bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural Basis of Number Sense in Larval Zebrafish
Authors: Luu Peter , Nadtochiy Anna , Zanon Mirko , Moreno Noah , Messina Andrea , Petrazzini Maria Elena Miletto , Torres Perez Jose Vicente , Keomanee-Dizon Kevin , Jones Matthew , Brennan Caroline H. , Vallortigara Giorgio , Fraser Scott E. , Truong Thai V.
Published: September 2024

Significance

Numerically responsive neurons are detected by 3 days post-fertilization (dpf) in zebrafish

Number-selective neurons preferring quantities greater than one increases after 3 dpf

Neurons that are highly responsive to specific numbers of objects are mainly localized to the forebrain and midbrain

Number stimulus can be decoded from Ca2+activity and show increased performance with age

Administration of ethanol decreases the activity of number-selective neurons in the forebrain

Number sense, the ability to discriminate the quantity of objects, is crucial for survival. To understand how neurons work together and develop to mediate number sense, we used two-photon fluorescence light sheet microscopy to capture the activity of individual neurons throughout the brain of larvalDanio rerio, while displaying a visual number stimulus to the animal. We identified number-selective neurons as early as 3 days post-fertilization and found a proportional increase of neurons tuned to larger quantities after 3 days. We used machine learning to predict the stimulus from the neuronal activity and observed that the prediction accuracy improves with age. We further tested ethanol’s effect on number sense and found a decrease in number-selective neurons in the forebrain, suggesting cognitive impairment. These findings are a significant step towards understanding neural circuits devoted to discrete magnitudes and our methodology to track single-neuron activity across the whole brain is broadly applicable to other fields in neuroscience.
Predicting cell cycle stage from 3D single-cell nuclear-stained images
Authors: Li Gang , Nichols Eva K. , Browning Valentino E. , Longhi Nicolas J. , Camplisson Conor , Beliveau Brian J. , Noble William Stafford
Published: September 2024

The cell cycle governs the proliferation, differentiation, and regeneration of all eukaryotic cells. Profiling cell cycle dynamics is therefore central to basic and biomedical research spanning development, health, aging, and disease. However, current approaches to cell cycle profiling involve complex interventions that may confound experimental interpretation. To facilitate more efficient cell cycle annotation of microscopy data, we developed CellCycleNet, a machine learning (ML) workflow designed to simplify cell cycle staging with minimal experimenter intervention and cost. CellCycleNet accurately predicts cell cycle phase using only a fluorescent nuclear stain (DAPI) in fixed interphase cells. Using the Fucci2a cell cycle reporter system as ground truth, we collected two benchmarking image datasets and trained two ML models—a support vector machine (SVM) and a deep neural network—to classify nuclei as being in either the G1 or S/G2 phases of the cell cycle. Our results suggest that CellCycleNet outperforms state-of-the-art SVM models on each dataset individually. When trained on two image datasets simultaneously, CellCycleNet achieves the highest classification accuracy, with an improvement in AUROC of 0.08–0.09. The model also demonstrates excellent generalization across different microscopes, achieving an AUROC of 0.95. Overall, using features derived from 3D images, rather than 2D projections of those same images, significantly improves classification performance. We have released our image data, trained models, and software as a community resource.
PoweREST: Statistical Power Estimation for Spatial Transcriptomics Experiments to Detect Differentially Expressed Genes Between Two Conditions
Authors: Shui Lan , Maitra Anirban , Yuan Ying , Lau Ken , Kaur Harsimran , Li Liang , Li Ziyi ,   the Translational and Basic Science Research in Early Lesions (TBEL) Program
Published: September 2024

Recent advancements in Spatial Transcriptomics (ST) have significantly enhanced biological research in various domains. However, the high cost of current ST data generation techniques restricts its application in large-scale population studies. Consequently, there is a pressing need to maximize the use of available resources to achieve robust statistical power. One fundamental question in ST analysis is to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among different conditions using ST data. Such DEG analysis is often performed but the associated power calculation is rarely discussed in the literature. To address this gap, we introduce, PoweREST (https://github.com/lanshui98/PoweREST), a power estimation tool designed to support power calculation of DEG detection with 10X Genomics Visium data. PoweREST enables power estimation both before any ST experiments or after preliminary data are collected, making it suitable for a wide variety of power analyses in ST studies. We also provide a user-friendly, program-free web application (https://lanshui.shinyapps.io/PoweREST/), allowing users to interactively calculate and visualize the study power along with relevant the parameters.
Estimating the Excitatory-Inhibitory Balance from Electrocorticography Data using Physics-Informed Neural Networks
Authors: Sotero Roberto C. , Sanchez-Bornot Jose M.
Published: September 2024

Understanding the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance in the brain is crucial for elucidating the neural mechanisms underlying various cognitive functions and states of consciousness. Mathematical models have provided significant insights into these mechanisms, but they often face challenges due to high dimensionality, noisy observation signals, and nonlinearities. In this paper, we introduce a novel methodology using Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) to estimate the E/I balance from electrocorticography (ECoG) data, effectively addressing these limitations. By integrating physical laws via a neural mass model with neural network training, our approach enhances parameter estimation accuracy and robustness. Our analysis reveals a significant reduction in long-range connections (LRCs) and excitatory short-range connections (SRCs) under anesthesia, alongside an increase in inhibitory SRCs, highlighting anesthesia’s role in modulating neural dynamics to induce unconsciousness. These findings not only corroborate existing theories on the neural mechanisms of anesthesia but also provide new insights into brain connectivity and its relationship with consciousness.

