bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Top dressed biochar increases tree seedling growth and decreases sodium leaching
Authors: Wagner Brian , Salisbury Allyson , Midgley Meghan G.
Published: August 2023

De-icing salts on roadways are nearly ubiquitous in northern cities during winter months, leading to contamination of soils adjacent to roadways. Sodium chloride salts often have detrimental impacts on water and trees, though some species are more sensitive than others. Biochar has the potential to mitigate sodium’s harmful effects due to its large surface area:volume ratio and subsequent ability to sorb ions from solution. We conducted a four-month greenhouse experiment to test if biochar applied as either a top dressing or incorporated into the growing medium reduced sodium leaching and buffered tree responses to sodium stress. We also evaluated the effects of salt addition and biochar on four tree species that vary in salt tolerance:Catalpa speciosa(tolerant),Gleditsia triacanthos(tolerant),Acer saccharum(intolerant), andQuercus rubra(intolerant). We found no interactive effects of sodium addition and biochar on sodium leaching or tree growth and physiology. However, we did find that top dressed biochar broadly decreased sodium leaching, likely via positive effects of top dressed biochar on tree seedling growth,Catalpa speciosain particular. Incorporated biochar, on the other hand, had positive or neutral effects on sodium leaching and negative effects on the production of new shoots and fine roots. Given that biochar is a relatively expensive amendment, it should be used sparingly to improve urban tree growth and health. Overall, this study shows that biochar application decisions have implications for tree growth and soil management.
Parameters of Cable Theory Are Mostly Unaffected by the Geometry of Dendritic Spines
Authors: Eberhardt Florian
Published: August 2023

Dendritic spines are extremely small and experimentally difficult to access. Therefore, it is still uncertain whether all assumptions of basic neuroscientific theories, such as cable theory, are valid there. Previous theoretical work suggests that electroneutrality could be violated in dendritic spines. If this were true, new theories would be required. Unfortunately, these results were based on a greatly simplified model system with unrealistic ion concentrations.

Inspired by these studies, we apply Poison-Nernst-Planck (PNP) equations to study the profiles of ion concentrations and the membrane potential in dendritic spines in a physiologically relevant regime. We find that, for realistic ion concentrations and in contrast to previous results, electroneutrality is a valid assumption for all tested geometries, irrespective of size and shape. However, the surface charge causes an accumulation of counter ions and a strong electric field near the surface of the membrane in the intra- and extracellular space.

Still, a plate capacitor model accurately describes the capacitance of the membrane. Most importantly, the two cable parameters - the specific capacitance and the intracellular resistivity - are constants over a wide range of parameters. These results justify the application of models based on cable theory to dendritic spines.
Conformational diversity and protein-protein interface clusters help drug repurposing in Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Sayin Ahenk Zeynep , Abali Zeynep , Senyuz Simge , Cankara Fatma , Gursoy Attila , Keskin Ozlem
Published: August 2023

Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway regulates cell growth, division, and differentiation. In this work, we focus on drug repurposing in the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway, considering structural similarities of protein-protein interfaces. The complexes in this pathway are extracted from literature and interfaces formed by physically interacting proteins are found via PRISM (PRotein Interaction by Structural Matching) if not available in Protein Data Bank. As a result, the structural coverage of these interactions has been increased from 21% to 92% using PRISM. Multiple conformations of each protein are used to include protein dynamics and diversity. Next, we find FDA-approved drugs bound to additional structurally similar protein-protein interfaces. The results suggest that HIV protease inhibitors tipranavir, indinavir and saquinavir may bind to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Receptor Tyrosine-Protein Kinase ErbB-3 (ERBB3/HER3) interface. Tipranavir and indinavir may also bind to EGFR and Receptor Tyrosine-Protein Kinase ErbB-2 (ERBB2/HER2) interface. Additionally, a drug used in Alzheimer’s disease (galantamine) and an antinauseant for cancer chemotherapy patients (granisetron) can bind to RAF proto-oncogene serine/threonine-protein kinase (RAF1) and Serine/threonine-protein kinase B-Raf (BRAF) interface. Hence, we propose an algorithm to find drugs to be potentially used for cancer. As a summary, we propose a new strategy of using a dataset of structurally similar protein-protein interface clusters rather than pockets in a systematic way.

