bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic cholesterol redistribution favors membrane fusion pore constriction
Authors: Beaven Andrew H. , Sapp Kayla , Sodt Alexander J.
Published: April 2022

Previous experiments have shown that cholesterol strongly prefers concave leaflets (which have negative curvature and are typically thin), but cholesterol also orders and thickens bilayers (promoting liquid-ordered phases with positive curvature). Our all-atom molecular dynamics simulations resolve this discrepancy for highly curved fusion pores, similar to those found in the nascent fusion and terminal fission steps of endo-/exocytosis. We find that cholesterol is strongly excluded by bilayer thinning in the fusion pore neck, which is caused by the neck’s net negative Gaussian (saddle) curvature. Consistent with experiment and our fusion pore simulations, analysis of liquid-disordered planar bilayers indicates that cholesterol prefers overall thicker bilayers, but negative leaflet curvature. The exclusion of cholesterol from the neck because of saddle Gaussian curvature implies that it helps drive fusion pore closure, consistent with literature evidence that membrane reshaping is connected to lateral phase separation.
USAT: a Bioinformatic Toolkit to Facilitate Interpretation and Comparative Visualization of Tandem Repeat Sequences
Authors: Wang Xuewen , Budowle Bruce , Ge Jianye
Published: April 2022

Tandem repeats (TR), which are highly variable genomic variants, are widely used in individual identification, disease diagnostics and evolutionary studies. The recent advances of sequencing technologies and bioinformatic tools facilitate calling TR haplotypes. Both length-based and sequence-based TR alleles are used in different applications. However, sequence-based TR alleles could provide the highest precision to characterize TR haplotypes. Analysis of the differences between or among TR haplotypes, especially at the single nucleotide level, is the focus of TR haplotype characterization. In this study, we developed a Universal STR Allele Toolkit (USAT) for TR haplotype analysis, which includes allele size conversion, sequence comparison of haplotypes, figure plotting and comparison for allele distribution, and interactive visualization. An example application of USAT for analysis of the CODIS core STR loci with benchmarking human individuals demonstrated the capabilities of USAT. USAT has a user-friendly graphic interface and runs in all major computing operating systems at a fast speed with parallel computing enabled. In summary, USAT is able to facilitate the interpretation, visualization, and comparisons of TRs.
RET Signaling Persists in the Adult Intestine and Stimulates Motility by Limiting PYY Release from Enteroendocrine Cells
Authors: Shepherd Amy , Feinstein Laurence , Sabel Svetlana , Rastelli Daniella , Mezhibovsky Esther , Matthews Lynley , Muppirala Anoohya , Robinson Ariel , Gershon Michael D. , Rao Meenakshi
Published: April 2022

Background & Aims

RET receptor tyrosine kinase is necessary for enteric nervous system (ENS) development. Loss-of-functionRETmutations cause Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), in which infants are born with aganglionic bowel. Despite surgical correction, HSCR patients often experience chronic defecatory dysfunction and enterocolitis, suggesting that RET is important after development. To test this hypothesis, we determined the location of postnatal RET and its significance in gastrointestinal (GI) motility.

Methods

RetCFP/+mice and human transcriptional profiling data were studied to identify the enteric neuronal and epithelial cells that express RET. To determine whether RET signaling in these cells regulates adult gut motilityin vivo, genetic and pharmacologic approaches were used to disrupt RET in either all RET-expressing cells, a major subset of enteric neurons, or intestinal epithelial cells.

Results

Distinct subsets of enteric neurons and enteroendocrine cells expressed RET in the adult intestine. RET disruption in the intestinal epithelium, rather than in enteric neurons, slowed GI motility selectively in adult male mice. This effect was phenocopied by RET kinase inhibition. Most RET+epithelial cells were either enterochromaffin cells that release serotonin (5-HT) or L-cells that release peptide YY (PYY), both of which can alter motility. RET kinase inhibition exaggerated PYY release in a nutrient-dependent manner without altering 5-HT secretion. PYY receptor blockade fully rescued dysmotility in mice lacking epithelial RET.

Conclusion

RET signaling normally limits nutrient-dependent PYY release from L-cells and this activity is necessary for normal intestinal motility in male mice. These effects could contribute to post-operative dysmotility in HSCR, which predominantly affects males, and uncovers a mechanism that could be targeted to treat post-prandial GI dysfunction.

