bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and validation of click-modified of NOD1/2 agonists
Authors: Bharadwaj Ravi , Anonick Madison V. , Mashayekh Siavash , Brown Ashley , Wodzanowski Kimberly A. , Okuda Kendi , Silverman Neal , Grimes Catherine L.
Published: March 2023

NOD1 and NOD2 sense small bacterial peptidoglycan fragments often called muropeptides. These muropeptides include iE-DAP and MDP, the minimal agonists for NOD1 and NOD2, respectively. Here, we synthesized and validated alkyne-modified muropeptides, iE-DAP-Alk and MDP-Alk, for use in click-chemistry reactions. While it has long been known that many cell types respond to extracellular exposure to muropeptides, it is unclear how these innate immune activators access their cytosolic innate immune receptors, NOD1 and NOD2. The subcellular trafficking and transport mechanisms by which muropeptides access these cytosolic innate immune receptors are a major gap in our understanding of these critical host responses. The clickchemistry-enabled agonists developed here will be particularly powerful to decipher the underlying cell biology and biochemistry of NOD1 and NOD2 innate immune sensing.
Long-term evolution of proliferating cells using the eVOLVER platform
Authors: García-Ruano Daniel , Jain Akanksha , Heins Zachary J , Wong Brandon G , Wolle Ezira Yimer , Khalil Ahmad S , Coudreuse Damien
Published: March 2023

Experimental evolution using fast-growing unicellular organisms is a unique strategy for deciphering the principles and mechanisms underlying evolutionary processes as well as the architecture and wiring of basic biological functions. Over the past decade, this approach has benefited from the development of powerful systems for the continuous control of the growth of independently evolving cultures. While the first devices compatible with multiplexed experimental evolution remained challenging to implement and required constant user intervention, the recently-developed eVOLVER framework represents a fully automated closed-loop system for laboratory evolution assays. However, it remained difficult to maintain and compare parallel evolving cultures in tightly controlled environments over long periods of time using eVOLVER. Furthermore, a number of tools were lacking to cope with the various issues that inevitably occur when conducting such long-term assays. Here we present a significant upgrade of the eVOLVER framework, providing major modifications of the experimental methodology, hardware and software as well as a new standalone protocol. Altogether, these adaptations and improvements make the eVOLVER a versatile and unparalleled setup for long-term experimental evolution.
Spatiotemporal transcriptomic map of ischemic brain injury
Authors: Zucha Daniel , Abaffy Pavel , Kirdajova Denisa , Jirak Daniel , Anderova Miroslava , Kubista Mikael , Valihrach Lukas
Published: March 2023

The role of non-neuronal cells in the resolution of cerebral ischemia remains to be fully understood. To decode key cellular processes that occur after ischemia, we performed spatial and single-cell transcriptomic profiling of mouse brain tissue during the first week of injury. Cortical gene expression was severely disrupted, being defined by inflammation and cell death in the lesion core, and glial scar formation on the periphery. For each of the three major glial populations, an inflammatory-responsive state, resembling the reactive states observed in neurodegenerative contexts, was documented. The recovered spectrum of ischemia-induced oligodendrocyte states supports the emerging hypothesis that oligodendrocytes actively respond to and modulate the neuroinflammatory stimulus. Thus, we present a landmark transcriptomic dataset that provides a comprehensive view of spatiotemporal organization of processes in the post-ischemic brain and documents the conservation of glial response in CNS pathology.
Mapping the blood vasculature in an intact human kidney using hierarchical phase-contrast tomography
Authors: Rahmani Shahrokh , Jafree Daniyal J , Lee Peter D , Tafforeau Paul , Brunet Joseph , Nandanwar Sonal , Jacob Joseph , Bellier Alexandre , Ackermann Maximilian , Jonigk Danny D , Shipley Rebecca J , Long David A , Walsh Claire L
Published: March 2023

The architecture of the kidney vasculature is essential for its function. Although structural profiling of the intact rodent kidney vasculature has been performed, it is challenging to map vascular architecture of larger human organs. We hypothesised that hierarchical phase-contrast tomography (HiP-CT) would enable quantitative analysis of the entire human kidney vasculature. Combining label-free HiP-CT imaging of an intact kidney from a 63-year-old male with topology network analysis, we quantitated vasculature architecture in the human kidney down to the scale of arterioles. Although human and rat kidney vascular topologies are comparable, vascular radius decreases at a significantly faster rate in humans as vessels branch from artery towards the cortex. At branching points of large vessels, radii are theoretically optimised to minimise flow resistance, an observation not found for smaller arterioles. Structural differences in the vasculature were found in different spatial zones of the kidney reflecting their unique functional roles. Overall, this represents the first time the entire arterial vasculature of a human kidney has been mapped providing essential inputs for computational models of kidney vascular flow and synthetic vascular architectures, with implications for understanding how the structure of individual blood vessels collectively scales to facilitate organ function.
SimuCell3D: 3D Simulation of Tissue Mechanics with Cell Polarization
Authors: Runser Steve , Vetter Roman , Iber Dagmar
Published: March 2023

