bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oligonucleotide Library Assisted Sequence Mining Reveals Promoter Sequences With Distinct Temporal Expression Dynamics For Applications InCurvibactersp. AEP1-3
Authors: Mager Maurice , Becker Lukas , Schulten Nina , Fraune Sebastian , Axmann Ilka M.
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Theß-proteobacterialspeciesCurvibactersp. AEP1-3 is a model organism for the study of symbiotic interactions as it is the most abundant bacterial colonizer of the basal metazoanHydra vulgaris. Yet, genetic tools forCurvibacterare still in an infancy: few promoters have been characterized forCurvibacter. Here we employ an oligonucleotide based strategy to find potential expression systems derived from the genome ofCurvibacter. Potential promoters were systematically mined from the genome in silico. The sequences were cloned as a mixed library into a mCherry reporter gene expression vector and single positive candidates were selected through Flow Cytometry based sorting to be further analyzed through bulk measurements. From 500 candidate sequences, 25 were identified as active promoters of varying expression strength levels. Bulk measurements revealed unique activity profiles for these sequences across growth phases. The expression levels of these promoters ranged over two orders of magnitudes and showed distinct temporal expression dynamics over the growth phases: while 3 sequences showed higher expression levels in the exponential phase than in the stationary phase, we found 12 sequences saturating expression during stationary phase and 10 that showed little discrimination between growth phases. From our library, promoters the genes encoding for DnaK, RpsL and an AHL synthase stood out as the most interesting candidates as their expression profiles fit a variety of applications. Examining the expression levels of successful candidates in relation to RNAseq read counts revealed only weak correlation between the two datasets. This underscores the importance of employing comprehensive high-throughput strategies when establishing expression systems for newly introduced model organisms.
Defining the constituents and functions of a lipid-based jumbo phage compartment
Authors: Mozumdar Deepto , Fossati Andrea , Stevenson Erica , Guan Jingwen , Nieweglowska Eliza , Rao Sanjana , Agard David , Swaney Danielle L. , Bondy-Denomy Joseph
Published: March 2024

Viruses are vulnerable to cellular defenses at the start of the infection when a single copy genome has not yet initiatedde novoviral protein synthesis. A family of jumbo phages related to phage ΦKZ, which infectsPseudomonas aeruginosa,uses a protein-based phage nucleus to protect the DNA during middle and late stages of infection, but how it is protected prior to phage nucleus assembly is unclear. To reveal the environment surrounding injected phage DNA, we determine which proteins interact with phage proteins injected with the phage genome. Here, we surprisingly identify host proteins related to membrane and lipid biology co-purifying with the injected phage protein. Staining of infected cells with lipophilic dyes revealed a clustering of host lipids co-localized with phage DNA and protein in an early phage infection (EPI) vesicle. Early gene expression is induced by the co-injected virion RNAP (vRNAP), with specific early proteins then associating with the EPI vesicle and ribosomes, likely to facilitate localized translation. As the infection progresses, the phage genome separates from the EPI vesicle and vRNAP, moving into the nascent proteinaceous phage nucleus. Enzymes involved in DNA replication and CRISPR/restriction immune nucleases notably do not localize to the EPI vesicle, supporting that DNA is not exposed at this early time point. We therefore propose that the EPI vesicle is rapidly constructed together with injected phage proteins, phage DNA, host lipids, and host membrane proteins to enable genome protection, early transcription, localized translation, and to ensure the faithful transfer of the single copy phage genome to the proteinaceous nucleus.
Clinical Retrospective Analysis: Higher Rates of Gene Mutations in the Microsatellite Stable (MSS) Population of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Liu Xionglin , Zhou Yuan , Mao Wei , Pei Haiping
Published: March 2024

With the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer, understanding different subgroups, such as the microsatellite stable (MSS) population, is crucial. Our study aimed to explore the unique characteristics and underlying genetic and epigenetic features of the microsatellite stable (MSS) population within colorectal cancer. Using 325 samples, we compared MSS with other microsatellite statuses on more than 50 clinical indicators. A significantly different overall gene mutation rate was observed in the MSS group compared to the other groups, especially in P53 mutations. No notable changes were found in epigenetics. The results suggest that MSS colorectal cancer cases are more likely to have gene mutations than other subgroups. We also found that the N stage was lower in the MSI-H group. These findings provide crucial insights that can guide future drug development and treatment plans for the MSS population.
Compartmentalized localization of perinuclear proteins within germ granules inC. elegans
Authors: Huang Xiaona , Feng Xuezhu , Yan Yong-hong , Xu Demin , Wang Ke , Zhu Chengming , Dong Meng-qiu , Huang Xinya , Guang Shouhong , Chen Xiangyang
Published: March 2024