Abstract Figure
Reconstructing physical cell interaction networks from single-cell data using Neighbor-seq
Authors: Ghaddar Bassel , De Subhajyoti
Published: April 2022

Cell-cell interactions are the fundamental building blocks of tissue organization and multicellular life. We developed Neighbor-seq, a method to identify and annotate the architecture of direct cell-cell interactions and relevant ligand-receptor signaling from the undissociated cell fractions in massively parallel single cell sequencing data. Neighbor-seq accurately identifies microanatomical features of diverse tissue types such as the small intestinal epithelium, terminal respiratory tract, and splenic white pulp. It also captures the differing topologies of cancer-immune-stromal cell communications in pancreatic and skin tumors, which are consistent with the patterns observed in spatial transcriptomic data. Neighbor-seq is fast and scalable. It draws inferences from routine single-cell data and does not require prior knowledge about sample cell-types or multiplets. Neighbor-seq provides a framework to study the organ-level cellular interactome in health and disease, bridging the gap between single-cell and spatial transcriptomics.
Reproducible data integration and visualization of biological networks in R
Authors: Auer Florian , Chereda Hryhorii , Perera-Bel Júlia , Kramer Frank
Published: April 2022

Motivation

Collaborative workflows in network biology not only require the documentation of the performed analysis steps but also of the network data on which the decisions were based. However, replication of the entire workflow or tracking of the intermediate networks used for a particular visualization remains an intricate task. Also, the amount and heterogeneity of the integrated data requires instruments to explore and thus comprehend the results.

Results

Here we demonstrate a collection of software tools and libraries for network data integration, exploration, and visualization to document the different stages of the workflow. The integrative steps are performed in R, and the entire process is accompanied by an interchangeable toolset for data exploration and network visualization.

Availability

The source code of the performed workflow is available as R markdown scripts at https://github.com/frankkramer-lab/reproducible-network-visualization. A compiled HTML version is also hosted on Github pages at https://frankkramer-lab.github.io/reproducible-network-visualization.

Contact

florian.auer@informatik.uni-augsburg.de
C/EBPα confers dependence to fatty acid anabolic pathways and vulnerability to lipid oxidative stress in FLT3-mutant leukemia
Authors: Sabatier Marie , Birsen Rudy , Lauture Laura , Dehairs Jonas , Angelino Paolo , Mouche Sarah , Heiblig Maël , Boet Emeline , Sahal Ambrine , Saland Estelle , Farge Thomas , Cognet Guillaume , Simonetta Federico , Pignon Corentin , Graffeuil Antoine , Mazzotti Céline , Avet-Loiseau Hervé , Delos Océane , Bertrand-Michel Justine , Chedru Amélie , Vergez François , Mansat-De Mas Véronique , Bertoli Sarah , Tavitian Suzanne , Picard Muriel , Récher Christian , Kosmider Olivier , Sujobert Pierre , Colsch Benoit , Joffre Carine , Stuani Lucille , Swinnen Johannes V. , Guillou Hervé , Tsantoulis Petros , Larrue Clément , Bouscary Didier , Tamburini Jérôme , Sarry Jean-Emmanuel
Published: April 2022

While transcription factor C/AAT-enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) is critical for normal and leukemic differentiation, its role on cell and metabolic homeostasis is largely unknown in cancer. Here, multi-omics analyses uncovered a coordinated activation of C/EBPα and Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) that increased lipid anabolism in vivo and in patients with FLT3-mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Mechanistically, C/EBPα regulated FASN-SCD axis to promote fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis and desaturation. We further demonstrated that FLT3 or C/EBPα inactivation decreased mono-unsaturated FAs incorporation to membrane phospholipids through SCD downregulation. Consequently, SCD inhibition enhanced susceptibility to lipid redox stress. Moreover, this C/EBPα-dependent adaptation of FA homeostasis was exploited by combining FLT3 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inhibition to trigger lipid oxidative stress, enhancing ferroptotic death of FLT3-mutant AML cells. Altogether, our study reveals a C/EBPα function in lipid homeostasis and adaptation to redox stress, and a previously unreported vulnerability of FLT3-mutant AML with promising therapeutic application.

SIGNIFICANCE

The transcription factor C/EBPα is as a master regulator of normal and leukemic myeloid differentiation. Here, we discovered that C/EBPα regulates fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolic adaptation to redox imbalance in leukemic cells. This confers a vulnerability to lipid oxidative stress to FLT3-mutant cells and supports novel therapeutic opportunities for patients.
CbpD crystal structure adds intrigue to substrate-specificity motifs in chitin-active lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases
Authors: Dade Christopher M. , Douzi Badreddine , Cambillau Cristian , Ball Genevieve , Voulhoux Romé , Forest Katrina T.
Published: April 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa secretes diverse proteins via its Type 2 Secretion System, including a 39 KDa Chitin-Binding Protein, CbpD. CbpD was recently shown to be a lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase active on chitin, and to contribute substantially to virulence. To-date no structure of this virulence factor has been reported. Its first two domains are homologous to those found in the crystal structure of Vibrio cholerae GbpA, while the third domain is homologous to the NMR structure of the Cellvibrio japonicus CjLPMO10A CBM73 domain. We report the 3.0 Å resolution crystal structure of CbpD solved by molecular replacement, which required ab initio models of each CbpD domain generated by the artificial intelligence deep learning structure prediction algorithm RoseTTAFold. The structure of CbpD confirms previously postulated chitin-specific motifs in the AA10 domain while challenging the deterministic effects of other postulated substrate specificity motifs. Additionally, the structure of CbpD shows that post translational modifications occur on the chitin binding surface. Moreover, the structure raises interesting possibilities about how Type 2 Secretion System substrates may interact with the secretion machinery and demonstrates the utility of new artificial intelligence protein structure prediction algorithms in making challenging structural targets tractable.
Defensiveness measurement in honey bees (Apis mellifera) and brain expression of associated genes after noxious stimulus
Authors: Acevedo-Gonzalez Jenny P. , Galindo-Cardona Alberto , Fuenzalida-Uribe Nicolas L. , Ghezzi Alfredo , Giray Tugrul
Published: April 2022