The 3D organisation of cells determines tissue function and integrity, and changes dramatically in development and disease. Cell-based simulations have long been used to define the underlying mechanical principles. However, large computational costs have so far limited simulations to either simplified cell geometries or small tissue patches. Here, we present SimuCell3D, a highly efficient open-source program to simulate large tissues in 3D with subcellular resolution, growth, proliferation, extracellular matrix, fluid cavities, nuclei, and non-uniform mechanical properties, as found in polarised epithelia. Spheroids, vesicles, sheets, tubes, and other tissue geometries can readily be imported from microscopy images and simulated to infer biomechanical parameters. Doing so, we show that 3D cell shapes in layered and pseudostratified epithelia are largely governed by a competition between surface tension and intercellular adhesion. SimuCell3D enables the large-scalein silicostudy of 3D tissue organization in development and disease at an unprecedented level of detail.
The Primacy of Temporal Dynamics in Driving Spatial Self-organization of Soil Redox Patterns
Authors: Dong Xiaoli , Richter Daniel de , Thompson Aaron , Wang Junna
Published: March 2023

In this study, we investigate mechanisms that generate regularly-spaced, iron banding in upland soils. These redoximorphic features appear in soils worldwide, but their genesis has been heretofore unresolved. Upland soils are highly redox dynamic, with significant redox fluctuations driven by rainfall, groundwater changes, or irrigation. Pattern formation in these highly dynamic systems provides an opportunity to investigate the temporal dimension of spatial self-organization, which is not often explored. By comparing multiple alternative mechanisms, we find that regular redox patterns in upland soils are formed by coupling two sets of scale-dependent feedbacks (SDF), the general framework underlying Turing instability. The first set of SDF is based on clay aggregation and disaggregation. The second set is realized by threshold-dependent, negative root responses to aggregated crystalline Fe(III). The former SDF amplifies Fe(III) aggregation and crystallinity to trigger the latter SDF. Neither set of SDF alone is sufficient to reproduce observed patterns. Redox oscillations driven by environmental variability play an indispensable role in pattern formation. Environmental variability creates a range of conditions at the same site for various processes in SDF to occur, albeit in different temporal windows of differing durations. In effect, environmental variability determines mean rates of pattern-forming processes over the timescale relevant to pattern formation and modifies the likelihood that pattern formation will occur. As such, projected climate change might significantly alter many self-organized systems, as well as the ecological consequences associated with the striking patterns they present. This temporal dimension of pattern formation is previously unreported and merits close attention.

Statement of Significance

Iron reactions create redox features in soils around the world. This study investigates mechanisms forming regularly-spaced iron stripes in upland soils. Upland soil redox conditions, driven by environmental variability, are highly dynamic. We show that two sets of scale-dependent feedbacks are coupled to form redox patterns and environmental variability plays a critical role in both. Significantly, environmental variability creates opportunities for various pattern-forming processes to occur at the same site in different temporal windows and determines mean process rates over the timescale relevant to pattern formation. Hence, environmental variability dictates the likelihood of pattern formation. Such a critical role of the temporal dimension in spatial self-organization has rarely been reported and has great potential for application in other self-organized ecosystems.
Bite force transmission and mandible shape in grasshoppers, crickets, and allies is largely dependent on phylogeny, not diet
Authors: Edel Carina , Rühr Peter T. , Frenzel Melina , van de Kamp Thomas , Faragó Tomáš , Hammel Jörg U. , Wilde Fabian , Blanke Alexander
Published: March 2023

Although organ systems evolve in response to many intrinsic and extrinsic factors, frequently one factor has a dominating influence. For example, mouthpart shape and mechanics are thought to correlate strongly with aspects of the diet. Within insects, this paradigm of a shape-diet connection is advocated for decades but the relationship has so far never been quantified and is mostly based on qualitative observations. Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, and allies) are a prominent case, for which mandible shape and dietary preference are thought to correlate strongly and even lead to predictions of feeding preferences. Here, we analysed mandible shape, biting efficiency, and their potential correlation with dietary categories in a phylogenetic framework for a broad sampling of several hundred extant Orthoptera covering nearly all families. The mandibular mechanical advantage was used as a descriptor of gnathal edge shape and bite force transmission efficiency. We aimed to understand how mandible shape is linked to biting efficiency and diet, and how these traits are influenced by phylogeny and allometry. The investigation reveals that feeding ecology is not the unequivocal predictor of mandible shape that it was assumed to be. There is a strong phylogenetic signal suggesting that phylogenetic history does have a much more prevalent influence on gnathal edge shape and distal mechanical advantage, than, e.g., feeding guilds or the efficiency of the force transmission to the food. Being ancestrally phytophagous, Orthoptera evolved in an environment with abundant food sources so that selective pressures leading to more specialized mouthpart shapes and force transmission efficiencies were low.
The Role of Experience in Prioritizing Hippocampal Replay
Authors: Gorriz M. Huelin , Takigawa M. , Bendor D.
Published: March 2023