Biomolecular condensates are nonmembrane-enclosed organelles that play important roles in distinct biological processes. Germ granules are RNA-rich condensates that are often docked on the cytoplasmic surface of germline nuclei and exist in a variety of organisms. TheC. elegansgerm granule is a condensate that is subcompartmentalized into at least 6 distinct regions, including the P granule, Z granule, E granule, Mutator foci, SIMR foci and P-body. Although a number of perinuclear proteins have been found to be enriched in germ granules, their precise localization within the subcompartments of germ granules is still unclear. Here, we systematically labeled perinuclear localized proteins with fluorescent proteins via CRISPR/Cas9 technology and further explored the perinuclear localization of these proteins. Using this nematode strain library, we identified a series of proteins localized in Z or E granules. We found that proteins that participate in distinct piRNA processing steps were localized in particular subcompartments, including the P-, Z-, and E-granules. We further identified a novel subcompartment, the D granule, which was enriched between the P granule and the nuclear pore complex. Finally, we analyzed the perinuclear localization of these germ granule subcompartments inmip-1/eggd-1mutants and found that the LOTUS domain protein MIP-1/EDDG-1 was required for the establishment of the multiphase architecture of germ granules. Overall, our work revealed germ granule architecture and redefined the localization of perinuclear proteins within germ granules. Additionally, the library of genetically modified nematode strains expressing peri-nuclear proteins labeled with fluorescent tags will facilitate research on germ granules inC. elegans.
Brownian Electric Bubble Quasiparticles
Authors: Aramberri Hugo , Íñiguez-González Jorge
Published: March 2024

Recent works on electric bubbles (including the experimental demonstration of electric skyrmions) constitute a breakthrough akin to the discovery of magnetic skyrmions some 15 years ago. So far research has focused on obtaining and visualizing these objects, which often appear to be immobile (pinned) in experiments. Thus, critical aspects of magnetic skyrmions—e.g., their quasiparticle nature, Brownian motion—remain unexplored (unproven) for electric bubbles. Here we use predictive atomistic simulations to investigate the basic dynamical properties of these objects in pinning-free model systems. We show that it is possible to find regimes where the electric bubbles can present long lifetimes (∼ns) despite being relatively small (diameter <2  nm). Additionally, we find that they can display stochastic dynamics with large and highly tunable diffusion constants. We thus establish the quasiparticle nature of electric bubbles and put them forward for the physical effects and applications (e.g., in token-based probabilistic computing) considered for magnetic skyrmions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Does inclusive leadership influence employee innovation? A multilevel investigation
Authors: Bao Ping , Liao Zhongju , Li Chao
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the cross-level effects and mechanisms of inclusive leadership on employee innovation in team contexts, and further explore the boundary conditions of inclusive leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected data from 237 leader-member dyads in 60 teams of Chinese firms. The research utilized multilevel linear models and multilevel structural equation models in the R language to test the hypothesized model.

Findings

The findings suggest that inclusive leadership has a positive impact on both employee incremental and radical innovation. Team psychological safety and employee role breadth self-efficacy mediate the effects. Employee risk avoidance propensity negatively moderates the mediating role of role breadth self-efficacy in the relationship between inclusive leadership and incremental innovation.

Practical implications

Leaders should pay attention to team psychological safety, employee role breadth self-efficacy and employee individual risk avoidance propensity that influence employee innovation to maximize the effectiveness of inclusive leadership.

Originality/value

This research expanded the level of analysis from individual to team, exploring cross-level effects and mechanisms of inclusive leadership on employee innovation in team contexts, and clarified the effectiveness conditions of inclusive leadership.
Digital entrepreneurship intention and digital entrepreneurship behavior: the mediating role of managing learning and entrepreneurship education
Authors: Li Sihui , Bu Yajing , Zhang Zeyuan , Huang Yangjie
Published: March 2024

Purpose

With the development of the digital economy, digital entrepreneurship has become increasingly popular. For college students preparing for digital entrepreneurship, it is necessary to cope with the uncertainty of the start-up process through meaningful managing learning and continuous entrepreneurship education. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between Chinese college students' digital entrepreneurship intention and digital entrepreneurship behavior, as well as the role of managing learning and entrepreneurship education in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the existing literature, this study established the digital entrepreneurship hypothesis model and investigated the digital entrepreneurship behavior of college students.

Findings

The results showed that managing learning and entrepreneurship education can promote the transformation of the digital entrepreneurship intention to digital entrepreneurship behavior. Managing learning and entrepreneurship education played a driving role in the transformation of the digital entrepreneurship intention to digital entrepreneurship behavior.

Originality/value

This study explored the complex mechanism of the relationship between digital entrepreneurship intention and digital entrepreneurship behavior among Chinese college students. Based on survey data from 235 college students in China, the empirical results supported theoretical research hypotheses on the relationship between college students and digital entrepreneurship intention, digital entrepreneurship behavior, managing learning and entrepreneurship education.
Framing a feminist phenomenological inquiry into the lived experiences of women entrepreneurs
Authors: Oliveira Edicleia , Basini Serge , Cooney Thomas M.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This article aims to explore the potential of feminist phenomenology as a conceptual framework for advancing women’s entrepreneurship research and the suitability of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to the proposed framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The article critically examines the current state of women’s entrepreneurship research regarding the institutional context and highlights the benefits of a shift towards feminist phenomenology.