CCS CONCEPTS

Computing methodologies→Machine learning

ACM Reference Format
CHCHD2 mutant mice display mitochondrial protein accumulation and disrupted energy metabolism
Authors: Liao Szu-Chi , Kano Kohei , Phanse Sadhna , Nguyen Mai , Margolis Elyssa , Fu YuHong , Meng Jonathan , Moutaoufik Mohamed Taha , Chatterton Zac , Aoki Hiroyuki , Simms Jeffrey , Hsieh Ivy , Suteja Felecia , Sei Yoshitaka , Huang Eric J. , McAvoy Kevin , Manfredi Giovanni , Halliday Glenda , Babu Mohan , Nakamura Ken
Published: September 2024

Mutations in the mitochondrial cristae protein CHCHD2 lead to a late-onset autosomal dominant form of Parkinson’s disease (PD) which closely resembles idiopathic PD, providing the opportunity to gain new insights into the mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction contributing to PD. To begin to address this, we used CRISPR genome-editing to generate CHCHD2 T61I point mutant mice. CHCHD2 T61I mice had normal viability, and had only subtle motor deficits with no signs of premature dopaminergic (DA) neuron degeneration. Nonetheless, CHCHD2 T61I mice exhibited robust molecular changes in the brain including increased CHCHD2 insolubility, accumulation of CHCHD2 protein preferentially in the substantia nigra (SN), and elevated levels of α-synuclein. Metabolic analyses revealed an increase in glucose metabolism through glycolysis relative to the TCA cycle with increased respiratory exchange ratio, and immune-electron microscopy revelated disrupted mitochondria in DA neurons. Moreover, spatial genomics revealed decreased expression of mitochondrial complex I and III respiratory chain proteins, while proteomics revealed increased respiratory chain and other mitochondrial protein-protein interactions. As such, the CHCHD2 T61I point-mutation mice exhibit robust mitochondrial disruption and a consequent metabolic shift towards glycolysis. These findings thus establish CHCHD2 T61I mice as a new model for mitochondrial-based PD, and implicate disrupted respiratory chain function as a likely causative driver.
In situgeneration of Aβ42oligomers via secondary nucleation triggers neurite degeneration and synaptic dysfunction in human iPSC-derived glutamatergic neurons
Authors: Díaz Alicia González , Sarracco Eleonora , Possenti Andrea , Kitchen-Smith Isaac , Chia Sean , Menzies Joseph , Stephenson Gabriel , Cataldi Rodrigo , Yahya Kim , Bian Yuqi , Urrutia Gustavo Antonio , Linse Sara , Mannini Benedetta , Vendruscolo Michele
Published: September 2024

The aggregation of Aβ42 into misfolded oligomers is a central event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, we aimed to develop a robust experimental system that recapitulates Aβ42 oligomerization in living cells to gain insight into their neurotoxicity and to provide a platform to characterize the effects of inhibitors of this process. Our strategy is based on thein situgeneration of Aβ42 oligomers via secondary nucleation by repeatedly treating the cells with Aβ42 monomers in the presence of pre-formed Aβ42 fibrils. This approach enables an accurate control over the levels of on-pathway soluble Aβ42 oligomers and cell-associated aggregates, as well as the study of their neurotoxic effects. By implementing this approach in human glutamatergic neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), we were able to replicate key aspects of Alzheimer’s disease, including neurite degeneration and synaptic dysfunction. Using BRICHOS, a molecular chaperone that specifically inhibits secondary nucleation, we confirmed that aggregation in this system occurs through secondary nucleation, and that quantitative parameters for comparing potential Aβ42 aggregation inhibitors can be obtained. Overall, our results demonstrate that byin situgeneration of on-pathway Aβ42 oligomers, one can obtain translational cellular models of AD to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical applications.
Astrocyte-derived MFG-E8 facilitates microglial synapse elimination in Alzheimer’s disease mouse models
Authors: Sokolova Dimitra , Addington Ghansah Shari , Puletti Francesca , Georgiades Tatiana , De Schepper Sebastiaan , Zheng Yongjing , Crowley Gerard , Wu Ling , Rueda-Carrasco Javier , Koutsiouroumpa Angeliki , Muckett Philip , Freeman Oliver J. , Khakh Baljit S. , Hong Soyon
Published: September 2024