During sleep, recent memories are consolidated, whereby behavioral episodes first encoded by the hippocampus get transformed into long-term memories. However, the brain cannot consolidate every experience and much like the triage of an emergency room, the hippocampus is hypothesized to give precedence to more important memories first, and deprioritize or even skip over less relevant memories if needed. Here we examine two factors that are postulated to influence this memory triage process- 1)repetition, arising from the number of times a behavioral episode is repeated,increasing the priority to consolidateand 2)familiarity, resulting from previously experiencing a similar behavioral episode, in turndecreasing the need for further consolidation. Recording from large ensembles of hippocampal place cells while rats ran repeated spatial trajectories, and afterwards during periods of sleep, we examined how these two factors influencedreplay, a hypothesized mechanism of consolidation involving the offline spontaneous reactivation of memory traces. We observed that during sleep, the rate of replay events for a given trackincreasedproportionally with the number of spatial trajectories run by the rat. In contrast to this, the rate of sleep replay eventsdecreasedif the rat was more familiar with the track, arising from previously running on the same track before its most recent sleep session. Furthermore, we find that thecumulative number of awakereplay events that occur during behavior, influenced by both the novelty and duration of an experience, predicts which memories are prioritized for sleep replay, and provides a more parsimonious mechanism for the selectively strengthening and triaging of memories.
Mrc1Claspinis essential for heterochromatin maintenance inSchizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Kawakami Kei , Ueno Yukari , Hayama Nao , Tanaka Katsunori
Published: March 2023

Heterochromatin is a highly condensed chromatin structure that represses gene expression. In eukaryotes, maintenance of the heterochromatin structure during cell proliferation is essential for guaranteeing cell identity. However, how heterochromatin is maintained and transmitted to the daughter cells remains largely unknown. In this study, we constructed a reporter system to study the maintenance of heterochromatin in the subtelomeric region of the fission yeast,Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We demonstrated that once subtelomeric heterochromatin was established, it tended to be maintained as a metastable structure through cell proliferation. Using this system, we screened anS. pombegenome-wide gene deletion library and identified 57 factors required for the maintenance of subtelomeric heterochromatin. We focused on Mrc1Claspin, a mediator of DNA replication checkpoint. We found that Mrc1 maintains heterochromatin structure not only at the subtelomeres but also at other heterochromatic loci, such as the pericentromeres and mating-type regions. Furthermore, we showed that Mrc1 facilitates the hypoacetylation state of histone H3K14 by recruiting the Snf2/Hdac-containing Repressor Complex (SHREC), via physical interaction. In addition, depletion of Mst2, an H3K14 acetyltransferase, restored heterochromatin integrity inmrc1mutants. This is the first report to show a link between DNA replication factors and H3K14 deacetylation in heterochromatin.
mRNA capping enzyme exports to cytoplasm, localizes to stress granules and maintains cap homeostasis of the target mRNAs
Authors: Gayen Anakshi , Mukherjee Avik , Majumder Shubhra , Mukherjee Chandrama
Published: March 2023

mRNA decapping is believed to trigger RNA degradation until the identification of cytoplasmic capping that has changed the epitome of RNA stability. Unlike nuclear capping machinery that includes RNA polymerase II bound mRNA Capping Enzyme (CE), N-7 RNA methyl transferase and RNMT activating protein RAM, cytoplasmic capping complex consist of cytoplasmic pool of CE (cCE) and N-7 RNA methyl transferase-RAM along with a few cytoplasmic proteins of various functions. Cytoplasmic capping has been shown to recap selective uncapped mRNAs and maintains cap homeostasis by a cyclic process of decapping and recapping. Thus, it acts as post-transcriptional nexus for the target transcripts. Our data show nuclear export of mammalian CE is regulated by Exportin1 (XPO1) pathway via a conserved Nuclear Export Signal sequence. In order to examine biological function of cCE, we show cCE forms granules during stress and majority of these granules co-localize with SGs. In order to identify how cCE regulates cap homeostasis during stress and recovery, we measured the cap status of specific cCE targeted mRNA transcripts along with non-targeted transcripts during non-stress, stress and recovery phase using Xrm1 susceptibility assay. Our data show cCE targeted mRNA transcripts lost their caps in stress condition when cCE is sequestered in granules. After removal of stress, when cCE is released, the cap status has been restored for these transcripts pointing towards the role of cCE in altering cap homeostasis and thus promoting cellular recovery from stress.
Harnessing genetic variations improving seedling vigor for successful crop establishment in deep sown direct-seeded rice
Authors: Sandhu Nitika , Ankush Ade Pooja , Singh Jasneet , Raigar Om Prakash , Bains Sutej , Jindal Taveena , Singh Mohini Prabha , Sethi Mehak , Pruthi Gomsie , Augustine Gaurav , Verma Vikas Kumar , Goyal Shivani , Kumar Aman , Panwar Harsh , Sihag Manvesh Kumar , Kaur Rupinder , Kurup Smita , Kumar Arvind
Published: March 2023