Honey bee (Apis mellifera sp.) colonies and individuals respond variably to disturbances. In this study, we examined the role of neural modulation and metabolism in constitutive and experience-dependent differences in defensive response. We compared brain gene expression in bees of identified gentle and defensive colonies in a standard assay. For neuromodulation, we examined membrane receptor genes for the biogenic amines dopamine (DOPR2), octopamine (OAR), and serotonin (5HT2a), and the enzyme gene in the synthesis pathway (THR). To examine neural metabolism, we assessed the Oxidative Phosphorylation Pathway “OXPHOS” gene expression (i.e., ND51 and ND20-LIKE). Bees of defensive colonies had a significantly lower expression of amine receptor, synthesis genes, and OXPHOS genes. Experience differences or exposure to nociceptive neurons activated by nocive stimuli (electric shock) led to differences in the expression of all genes except 5HT2a. The same target genes demonstrated an increase in expression levels after electric shock and sting response. We discuss the convergence of neuromodulation, neural metabolism
Cadmium is detrimental to Caenorhabditis elegans via a network involving circRNA, lncRNA and phosphorylated protein
Authors: Qu Zhi , Guo Peisen , Zheng Shanqing , Yu Zengli , Liu Limin , Wang Panpan , Zheng Fengjiao , Lin Guimiao , Wang Peixi , Liu Nan
Published: April 2022

Cadmium (Cd) as a heavy metal causes serious environmental pollution and multiple organ and system damage in human. However, little is known about the specific molecular mechanisms of the associated regulatory networks. In this study, we selected Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) to investigate the effects of Cd exposure as it acts as an acknowledged and established genetic model organism. A total of 26 differentially-expressed circular RNA (DEcircRNAs), 143 lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), 69 microRNAs (DEmiRNAs) and 6209 mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were found and identified, which might influence reproductive function, aging processes and nervous system functions through regulating the levels of circRNAs and lncRNAs and the controlling of regulatory networks of circRNA/lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA. Based on quantitative PCR, four DEcircRNAs and three DElncRNAs were confirmed to have different expression levels between the Cd-treated and control group. Further, 5 protein-coding genes might be regulated by DElnRNAs through cis-acting and 114 by trans-acting elements. Additionally, 42 differentially regulative phosphopeptides were detected and 4 novel pairs of transcription factors (TFs)-kinase-substrate that might be influenced by Cd exposure were constructed by phosphoproteomics. Our findings suggest that Cd might influence multi-functions and the aging process of C. elegans and may inhibit the expression of TFs to reduce phosphorylated levels of the corresponding protein.

Synopsis

Cadmium exists widely in soil, water and air. This study manifested the regulatory network involving circRNA, lncRNA and phosphorylated protein in C.elegans after Cd exposure, which revealing the potential molecular mechanism underlying the toxic effect caused by Cd.

Graphic Abstract
Quantitative MHC class-I/-II gene expression levels inCDK12mutated prostate cancer reveal intratumorally T cell adaptive immune response in tumors
Authors: Lautert-Dutra William , Melo Camila M. , Chaves Luiz P. , Crozier Cheryl , Saggioro Fabiano P. , dos Reis Rodolfo B. , Bayani Jane , Bonatto Sandro L. , Squire Jeremy A.
Published: April 2022

Background

CDK12 inactivation is a predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint blockers (ICB) treatment response in advanced prostate cancer (PCa), but some CDK12-altered patients fail to respond to ICB. Downregulation of MHC expression has been described as a mechanism of intrinsic and acquired resistance to ICB in various cancers, but there is little information on whether MHC expression levels are altered in CDK12 defective PCa that fails to respond to ICB treatments.

Methods

Using genomics data of primary and metastatic prostate cancer from two public domain cohorts and a retrospective cohort, we investigated variation in the expression of the MHC genes and associated downstream changes inCDK12mutated patients. The findings of public domain data were validated using transcriptomic data from a 53-patient retrospective cohort from our Institute.