Region-specific synapse loss is an early pathological hallmark in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Emerging data in mice and humans highlight microglia, the brain-resident macrophages, as cellular mediators of synapse loss; however, the upstream modulators of microglia-synapse engulfment remain elusive. Here, we report a distinct subset of astrocytes, which are glial cells essential for maintaining synapse homeostasis, appearing in a region-specific manner with age and amyloidosis at onset of synapse loss. These astrocytes are distinguished by their peri-synaptic processes which are ‘bulbous’ in morphology, contain accumulated p62-immunoreactive bodies, and have reduced territorial domains, resulting in a decrease of astrocyte-synapse coverage. Using integratedin vitroandin vivoapproaches, we show that astrocytes upregulate and secrete phagocytic modulator, milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 (MFG-E8), which is sufficient and necessary for promoting microglia-synapse engulfment in their local milieu. Finally, we show that knocking downMfge8specifically from astrocytes using a viral CRISPR-saCas9 system prevents microglia-synapse engulfment and ameliorates synapse loss in two independent amyloidosis mouse models of AD. Altogether, our findings highlight astrocyte-microglia crosstalk in determining synapse fate in amyloid models and nominate astrocytic MFGE8 as a potential target to ameliorate synapse loss during the earliest stages of AD.
Effects of lipid membranes on RNA catalytic activity and stability
Authors: Czerniak Tomasz , Saenz James P.
Published: September 2024

RNA plays crucial roles in cellular organization and metabolism, and modulating its activity is essential for maintaining cellular functions. RNA activity, involving both catalytic (ribozymes) and translation processes, is controlled via myriad mechanisms involving different binding partners such as proteins and smaller polar solutes. We previously reported that lipid membranes can directly interact with the artificial R3C ribozyme changing its activity, however the effect of lipids on naturally occurring ribozymes remains unknown. Here, we report that both catalytic activity as well as RNA integrity can be controlled by the presence of different lipid membranes. Gel-phase lipid membranes decreased the activity of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) ribozyme and increased the activity of a hammerhead (HH) ribozyme. The presence of lipid liquid membrane surfaces triggered RNA degradation with greater degradation occurring in the single-stranded regions of RNA. The interplay between RNA activity and stability in the presence of different lipid membranes introduces multiple possibilities, where different combinations of ribozyme and lipid membrane composition could produce different effects on activity. Taken together, these observations support the hypothesis that the activity of both natural and artificial RNAs can be modulated by lipid membranes which, in turn, provides a foundation for the development of novel riboswitch-like molecules, and lipid membrane-based RNA-biosensors.
Retention of DLK1 in the endoplasmic reticulum identifies roles for EGF domain-specific O-glycans in the secretory pathway
Authors: Tashima Yuko , Tsukamoto Yohei , Tsukamoto Natsumi , Kondo Yuji , Uddin Ehsan , Furukawa Wakako , Go Shiori , Takeuchi Hideyuki , Okajima Tetsuya
Published: September 2024

In the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), O-glycosylation by O-fucose, O-glucose, and O-GlcNAc occurs in the epidermal growth factor-like (EGF) domains of secreted or transmembrane glycoproteins. Previous studies focusing on Notch receptors have revealed the pivotal role of these O-glycans in the cell surface expression of Notch or secretion of truncated Notch fragments. Although it has been demonstrated that O-fucose, O-glucose, and O-GlcNAc stabilize individual EGF domains, their role in the secretory pathway after the completion of the folding process remains unexplored. In this study, we used delta-like 1 homolog (DLK1) containing six consecutive EGF domains as a model glycoprotein to investigate the role of EGF domain-specific O-glycans in the secretory pathway. Semi-quantitative site-specific glycoproteomics of recombinantly expressed DLK1 revealed multiple O-fucose and O-glucose modifications in addition to an unusual EOGT-dependent O-hexose modification. Consistent with the results of the secretion assay, inactivation of the glycosyltransferases modifying O-fucose and O-glucose, but not the newly identified O-hexose, perturbed the transport of DLK1 from the ER during retention using the selective hooks (RUSH) system. Importantly, the absence of O-fucose did not result in an apparent loss of O-glucose modification within the same EGF domain, and vice versa. Given that protein O-fucosyltransferase 1 and protein O-glucosyltransferase 1 activities depend on the folded state of the EGF domains, O-glycans affected DLK1 transport independently of the folding process required for O-glycosylation in the ER. These findings highlight the distinct roles of O-glycans in facilitating the transport of DLK1 from the ER to the cell surface.
Protein-Free Catalysis of DNA Hydrolysis and Self-Integration by a Ribozyme
Authors: Szokoli Deni , Mutschler Hannes
Published: September 2024

Group II introns are ancient self-splicing ribozymes and retrotransposons. Though long speculated to have originated before translation, their dependence on intron-encoded proteins for splicing and mobility has cast doubt on this hypothesis. While some group II introns are known to retain part of their catalytic repertoire in the absence of protein cofactors, protein-free complete reverse splicing of a group II intron into a DNA target has never been demonstrated. Here, we demonstrate the complete independence of a group II intron from protein cofactors in all intron-catalyzed reactions. The ribozyme is capable of fully reverse splicing into single-stranded DNA targetsin vitro, readily hydrolyzes DNA substrates, and is even able to unwind and react with stably duplexed DNA. Our findings make a protein-free origin for group II introns plausible by expanding their known catalytic capabilities beyond what would be needed to survive the transition from RNA to DNA genomes. Furthermore, the intron’s capacity to react with both single and double-stranded DNA in conjunction with its expanded sequence recognition may represent a promising starting point for the development of protein-free genomic editing tools.
Competencies displayed by multinational corporation senior managers in critical business situations
Authors: Ryan Geoff , Emmerling Robert J. , Fergusson Lee , Baker Shayne
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This research investigates the types of critical business situations worked on by multinational corporations' senior managers and the competencies they employ to achieve desired outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a database of N = 440 critical success incidents obtained from semi-structured interviews with a sample of 143 senior managers during competency-based consulting projects over a 25-year period from 1995 to 2019. Content analysis was used to categorise critical success incidents, by similarity of business intent, into groups labelled as critical business situations. Behavioural coding was used to identify competencies.