Improving seedling vigour remains key objective for breeders working with direct-seeded rice (DSR). To understand the genetic control of seedling vigour in deep sown DSR, combined genome-wide association mapping, linkage mapping, fine mapping, RNA-sequencing to identify candidate genes and validation of putative candidate genes was performed. Significant phenotypic variations were observed among genotypes in both F3:4:5and BC2F2:3populations. The mesocotyl length showed significant positive correlation with %germination, root and shoot length. The 3.79 Mb region on chromosome 7 reported to be associated with mesocotyl elongation. RNA-seq data and RT-PCR results identified and validated seven potential candidate genes. The potential candidate gene,LOC_Os07g25150codes forMyb-30-related transcription factor. TheLOC_Os07g25150codes forMyb 30-related transcription factor,LOC_Os07g17689annotated as protein translation factor,LOC_Os07g17770as tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase,LOC_Os07g15440as alanyl-tRNA synthetase family protein,LOC_Os07g24100as retrotransposon protein and the remaining others as expressed proteins. The antagonistic relationship betweenMyb-30and ethylene-mediated signalling (EIN-3) in regulating mesocotyl elongation have been observed. The functional characterization and knocking ofLOC_Os07g25150codes forMyb 30-related transcription factor may provide better understanding of the mechanism behind mesocotyl elongation. The four promising introgression lines with longer mesocotyl length, longer root length and semi-dwarf plant height have been identified.
The Transcriptional Regulator Ume6 is a Major Driver of Early Gene Expression during Gametogenesis
Authors: Harris Anthony , Ünal Elçin
Published: March 2023

The process of gametogenesis is orchestrated by a dynamic program of gene expression, where a vital subset constitutes the early meiotic genes (EMGs). In budding yeast, the transcription factor Ume6 represses EMG expression during mitosis. However, during mitosis to meiosis transition, EMGs are activated in response to the meiotic regulator Ime1 through its interaction with Ume6. While it is known that binding of Ime1 to Ume6 promotes EMG expression, the mechanism of EMG activation remains elusive. Two competing models have been proposed whereby Ime1 either forms a coactivator complex with Ume6 or promotes Ume6 degradation. Here, we resolve this controversy. First, we identify the set of genes that are directly regulated by Ume6, includingUME6itself. While Ume6 levels increase in response to Ime1, Ume6 degradation occurs much later in meiosis. Importantly, we found that depletion of Ume6 shortly before meiotic entry is detrimental to EMG activation and gamete formation, whereas tethering of Ume6 to a heterologous activation domain is sufficient to trigger EMG expression and produce viable gametes in the absence of Ime1. We conclude that Ime1 and Ume6 function as a coactivator complex. While Ume6 is indispensable for EMG expression, Ime1 primarily serves as a transactivator for Ume6.
Mapping AML heterogeneity – multi-cohort transcriptomic analysis identifies novel clusters and divergent ex-vivo drug responses
Authors: Severens Jeppe F , Karakaslar E Onur , van der Reijden Bert A , Sánchez-López Elena , van den Berg Redmar R , Halkes Constantijn JM , van Balen Peter , Veelken Hendrik , Reinders Marcel JT , Griffioen Marieke , van den Akker Erik B
Published: March 2023

Subtyping of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is predominantly based on recurrent genetic abnormalities, but recent literature indicates that transcriptomic phenotyping holds immense potential to further refine AML classification. Here we integrated five AML transcriptomic datasets with corresponding genetic information to provide an overview (n=1224) of the transcriptomic AML landscape. Consensus clustering identified 17 robust patient clusters which improved identification ofCEBPA-mutated patients with favourable outcomes, and uncovered transcriptomic subtypes forKMT2Arearrangements (2),NPM1mutations (5), and AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) (5). Transcriptomic subtypes ofKMT2A,NPM1and AML-MRC showed distinct mutational profiles, cell type differentiation arrests and immune properties, suggesting differences in underlying disease biology. Moreover, our transcriptomic clusters show differences in ex-vivo drug responses, even when corrected for differentiation arrest and superiorly capture differences in drug response compared to genetic classification. In conclusion, our findings underscore the importance of transcriptomics in AML subtyping and offer a basis for future research and personalised treatment strategies. Our transcriptomic compendium is publicly available and we supply an R package to project clusters to new transcriptomic studies.
All's (not) fair in motherhood and work? Post-partum psychological contract breach experiences of Indian first-time mothers
Authors: Varma Aparna M. , Sivarajan Rahul
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To understand how Indian first-time mothers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) organisations returning to work cope with the perceived ideological psychological contract breaches from a work–home resources perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilises interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) within the work–home resources (W-HR) model to analyse returning first-time mothers' lived experiences.