Significance statement

This work focuses on drug repurposing in the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway based on structural similarities of protein-protein interfaces. The Food and Drug Administration approved drugs bound to the protein-protein interfaces are proposed for the other interfaces using protein-protein interface clusters based on structural similarities. Moreover, the structural coverage of protein complexes of physical interactions in the pathway has been increased from 21% to 92% using multiple conformations of each protein to include protein dynamics.
TWISP: A Transgenic Worm for Interrogating Signal Propagation inC. elegans
Authors: Sharma Anuj Kumar , Randi Francesco , Kumar Sandeep , Dvali Sophie , Leifer Andrew M
Published: August 2023

Genetically encoded optical indicators and actuators of neural activity allow for all-optical investigations of signaling in the nervous system. But commonly used indicators, actuators and expression strategies are poorly suited for systematic measurements of signal propagation at brain scale and cellular resolution. Large scale measurements of the brain require indicators and actuators with compatible excitation spectra to avoid optical crosstalk. They must be highly expressed in every neuron but at the same time avoid lethality and permit the animal to reach adulthood. And finally, their expression must be compatible with additional fluorescent labels to locate and identify neurons, such as those in the NeuroPAL cell identification system. We present TWISP, a Transgenic Worm for Interrogating Signal Propagation, that address these needs and enables optical measurements of evoked calcium activity at brain scale and cellular resolution in the nervous system of the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans. We express in every neuron a non-conventional optical actuator, the gustatory receptor homolog GUR-3+PRDX-2 under the control of a drug-inducible system QF+hGR, and calcium indicator GCAMP6s, in a background with additional fluorophores of the NeuroPAL cell ID system. We show that this combination, but not others tested, avoids optical-crosstalk, creates strong expression in the adult, and generates stable transgenic lines for systematic measurements of signal propagation in the worm brain.
Compound activity prediction with dose-dependent transcriptomic profiles and deep learning
Authors: Godinez William J. , Trifonov Vladimir , Fang Bin , Kuzu Guray , Pei Luying , Guiguemde W. Armand , Martin Eric J. , King Frederick J. , Jenkins Jeremy L. , Skewes-Cox Peter
Published: August 2023

Predicting compound activity in assays is a long-standing challenge in drug discovery. Computational models based on compound-induced gene-expression signatures from a single profiling assay have shown promise towards predicting compound activity in other, seemingly unrelated, assays. Applications of such models include predicting mechanisms-of-action (MoA) for phenotypic hits, identifying off-target activities, and identifying polypharmacologies. Here, we introduce Transcriptomics-to-Activity Transformer (TAT) models that leverage gene-expression profiles observed over compound treatment at multiple concentrations to predict compound activity in other biochemical or cellular assays. We built TAT models based on gene-expression data from a RASL-Seq assay to predict the activity of 2,692 compounds in 262 dose response assays. We obtained useful models for 51% of the assays as determined through a realistic held-out set. Prospectively, we experimentally validated the activity predictions of a TAT model in a malaria inhibition assay. With a 63% hit rate, TAT successfully identified several sub-micromolar malaria inhibitors. Our results thus demonstrate the potential of transcriptomic responses over compound concentration and the TAT modeling framework as a cost-efficient way to identify the bioactivities of promising compounds across many assays.
A computational pipeline for spatial mechano-transcriptomics
Authors: Hallou Adrien , He Ruiyang , Simons Benjamin D. , Dumitrascu Bianca
Published: August 2023

Advances in spatial profiling technologies are providing insights into how molecular programs are influenced by local signaling and environmental cues. However, cell fate specification and tissue patterning involve the interplay of biochemical and mechanical feedback. Here, we develop a computational framework that enables the joint statistical analysis of transcriptional and mechanical signals in the context of spatial transcriptomics. To illustrate the application and utility of the approach, we use spatial transcriptomics data from the developing mouse embryo to infer the forces acting on individual cells, and use these results to identify mechanical, morphometric, and gene expression signatures that are predictive of tissue compartment boundaries. In addition, we use geoadditive structural equation modeling to identify gene modules that predict the mechanical behavior of cells in an unbiased manner. This computational framework is easily generalized to other spatial profiling contexts, providing a generic scheme for exploring the interplay of biomolecular and mechanical cues in tissues.
Predicting Molecular Docking Affinity of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAs) Towards Human Blood Proteins Using Generative AI Algorithm DiffDock
Authors: Fortela Dhan Lord B. , Mikolajczyk Ashley P. , Carnes Miranda R. , Sharp Wayne , Revellame Emmanuel , Hernandez Rafael , Holmes William , Zappi Mark
Published: August 2023

This study computationally evaluates the molecular docking affinity of various perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) using a generative machine learning algorithm, DiffDock, specialized in protein-ligand blind-docking learning and prediction. Concerns about the chemical pathways and accumulation of PFAs in the environment and eventually in human body has been rising due to empirical findings that levels of PFAs in human blood has been rising. Though there is currently a heightened need to understand the pathways of PFAs, empirical studies on PFAs have been relatively slow due to the time-scale and cost of standard chemical analysis such as those in blood samples. The current study demonstrates the implementation of DiffDock and assesses the prediction results in relation to empirical findings. The capability of an advanced generative artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm designed for protein-ligand docking such as DiffDock offers a fast approach in determining the potential molecular pathways of PFAs in human body.
Glioma-neuronal circuit remodeling induces regional immunosuppression
Authors: Nejo Takahide , Krishna Saritha , Jimenez Christian , Yamamichi Akane , Young Jacob S. , Lakshmanachetty Senthilnath , Chen Tiffany , Phyu Su Su Sabai , Ogino Hirokazu , Watchmaker Payal , Diebold David , Choudhury Abrar , Daniel Andy G. S. , Raleigh David R. , Hervey-Jumper Shawn L. , Okada Hideho
Published: August 2023