Findings

Nine critical business situations were found, and 10 competencies identified, accounting for 79% of behaviours displayed by the senior managers. Five competencies were found to be used more universally and five were more dependent on the specific critical business situation.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides an overview of the initial stage of this topic. Further empirical validation including applicability in contemporary business contexts, testing of competency relationships with critical business situation criterion-referenced outcomes, and temporal and geographic usage will be presented in an accompanying study.

Practical implications

Knowledge of the specific competencies and their relative frequencies when displayed in different critical business situations provide the potential to give more targeted development suggestions to senior managers facing similar situations.

Originality/value

This study examines concurrently, both the business situations and associated competencies of senior managers, a group for whom extant research is significantly limited.
Non-similar solution of Casson fluid flow over a curved stretching surface with viscous dissipation; Artificial neural network analysis
Authors: Ul Haq Sami , Ashraf Muhammad Bilal , Tanveer Arooj
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The main focus is to provide a non-similar solution for the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of Casson fluid over a curved stretching surface through the novel technique of the artificial intelligence (AI)-based Lavenberg–Marquardt scheme of an artificial neural network (ANN). The effects of joule heating, viscous dissipation and non-linear thermal radiation are discussed in relation to the thermal behavior of Casson fluid.

Design/methodology/approach

The non-linear coupled boundary layer equations are transformed into a non-linear dimensionless Partial Differential Equation (PDE) by using a non-similar transformation. The local non-similar technique is utilized to truncate the non-similar dimensionless system up to 2nd order, which is treated as coupled ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The coupled system of ODEs is solved numerically via bvp4c. The data sets are constructed numerically and then implemented by the ANN.

Findings

The results indicate that the non-linear radiation parameter increases the fluid temperature. The Casson parameter reduces the fluid velocity as well as the temperature. The mean squared error (MSE), regression plot, error histogram, error analysis of skin friction, and local Nusselt number are presented. Furthermore, the regression values of skin friction and local Nusselt number are obtained as 0.99993 and 0.99997, respectively. The ANN predicted values of skin friction and the local Nusselt number show stability and convergence with high accuracy.

Originality/value

AI-based ANNs have not been applied to non-similar solutions of curved stretching surfaces with Casson fluid model, with viscous dissipation. Moreover, the authors of this study employed Levenberg–Marquardt supervised learning to investigate the non-similar solution of the MHD Casson fluid model over a curved stretching surface with non-linear thermal radiation and joule heating. The governing boundary layer equations are transformed into a non-linear, dimensionless PDE by using a non-similar transformation. The local non-similar technique is utilized to truncate the non-similar dimensionless system up to 2nd order, which is treated as coupled ODEs. The coupled system of ODEs is solved numerically via bvp4c. The data sets are constructed numerically and then implemented by the ANN.
Investigation on the mechanical and thermal properties of metal-PLA composites fabricated by FDM
Authors: Ulkir Osman
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the printing parameters of fused deposition modeling (FDM), a material extrusion-based method, and to examine the mechanical and thermal properties of their polylactic acid (PLA) components reinforced with copper, bronze, and carbon fiber micro particles.

Design/methodology/approach

Tensile test samples were created by extruding composite filament materials using FDM-based 3D printer. Taguchi method was used to design experiments where layer thickness, infill density, and nozzle temperature were the printing variables. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine the effect of these variables on tensile strength.

Findings

The results of this study showed that the reinforcement of metal particles in PLA material reduces strength and increases elongation. The highest tensile strength was obtained when the layer thickness, infill density, and nozzle temperature were set to 100 µm, 60%, and 230 °C, respectively. As a result of thermal analysis, cooper-PLA showed the highest thermal resistance among metal-based PLA samples.

Originality/value

It is very important to examine the mechanical and thermal quality of parts fabricated in FDM with metal-PLA composites. In the literature, the mechanical properties of metal-reinforced composite PLA parts have been examined using different factors and levels. However, the fabrication of parts using the FDM method with four different metal-added PLA materials has not been examined before. Another unique aspect of the study is that both mechanical and thermal properties of composite materials will be examined.
Tuning and modeling cheese flavor
Authors: Luo Huabin , Akkermans Simen , Verheyen Davy , Wang Jian , Polanska Monika , Van Impe Jan F. M.
Published: September 2024