Findings

This study shows that significant life/work events such as childbirth/lack of career growth can trigger resource depletion at work and home and materialise in first-time mothers perceiving ideological psychological contract breaches at work. It has also been observed that key resource usage and macro support structures aid employees in attenuating work–home conflict by balancing contextual demands and personal resources. This study's participant accounts reveal that the recovery of volatile resources was possible by psychologically detaching and being silent.

Originality/value

The study offers a distinctive perspective by investigating the ideological PC breach experienced by first-time Indian mothers upon their organisational re-entry from a work–home resource model lens. Situated in a unique socio-cultural space and bringing forth the rich lived experiences of women working in the Indian STEM field, this paper explores how key resources shape the coping responses of first-time mothers in this context.
How and when creativity thrives in construction projects: a study of leader's humor
Authors: Siddiquei Ahmad Nabeel , Ahmad Saima , Badar Kamal , Asmi Fahad
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The present study aims to advance a new framework to spur creativity at individual and team levels in the construction industry by studying a leader's sense of humor. The authors develop and test a multi-level model to investigate the direct and indirect effects of leader's humor on creativity within teams working on construction projects. The authors draw on the benign violation theory to hypothesize that a leader's sense of humor influences the acceptability of norm violations in teams, which helps to improve their creativity. The authors also integrate the benign violation theory with the social information processing theory to examine the indirect effects of project leader's sense of humor on individual- and team-level creativity via team psychological safety.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from 165 members nested in 45 teams working on construction projects in China. The construct's factor structure and discriminant validity were established through confirmatory factor analysis. The authors used multi-level modeling via Mplus to test team-level to the individual-level direct and indirect hypotheses, while team-level direct and indirect hypotheses were tested using ordinary least squares regression.

Findings

The results show that the leader's humor has a dual positive direct effect on individual and team creativity. Furthermore, these effects are partially mediated by team psychological safety. The implications of these findings to improve the construction management theory and practice are discussed in the manuscript.

Originality/value

The current study contributes to the literature by understanding the significance of leader humor in predicting individual-level and team-level creativity within the construction sector. It expands the literature by examining team psychological safety as the underlying mechanism in the relationship between leader humor and creativity.
Outward foreign direct investment and the economic growth of Central, East and Southeast Europe: an asymmetric approach
Authors: Kurtovic Safet , Halili Blerim , Maxhuni Nehat , Krasniqi Bujar
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Previous studies have mostly estimated there to be a symmetric effect in the Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow regarding the economic growth of Central, East and Southeast European (CESEE) countries. However, for the CESEE countries, as well as for the majority of countries around the world, there has been no study that has estimated the symmetric and asymmetric effect of outward FDI on economic growth. The main objective of this study is to estimate whether the relation between outward FDI and economic growth in CESEE countries is symmetric or asymmetric.

Design/methodology/approach

This study includes a sample based on eight CESEE countries. The authors used the linear and non-linear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and annual data for the period from 1990 to 2020.

Findings

In the long run, in the linear ARDL model, a significant symmetrical effect due to OFDI on the economic growth of Romania and Slovenia was found, while in the non-linear ARDL model, a significant asymmetric effect of OFDI on the economic growth of Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovenia and Slovakia was found. In six out of the eight countries, asymmetry was found while symmetry was found in the other two. Poorer symmetry results can be ascribed to the lack of linear model neglecting the asymmetric behaviour of the positive and negative change decomposition as part of the OFDI movement, which leads to the wrong conclusion.

Originality/value

This is the first study to evaluate the asymmetric effect of outward FDI on the economic growth of eight CESEE countries.
Innovating in data-driven production environments: simulation analysis of Net-CONWIP priority rule
Authors: Diaz Rafael , Ardalan Ali
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Motivated by recent research indicating that the operational performance of an enterprise can be enhanced by building a supporting data-driven environment in which to operate, this paper presents a simulation framework that enables an examination of the effects of applying smart manufacturing principles to conventional production systems, intending to transition to digital platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the extent to which conventional production systems can be transformed into novel data-driven environments, the well-known constant work-in-process (CONWIP) production systems and considered production sequencing assignments in flowshops were studied. As a result, a novel data-driven priority heuristic, Net-CONWIP was designed and studied, based on the ability to collect real-time information about customer demand and work-in-process inventory, which was applied as part of a distributed and decentralised production sequencing analysis. Application of heuristics like the Net-CONWIP is only possible through the ability to collect and use real-time data offered by a data-driven system. A four-stage application framework to assist practitioners in applying the proposed model was created.