Neuronal activity-driven mechanisms impact glioblastoma cell proliferation and invasion1–7, and glioblastoma remodels neuronal circuits8,9. Distinct intratumoral regions maintain functional connectivity via a subpopulation of malignant cells that mediate tumor-intrinsic neuronal connectivity and synaptogenesis through their transcriptional programs8. However, the effects of tumor-intrinsic neuronal activity on other cells, such as immune cells, remain unknown. Here we show that regions within glioblastomas with elevated connectivity are characterized by regional immunosuppression. This was accompanied by different cell compositions and inflammatory status of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment. In preclinical intracerebral syngeneic glioblastoma models, CRISPR/Cas9 gene knockout of Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1/Thbs1), a synaptogenic factor critical for glioma-induced neuronal circuit remodeling, in glioblastoma cells suppressed synaptogenesis and glutamatergic neuronal hyperexcitability, while simultaneously restoring antigen-presentation and pro-inflammatory responses. Moreover, TSP-1 knockout prolonged survival of immunocompetent mice harboring intracerebral syngeneic glioblastoma, but not of immunocompromised mice, and promoted infiltrations of pro-inflammatory TAMs and CD8+ T-cells in the tumor microenvironment. Notably, pharmacological inhibition of glutamatergic excitatory signals redirected tumor-associated macrophages toward a less immunosuppressive phenotype, resulting in prolonged survival. Altogether, our results demonstrate previously unrecognized immunosuppression mechanisms resulting from glioma-neuronal circuit remodeling and suggest future strategies targeting glioma-neuron-immune crosstalk may open up new avenues for immunotherapy.
Feedforward amplification in recurrent networks underlies paradoxical neural coding
Authors: Daie Kayvon , Fontolan Lorenzo , Druckmann Shaul , Svoboda Karel
Published: August 2023

The activity of single neurons encodes behavioral variables, such as sensory stimuli (Hubel & Wiesel 1959) and behavioral choice (Britten et al. 1992; Guo et al. 2014), but their influence on behavior is often mysterious. We estimated the influence of a unit of neural activity on behavioral choice from recordings in anterior lateral motor cortex (ALM) in mice performing a memory-guided movement task (H. K. Inagaki et al. 2018). Choice selectivity grew as it flowed through a sequence of directions in activity space. Early directions carried little selectivity but were predicted to have a large behavioral influence, while late directions carried large selectivity and little behavioral influence. Consequently, estimated behavioral influence was only weakly correlated with choice selectivity; a large proportion of neurons selective for one choice were predicted to influence choice in the opposite direction. These results were consistent with models in which recurrent circuits produce feedforward amplification (Goldman 2009; Ganguli et al. 2008; Murphy & Miller 2009) so that small amplitude signals along early directions are amplified to produce low-dimensional choice selectivity along the late directions, and behavior. Targeted photostimulation experiments (Daie et al. 2021b) revealed that activity along the early directions triggered sequential activity along the later directions and caused predictable behavioral biases. These results demonstrate the existence of an amplifying feedforward dynamical motif in the motor cortex, explain paradoxical responses to perturbation experiments (Chettih & Harvey 2019; Daie et al. 2021b; Russell et al. 2019), and reveal behavioral relevance of small amplitude neural dynamics.
A molecular atlas of adultC. elegansmotor neurons reveals ancient diversity delineated by conserved transcription factor codes
Authors: Smith Jayson J. , Taylor Seth R. , Blum Jacob A. , Gitler Aaron D. , Miller David M. , Kratsios Paschalis
Published: August 2023

Motor neurons (MNs) constitute an ancient cell type targeted by multiple adult-onset diseases. It is therefore important to define the molecular makeup of adult MNs in animal models and extract organizing principles. Here, we generated a comprehensive molecular atlas of adultCaenorhabditis elegansMNs and a searchable database (http://celegans.spinalcordatlas.org). Single-cell RNA-sequencing of 13,200 cells revealed that ventral nerve cord MNs cluster into 29 molecularly distinct subclasses. All subclasses are delineated by unique expression codes of either neuropeptide or transcription factor gene families. Strikingly, we found that combinatorial codes of homeodomain transcription factor genes define adult MN diversity both inC. elegansand mice. Further, molecularly defined MN subclasses inC. elegansdisplay distinct patterns of connectivity. Hence, our study couples the connectivity map of theC. elegansmotor circuit with a molecular atlas of its constituent MNs, and uncovers organizing principles and conserved molecular codes of adult MN diversity.
Primed and ready: Nanopore metabarcoding can now recover highly accurate consensus barcodes that are generally indel-free
Authors: Chang Jia Jin Marc , Ip Yin Cheong Aden , Neo Wan Lin , Mowe Maxine A. D. , Jaafar Zeehan , Huang Danwei
Published: August 2023

Background

DNA metabarcoding applies high-throughput sequencing approaches to generate numerous DNA barcodes from mixed sample pools for mass species identification and community characterisation. To date, however, most metabarcoding studies employ second-generation sequencing platforms like Illumina, which are limited by short read lengths and longer turnaround times. While third-generation platforms such as the MinION (Oxford Nanopore Technologies) can sequence longer reads and even in real-time, application of these platforms for metabarcoding has remained scarce due to the relatively high read error rate as well as the paucity of specialised software for processing such reads.