Flavor is a major sensory attribute affecting consumers’ preference for cheese products. Differences in cheesemaking change the cheese microenvironment, thereby affecting cheese flavor profiles. A framework for tuning cheese flavor is proposed in this study, which depicts the full picture of flavor development and modulation, from manufacturing and ripening factors through the main biochemical pathways to flavor compounds and flavor notes. Taking semi‐hard and hard cheeses as examples, this review describes how cheese flavor profiles are affected by milk type and applied treatment, fat and salt content, microbiota composition and microbial interactions, ripening time, temperature, and environmental humidity, together with packaging method and material. Moreover, these factors are linked to flavor profiles through their effects on proteolysis, the further catabolism of amino acids, and lipolysis. Acids, alcohols, ketones, esters, aldehydes, lactones, and sulfur compounds are key volatiles, which elicit fruity, sweet, rancid, green, creamy, pungent, alcoholic, nutty, fatty, and sweaty flavor notes, contributing to the overall flavor profiles. Additionally, this review demonstrates how data‐driven modeling techniques can link these influencing factors to resulting flavor profiles. This is done by providing a comprehensive review on the (i) identification of key factors and flavor compounds, (ii) discrimination of cheeses, and (iii) prediction of flavor notes. Overall, this review provides knowledge tools for cheese flavor modulation and sheds light on using data‐driven modeling techniques to aid cheese flavor analysis and flavor prediction.
Transplanting network pharmacology technology into food science research: A comprehensive review on uncovering food‐sourced functional factors and their health benefits
Authors: Shen Qing , Ge Lijun , Lu Weibo , Wu Huixiang , Zhang Li , Xu Jun , Tang Oushan , Muhammad Imran , Zheng Jing , Wu Yeshun , Wang Si‐Wei , Zeng Xi‐Xi , Xue Jing , Cheng Keyun
Published: September 2024

Network pharmacology is an emerging interdisciplinary research method. The application of network pharmacology to reveal the nutritional effects and mechanisms of active ingredients in food is of great significance in promoting the development of functional food, facilitating personalized nutrition, and exploring the mechanisms of food health effects. This article systematically reviews the application of network pharmacology in the field of food science using a literature review method. The application progress of network pharmacology in food science is discussed, and the mechanisms of functional factors in food on the basis of network pharmacology are explored. Additionally, the limitations and challenges of network pharmacology are discussed, and future directions and application prospects are proposed. Network pharmacology serves as an important tool to reveal the mechanisms of action and health benefits of functional factors in food. It helps to conduct in‐depth research on the biological activities of individual ingredients, composite foods, and compounds in food, and assessment of the potential health effects of food components. Moreover, it can help to control and enhance their functionality through relevant information during the production and processing of samples to guarantee food safety. The application of network pharmacology in exploring the mechanisms of functional factors in food is further analyzed and summarized. Combining machine learning, artificial intelligence, clinical experiments, and in vitro validation, the achievement transformation of functional factor in food driven by network pharmacology is of great significance for the future development of network pharmacology research.
Pulsed vacuum drying of fruits, vegetables, and herbs: Principles, applications and future trends
Authors: Zhang Wei‐Peng , Chen Chang , Ju Hao‐Yu , Okaiyeto Samuel Ariyo , Sutar Parag Prakash , Yang Li‐Yi , Li Suo‐Bin , Xiao Hong‐Wei
Published: September 2024

Pulsed vacuum drying (PVD) is a novel vacuum drying method that has demonstrated significant potential in improving energy efficiency and product quality in the drying of foods and agricultural products. The current work provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest advancements in PVD technology, including its historical development, fundamental principles, and mechanistic aspects. The impact of periodic pulsed pressure changes between vacuum and atmospheric pressure on heat and moisture transfer, as well as structural changes in foods at micro‐ and macro‐scales, is thoroughly discussed. The article also highlights the influential drying parameters, the integration of novel auxiliary heaters, and the applications of PVD across various fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Furthermore, the review examines the current status and needs for mathematical modeling of PVD processes, identifying key challenges, research opportunities, and future trends for industrial application. The findings suggest that PVD not only enhances drying efficiency and reduces energy consumption but also preserves the nutritional value, color, and texture of dried products better than traditional methods. Future research should focus on optimizing process parameters and integrating advanced control systems to further improve the scalability and applicability of PVD technology in the food industry.
Gender composition at work and women's career satisfaction: An international study of 35 societies
Authors: Terpstra‐Tong Jane L. Y. , Treviño Len J. , Yaman Alara Cansu , Froese Fabian Jintae , Ralston David A. , Bozionelos Nikos , Furrer Olivier , Tjemkes Brian , León‐Darder Fidel , Li Yongjuan , Fu Pingping , Molteni Mario , Palmer Ian , Tučková Zuzana , Szabo Erna , Poeschl Gabrielle , Hemmert Martin , de la Garza Carranza María Teresa , Suzuki Satoko , Srinivasan Narasimhan , Ruiz Gutiérrez Jaime , Ricard Antonin , Buzady Zoltan , Sigala Paparella Luis , Naidoo Vik , Kangasniemi‐Haapala Maria , Dalgic Tevfik , Potocan Vojko , Fang Yongqing , Burns Calvin , Crowley‐Henry Marian , Lasio Morello Virginia , Pekerti Andre , Seyed Mehdi Shabnam , Aldousari Abdullah A. , Baltazar Herrera Maya
Published: September 2024