Results

Based on the analysis of gene expression quartiles, we divided the tumors into “High” and “Low” expression levels of MHC-I and -II.CDK12defective tumors with increased MHC levels showed the activation of several pathways associated with the immune system and elevatedPD-L1,IDO1, andTIM3expression. These transcriptomic findings were confirmed using expression analyses of our cohort of 53 primary PCa. There was an increased composition of CD8+ T cells, B cells, γδ T cells, and M1 Macrophages inCDK12mutated tumors with elevated MHC levels based on digital cytometric analyses. In contrast,CDK12defective tumors with decreased MHC expression were often subject to loss of heterozygosity (LOH) genomic events affecting MHC-I/-II and theHLAgene cluster on chromosome 6.CDK12defective PCa expresses higher levels of classical MHC, has an active and inflamed tumor microenvironment, and increases the presence of effector T cells.

Conclusions

Reduced MHC expression may be caused by the acquisition of specific somatic genomic events that reduce the expression of antigen presentation genes. Combining CDK12 mutation, MHC expression levels, and LOH status may better predict outcomes for ICB-eligible PCa. In addition, these findings draw attention to the need to investigate therapeutic approaches for enhancing MHC expression inCDK12defective PCa to improve ICB responses.
Structural and Dynamic Effects of PTEN C-terminal Tail Phosphorylation
Authors: Smith Iris N. , Dawson Jennifer E. , Krieger James , Thacker Stetson , Bahar Ivet , Eng Charis
Published: April 2022

The phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) tumor suppressor gene encodes a tightly regulated dual-specificity phosphatase that serves as the master regulator of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. The carboxy-terminal tail (CTT) is key to regulation and harbors multiple phosphorylation sites (Ser/Thr residues 380-385). CTT phosphorylation suppresses the phosphatase activity by inducing a stable, closed conformation. However, little is known about the mechanisms of phosphorylation-induced CTT-deactivation dynamics. Using explicit solvent microsecond molecular dynamics simulations, we show that CTT phosphorylation leads to a partially collapsed conformation, which alters the secondary structure of PTEN and induces long-range conformational rearrangements that encompass the active site. The active site rearrangements prevent localization of PTEN to the membrane, precluding lipid phosphatase activity. Notably, we have identified phosphorylation-induced allosteric coupling between the interdomain region and a hydrophobic site neighboring the active site in the phosphatase domain. Collectively, the results provide a mechanistic understanding of CTT phosphorylation dynamics and reveal potential druggable allosteric sites in a previously believed clinically undruggable protein.
A universal sequencing read interpreter
Authors: Kijima Yusuke , Evans-Yamamoto Daniel , Toyoshima Hiromi , Yachie Nozomu
Published: April 2022

Massively parallel DNA sequencing has led to the rapid growth of highly multiplexed experiments in biology. Such experiments produce unique sequencing results that require specific analysis pipelines to decode highly structured reads. However, no versatile framework that interprets sequencing reads for downstream biological analysis has been developed. Here we report INTERSTELLAR (interpretation, scalable transformation, and emulation of large-scale sequencing reads) that extracts data values encoded in theoretically any type of sequencing read and translates them into sequencing reads of any structure of choice. INTERSTELLAR first identifies sequence segments encoded in reads according to the user’s definition. Followed by error correction, values are extracted and compressed into an optimal space, which can be efficiently translated into sequencing reads of another structure. We demonstrated that INTERSTELLAR successfully extracted information from a range of sequencing reads and translated those of single-cell (sc)RNA-seq, scATAC-seq, and spatial transcriptomics to be analyzed by different software tools that have been developed for conceptually the same types of experiments. INTERSTELLAR will greatly facilitate the development of new sequencing-based experiments and sharing of data analysis pipelines.
Analysis of chemical and mechanical behaviors in living cells by continuum mechanics-based FRAP
Authors: Saito Takumi , Matsunaga Daiki , Deguchi Shinji
Published: April 2022

Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) is a common technique to analyze the turnover of molecules in living cells. Numerous physicochemical models have been developed to quantitatively evaluate the rate of turnover driven by chemical reaction and diffusion that occurs in a few seconds to minutes. On the other hand, they have limitations in interpreting long-term FRAP responses where intracellular active movement inevitably provides target molecular architectures with additional effects other than chemical reaction and diffusion, namely directed transport and structural deformation. To overcome the limitations, we develop a continuum mechanics-based model that allows for decoupling FRAP response into the intrinsic turnover rate and subcellular mechanical characteristics such as displacement vector and strain tensor. Our approach was validated using fluorescently-labeled beta-actin in an actomyosin-mediated contractile apparatus called stress fibers, revealing spatially distinct patterns of the multi-physicochemical events, in which the turnover rate of beta-actin was significantly higher at the center of the cell. We also found that the turnover rate is negatively correlated with the strain rate along stress fibers but, interestingly, not with the absolute strain magnitude. Moreover, stress fibers are subjected to centripetal flow as well as both contractile and tensile strains along them. Taken together, this novel framework for long-term FRAP analysis allows for unveiling the contribution of overlooked microscopic mechanics to molecular turnover in living cells.
Enabling sustainable food transitions in schools: a systemic approach
Authors: Graça João , Roque Lisa , Guedes David , Campos Lúcia , Truninger Monica , Godinho Cristina , Vinnari Markus
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Recent reviews and reports have highlighted the need for integrated, context-specific efforts to enable sustainable food transitions. This study aimed to identify pathways to promote healthier and more environmentally friendly food practices in school contexts, with a focus on increased plant-based eating.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a systemic approach with data collected from relevant stakeholders in an EU country (Portugal) at diverse levels of influence in the school meals system (i.e. proximal, intermediate, distal; from end-consumers to food providers, market actors, civil society organizations, and policy and decision-makers). Data from individual interviews (N = 33) were subjected to thematic analysis.