Findings

We show that this is no longer the case by performing nanopore-based metabarcoding on 34 zooplankton bulk samples with amplicon_sorter, benchmarking the results against conventional Illumina MiSeq sequencing. The R10.3 sequencing chemistry and super accurate (SUP) basecalling model reduced raw read error rates to ∼4%, and consensus calling with amplicon_sorter (without further error correction) generated metabarcodes that were ≤1% erroneous. Although Illumina recovered a higher number of molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) than nanopore sequencing (589 vs. 471), we found no significant differences in the zooplankton communities inferred between the sequencing platforms. Indeed, the same ecological conclusions were obtained regardless of the sequencing platform used. Moreover, 406 of 444 (91.4%) shared MOTUs between Illumina and nanopore were found to be indel-free.

Conclusions

Collectively, our results illustrate the viability of nanopore metabarcoding for characterising communities, and paves the way for greater utilisation of nanopore sequencing in various metabarcoding applications.
The cell adhesion molecule Echinoid promotes tissue survival and separately restricts tissue overgrowth inDrosophilaimaginal discs
Authors: Spitzer Danielle C. , Sun William Y. , Rodríguez-Vargas Anthony , Hariharan Iswar K.
Published: August 2023

The interactions that cells inDrosophilaimaginal discs have with their neighbors are known to regulate their ability to survive. In a screen of genes encoding cell surface proteins for gene knockdowns that affect the size or shape of mutant clones, we found that clones of cells with reduced levels ofechinoid(ed) are fewer, smaller, and can be eliminated during development. In contrast, discs composed mostly ofedmutant tissue are overgrown. We find thatedmutant tissue has lower levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Diap1 and has increased levels of apoptosis which is consistent with the observed underrepresentation ofedmutant clones and the slow growth ofedmutant tissue. The eventual overgrowth ofedmutant tissue results not from accelerated growth, but from prolonged growth resulting from a failure to arrest growth at the appropriate final size. Ed has previously been shown to physically interact with multiple Hippo-pathway components and it has been proposed to promote Hippo pathway signaling, to exclude Yorkie (Yki) from the nucleus, and restrain the expression of Yki-target genes. We did not observe changes in Yki localization inedmutant tissue and found decreased levels of expression of several Yorkie-target genes, findings inconsistent with the proposed effect of Ed on Yki. We did, however, observe increased expression of several Yki-target genes in wild-type cells neighboringedmutant cells, which may contribute to elimination ofedmutant clones. Thus,edhas two distinct functions: an anti-apoptotic function by maintaining Diap1 levels, and a function to arrest growth at the appropriate final size. Both of these are unlikely to be explained by a simple effect on the Hippo pathway.
Ultrafast Power Doppler Ultrasound Enables Longitudinal Tracking of Vascular Changes that Correlate with Immune Response After Radiotherapy
Authors: Martello Shannon E. , Xia Jixin , Kusunose Jiro , Hacker Benjamin C. , Mayeaux McKenzie A. , Lin Erica J. , Hawkes Adrienne , Singh Aparna , Caskey Charles F. , Rafat Marjan
Published: August 2023

Background

While immunotherapy shows great promise in patients with triple negative breast cancer, many will not respond to treatment. Radiotherapy has the potential to prime the tumor-immune microenvironment for immunotherapy. However, predicting response is difficult due to tumor heterogeneity across patients, which necessitates personalized medicine strategies that incorporate tumor tracking into the therapeutic approach. Here, we investigated the use of ultrasound (US) imaging of the tumor vasculature to monitor the tumor response to treatment.

Methods

We utilized ultrafast power doppler US to track the vascular response to radiotherapy over time. We used 4T1 (metastatic) and 67NR (non-metastatic) breast cancer models to determine if US measurements corroborate conventional immunostaining analysis of the tumor vasculature. To evaluate the effects of radiation, tumor volume and vascular index were calculated using US, and the correlation between vascular changes and immune cell infiltration was determined.