Drawing from status characteristics theory, we develop a multilevel model to explain the relationships between gender composition (e.g., female‐female supervisor‐subordinate dyads, a female majority at the next higher level, and a female majority at the same job level) in the workplace and women's career satisfaction. We hypothesise that working with a female supervisor and a female majority at the same level will be negatively related to women's career satisfaction, while a female majority at the next higher level will be positively related to women's career satisfaction. Moreover, we propose that formal societal (gender‐equality) institutions and informal cultural (gender‐egalitarian) values, each has a moderating effect on the impact of gender compositions on women's career satisfaction. Our results from a multilevel analysis of 2291 women across 35 societies support the three hypothesised main effects. Whereas institutions that support gender equality weaken the positive effect of working with a female majority at the next higher level, they amplify the negative effect of a female majority at the same hierarchical level. Our findings highlight the complex and paradoxical nature of gender composition effects on women's career satisfaction. We discuss the theoretical contributions of our findings and their implications for the diversity management practices of multinational enterprises.
See you in court? The (un)intended legal consequences of corporate political connections
Authors: Hadani Michael
Published: September 2024

Research on corporate political connections has long focused on their strategic and financial outcomes. Yet, most of this research has avoided exploring the downstream risks associated with such connections, in particular, legal risks. The buffering nature of political connections, aimed at reducing sociopolitical uncertainty, as well as their potential to provide public policy benefits and protection, may cause politically connected firms to be more insular and less sensitive in their obligations and commitments to firm outsiders and thus be targeted for lawsuits. Exploring the S & P 1000 firms for 16 years and controlling for other aspects of political activity, across different analytical approaches, I find consistent evidence that corporate political connections are associated with lawsuits and associated with corporate‐governance‐related lawsuits. I further document that the monitoring and disciplining presence of equity blockholders moderates the association between political connections and lawsuits. The findings shed a novel light on the need to explore downstream legal risks, associated with politically connected firms, and the potential legal costs of political ties.
Research, patents, and IPO valuation under the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002
Authors: Black Arkles Janine , Mao Qian , Susnjara Jurica
Published: September 2024

Research and development (R&D) investments and patents influence initial public offering (IPO) valuations. After Sarbanes‐Oxley (SOX) legislation was enacted in 2002, there was a shift from a display of ‘Effort’ to ‘Results’. SOX legislation made fundamental changes to corporate accounting practices and the process of going public. We investigated how the IPO market responded to SOX legislation. Compliance with SOX was disproportionately costly for small, research‐intensive firms. Using Signaling Theory, we focused on whether the existence of patents became a valuable signal for the effectiveness of research and development expenditures (R&D). Our findings indicated decreased importance of R&D expenditures (signaling ‘effort’ to innovate). We also found increased importance of patents (intermediate ‘results’ of R&D efforts) post‐ relative to pre‐SOX. We concluded that patent activity at least partially replaced and moderated R&D in its role as a value driver of IPOs in the post‐SOX environment.
Metabolic Allometric Scaling of Multicellular Organisms as a Product of Evolutionary Development and Optimization of Food Chains
Authors: Shestopaloff Yuri K.
Published: September 2024

Production of energy is a foundation of life. The metabolic rate of organisms (amount of energy produced per unit time) generally increases slower than organisms’ mass, which has important implications for life organization. This phenomenon, when considered across different taxa, is called interspecific allometric scaling. Its origin has puzzled scientists for many decades, and still is considered unknown. In this paper, we posit that natural selection, as determined by evolutionary pressures, leads to distribution of resources, and accordingly energy, within a food chain, which is optimal from the perspective of stability of the food chain, when each species has sufficient amount of resources for continuous reproduction, but not too much to jeopardize existence of other species. Metabolic allometric scaling (MAS) is then a quantitative representation of this optimal distribution. Taking locomotion and the primary mechanism for distribution of energy, we developed a biomechanical model to find energy expenditures, considering limb length, skeleton mass and speed. Using the interspecific allometric exponents for these three measures and substituting them into the locomotion-derived model for energy expenditure, we calculated allometric exponents for mammals, reptiles, fish, and birds, and compared these values with allometric exponents derived from experimental observations. The calculated allometric exponents were nearly identical to experimentally observed exponents for mammals, and very close for fish, reptiles and the basal metabolic rate (BMR) of birds. The main result of the study is that the MAS is a function of a mechanism of optimal energy distribution between the species of a food chain. This optimized sharing of common resources provides stability of a food chain for a given habitat and is guided by evolutionary pressures and natural selection.
Zibotentan in Microvascular Angina: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial
Authors: Morrow Andrew , Young Robin , Abraham George R. , Hoole Stephen , Greenwood John P. , Arnold Jayanth Ranjit , El Shibly Mohamed , Shanmuganathan Mayooran , Ferreira Vanessa , Rakhit Roby , Galasko Gavin , Sinha Aish , Perera Divaka , Al-Lamee Rasha , Spyridopoulos Ioakim , Kotecha Ashish , Clesham Gerald , Ford Thomas J. , Davenport Anthony , Padmanabhan Sandosh , Jolly Lisa , Kellman Peter , Kaski Juan Carlos , Weir Robin A. , Sattar Naveed , Kennedy Julie , Macfarlane Peter W. , Welsh Paul , McConnachie Alex , Berry Colin ,   The PRIZE Study Group
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Microvascular angina is associated with dysregulation of the endothelin system and impairments in myocardial blood flow, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life. The G allele of the noncoding single nucleotide polymorphism
RS9349379
enhances expression of the endothelin-1 gene (
EDN1
) in human vascular cells, potentially increasing circulating concentrations of Endothelin-1 (ET-1). Whether zibotentan, an oral
ET-A
receptor selective antagonist, is efficacious and safe for the treatment of microvascular angina is unknown.