Findings

The prevailing disembodied and gender-neutral portrayal of entrepreneurship has resulted in an equivocal understanding of women’s entrepreneurship and perpetuated a male-biased discourse within research and practice. By adopting a feminist phenomenological approach, this article argues for the importance of considering the ontological dimensions of lived experiences of situatedness, intersubjectivity, intentionality and temporality in analysing women entrepreneurs’ agency within gendered institutional contexts. It also demonstrates that feminist phenomenology could broaden the current scope of IPA regarding the embodied dimension of language.

Research limitations/implications

The adoption of feminist phenomenology and IPA presents new avenues for research that go beyond the traditional cognitive approach in entrepreneurship, contributing to theory and practice. The proposed conceptual framework also has some limitations that provide opportunities for future research, such as a phenomenological intersectional approach and arts-based methods.

Originality/value

The article contributes to a new research agenda in women’s entrepreneurship research by offering a feminist phenomenological framework that focuses on the embodied dimension of entrepreneurship through the integration of IPA and conceptual metaphor theory (CMT).
Non-communicable diseases and the prospects of integrated behavioral health in India: current status and future directions
Authors: Padma Sri Lekha P. , Abdul Azeez E.P. , O'Donnell Ronald R.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Contextual to the recognition of the complex interplay between health and behavioral aspects, integrated behavioral health (IBH) has emerged. Although this model is becoming popular in the Western world, its presence in the global context is not promising. This paper aims to explore the need for IBH in India and address its barriers to implementation and possible solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

We analyzed the case of IBH and its potential implications for India using the current evidence base, authors' reflections and experience of implementing similar programs.

Findings

This paper identifies contextual factors, including increased instances of non-communicable diseases and psychosocial and cultural determinants of health, that necessitate the implementation of IBH programs in India. The key features of different IBH models and their applicability are outlined. The current status of IBH and potential challenges in implementation in India in terms of human resources and other factors are delineated. We also discuss the potential models for implementing IBH in India.

Originality/value

Integrating behavioral health in primary care is considered an effective and sustainable model to promote health and well-being across various target populations. Towards this end, this paper is the first to discuss the contextual factors of IBH in India. It is a significant addition to the knowledge base on IBH and its possible implementation barriers and strategies in low- and middle-income countries.
Towards a future conceptualization of destination resilience: exploring the role of actors, agency and resilience narratives
Authors: Posch Eva , Eckert Elena , Thiebes Benni
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Despite the widespread use and application of resilience, much uncertainty about the conceptualization and operationalization in the context of tourism destinations still exists. The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual elaboration on destination resilience and to introduce a model for an improved understanding of the concept.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking a conceptual research approach, this paper seeks to untangle the fuzziness surrounding the destination and resilience concept by providing a new interpretation that synthesizes theories and concepts from various academic disciplines. It analyses the current debate to derive theoretic baselines and conceptual elements that subsequently inform the development of a new “Destination Resilience Model”.

Findings

The contribution advances the debate by proposing three key themes for future resilience conceptualizations: (1) the value of an actor-centered and agency-based resilience perspective; (2) the importance of the dynamic nature of resilience and the (mis)use of measurement approaches; (3) the adoption of a dualistic resilience perspective distinguishing specified and general resilience. Building on these propositions, we introduce a conceptual model that innovatively links elements central to the concepts of destination and risk and combines different narratives of resilience.

Originality/value

The contribution advances the debate surrounding destination resilience by critically examining the conceptualization and operationalization of destination resilience within previous research and by subsequently proposing a “Destination Resilience Model” that picks up central element of the three new frontiers identified in the conceptually driven review. The innovative integration strengthens the comprehension of the resilience concept at destination level and supports building future capacities to manage immediate adverse impacts as well as novel and systemic risks.
Influence of website quality on online impulse buying behaviour: a systematic review of literature
Authors: Kathuria Aastha , Bakshi Apurva
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Online impulsive purchasing is growing exponentially, and website-related factors play a substantial role in this phenomenon. This study provides a comprehensive and integrative framework encompassing a variety of website-related factors influencing impulsive purchase behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a systematic literature review, which includes literature search from two prominent databases. This article consolidates the results of 60 relevant research papers, and thematic analysis is performed on various website-related aspects classified into five research topics.

Findings

The different website qualities have been classified into broad themes and their role in online impulse buying has been explored. The antecedents, moderators, mediators, and outcomes are portrayed in an integrated research framework. Possible research gaps have been identified, and a future research agenda has been proposed, representing potential research areas.

Research limitations/implications

As we have included only studies published in the English language, this review may be limited by language bias. Relevant research published in other languages might have been excluded.

Practical implications

This literature review may provide management insights to marketers and practitioners managing online retail websites. To sustain an online business in the long term, it is critical for online retailers to have a thorough understanding of all conceivable website stimuli and develop them in a way that compels consumers to make impulsive purchases.