Findings

To assess the robustness of the Net-CONWIP heuristic under the simultaneous effects of different levels of demand, its different levels of variability and the presence of bottlenecks, the performance of Net-CONWIP with conventional CONWIP systems that use first come, first served priority rule was compared. The results show that the Net-CONWIP priority rule significantly reduced customer wait time in all cases relative to FCFS.

Originality/value

Previous research suggests there is considerable value in creating data-driven environments. This study provides a simulation framework that guides the construction of a digital transformation environment. The suggested framework facilitates the inclusion and analysis of relevant smart manufacturing principles in production systems and enables the design and testing of new heuristics that employ real-time data to improve operational performance. An approach that can guide the structuring of data-driven environments in production systems is currently lacking. This paper bridges this gap by proposing a framework to facilitate the design of digital transformation activities, explore their impact on production systems and improve their operational performance.
UGF-based signature reliability for solar panel k-out-of-n- multiplex systems
Authors: Ram Mangey , Kumar Akshay , Naaz Sadiya
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the reliability and signature reliability of solar panel k-out-of-n-multiplex system with the help of universal generating function.

Design/methodology/approach

Energy scarcity and global warming issues have become important concerns for humanity in recent decades. To solve these problems, various nations work for renewable energy sources (RESs), including sun, breeze, geothermal, wave, radioactive and biofuels. Solar energy is absorbed by solar panels, referred to as photovoltaic panels, which then transform it into electricity that can be used to power buildings or residences. Remote places can be supplied with electricity using these panels. Solar energy is often generated using a solar panel that is connected to an inverter for power supply. As a result, a converter reliability evaluation is frequently required. This paper presents a study on the reliability analysis of k-out-of-n systems with heterogeneous components. In this research, the universal generating function methodology is used to identify the reliability function and signature reliability of the solar array components. This method is commonly used to assess the tail signature and Barlow-Proschan index with independent and identically distributed components.

Findings

The Barlow-Proschan index, tail signature, signature, expected lifetime, expected cost and minimal signature of independent identically distributed are all computed.

Originality/value

This is the first study of solar panel k-out-of-n-multiplex systems to examine the signature reliability with the help of universal generating function techniques with various measures.
Tesla, Inc.: addressing ESG challenges
Authors: Subramanian Ram
Published: March 2023

Research methodology

This case is based on primary archival research. The original reports from MSCI, Sustainalytics and S&P 500 formed the foundation of the case in addition to the 144-page Tesla’s 2021 Impact Report. Secondary sources were used to provide contextual information. All sources are cited as endnotes.

Case overview/synopsis

In June 2022, Tesla, Inc., the Austin, Texas-based electric car company faced a number of challenges that called into question its environmental, social and governance (ESG) credentials. Questioning the company’s corporate governance practices, SOC Capital, a watchdog organization publicly released a letter that it had sent to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission where it had demanded that the agency sanction the company for not replacing an independent director at its next stockholder meeting. The State of California’s Department of Fair Housing and Employment filed a lawsuit alleging various counts of discrimination at Tesla’s manufacturing facility in Fremont, California. S&P Global removed the company from its index of ESG companies. This action had negative consequences for the company’s stock price. Tesla’s board of directors, led by Robyn M. Denholm, had to address Tesla’s overall approach to ESG in light of these challenges.

Complexity academic level

The case is suitable for an upper-level undergraduate or an MBA course on strategy or strategic management.The issues in the case involve the stakeholder perspective, corporate governance and the purpose of a firm. Instructors face two choices here: using this case early in the course introduces the broader stakeholder perspective early on without addressing it as an afterthought at the very end of the course. The other choice is to use it at the end because most strategy textbooks cover these topics at the back end.
Attenuating pseudo S‐wave splitting caused by vector infidelity
Authors: de Souza Bezerra Moacyr , Gaiser James E. , Simmons James L.
Published: March 2023

Shear wave (S‐wave) splitting analysis can provide knowledge about, among other properties, principal stress directions and fracture orientation. It is an essential step in multi‐component, converted wave processing. Caution must be taken, however, when performing such analysis on ocean bottom cable seismic data, which is highly susceptible to different coupling of the two horizontal components with the seafloor. Receiver coupling correction methods attempt to balance the seismic response on all components and seek to minimize spurious resonance effects. We show on field data from an ocean bottom cable seismic dataset how these coupling effects that simulate S‐wave splitting behaviour can be attenuated to significantly improve PS‐wave stack images of the shallow seabed. Furthermore, corrected pre‐stack data of all azimuths may reveal true splitting effects for stress and fracture information.
Discovery of escapee tumour cells—a milestone in cancer surgery
Authors: Wong Kevin K. F. , Fung James T. K. , Yu Carmen S. W. , Cheung Jackie S. L. , Wong W. F. , Yam P. C. , Yiu C. W. , Yiu H. L. , Leung S. K.
Published: March 2023

Background

Complete excision of tumour is the basic principle of curative surgery and traditionally oncological en‐bloc tumour resection is a common practice. However, ironically, it is questionable whether surgery itself will cause tumour spillage.