METHODS:

Patients with microvascular angina were enrolled in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, sequential crossover trial of zibotentan (10 mg daily for 12 weeks). The trial population was enriched to ensure a G allele frequency of 50% for the
RS9349379
single nucleotide polymorphism. Participants and investigators were blinded to genotype. The primary outcome was treadmill exercise duration (seconds) using the Bruce protocol. The primary analysis estimated the mean within-participant difference in exercise duration after treatment with zibotentan versus placebo.

RESULTS:

A total of 118 participants (mean±SD; years of age 63.5 [9.2]; 71 [60.2%] females; 25 [21.2%] with diabetes) were randomized. Among 103 participants with complete data, the mean exercise duration with zibotentan treatment compared with placebo was not different (between-treatment difference, −4.26 seconds [95% CI, −19.60 to 11.06]
P
=0.5871). Secondary outcomes showed no improvement with zibotentan. Zibotentan reduced blood pressure and increased plasma concentrations of ET-1. Adverse events were more common with zibotentan (60.2%) compared with placebo (14.4%;
P
<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Among patients with microvascular angina, short-term treatment with a relatively high dose (10 mg daily) of zibotentan was not beneficial. Target-related adverse effects were common.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04097314.
On the taxonomy of some South American and Australo-Pacific Anthicidae Latreille, 1819 (Coleoptera) with new subfamily and tribe-rank synonymies
Authors: TELNOV DMITRY
Published: September 2024

A monotypic South American genus Micreurygenius Pic, 1942 (hitherto in Eurygeniinae LeConte, 1862) is synonymized with Ischyropalpus La Ferté-Sénectère, 1849 (Anthicini Latreille, 1819) and, accordingly, moved to Anthicinae Latreille, 1819. A new combination is proposed for its only known species, Ischyropalpus angustatus (Pic, 1942) comb. nov., the species is herein tentatively attributed to the I. eryngii Werner, 1966 informal species-group.
The Lemodinae Matthews, 1987 is synonymized with Copobaeninae Abdullah, 1969 and Copobaenus Fairmaire & Germain, 1863 is found congeneric with Trichananca Blanchard, 1891 syn. nov. based on adult morphology. New combinations are proposed for species hitherto attributed to Trichananca Blackburn, 1891: Copobaenus apterus (Lea, 1922) comb. nov., C. bicoloratus (Gemminger in Gemminger & Harold, 1870) comb. nov., C. cheesmanae (Telnov, 2019) comb. nov., C. concolor (King, 1869) comb. nov., C. frenchi (Pic, 1913) comb. nov., C. fulgidus (Werner & Chandler, 1995) comb. nov., C. hornabrooki (Uhmann, 1995) comb. nov., C. inexpectatus (Telnov & Degiovanni, 2021) comb. nov., C. marziae (Moore & Vidal, 2005) comb. nov., C. micromelas (Lea, 1922) comb. nov., C. neotropicus (Telnov & Degiovanni, 2021) comb. nov., C. nigripennis (Lea, 1917) comb. nov., C. novacaledonicus (Telnov, 2019) comb. nov., C. pisoniae (Lea, 1917) comb. nov., C. poggii (Telnov & Degiovanni, 2021) comb. nov., C. poqui (Guerrero & Diéguez, 2018) comb. nov., C. rugulosus (Uhmann, 2007) comb. nov., C. uniformis (Lea, 1922) comb. nov., C. valenciai (Moore & Vidal, 2005) comb. nov., C. victoriensis (Blackburn, 1891) comb. nov., C. vinctus (Erichson, 1842) comb. nov. Copobaenus erratus sp. nov. from Chile is described.
The Eurygeniinae LeConte, 1862 tribe Ictistygnini Borchmann, 1936 is found contribal and is synonymized with Eurygeniini LeConte, 1862 based on adult morphology. An updated key to Eurygeniinae LeConte, 1862 tribes is presented.
Setosicornia Pic, 1911, an obscure monotypic South American tenebrionoid genus, is redescribed and moved to the anthicid tribe Eurygeniini (Eurygeniinae) from Ripiphoridae Laporte 1840. A monotypic South American genus Atenizoides Gilmour, 1968, originally placed in Cerambycinae Audinet-Serville, 1832 (Cerambycidae Audinet-Serville, 1832), and placed in the Eurygeniini by Phillip and Ivie (1989), is found to be congeneric with Setosicornia and a new generic synonym is introduced. A new combination is proposed for its only known species, Setosicornia curacaoae (Gilmour, 1968) comb. nov., and this species is redescribed herein.
Mitochondrial DNA-based reassessment of Antennablennius Fowler (Blenniidae: Salariini) from the north-western Indian Ocean, with resurrection of A. persicus (Regan)
Authors: ESTEKANI SANAZ , BOGORODSKY SERGEY V. , ZAJONZ UWE , HUNDT PETER J. , SIAHSARVIE ROOHOLLAH , ALIABADIAN MANSOUR
Published: September 2024