Originality/value

This study represents an original contribution to the realm of systematic literature reviews. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first SLR that elaborately delineates the influence of website-related factors on online impulse buying behaviour.
ChatGPT’s applications in marketing: a topic modeling approach
Authors: Tafesse Wondwesen , Wien Anders
Published: March 2024

Purpose

ChatGPT is a versatile technology with practical use cases spanning many professional disciplines including marketing. Being a recent innovation, however, there is a lack of academic insight into its tangible applications in the marketing realm. To address this gap, the current study explores ChatGPT’s application in marketing by mining social media data. Additionally, the study employs the stages-of- growth model to assess the current state of ChatGPT’s adoption in marketing organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected tweets related to ChatGPT and marketing using a web-scraping technique (N = 23,757). A topic model was trained on the tweet corpus using latent Dirichlet allocation to delineate ChatGPT’s major areas of applications in marketing.

Findings

The topic model produced seven latent topics that encapsulated ChatGPT’s major areas of applications in marketing including content marketing, digital marketing, search engine optimization, customer strategy, B2B marketing and prompt engineering. Further analyses reveal the popularity of and interest in these topics among marketing practitioners.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the literature by offering empirical evidence of ChatGPT’s applications in marketing. They demonstrate the core use cases of ChatGPT in marketing. Further, the study applies the stages-of-growth model to situate ChatGPT’s current state of adoption in marketing organizations and anticipate its future trajectory.
Anthropogenic nest material use in a global sample of birds
Authors: Sheard Catherine , Stott Lucy , Street Sally E. , Healy Susan D. , Sugasawa Shoko , Lala Kevin N.
Published: March 2024

As humans increasingly modify the natural world, many animals have responded by changing their behaviour. Understanding and predicting the extent of these responses is a key step in conserving these species. For example, the tendency for some species of birds to incorporate anthropogenic items—particularly plastic material—into their nests is of increasing concern, as in some cases, this behaviour has harmful effects on adults, young and eggs. Studies of this phenomenon, however, have to date been largely limited in geographic and taxonomic scope. To investigate the global correlates of anthropogenic (including plastic) nest material use, we used Bayesian phylogenetic mixed models and a data set of recorded nest materials in 6147 species of birds. We find that, after controlling for research effort and proximity to human landscape modifications, anthropogenic nest material use is correlated with synanthropic (artificial) nesting locations, breeding environment and the number of different nest materials the species has been recorded to use. We also demonstrate that body mass, range size, conservation status and brain size do not explain variation in the recorded use of anthropogenic nest materials. These results indicate that anthropogenic materials are more likely to be included in nests when they are more readily available, as well as potentially by species that are more flexible in their nest material choice.
A Poetic Community: Colonel David Humphreys' Model Industrial Village
Authors: Mullin John R. , Kotval Zenia
Published: March 2024

This is the story of David Humphreys' efforts to plan and develop America's first sustained and successful woollen textile mill and village in the United States beginning in 1806. Informed by the debates over the future economic direction of the new nation, his efforts represented a coalescence of the pro‐agricultural thoughts and ideas commonly espoused by the Democratic‐Republican Party and the pro‐manufacturing positions of Alexander Hamilton and the Federalists. The Humphreysville experiment showed that America could competitively manufacture high‐quality woollen goods; factory‐based manufacturing could be undertaken in a healthy, safe, and moral community; and agricultural and industrial interests could be combined for the public welfare. Moreover, Humphreysville was intended to be a model village where economic, social, and cultural aspects of the community were just as important as the economic production of cloth. Many of the elements of the social planning found in Humphreysville were later applied in the Slater‐Rhode Island and Waltham‐Lowell systems of textile mills and settlements throughout the nineteenth century.
The market value of cash holdings from related‐party sales: The role of source of cash flows
Authors: Jung Sun‐Moon , Jung Taejin , Kim Natalie Kyung Won , Park Sohee
Published: March 2024

This paper finds that investors evaluate cash holdings differently based on the source of cash flows. Using cash flows from related‐party sales as a proxy for diverse sources, we find that shareholders discount the value of cash holdings for firms with higher cash flows from related‐party sales. We find that firms use related‐party sales cash flows differently; cash flows from related‐party sales are more likely to be retained as internal cash reserves or distributed as dividends, rather than utilised for necessary investments. We further document a negative valuation of investments for firms with more related‐party sales.
Alcohol drinking, DNA methylation and psychiatric disorders: A multi‐omics Mendelian randomization study to investigate causal pathways
Authors: Shi Xiaoqiang , Li Meng , Yao Jianhua , Li Ming D. , Yang Zhongli
Published: March 2024

Background and aims

Whether alcohol‐related DNA methylation has a causal effect on psychiatric disorders has not been investigated. Furthermore, a comprehensive investigation into the causal relationship and underlying mechanisms linking alcohol consumption and psychiatric disorders has been lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the causal effect of general alcohol intake and pathological drinking behaviors on psychiatric disorders, alcohol‐associated DNA methylation on gene expression and psychiatric disorders, and gene expression on psychiatric disorders.