Method

From January 2019 to March 2022, 133 tumour‐related operations were performed. Routine operating field toileting was performed using warm normal saline before the end of operations. A filter was connected to the suction device throughout the whole operation processes. Sediments being trapped by the filter were sent for histopathology to look for the presence of spillage tumour cells—escapee tumour (ET) cells.

Results

A total of 26 (19.5%) of the collected residue showed the presence of ET cells while 16 residue samples (12%) revealed the presence of atypical cells. Incomplete resection (R1, R2 resection; P = .005, B = 1.519), advanced N‐stage (N2 or N3 disease; P = .031, B = 1.510) and certain cancer type (oesophageal cancer in this study; P = .027, B = −1.567) are the statistically significant factors related to the presence of ET cells.

Conclusion

Tumour spillage occurs during operations. Long‐term follow‐up and larger‐scale studies are required to determine the clinical significance of the positive ET cell cases and how to prevent tumour spillage during operations in the future.
Global governance for digital sequence information on genetic resources: Demand, progress and reforming paths
Authors: Qin Geng , Yu Hanzhi , Wu Chao
Published: March 2023

The cross‐border transmission of digital sequence information (DSI) on genetic resources is an emerging global governance issue, particularly since its inclusion in the post‐2020 framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Based on a brief review of the value of DSI and the need for global governance, this paper identifies three elemental regimes on ‘physical’ genetic resources that are in conflict: divergent principles of sovereignty claim, global multilateral sharing and intellectual property rights protection. It then traces the progress of each elemental regime on DSI and describes their ongoing conflicts. Two reform strategies for better governance are suggested: one gradual and path‐dependent and one more radical. The basis of the radical strategy is to promote labour division and cooperation among institutions of different elemental regimes within a three‐layered system of DSI values.
Primary tracheal small‐cell carcinoma detected 11 months after surgery for pulmonary large‐cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Sugimoto Chihiro , Teranishi Shuhei , Sawazumi Tomoe , Nagaoka Satoshi , Nagayama Hirokazu , Segawa Wataru , Hiro Shuntaro , Kajita Yukihito , Maeda Chihiro , Kubo Sousuke , Seki Kenichi , Tashiro Ken , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Yamamoto Masaki , Kudo Makoto , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: March 2023

Primary tracheal small‐cell carcinoma is rare, and is often treated using small‐cell lung cancer guidelines given that no standard treatment has been established for it. We report a patient in whom nodules appeared in the trachea and left main bronchus 11 months after surgery for pulmonary large‐cell neuroendocrine carcinoma; a biopsy revealed small‐cell carcinoma. Given the absence of malignant lesions elsewhere in the body, the lesions were diagnosed as primary tracheal small‐cell carcinoma. Respiratory failure progressed rapidly owing to airway stenosis caused by the growing lesion, and the patient required nasal high‐flow therapy. However, the lesions shrank a few days after commencing first‐line chemotherapy, and his respiratory failure resolved. Accelerated hyperfractionated radiotherapy was administered in conjunction with the third course of chemotherapy, and the patient ultimately achieved a complete response. Although the lesions were initially suspected of being postoperative recurrence of pulmonary large‐cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, the fact that the biopsy revealed them to be primary tracheal small‐cell carcinoma indicates that intra‐airway nodules that appear after lung cancer surgery may possibly be primary tracheal tumors.
The CSR‐19 scale: A measure of corporate social responsibility actions during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Eiadat Yousef
Published: March 2023

In this article, I developed the CSR‐19 scale to assess the perceptions company executives have of CSR actions during the COVID‐19 pandemic and to conceptualize the economic, legal, social, and environmental aspects of CSR actions as a high‐order construct. This paper's findings suggest that the legal, environmental, and social aspects of CSR actions are being perceived to positively contribute to companies' CSR actions, but the economic aspect of CSR actions is deemed to contribute negatively to companies' CSR actions. The 16‐item CSR‐19 scale shows strong evidence of reliability as well as content, convergent, and discriminant validity in a sample of 211 Jordanian companies. Managerial implications and suggestions for applying the CSR‐19 scale in future research are presented.
Designing a mate choice program: Tactics trialed and lessons learned with the critically endangered honeycreeper, 'akikiki (Oreomystis bairdi)
Authors: Alverson Donald P. , Martin Meghan S. , Hebebrand Christina T. , Greggor Alison L. , Masuda Bryce , Swaisgood Ronald R.
Published: March 2023