Results

US tumor measurements and the quantified vascular response to radiation were confirmed with caliper measurements and immunostaining, respectively, demonstrating a proof-of-principle method for non-invasive vascular monitoring. Additionally, we found significant infiltration of CD8+T cells into irradiated tumors 10 days after radiation, which followed a sustained decline in vascular index and an increase in splenic CD8+T cells that was first observed 1 day post-radiation.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal that ultrafast power doppler US can evaluate changes in tumor vasculature that are indicative of shifts in the tumor-immune microenvironment. This work may lead to improved patient outcomes through observing and predicting response to therapy.
Molecular insights into the activation of Mre11-Rad50 endonuclease activity by Sae2/CtIP
Authors: Nicolas Yoann , Bret Hélène , Cannavo Elda , Cejka Petr , Borde Valerie , Guerois Raphael
Published: August 2023

InS. cerevisiae, the Mre11-Rad50-Xrs2 (MRX)-Sae2 nuclease activity is required for the resection of DNA breaks with secondary structures or protein blocks, while in humans, the MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) homologue with CtIP is needed to initiate DNA end resection of all breaks. Phosphorylated Sae2/CtIP stimulates the endonuclease activity of MRX/N. Structural insights into the activation of the Mre11 nuclease are available only for organisms lacking Sae2/CtIP, so little is known how Sae2/CtIP activates the nuclease ensemble. Here, we uncover the mechanism of Mre11 activation by Sae2 using a combination of AlphaFold2 structural modeling, biochemical and genetic assays. We show that Sae2 stabilizes the Mre11 nuclease in a conformation poised to cleave substrate DNA. Several designs of compensatory mutations establish how Sae2 activates MRXin vitroandin vivo,validating the structural model. Last, our study uncovers how human CtIP, despite considerable sequence divergence, employs a similar mechanism to activate MRN.
Extracellular filaments revealed by affinity capture cryo-electron tomography
Authors: Engel Leeya , Zaoralová Magda , Zhou Momei , Dunn Alexander R. , Oliver Stefan L.
Published: August 2023

Cryogenic-electron tomography (cryo-ET) has provided an unprecedented glimpse into the nanoscale architecture of cells by combining cryogenic preservation of biological structures with electron tomography. Micropatterning of extracellular matrix proteins is increasingly used as a method to prepare adherent cell types for cryo-ET as it promotes optimal positioning of cells and subcellular regions of interest for vitrification, cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling, and data acquisition. Here we demonstrate a micropatterning workflow for capturing minimally adherent cell types, human T-cells and Jurkat cells, for cryo-FIB and cryo-ET. Our affinity capture system facilitated the nanoscale imaging of Jurkat cells, revealing extracellular filamentous structures. It improved workflow efficiency by consistently producing grids with a sufficient number of well positioned cells for an entire cryo-FIB session. Affinity capture can be extended to facilitate high resolution imaging of other adherent and non-adherent cell types with cryo-ET.
What claims best convey the quality of retailers' standard private label products?
Authors: Louis Didier , Lombart Cindy , Grappe Cindy G. , Durif Fabien , Florence Charton-Vachet , Untilov Olga
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Consumers consider retailers' standard private labels (PLs) as relevant choices, compared to national brands (NBs), and their demand for private label products has increased significantly over the past decade. At the same time, PLs have undergone a profound transformation as retailers have enhanced their quality. The goal of this research is to investigate the impact of claims used to highlight the enhanced quality of standard PL products on consumers' perceptions and behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

A between-subjects experiment, set in a store laboratory, was used to study consumers' perceptions and behaviours. The impact of six non-nutrition claims – linked, according to the self-other trade-off, either to concern for consumers' health (internal to the self) or for the environment (external to the self) – on consumers' reactions has been studied. Then, the data collected were analysed with partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

This research indicates that health claims retailers make to echo consumers' own concerns have positive impacts at three basic levels: the brand, the retail chain and the store. It also highlights the central role of trust in standard PLs, which, once activated by the non-nutrition claims made by retailers and the increase in the quality of standard PLs thus inferred by consumers, can improve consumers' attitude toward the food retailers' stores and reinforce their intentions to visit again and recommend them.

Research limitations/implications

From a theoretical perspective, this research supplements cue utilisation theory as it applies this framework to standard PLs and establishes that consumers use extrinsic cues (i.e. communications on non-nutrition claims) to infer the quality of standard PL brand products. It also complements scant studies on retailers' corporate social responsibility (CSR) with quality aspects of their own labels as it specifies the levers (i.e. the claims) to use to improve retailers' CSR image and consumers' behaviours.

Practical implications

From a managerial perspective, this research highlights the superiority of retailers' claims related to consumer health and, more specifically, of claims highlighting the natural origin of ingredients. For this specific assertion, trust in the standard PL and the CSR image of the brand have direct and indirect impacts, via attitude toward the stores, on consumers' intentions to return to and to recommend these stores.