Design

Two‐sample design Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Various sensitivity and validation analyses, including colocalization analysis, were conducted to test the robustness of the results.

Setting

Genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data mainly from GWAS and Sequencing Consortium of Alcohol and Nicotine use (GSCAN), Genetics of DNA Methylation Consortium (GoDMC) and Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) with European ancestry.

Participants

The GWAS summary data on general alcohol intake (drinks per week, n = 941 280), pathological drinking behaviors (including alcohol use disorder [AUD, n = 313 959] and problematic alcohol use [PAU, n = 435 563]) and psychiatric disorders (including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, n = 51 710–500 199) were included. Alcohol‐related DNA methylation CpG sites (n = 9643) and mQTL data from blood (n = 27 750) and brain (n = 1160), BrainMeta v2 and GTEx V8 eQTL summary data (n = 73–2865) were also included.

Measurements

Genetic variants were selected as instrumental variables for exposures, including drinks per week, AUD, PAU, alcohol‐related DNA methylation CpG sites (mQTL) and genes selected (eQTL).

Findings

Pathological drinking behaviors were associated with an increased risk of psychiatric disorders after removing outliers or controlling for alcohol consumption. MR analysis identified 10 alcohol‐related CpG sites with colocalization evidence that were causally associated with psychiatric disorders (P = 1.65 × 10−4–7.52 × 10−22). Furthermore, the expression of genes (RERE, PTK6, GATAD2B, COG8, PDF and GAS5) mapped to these CpG sites in the brain, led by the cortex, were significantly associated with psychiatric disorders (P = 1.19 × 10−2–3.51 × 10−7).

Conclusions

Pathological drinking behavior and alcohol‐related DNA methylation appear to have a causal effect on psychiatric disorders. The expression of genes regulated by the alcohol‐related DNA methylation sites may underpin this association.
Assessing oral health and the minimally important differences in oral health‐related quality of life of non‐diabetic and diabetic patients: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chen A , Ng ST , Goh V , Siu S‐C , Yeung KWS , Tsang YC , Wang Q , Leung WK
Published: March 2024

Background

Non‐diabetics and diabetics might have different oral health problems and impacts on their oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL). Comparison of oral health status and coping strategies between these patients, and evaluation of factors associated with OHRQoL might facilitate better treatment planning for improved patient‐centred outcome.

Methods

One hundred and eleven non‐diabetics and 107 diabetics attending a public hospital were clinically examined and evaluated for coping strategies (abbreviated coping orientation to problems experienced) and OHRQoL [short‐form oral health impact profile (OHIP‐14S)]. Factors associated with OHRQoL were analysed through correlation/partial correlation. Minimally important differences (MID) of OHIP‐14S were calculated to confirm associations between attachment loss, caries, and tooth loss with OHRQoL.

Results

Non‐diabetics had worse periodontal status. Diabetics had more missing teeth. Non‐diabetics and diabetics employed maladaptive coping to manage oral health problems. Overall, non‐diabetics reported worse OHRQoL. Determination of MID showed that non‐diabetics with high‐severe attachment loss and <20 teeth experienced poorer OHRQoL. Diabetics with caries, high‐severe attachment loss, and <25 teeth experienced poorer OHRQoL.

Conclusion

Different factors were associated with OHRQoL of non‐diabetics and diabetics. Delivery of treatment aimed at maintaining teeth in a periodontally healthy and caries free state, and provision of more chewing units might help improve OHRQoL of diabetics. © 2024 Australian Dental Association.
Machine learning to predict grains futures prices
Authors: Brignoli Paolo Libenzio , Varacca Alessandro , Gardebroek Cornelis , Sckokai Paolo
Published: March 2024

Accurate commodity price forecasts are crucial for stakeholders in agricultural supply chains. They support informed marketing decisions, risk management, and investment strategies. Machine learning methods have significant potential to provide accurate forecasts by maximizing out‐of‐sample accuracy. However, their inherent complexity makes it challenging to understand the appropriate data pre‐processing steps to ensure proper functionality. This study compares the forecasting performance of Long Short‐Term Memory Recurrent Neural Networks (LSTM‐RNNs) with classical econometric time series models for corn futures prices. The study considers various combinations of data pre‐processing techniques, variable clusters, and forecast horizons. Our results indicate that LSTM‐RNNs consistently outperform classical methods, particularly for longer forecast horizons. In particular, our findings demonstrate that LSTM‐RNNs are capable of automatically handling structural breaks, resulting in more accurate forecasts when trained on datasets that include such shocks. However, in our setting, LSTM‐RNNs struggle to deal with seasonality and trend components, necessitating specific data pre‐processing procedures for their removal.
Transforming environmental leadership into environmental performance: The mediating role of green intellectual capital
Authors: Xi Mengjie , Fang Wei , Feng Taiwen , Liu Yang
Published: March 2024