Findings

Meat-centric cultural perceptions of a ‘proper meal’ can be a socio-emotional barrier for sustainable food transitions in schools. Main pathways identified to unlock these transitions included: (1) Levering orientations toward ethical and environmentally beneficial consumption; (2) Improving and increasing the offer of plant-based meals; and (3) Mobilizing local communities and society.

Originality/value

The current findings suggest that promoting healthier and more environmentally friendly food practices in schools requires systemic, integrated approaches which focus on food consumption, food provision, and the broader political and sociocultural environment.
How do the technological capability and strategic flexibility of an organization impact its successful implementation of Industry 4.0? A qualitative viewpoint
Authors: Sony Michael , Antony Jiju , Mc Dermott Olivia
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Industry 4.0 (I 4.0) consists of numerous digital technologies applied in organizations strategically to add value to the customer. Different organizations have varying degrees of technological capability and strategic flexibility. This paper aims to explore the relationship between technological capability and strategic flexibility on successful implementation of I 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study using a grounded theory approach is conducted on 34 senior managers from Europe and North America who have implemented I 4.0 participated in this study through a theoretical sampling frame.

Findings

This study finds that technological capability and strategic flexibility have an impact on the successful implementation of I 4.0. The study also finds that different dimensions of technological capability also impact I 4.0. The interactive effect of strategic flexibility and technological capability is also noted. The study also develops a framework for successful implementation of I 4.0.

Practical implications

This study can be used by managers while implementing I 4.0 to devise a strategic roadmap for acquiring technological capability with I 4.0 technologies. Besides, it will help the managers to consider the bidirectional relationship between technological capability and strategic flexibility while formulating I 4.0 strategy for successful implementation of I 4.0 in their organizations.

Originality/value

Previous studies have examined the importance of I 4.0 technologies. However, this study extends the previous works by suggesting how technological capability and strategic flexibility can help in the successful implementation of I 4.0.
Cross-cultural differences in information processing of chatbot journalism: chatbot news service as a cultural artifact
Authors: Shin Donghee , Al-Imamy Saifeddin , Hwang Yujong
Published: April 2022

Purpose

How does algorithmic information processing affect the thoughts and behavior of artificial intelligence (AI) users? In this study, the authors address this question by focusing on algorithm-based chatbots and examine the influence of culture on algorithms as a form of digital intermediation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a study comparing the United States (US) and Japan to examine how users in the two countries perceive the features of chatbot services and how the perceived features affect user trust and emotion.

Findings

Clear differences emerged after comparing algorithmic information processes involved in using and interacting with chatbots. Major attitudes toward chatbots are similar between the two cultures, although the weights placed on qualities differ. Japanese users put more weight on the functional qualities of chatbots, and US users place greater emphasis on non-functional qualities of algorithms in chatbots. US users appear more likely to anthropomorphize and accept explanations of algorithmic features than Japanese users.

Research limitations/implications

Different patterns of chatbot news adoption reveal that the acceptance of chatbots involves a cultural dimension as the algorithms reflect the values and interests of their constituencies. How users perceive chatbots and how they consume and interact with the chatbots depends on the cultural context in which the experience is situated.

Originality/value

A comparative juxtaposition of cultural-algorithmic interactions offers a useful way to examine how cultural values influence user behaviors and identify factors that influence attitude and user acceptance. Results imply that chatbots can be a cultural artifact, and chatbot journalism (CJ) can be a socially contextualized practice that is driven by the user's input and behavior, which are reflections of cultural values and practices.
Person-environment fit: a luxury good for those who can afford it?
Authors: Renz Franziska M.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The study integrates organizational demography theory into person-environment fit theories to question the assumption that all employees can afford to strive for person-environment fit. The ethnic/racial diversity in organizations is investigated as a boundary condition in order to develop implications to mitigate the challenges of employees with precarious jobs, especially persons of color (POCs), in the society.

Design/methodology/approach

Publicly accessible and objective data from organizations in the S&P 1500 index were collected through Compustat, ExecuComp, the Bloomberg Terminal and the websites of Fortune, the United States Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Labor. A path analysis of time-lagged data was performed to support causal relationships between the examined constructs while controlling for alternative explanations.

Findings

Unsafe working conditions moderate the U-shaped relationship between ethnic/racial diversity and turnover and turn it into an inverted U-shaped relationship because employees in precarious jobs, especially POCs, cannot afford to leave unsafe working conditions. Organizations with unsafe working conditions are more likely to invest in sustainability initiatives. However, organizations' financial performance does not benefit from this investment.