Seven Operational Taxonomic Units within the blenniid genus Antennablennius are recognised from the north-western Indian Ocean, based on the Cytochrome oxidase-c subunit I gene (CO1). Five of them can be referred to nominal species with certainty. Two additional distinct lineages originate from the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, and the Socotra Archipelago. They were initially, morphologically, identified as A. adenensis Fraser-Brunner, 1951, yet could hitherto not be referred to this species with certainty, requiring further genetic data. Detailed descriptions accompanied by photographs are provided for six species, including A. adenensis. Antennablennius persicus (Regan, 1905) is resurrected from the synonymy of A. bifilum (Günther, 1861) and re-described based on specimens from the Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, increasing the number of valid species in the genus to eight. The former differs from the latter species in details of morphology and coloration, supported by genetic data. A revised key to all species of the genus is included. A phylogenetic investigation of the genus based on Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI) analyses of the CO1 data is presented for the first time.
The Paussus (Scaphipaussus) lanxangensis species group of Indomalayan ant nest beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Paussinae, Paussini) with description of a new species
Authors: NAGEL PETER
Published: September 2024

The new species Paussus agatae sp. nov. could not easily be allocated to an established subgenus or even species group. The informal Paussus lanxangensis species group is established to include the new species and other related species. Its diagnostic characters are described and screened for possible use in cladistic analyses in the future. Currently, it consists of five described species of the Indomalayan mainland, which are arranged in a key.
Women’s Safety in Digital Space
Authors: Narayani Aditi
Published: September 2024

This article explores the relationship between privacy concerns and women’s empowerment in the context of India’s growing Smart Cities Movement and prevalent smartphone use. Using feminist ideas and legal frameworks to address cyberbullying, online harassment, cyberfraud and misogyny, it addresses cybersecurity and data privacy issues. The study emphasises the value of gendered implications of urban security and participatory design principles in smart city efforts. It suggests examining cyberfeminism and highlights the need for women to take an active role in developing safe online environments. Findings point to weaknesses in the legal systems that exist today as well as the possibility that technological improvements will exacerbate gender disparity. Legislative mandates should be strengthened, gender gaps in digital literacy should be closed, gender-sensitive design should be incorporated into smart city initiatives and women working in activism and digital technology should be encouraged to collaborate.
Preferences for Features of Current and Future Residential Environments Among Korean Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: Lee Eunju , Huo Meng , Kim Kyungmin
Published: September 2024

This study examined differences in middle-aged adults’ preferred features of their current versus future residential environments and how these differences varied by health and social characteristics. A sample of 1,651 Korean middle-aged adults (aged 49–64) rated their preferences for each of 12 features (e.g., proximity to family/relatives, house price) regarding current and future residential environments, separately. Respondents considered “accessibility to health services” and “opportunity for leisure activities” more important for future residential environments than for current ones. Respondents with poorer health considered features that help them compensate for health decline more important, while those who contacted friends/neighbors more frequently and participated in more cultural activities considered features that help them maintain their social interactions more important for future residential environments than the past. Our findings identified middle-aged adults’ various demands for residential features after retirement, which reflect their strategic reactions to future needs for successful adaptation in later years.
The Relationship of Immune Markers with Severity and Heritability of Depressive Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Hospital-Based Study from North India
Authors: Prasad Anshu , Avinash Priyaranjan , Victor Robin , Bhat Kiran
Published: September 2024

Background:

Inflammatory response plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of depression. With this background, we planned this study to see if immune markers, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are raised in subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD) and compare its level with healthy controls and first-degree relatives of subjects. We also explored if variation in the level of these markers was related to the severity of depression.

Methods:

This comparative observational study included 120 subjects, who were divided into three groups of 40 individuals each.  Group 1 was the MDD group, group 2 was the healthy first-degree relative group, and group 3 was the healthy control group. All the subjects were then made to undergo estimation of IL-6 (pg/mL) and ESR (mm/h) from our hospital biochemistry lab.  The patients in group 1 were additionally screened for the severity of depression.

Results:

The mean IL-6 and ESR measure within the MDD group was 9.20 ± 13.40 (pg/mL) and 5.90 ± 5.35 (mm/h), respectively. We found that the mean and median values of both IL-6 and ESR were highest in the MDD group as compared to other groups, which were statistically significant ( p <0.05). A pairwise comparison found no significant difference in the IL-6 and ESR scores among the healthy controls and healthy first-degree relatives. The mean of IL-6 was highest in individuals with moderate severity of depression, while the mean of ESR was highest in individuals with severe depression.

Conclusion:

The immune markers, IL-6 and ESR, were significantly raised in the MDD group; however, the levels did not correlate significantly with the differential severity of the depressive disorder as per Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D) scores.