Originality/value

Despite the increasing importance of products as effective tools for communicating companies' CSR policies, scant research has been conducted on consumers' reactions to non-nutrition claims, which are increasingly prominent in the marketplace.
Leader's work engagement in relation to team performance is a contagion event explained through the lens of affective process theory
Authors: Yun Mansik
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the current research is (1) to test affective mechanisms by which a leader's work engagement predicts team performance via a follower's work engagement in a trickle-down fashion and (2) to examine the moderating role of relational identification with the leader on the trickle-down effect.

Design/methodology/approach

Multisource and three-wave data was collected from 404 followers working in 76 teams from a construction company in South Korea. By aggregating all study variables, a 2-2-2 level approach by using the PROCESS macro with bootstrapping (10,000 samples) in SPSS was used to test the proposed model.

Findings

The current research uses a team-level analysis to examine (1) the effect of a leader's work engagement on team performance via a follower's work engagement and (2) moderating role of relational identification via the lens of the affective processing theory (APT) and the conservation of resource (COR) theory.

Originality/value

Based the lens of APT and COR theory, the current research found that the contagious effect of a leader's work engagement on followers is conditional. Specifically a leader's work engagement has a positive effect on followers' work engagement only when followers have a high sense of relational identification with their leader. However, a leader's work engagement has an adverse effect on followers when followers have a low sense of relational identification.
Neighbourhood cooperatives for the integrated urban regeneration of mass housing areas: speculations on a proposed model
Authors: Rosa-Jiménez Carlos , Márquez-Ballesteros María José , García-Moreno Alberto E. , Navas-Carrillo Daniel
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper seeks to define a theoretical model for the urban regeneration of mass housing areas based on citizen initiative, self-management and self-financing in the form of the neighbourhood cooperative. This paper aims to identify mechanisms for economic resource generation that enable the improvement of the urban surroundings and its buildings without assuming disproportionate economic burdens by the local residents based on two principles, the economies of scale and service provision.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is structured in three phases: a literature review of the different trends in self-financing for urban regeneration and the conceptual framework for the definition of a cooperative model; the definition of theoretical model by analysing community ecosystem, neighbourhood-based services and the requirements for its economic equilibrium; and the discussion of the results and the conclusions.

Findings

The results show the potential of the cooperative model to generate a social economy capable of reducing costs and producing additional resources to finance the rehabilitation process. The findings show not only the extent of economic advantages but also multiple social, physical and environmental benefits. Its implementation involves the participation of multiple actors, which is one of its significant advantages.

Originality/value

The main contribution is to approach comprehensive urban rehabilitation from a collaborative understanding, overcoming the main financing difficulties of the current practices based on public subsidy policies. The model also allows an ethical relationship to be built with supplier companies by means of corporate social responsibility.
The secretome atlas of two mouse models of progeria
Authors: Quintana‐Torres Diego , Valle‐Cao Alejandra , Bousquets‐Muñoz Pablo , Freitas‐Rodríguez Sandra , Rodríguez Francisco , Lucia Alejandro , López‐Otín Carlos , López‐Soto Alejandro , Folgueras Alicia R.
Published: August 2023

Hutchinson‐Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare genetic disease caused by nuclear envelope alterations that lead to accelerated aging and premature death. Several studies have linked health and longevity to cell‐extrinsic mechanisms, highlighting the relevance of circulating factors in the aging process as well as in age‐related diseases. We performed a global plasma proteomic analysis in two preclinical progeroid models (LmnaG609G/G609G and Zmpste24−/− mice) using aptamer‐based proteomic technology. Pathways related to the extracellular matrix, growth factor response and calcium ion binding were among the most enriched in the proteomic signature of progeroid samples compared to controls. Despite the global downregulation trend found in the plasma proteome of progeroid mice, several proteins associated with cardiovascular disease, the main cause of death in HGPS, were upregulated. We also developed a chronological age predictor using plasma proteome data from a cohort of healthy mice (aged 1–30 months), that reported an age acceleration when applied to progeroid mice, indicating that these mice exhibit an “old” plasma proteomic signature. Furthermore, when compared to naturally‐aged mice, a great proportion of differentially expressed circulating proteins in progeroid mice were specific to premature aging, highlighting secretome‐associated differences between physiological and accelerated aging. This is the first large‐scale profiling of the plasma proteome in progeroid mice, which provides an extensive list of candidate circulating plasma proteins as potential biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets for further exploration and hypothesis generation in the context of both physiological and premature aging.
Pricing cloud stocks: Evidence from China
Authors: Lin Lichao , Cheung Adrian (Wai Kong)
Published: August 2023

Using factor models, we examine two pricing issues of cloud stocks in China's stock market. In particular, we test whether the Fama and French factor models are useful to explain the stock prices of cloud stocks and whether there are abnormal returns unexplained by these models. Using the daily stock prices of 1670 cloud stocks from 2012 to 2022, we find that the factor models explain up to nearly 97% of the stock return variations of the cloud stocks, and mispricing. The results are robust to alternative measure of factors, outliers, sampling period and different approaches of factor modelling.
Years of life lost to drug overdose in the Latinx community during the most recent wave of overdose deaths
Authors: Harris Rebecca A. , Mandell David S.
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives

This study estimated years of life lost (YLL) among US Latinx individuals during the most recent wave of drug overdose deaths.