Originality/value

The circumstance that not all employees can afford person-environment fit and its organizational outcomes are identified and empirically tested. Scholars can integrate this boundary condition in future research. Implications for practice and policy are also derived.
Mapping the research status and dynamic frontiers of functional clothing: a review via bibliometric and knowledge visualization
Authors: Li Shuyang , Jiang Shu , Tian Miao , Su Yun , Li Jun
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain an in-depth understanding of the research progress, hotspots and future trends in the field of functional clothing.

Design/methodology/approach

The records of 4,153 pieces of literature related to functional clothing were retrieved from Web of Science by using a comprehensive retrieval strategy. A piece of software, CiteSpace was used as a tool to visualize the results of specific terms, such as author, institution and keyword. By analyzing the knowledge maps with several indicators, the intellectual basis and research fronts for the functional clothing domain could then be demonstrated.

Findings

The result indicated that functional clothing was a popular research field, with approximately 500 papers published worldwide in 2020. Its main research area was material science and involved public environmental and occupational health, engineering, etc. showing the characteristic of multi-interdisciplinary. Textile Research Journal and International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology were the top two journals in this field. The USA, China, Australia, England and Germany have been active and frequently cooperating with each other. Donghua University, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and NASA, with the largest number of publications, were identified as the main research drivers. According to the co-citation analysis, thermal stress, nanogenerator and electrospinning were the topics of most cited articles during the past 20 years.

Practical implications

The findings identified smart clothing and protective clothing to be the research frontiers in the field of functional clothing, which deserved further study in the future.

Originality/value

The outcomes offered an overview of the research status and future trends of the functional clothing field. It could not only provide scholars with convenience in identifying research hotspots and building potential cooperation in the follow-up research, but also assist beginners in searching core scholars and literature of great significance.
Design and development of new spiral head projectiles undergoing ballistics impact
Authors: Pranay V. , Panigrahi S.K.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to design and develop new spiral head projectiles undergoing ballistics impact.

Design/methodology/approach

The introduction of the rifled barrel in firearms made projectile spin during its flight path. The central translational velocity (impact velocity) is one parameter to defeat/penetrate the target in the penetration process. Another important parameter considered to be the shape of the projectile. Many types of projectile shapes have been designed to defeat the target. In the recent years, ogival nose shape is one of the well-known projectile shapes in use abundantly. The present research is made to design the nose shape so as to use the spin during the penetration of target effectively. In this study, a new spiral head projectile shape is proposed and designed, which uses the rotation of projectile (spin) for penetrating the Al7075-T6 target. When the ogive and new spiral head projectile is impacted on Al 7075-T6 target of 12.5 mm, 18 mm thicknesses at ordnance velocities, the residual velocity is evaluated numerically using ANSYS/Explicit Dynamics at normal impact condition. Two projectile materials, steel 4340 and tungsten alloy, are used as projectile materials. Along with the translational velocity, rotation velocities (spin rate) 13,000, 26,000 and 52,000 rad/s also provided to projectile. The residual velocities verses spin rate are plotted for different spiral angle projectiles for impact velocities 1,000–1,500 m/s, at normal impact conditions on the Al 7075-T6 target. Compared with the ogive nose projectile, the proposed new spiral head projectile made of tungsten alloy is significantly effective.

Findings

Spiral head projectile having tungsten alloy material gives encouraging results at 12.5 mm target thickness. The new spiral head projectile is damaged partially. At 18 mm target thickness impact conditions, it is observed that the projectile head is completely damaged. The effectiveness of spiral head projectile on a target plate thickness of 18 mm is considered to study the impact condition.

Research limitations/implications

All the above results need to be experimentally verified. However, the basic numerical model used in the present study, i.e. the basic ogive nose numerical model with only translational energy, is well validated with penetration theory available in literatures.

Practical implications

The designed new spiral head projectile is only effective with tungsten alloy material within considered design parameters. For steel 4340 material, the spiral head projectile is less effective than the ogive nose projectile. In tungsten alloy projectiles, by observing all considered spiral angles, 30-degree spiral angle projectile gives the best performance at most of the considered impact velocity conditions.

Originality/value

The proposed research outputs are original, innovative and, have lot of importance in defence applications particularly in arms and ammunitions.
Casual selling practice: a qualitative study of non-professional sellers' involvement on C2C social commerce platforms
Authors: Schwob Alexandre , de Kervenoael Ronan , Kirova Valentina , Vo-Thanh Tan
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Recent substantial developments of consumer-to-consumer social commerce platforms (C2C-SCPs) emboldened consumers/users to be involved as sellers. Considering C2C social networks that privilege local reach, this paper aim to explore how the practice-based view informs non-professional sellers' involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Underpinned by data from 29 semi-structured interviews with non-professional sellers on Kaskus, one of the largest local Indonesian C2C-SCPs, the study reveals the emergence of a novel structural practice that we call casual selling.