According to upper echelon theory, this research seeks to explore how environmental leadership (EL) influences environmental performance through green intellectual capital (GIC), while also considering environmental climate as a moderator. We analyze the data from 317 Chinese manufacturing companies in two waves to test these hypotheses. The findings suggest that EL positively affects environmental performance via green structural capital and green relational capital (GRC). Moreover, environmental climate strengthens the impacts of EL on green human capital and GRC. This research enriches the existing literature on EL and GIC by revealing the vital roles of EL in promoting environmental performance and GIC, as well as explaining the mechanism between these relationships.
Mitragynine (Kratom)—Withdrawal behaviour and cognitive impairments can be ameliorated by an epigenetic mechanism
Authors: Yunusa Suleiman , Müller Christian P. , Hassan Zurina
Published: March 2024

Background and Purpose

Kratom is a preparation from Mitragyna speciosa, which is used as a natural drug preparation for many purposes around the world. However, an overdose of Kratom may cause addiction‐like problems including aversive withdrawal states resulting in cognitive impairments via unknown mechanisms. Its main psychoactive alkaloid is mitragynine, showing opioid‐like properties.

Experimental Approach

Here, we analysed the neuropharmacological effects of mitragynine compared with morphine withdrawal in rats and searched for a pharmacological treatment option that may reverse the occurring cognitive deficits that usually aggravate withdrawal.

Key Results

We found that withdrawal from 14‐day mitragynine (1–10 mg·kg−1·day−1) treatment caused dose‐dependent behavioural withdrawal signs resembling those of morphine (5 mg·kg−1·day−1) withdrawal. However, mitragynine (5 and 10 mg·kg−1·day−1) withdrawal also induced impairments in a passive avoidance task. Mitragynine withdrawal not only reduced hippocampal field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) amplitudes in basal synaptic transmission and long‐term potentiation (LTP) but also reduced epigenetic markers, such as histone H3K9 and H4K12 expression. At the same time, it up‐regulates HDAC2 expression. Targeting the epigenetic adaptations with the HDAC inhibitor, SAHA, reversed the effects of mitragynine withdrawal on epigenetic dysregulation, hippocampal input/output curves, paired‐pulse facilitation, LTP and attenuated the cognitive deficit. However, SAHA amplified the effects of morphine withdrawal.

Conclusion and Implications

The data from this work show that changes in histone expression and downstream hippocampal plasticity may explain mitragynine, but not morphine, withdrawal behaviours and cognitive impairments. Thus, it may provide a new treatment approach for aversive Kratom/mitragynine withdrawal and addiction.
Breaking the Silence: An Epidemiological Report on Asian American and Pacific Islander Youth Mental Health and Suicide (1999–2021)
Authors: Reyes Miles P. , Song Ivy , Bhatt Apurva
Published: March 2024

Background

Limited studies have focused on recent trends in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth suicide. This study aimed to evaluate epidemiological trends in AAPI youth suicide and reports of depressive symptoms among Asian and Pacific Islander youth in the USA.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study analyzed mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control Wide‐Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) and reports of depressive symptoms from the Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance System (YRBSS). Data from 1999 to 2021 were analyzed for suicide rates and methods used among AAPI youth aged 5–24 years. YRBSS data from 1991 to 2021 were analyzed for depressive symptoms reported by Asian American (AA) 9th–12th graders.

Results

From 1999 to 2021, 4747 AAPI youth died by suicide in the USA. Rates of suicide doubled from 3.6 to 7.1 per 100,000 during 1999–2021, with an increasing trend observed from 2014 onwards. The most common methods of suicide deaths in this population were suffocation, firearms and poisoning. Rates of suicide were higher among AA males than females, although more AA females reported depressive symptoms, including suicidal planning and attempts.

Conclusion

This study shows a concerning increase in suicide rates among AAPI youth over 1999–2021. Suffocation, firearms and poisoning were the most common methods used. While more AAPI males died by suicide, AA females reported higher rates of depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies and clinical interventions for this vulnerable population. The study also emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health stigma to improve reporting and support for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) youth.
Attenuation of neuronal ferroptosis in intracerebral hemorrhage by inhibiting HDAC1/2: Microglial heterogenization via the Nrf2/HO1 pathway
Authors: Jiang Zhiwen , Yang Heng , Ni Wei , Gao Xinjie , Pei Xu , Jiang Hanqiang , Su Jiabin , Weng Ruiyuan , Fei Yuchao , Gao Yanqin , Gu Yuxiang
Published: March 2024

Aim

The class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) implicate in microglial heterogenization and neuroinflammation following Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Ferroptosis has also been reported in the ICH model. However, the relationship between HDAC1/2's role in microglial heterogenization and neuronal ferroptosis remains unclear.

Methods

In both in vivo and in vitro models of ICH, we used Romidepsin (FK228), a selective HDAC1/2 inhibitor, to investigate its effects on microglial heterogenization and neuronal ferroptosis. In the in vitro ICH model using Hemin, a transwell system was utilized to examine how microglia‐driven inflammation and ICH‐triggered neuronal ferroptosis interact. Immunostaining, Western blotting and RT‐qPCR were used to evaluate the microglial heterogenization and neuronal ferroptosis. Microglial heterogenization, neuronal ferroptosis, and neurological dysfunctions were assessed in vivo ICH mice model performed by autologous blood injection.