Methods

A serial cross‐sectional study of YLL (life expectancy minus age at death) from death certificate records of Latinx individuals who died from drug overdoses from 2015 to mid‐2022.

Results

Over the study period, 58,209 Latinx individuals aged 15–64 years died from drug overdoses resulting in 2,266,784 YLL. Age‐group YLL differences remained stable, but gender YLL trajectories diverged.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

This study extends our understanding of the immense loss to Latinx communities from preventable drug deaths.
Unfilled prescriptions: Surveying patients' experiences with buprenorphine treatment in Massachusetts before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Rosansky Joseph A. , Albanese Mark , Phillips Joshua , Schuman‐Olivier Zev
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives

We explored potential challenges to accessing office‐based opioid treatment (OBOT) with buprenorphine during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Using Facebook advertisements, we recruited a sample of N = 72 participants and conducted four repeated‐measures analysis of variance comparing ratings of participants' abilities to access aspects of OBOT treatment.

Results

Participants reported increased difficulty filling buprenorphine prescriptions during the pandemic than before, p = .011, partial η2 = 0.092, and this was correlated with past month opioid use, r = .236, p = .042.

Discussion, Conclusions, and Scientific Significance

This is the first investigation to report unfilled prescriptions during the pandemic and an association with opioid use. Unfilled prescriptions may contribute to relapse and partially explain increased overdose deaths during COVID‐19.
Ultrasonographic description of tendons and ligaments at the palmar (plantar) aspect of the distal limb in the one humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Gadallah SM , Sharshar AM , Elsharkawy SA , Fadel MS
Published: August 2023

Objective

To provide complete anatomical and ultrasonographic description of tendons and ligaments at the palmar (plantar) aspect of the cannon and phalangeal regions of the one‐humped camel.

Design

Forty‐two (21 fore and 21 hind) clinically normal camel cadavers' limbs disarticulated at the carpal and tarsal joints and three clinically normal mature camels were included in the study. Six cadaver limbs (three fore and three hind) were dissected, and another six limbs specimens (three fore and three hind) were frozen at −20° for 1 week then sectioned transversely with an electric band saw at different distances distal to the carpometacarpal and tarsometatarsal joints. The ultrasonographic study was carried out on the live camels and 30 cadaveric limbs. The shape, echogenicity and measurements (thickness, width and cross‐sectional area) of superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), suspensory ligament (SL), and sesamoidean ligaments were recorded and the differences in values between live animals and cadaveric specimens were statistically analysed.

Results

The shape and echogenicity of SDFT, DDFT, and SL, varied between proximal, middle, and distal thirds of the cannon bone and the phalangeal region. There was no significant difference between live animal and cadaveric specimens.

Conclusion

This study provided complete description of tendons and ligaments at the palmar (plantar) aspect of the cannon and phalangeal region of the one humped camel. The data obtained serves as a reference guide for practicing veterinarians and for future studies on injury to ligaments and tendons of camel's distal extremity.
Online sustainable development goals disclosure: A comparative study in Italian and Spanish local governments
Authors: Nicolò Giuseppe , Andrades‐Peña Francisco Javier , Ferullo Diana , Martinez‐Martinez Domingo
Published: August 2023

In this study, we performed a comparative analysis to examine the extent to which local governments (LGs) in two Mediterranean countries – Spain and Italy – use their websites to disclose information related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in response to the launch of the United Nations' (UN) 2030 Agenda. We performed a manual content analysis of the official websites of all Italian and Spanish LGs with more than 100,000 inhabitants, constructing different disclosure indexes. We then used a non‐parametric statistical test to assess differences in disclosure behaviours between countries. Our findings show that the extent to which the investigated LGs disclose SDG‐related information online remains limited. Based on Oliver's (1991) strategic responses framework, we postulate that Italian and Spanish LGs have responded to the launch of the SDGs by adopting compromise and avoidance strategies.
Plumbagin induces apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and inhibits protein synthesis in LoVo colon cancer cells: A proteomic analysis
Authors: Shu Jianlong , Wang Kaijie , Zhao Danya , Zhou Yanlin
Published: August 2023