Findings

The findings show that casual selling allows non-professional sellers' involvement in C2C-SCPs through three broad categories of practices: priming oneself, producing commercial operations and valuing others. Within these three categories, non-professional sellers are found to generate both personal and collective involvement along nine situated market practices.

Research limitations/implications

This paper adds to previous research by introducing the practice-based view to social commerce literature. In doing so, it deals with the under-investigated seller's perspective and activities that prevail in C2C-SCPs.

Originality/value

In C2C-SCPs, casual selling constitutes a distinct mode of involvement in social commerce in which established professional selling standards are suspended. As a structural practice, it entices non-professional sellers to consider a wider variety of situations in which they are in dialogue with other individuals (buyers and sellers) to shape s-commerce potential. In doing so, C2C-SCP users draw on a dynamic intertwining between digital technology and the socio-cultural environment surrounding s-commerce.
Perceived organizational authenticity in LGBTQ communication: the scale development and initial empirical findings
Authors: Lim Hayoung Sally , Ciszek Erica , Moon Won-Ki
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop an integrative concept of perceived authenticity that captures a more nuanced perception of authenticity among LGBTQ stakeholders and to examine the effects of perceived organizational authenticity on Pride campaign evaluations.

Design/methodology/approach

With 400 LGBTQ/non-LGBTQ participants, we developed a perceived organizational authenticity (POA) scale - adapted from marketing literature - adding representativeness as the fifth dimension to the context of LGBTQ communication. We also examined the differences between LGBTQ participants and non-LGBTQ participants in perceiving authenticity and evaluating the Pride 2020 campaign in terms of brand attitude, skepticism and purchase intention.

Findings

Our scale development resulted in a 20-item POA scale measuring five dimensions: continuity, credibility, integrity, symbolism and representativeness. We also found that POA increases brand attitude and purchase intention while mitigating skepticism toward the Pride 2020 campaign.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides not only empirical support for perceived authenticity literature across communication disciplines including marketing as well as public relations, but it also propels an interdisciplinary approach to POA scale development.

Practical implications

The POA scale can be used to measure the effectiveness of organizational communication as well as stakeholder perception of authenticity. This research provides guidelines regarding how POA of LGBTQ communication might be enhanced.

Originality/value

This study developed a POA scale in the context of LGBTQ communication. This study is innovative in developing a POA scale that can be used to measure the effectiveness of public relations and communication efforts, as well as perceived authenticity of LGBTQ communication.
Pilot development: an empirical mixed-method analysis
Authors: Slottje Jonathan , Anderson Jason , Dickens John M. , Reiman Adam D.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Pilot upgrade training is critical to aircraft and passenger safety. This study aims to identify variances in the US Air Force C-130J pilot upgrade training based on geographic location and provide a model to enhance policy that will impact future pilot training efforts that lower cost and increase operator quality and proficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employed a mixed-method approach. First, the authors collected data and analyzed 90 C-130J pilots' aviation records and then contextualized this analysis with interviews of experts. Finally, the authors present a modified version of Six Sigma's define–measure–analyze–improve–control (DMAIC) that identifies and reduces the variances in C-130J pilot training, translating into higher quality outcomes.

Findings

The results indicate significant statistical variances across geographically separated C-130J pilot training organizations. This leads some organizations to have higher proficiency levels in specific tasks and others with comparative deficiencies. Additionally, the data analysis in this study enabled a recommended number of flight hours in several distinct categories that should be obtained before upgrading a pilot to aircraft commander to enhance standards.

Research limitations/implications

This research was limited to C-130J pilot upgrades, but these results can be implemented within any field that utilizes hours as a measure of experience. Implications from this research can be employed to scope policy that will influence pilot training requirements across all airframes in civilian and military aviation.

Originality/value

This research proposes a process improvement methodology that could be immediately implemented within the C-130J community and, more importantly, in any upgrade training where humans advance into higher echelons of a profession.
Computer-generated influencers: the rise of digital personalities
Authors: Mrad Mona , Ramadan Zahy , Nasr Lina Issam
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the key components pertaining and governing a Computer-Generated Influencer’s (CGI’s) identity and explores and analyzes the ensuing relationship between the CGI and its digital environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows an exploratory approach using in-depth interviews of CGI followers. A total of 37 in-depth interviews were then analyzed using an inductive thematic approach to steer data coding.

Findings

CGIs are considered as brand entities that have a combination of components under their overall perceived identity. This study encompasses the different relational dimensions, whether from a follower’s followers, CGI-follower’s, CGI–human influencer’s or CGI-endorsed brand’s perspective.