Results

HDAC1/2 inhibition altered microglial heterogenization after ICH, as showing the reducing neuroinflammation and shifting microglia towards an anti‐inflammatory phenotype by immunostaining and qPCR results. HDAC1/2 inhibition reduced ferroptosis, characterized by high ROS and low GPx4 expression in HT22 cells, and reduced iron and lipid deposition post‐ICH in vivo. Additionally, the Nrf2/HO1 signaling pathway, especially acetyl‐Nrf2, activated in the in vivo ICH model due to HDAC1/2 inhibition, plays a role in regulating microglial heterogenization. Furthermore, HDAC1/2 inhibition improved sensorimotor and histological outcomes post‐ICH, offering a potential mechanism against ICH.

Conclusion

Inhibition of HDAC1/2 reduces neuro‐ferroptosis by modifying the heterogeneity of microglia via the Nrf2/HO1 pathway, with a particular focus on acetyl‐Nrf2. Additionally, this inhibition aids in the faster removal of hematomas and lessens prolonged neurological impairments, indicating novel approach for treating ICH.
Executives' Legal Expertise and Corporate Innovation
Authors: Dai Yunhao , Tong Xinchu , Jia Xiao
Published: March 2024

Research Question

This study investigates whether and how executives with legal expertise impact corporate innovation.

Research Findings

Using a sample of listed firms in China, we have the following findings: (1) Firms that hire executives with legal expertise are associated with more corporate innovation. (2) These firms talk about potential legal risks and legal advisors more often in their annual reports and have lower chances of being sued in patent litigations. (3) The innovation‐promoting effect is stronger when the firms are state‐owned enterprises, have more overseas revenue, operate in high‐tech industries, have prior patent litigation experience, and are in strong legal environments.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

The findings indicate that executives with legal expertise bring more attention to legal risks and help the firm to shape a stable environment, which can effectively promote innovation activities. Also, the innovation‐promoting effect of lawyer executives complements the role of in‐house legal counsels and the external legal environment. This paper adds to the literature on the value of executives with legal background.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our results emphasize the important role played by executives with legal expertise in corporate innovation. Given the continuing shortage of legal talents and the gradual improvement of the legal system in China, firms need to employ more legal talents to avoid potential legal risks and maintain sustainable growth.
Rack1‐mediated ferroptosis affects hindgut development in rats with anorectal malformations: Spatial transcriptome insights
Authors: Wang Chen‐Yi , Li Mu‐Yu , Li Si‐Ying , Wei Xiao‐Gao , Dong Nai‐Xuan , Liu Shu‐Ting , Yuan Zheng‐Wei , Li Bo , Pierro Agostino , Tang Xiao‐Bing , Bai Yu‐Zuo
Published: March 2024

Anorectal malformation (ARM), a common congenital anomaly of the digestive tract, is a result of insufficient elongation of the urorectal septum. The cytoplasmic protein Receptor of Activated C‐Kinase 1 (Rack1) is involved in embryonic neural development; however, its role in embryonic digestive tract development and ARM formation is unexplored. Our study explored the hindgut development and cell death mechanisms in ARM‐affected rats using spatial transcriptome analysis. We induced ARM in rats by administering ethylenethiourea via gavage on gestational day (GD) 10. On GDs 14–16, embryos from both normal and ARM groups underwent spatial transcriptome sequencing, which identified key genes and signalling pathways. Rack1 exhibited significant interactions among differentially expressed genes on GDs 15 and 16. Reduced Rack1 expression in the ARM‐affected hindgut, verified by Rack1 silencing in intestinal epithelial cells, led to increased P38 phosphorylation and activation of the MAPK signalling pathway. The suppression of this pathway downregulated Nqo1 and Gpx4 expression, resulting in elevated intracellular levels of ferrous ions, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxides. Downregulation of Gpx4 expression in the ARM hindgut, coupled with Rack1 co‐localisation and consistent mitochondrial morphology, indicated ferroptosis. In summary, Rack1, acting as a hub gene, modulates ferrous ions, lipid peroxides, and ROS via the P38‐MAPK/Nqo1/Gpx4 axis. This modulation induces ferroptosis in intestinal epithelial cells, potentially influencing hindgut development during ARM onset.
Elevation modulates the impacts of climate change on the Brazilian Cerrado flora
Authors: Silva Mateus C. , Rowland Lucy , Oliveira Rafael S. , Pennington R. Toby , Moonlight Peter
Published: March 2024

Aim

Climate change is causing species distribution to shift across the globe. Lowland taxa are moving upslope with warming, while montane species face extinction. We tested the hypothesis that elevation controls the future distribution of plant species in the Brazilian Cerrado, home of 3.5% of the Earth's flowering plants (c. 5000 endemic species) in just 0.4% of the planet's land surface.

Location

Cerrado region in Brazil.

