchasing decisions for Skintific care products through Shopee e-commerce in Surakarta. Hypothesis testing obtained that perceived product quality has a significant effect on purchasing decisions for Skintific care products through Shopee e-commerce in Surakarta. Brand image has a significant effect on purchasing decisions for Skintific care products through Shopee e-commerce in Surakarta. Word of mouth has an insignificant effect on purchasing decisions for Skintific care products through Shopee e-commerce in Surakarta. The F test states that the research model of the influence of the independent variable on the dependent variable is correct. The coefficient of determination test shows that perceived product quality, brand image and word of mouth are able to explain purchasing decisions by 43.2%.

Unpacking Mobile Website Aesthetics and Its Effect: A Case of M-commerce Website Offering Search and Experience Goods

ABSTRACT A major challenge for mobile commerce operators is how to attract customers to access their websites displayed on a mobile device screen only twice the size of a palm, so making design of such websites is especially important in order to catch customers’ eyes. Based on S-O-R model, the study developed a research model to explain how aesthetics of m-commerce websites affects customers’ continuing access to the websites. The model was evaluated through a stratified survey of 285 participants on m-commerce websites with varying levels of mobile website aesthetics. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to analyze the data. The results uphold the applicability of visual aesthetics (VisAWI) scale in m-commerce, which has significant positive effect on websites’ perceived usability. The study also finds that mobile websites selling experience goods have higher demand for website aesthetics than those for search goods. The study offers a well-structured practical instrument based on visual aesthetics (VisAWI) scale, helping mobile website designers understand the effect of specific aesthetic elements on user behavioral intention.

Development of a chronic compression spinal cord injury model in neonatal and adult rats.

Spinal cord injury presents a significant burden globally, with traumatic spinal cord injury being the predominant cause historically. However, nontraumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) is emerging as a significant contributor, particularly in developed nations, yet it remains poorly understood due to underreporting and misclassification. NTSCI, spanning various etiologies such as bony growths, vascular conditions, infections, neoplastic conditions, and immune disorders, poses unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment, often resulting in lifelong morbidity. This study addresses the lack of suitable animal models for NTSCI research, especially in neonatal animals. Utilizing a solid spacer approach, we developed a compression NTSCI model applicable to both neonatal and adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Through anatomical measurements and invivo experiments, we confirmed the feasibility and safety of the spacer insertion procedure and observed no acute off-target effects. The versatility of this model lies in its adaptability to different ages of rats, offering a cost-effective and reproducible means to induce graded injuries. Moreover, behavioral assessments demonstrated observable hindlimb function, validating the model's utility for studying functional outcomes. Although challenges persist, particularly in accounting for spinal column growth in neonatal animals, this model fills a crucial gap in pediatric NTSCI research. By providing a platform to investigate pathophysiological mechanisms and test potential treatments, it offers promising avenues for advancing our understanding and management of pediatric NTSCI.

Are Psychiatric Nosologies Limiting the Success of Clinical Prediction Models?

This Viewpoint discusses the limitations of clinical prediction models in psychiatric research.

Cognitive behavioral phenotyping of DSCAM heterozygosity as a model for autism spectrum disorder.

It is estimated that 1 in 36 children are affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States, which is nearly a twofold increase from a decade ago. Recent genetic studies have identified de novo loss-of-function (dnLoF) mutations in the Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule (DSCAM) as a strong risk factor for ASD. Previous research has shown that DSCAM ablation confers social interaction deficits and perseverative behaviors in mouse models. However, it remains unknown to what extent DSCAM underexpression captures the full range of behaviors, specifically cognitive phenotypes, presented in ASD. Here, we conducted a comprehensive cognitive behavioral phenotyping which revealed that loss of one copy of DSCAM, as in the DSCAM2J+/-, that is, DSCAM heterozygous mice, displayed hyperactivity, increased anxiety-like behavior, and motor coordination deficits. Additionally, hippocampal-dependent learning and memory was affected, including impairments in working memory, long-term memory, and contextual fear learning. Interestingly, implicit learning processes remained intact. Therefore, DSCAM LoF produces autistic-like behaviors that are similar to those observed in human cases of ASD. These findings further support a role for DSCAM dnLoF mutations in ASD and suggest DSCAM2J+/- as a suitable model for ASD research.