Originality/value

This research contributes a seminal work in the field of virtual influencers.
Ungual seborrheic keratosis with longitudinal melanonychia: A case report
Authors: Kameda Eisuke , Togawa Yaei , Maru Yugo , Matsue Hiroyuki
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we report the case of a 71‐year‐old man with an 8‐year history of melanonychia on the right little finger, who referred to our hospital because the color of pigmented area had gradually darkened and the width had expanded. Physical examination revealed longitudinal melanonychia with brown color (4 mm in width). Dermoscopic examination revealed multiple white round clods and splinter hemorrhages. No micro‐Hutchinson sign was observed. We performed a punch biopsy (diameter 3 mm) of the nail matrix for diagnosis. Histopathological examination revealed irregular acanthosis of epithelium of the nail bed and distal matrix, which consisted of basaloid cells without nuclear atypia. Several zones exhibited cell whorls reminiscent of squamous eddies. The whorls were composed of large pink cells arranged in an onion peel‐like fashion. The basaloid cells tested negative for human papillomavirus in situ hybridization and p16 staining. The morphology of white round clods (milia‐like cysts in metaphoric term) observed in dermoscopic analysis corresponded to squamous eddies in histopathology. Considering these features, ungual seborrheic keratosis (SK) with longitudinal melanonychia was diagnosed, which is an atypical site for SK. We suggest that the dermoscopic finding of milia‐like cysts may be useful for the diagnosis of ungual SK.
Morphological adaptations linked to flight efficiency and aerial lifestyle determine natal dispersal distance in birds
Authors: Weeks Brian C. , O'Brien Bruce K. , Chu Jonathan J. , Claramunt Santiago , Sheard Catherine , Tobias Joseph A.
Published: April 2022

Natal dispersal—the movement from birthplace to breeding location—is often considered the most significant dispersal event in an animal's lifetime. Natal dispersal distances may be shaped by a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and remain poorly quantified in most groups, highlighting the need for indices that capture variation in dispersal among species.

In birds, it is hypothesized that dispersal distance can be predicted by flight efficiency, which can be estimated using wing morphology. However, the use of morphological indices to predict dispersal remains contentious and the mechanistic links between flight efficiency and natal dispersal are unclear.

Here, we use phylogenetic comparative models to test whether hand‐wing index (HWI, a morphological proxy for wing aspect ratio) predicts natal dispersal distance across a global sample of 114 bird species. In addition, we assess whether HWI is correlated with flight usage in foraging and daily routines.

We find that HWI is a strong predictor of both natal dispersal distance and a more aerial lifestyle.

Our results support the use of HWI as a valid proxy for relative natal dispersal distance, and also suggest that evolutionary adaptation to aerial lifestyles is a major factor connecting flight efficiency with patterns of natal dispersal.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Furcellaran as a substitute for emulsifying salts in processed cheese spread and the resultant storage changes
Authors: Kůrová Vendula , Salek Richardos Nikolaos , Černíková Michaela , Lorencová Eva , Zalešáková Ludmila , Buňka František
Published: April 2022

The viscoelastic properties of processed cheese spread (PCS; dry matter 40% w/w, fat in dry matter 55% w/w) produced with various levels (0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00% w/w) of two types of furcellaran (FA or FB), with and without the use of emulsifying salts (ES), were evaluated. The incremental higher levels of furcellaran application, irrespective of its type, increased the values of viscoelastic moduli. Processed cheese spread samples produced without the addition of ES showed higher rigidity. The type and concentration of furcellaran, the presence/absence of ES and storage time had a significant effect on the viscoelastic properties of PCS.
Shift in harms and benefits of cervical cancer screening in the era of HPV screening and vaccination: a modelling study
Authors: Kaljouw Sylvia , Jansen Erik E. L. , Aitken Clare A. , de Kok Inge M. C. M.
Published: April 2022

Objective

To calculate the changes in harms and benefits of cervical cancer screening over the first three screening rounds of the Dutch high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) screening programme.

Design

Microsimulation study.

Setting

Dutch hrHPV screening programme; women are invited for screening every 5 or 10 years (depending on age and screening history) from age 30 to 65.

Population

Partly vaccinated population of 100 million Dutch women.

Methods

Microsimulation model MISCAN was used to estimate screening effects. Sensitivity analyses were performed on test characteristics and attendance.

Main outcome measures

Harms (screening tests, unnecessary referrals, treatment‐related health problems), benefits (CIN2+ diagnoses) and programme efficiency (number needed to screen [NNS]) over the first (period 2017–2021), second (period 2022–2026) and third (period 2027–2031) rounds of hrHPV‐based screening.

Results

The number of screening tests and CIN2+ diagnoses decreased from the first to the second round (−25.8% and −23.6%, respectively). In the third screening round, these numbers decreased further, albeit only slightly (−2.7% and −5.3%, respectively). NNS to detect a CIN2+ remained constant over the rounds; however, it increased in younger age groups while decreasing in older age groups.

Conclusion

Both harms and benefits of hrHPV screening decreased over the first screening rounds. For younger women, the efficiency would decrease, whereas longer screening intervals would lead to increased efficiency in older women. Programme efficiency overall remained stable, showing the importance of longer intervals for low‐risk women.

Tweetable abstract:

Cervical cancer screening: both harms and benefits of hrHPV screening will decrease in the future.