Methods

We estimated geographical range shifts of 7398 angiosperm species by 2040 using species distribution models (SDMs). We stacked the SDMs to derive the temporal variations of species richness and composition over the Cerrado.

Results

Our results show that between 50 and 52% of the Cerrado flora will experience net range loss due to climate change. While montane species were more likely to lose range, range gain was more common among lowland taxa. We estimate that 68–73% of the Cerrado extent will face net species losses by 2040. Net species loss was more likely to occur below 743–798 metres above sea level. Virtually the entire Cerrado will experience some level of species replacement due to climate change and species turnover will intensify as elevation increases.

Main Conclusions

Our findings suggest that upslope migration allows lowland plants to track climate change (‘winners’), whereas montane taxa do not (‘losers’). As species move upslope, lowlands become local extinction hotspots and mountains harbour novel plant assemblages. Therefore, elevation exerts a central role in shaping Cerrado flora responses to climate change and potentially the long‐term efficacy of conservation and restoration efforts.
Experiences of young adults with cerebral palsy in pediatric care transitioning to adult care
Authors: Sarmiento Cristina A. , Wyrwa Jordan M. , Glaros Chloe , Holliman Brooke Dorsey , Brenner Lisa A.
Published: March 2024

Aim

To increase understanding regarding the experiences and values of young adults with cerebral palsy (CP), and their caregivers, regarding pediatric rehabilitation‐related care, including perceived barriers and potential facilitators to transition to adult care.

Method

This was a qualitative descriptive study that used 20 semi‐structured interviews (13 caregivers and seven patient–caregiver dyads).

Results

We identified four major themes: (1) the value and security of long‐term relationships; (2) feeling ‘rudderless’ navigating the logistics of transition; (3) differences in pediatric versus adult models of care; and (4) perceived lack of provider expertise and comfort in adult care settings. Young adults with CP who had not yet transitioned to adult rehabilitation care and their caregivers placed high value on provider relationships and expertise, advanced planning, communication, and coordination of care.

Interpretation

Identified barriers and potential facilitators to the transition to adult rehabilitation care reflected the uncertainty that accompanies leaving an established healthcare relationship. Challenges related to the logistics of this transition, differences in models of care, and perceived lack of provider comfort and expertise in adult care settings were also noted. Our findings could be used to develop and study patient‐centered and family‐centered transition processes for individuals with CP to promote age‐appropriate and developmentally appropriate lifespan care.
Standardization and validation of neoLVOT assessment using three‐dimensional trans‐esophageal echocardiography before trans‐catheter mitral valve replacement
Authors: Hekal Soha , Emam Amr Y. , Thabet Nagwa , Shaaban Mahmoud , Bahaa Hesham , Elguindy Ahmed , Mahmoud‐Elsayed Hani
Published: March 2024

Background

Trans‐catheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) procedures had emerged as an alternative solution for patients who are at high risk for mitral valve surgery. Although cardiac computed tomography (CT) remains the standard method for procedural planning, there is no full agreement on the best systolic phase for quantitation of the neoLVOT. Furthermore, a new three‐dimensional trans‐esophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) based software was developed to serve as filter and or an alternative for patients who cannot have CT due to any contraindication.

Aim

To determine the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle that shows the narrowest NeoLVOT area in order to standardize the way of using these software and then to validate the 3DTEE‐based software against the CT‐based one as a gold standard, in mitral valve annulus (MA) and NeoLVOT assessment.

Methods

A single center, observational, retrospective study. Initially, a sample of 20 patients (age 62 ± 4 years, 70% men) had CT‐based analysis at mid‐diastole (80%), early‐systole (10%), mid‐systole (20%), late‐systole (30%–40%), in order to detect the best systolic phase at which the neoLVOT area is the narrowest after TMVR. Then, the end systolic phase was standardized for the analysis of 49 patients (age 57 ± 6 years, 60% men), using both the commercially available CT‐based software and the newly available 3DTEE‐based software (3mensio Structural Heart, Pie Medical Imaging, The Netherlands). The 3DTEE derived parameters were compared with the gold standard CT‐based measurements.

Results

The neoLVOT area was significantly narrower at end‐systole (224 ± 62 mm2), compared to early‐systole (299 ± 70 mm2) and mid‐systole (261 ± 75 mm2), (p = .005). Excellent correlation was found between 3DTEE and CT measurements for MA AP diameter (r = .96), IC diameter (r = .92), MA area (r = .96), MA perimeter (r = .94) and NeoLVOT area (r = .96), (all p‐values < .0001). Virtual valve sizing was based on annulus measurement and was identical between CT and 3DTEE. Interobserver and intraobserver agreements were excellent for all the measurements with ICCs > .80.

Conclusions

End‐systole is the phase that shows the narrowest neoLVOT and hence should be the standard phase used during the analysis. The 3DTEE based analysis using this new software is reliable compared to the CT‐based analysis and can be serve as an alternative analysis tool in patients who cannot have CT for any clinical contraindication or as a screening test and/or filter for all patients before proceeding to a detailed CT scan.