Extracted from the roots of Plumbago zeylanica L., plumbagin is a natural naphthoquinone with potential as an anticancer compound. However, no studies have investigated its impact on LoVo (colon cancer) cells, and the specific mechanisms by which plumbagin exerts its anticancer effects remain to be established. The anticancer potential of plumbagin against LoVo cells was evaluated using a battery of assays, including MTT assay, clone formation assay, transwell chamber invasion assay, and wound‐curing assay. Cell cycle analysis and cell apoptosis analysis were conducted to break down the anticancer impact of plumbagin on LoVo cells. A label‐free proteomics technology was employed to investigate alterations in protein expression in LoVo cells treated with plumbagin. Our investigation indicated that plumbagin markedly inhibited the LoVo cells proliferation, and induced the apoptosis in LoVo cells, simultaneously induced G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest. The LC‐MS/MS proteomics assay revealed 78 proteins that were differentially expressed upon treatment with plumbagin. Bioinformatics and functional analyses indicated that these proteins were predominantly involved in protein synthesis and translation. Our findings revealed that multiple mechanisms are involved in the anticancer activity of plumbagin against LoVo cells, resulting in decreased cell viability. Proteomic analysis suggests that plumbagin may impede protein synthesis by reducing the expression of eukaryotic initiation factors. Our findings demonstrate that plumbagin exerts its anticancer activity against LoVo cells through multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and disruption of protein synthesis. These results provide new insights into the therapeutic potential of plumbagin for colon cancer treatment.
Peer relationships mediate the pathways from behavioral qualities to United States and Chinese children's loneliness
Authors: Zhang Keqin , Duan Jingyi , Gest Scott , Chen Xinyin , Liu Junsheng , Li Dan , French Doran C.
Published: August 2023

Loneliness is a perceived deficit in social relationships that is nested within broader cultural meaning systems. This longitudinal study examined predictors of loneliness in Chinese and U.S. children with the hypothesis that peer relationship parameters (number of friends, social preference, and popularity) mediate the associations between behavior qualities and loneliness differently across countries. Fifth‐grade Chinese (n = 576, Mage = 10.58 years) and U.S. (White, Black, Asian, n = 540; Mage = 10.23 years) children completed two waves of assessment within an academic year. Shyness and athletic competence more strongly predicted loneliness for U.S. children, and academic ability, and aggression more strongly predicted loneliness for Chinese children. Popularity was a mediator for U.S. children but not Chinese children.
Compression therapy in dermatology
Authors: Dissemond Joachim , Protz Kerstin , Stücker Markus
Published: August 2023

Compression therapy is a conservative therapy that can be used in many patients with dermatological conditions, especially those associated with edema. In addition to its well‐established use in venous and lymphatic disorders, there is increasing evidence that compression therapy supports the healing of inflammatory dermatoses. The presence of edema, regardless of its etiology, is an indication for the use of compression therapy.

Nowadays, a variety of materials and treatment options are available for compression therapy, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Often, compression therapy with low resting pressures is sufficient for effective therapy and is better tolerated by patients. The main contraindications to compression therapy are advanced peripheral arterial disease and decompensated heart failure.

Individual factors and economic considerations should be taken into account when deciding on compression therapy with the patient. Patient self‐management should be encouraged whenever possible. This requires education and support tools.
Towards an understanding of quality and inclusivity in human‐environment experiences
Authors: Palmer Andrew K. , Riley Mark , Brockett Beth F. T. , Evans Karl L. , Jones Laurence , Clement Sarah
Published: August 2023

As calls grow for relational approaches to nature and wellbeing research that consider reciprocity in human‐environment interactions, the concept of affordances is gaining importance as a useful way of thinking about nature experiences. Affordances provide a framework to enable individualised conceptions of nature by focusing on what is functionally meaningful to people. However, affordance thinking is currently limited in its ability to help us understand how peoples' background, culture and circumstances shape interactions with nature ‐ a critical issue with respect to inclusivity and the under‐representation of some sections of society. Bourdieu's theory of practice is a well‐established set of ‘thinking tools’ which potentially help addresses these influences. It examines how our social environment may pattern our practices, attitudes, and perceptions. In this paper, we review the various applications of affordances before providing an overview of how Bourdieu's concepts of habitus, capital and field can complement, and be integrated with, affordance thinking for novel applications to greenspace research. Bridging these areas of thinking will facilitate development of a more intersectional and complete understanding of nature experiences, including the quality and inclusivity of green and natural spaces.
Social determinants of citations: An empirical analysis of UK economists
Authors: D'Ippoliti Carlo , Gobbi Lucio , Mongeau Ospina Christian A. , Zacchia Giulia
Published: August 2023

We investigate to what extent personal proximity and similarity in professional and political attributes, besides scientific factors, help explaining citations between economists. We do so by using a unique dataset of all academic economists based in the United Kingdom, created specifically for this study by merging RePEc data on works published in the past four decades with information collected by manually processing their curriculum vitae (CVs). We investigate directed citations within each pair of authors active in a same year, finding that social factors play an important role as predictors of citations. An author is systematically more likely to cite another economist not only if they work on similar topics, but most relevantly if they have been co‐authors, faculty colleagues, alumni of the same Alma Mater, and even if they express similar political views. The implication is that citations do not signal the intrinsic quality of research outputs only, but they also capture social and professional connections. When citation counts are used to reward academics, economists have an incentive to join many and large professional communities as doing so would increase their predicted citations.