Practitioners have increasingly turned to conservation breeding to address species extinction. Breeding programs aim to maximize genetic diversity, but often genetic pairings are behaviorally incompatible, which can compromise offspring production. Allowing animals to choose their own mate can improve compatibility and increase the number and quality of offspring produced. However, designing mate choice protocols can be challenging when dealing with endangered species where little is known about their reproductive biology and behavior. We present the first experimental attempt to develop a mate‐choice program for the endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper, the 'akikiki (Oreomystis bairdi). We aimed to determine (1) which behaviors predict preference, (2) how best to observe preference, and (3) whether preference predicts successful socialization, nest building and egg production. We gave each female a choice between two males and assessed preference over multiple observations. Each female was then paired with a preferred or a nonpreferred male and their breeding outcomes were tracked. 'Akikiki paired with a preferred mate were more likely to lay eggs and had more eggs per clutch. We identify the optimal length, number, and complexity of observations for determining preference, thereby balancing the time investment of staff, while maximizing the potential reproductive output of the program.
Density‐dependent processes and population dynamics of native sculpin in a mountain river
Authors: Pennock Casey A. , Thiede Gary P. , Budy Phaedra
Published: March 2023

Understanding the processes governing population dynamics is important for effective conservation and environmental management. Disentangling the relative role of density‐dependent versus density‐independent processes on population dynamics is often made difficult by the inability to control for abiotic or biotic factors, but long‐term datasets are invaluable in this pursuit. We used a 14‐year dataset from the Logan River, Utah, to assess long‐term trends in abundance and evidence of density‐dependent and density‐independent effects on population dynamics of Paiute sculpin (Cottus beldingii) across six sites. Additionally, we evaluated the feeding ecology of sculpin over 4 years. Sculpin densities generally increased from upstream to downstream, and the annual per capita rate of increase was negatively and significantly correlated with sculpin density at four of six sites. We observed a negative relationship between total gut content and sculpin density but did not observe a negative relationship between relative condition and density. Sculpin displayed a generalist feeding strategy, and interannual differences in diet composition appeared to be influenced by interannual differences in flow, particularly years with higher magnitude flow. The observed spatial patterns in sculpin abundance throughout the watershed matched those of invasive brown trout (Salmo trutta), the top piscivore in the Logan River, and likely represent affinities for the suite of ecological conditions associated with downstream sections of the Logan River. Our results suggest that sculpin populations are regulated largely by density‐dependent processes and match those from other studies on sculpin population dynamics including a range of species and habitats that differ vastly in abiotic conditions.
First record of the southern green stink bug Nezara viridula (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Armenia: Extension of its invasive range in West Asia
Authors: Kalashian M. Yu. , Ghrejyan T. L. , Karagyan G. H. , Mazmanyan M. A.
Published: March 2023

The data on the first findings of the southern green stink bug Nezara viridula (Linnaeus, 1758) in Armenia are presented. The species was found in three localities in the north‐eastern part of the country, characterized by subtropical climatic conditions. The species is thought to have spread naturally from neighbouring regions of Georgia or Azerbaijan.
Three‐point bending fatigue behavior of basalt‐carbon‐glass/epoxy hybrid composites under saltwater environment
Authors: Esleman Esmael Adem , Önal Gürol
Published: March 2023

Fatigue is a sudden failure of components below the maximum strength of the material when subjected to repeated loading. This paper studies the fatigue behavior of basalt, carbon, and glass fibers/epoxy hybrid composites under three‐point flexural loading and a saltwater environment. Five different composite panels were manufactured using the VARTM. The samples were then immersed in a saltwater solution for 60, 120, and 180 days before conducting the tests. Three‐point static and fatigue tests were conducted using UTM as per ASTM D7264‐07 and ASTM D7774‐12. The S‐N and stiffness degradation curves were plotted, and the morphology of the fatigue samples was investigated using SEM. In addition, the ion penetration in the solution was detected with ICP‐OES analysis. The result shows that bending fatigue properties of all composite samples show a degradation as the immersion period increases. This might be due to micro‐hole formation as the ions move from the sample to the saltwater solution.
Can germination strategies help to understand regional co‐occurrence of two morphologically conserved congeneric macrophytes?
Authors: Beirinckx Lise , Triest Ludwig , Vanschoenwinkel Bram
Published: March 2023

In variable environments the production of dormant life stages can help organisms to avoid periods that are unsuitable for growth and reproduction, and different species may rely on different cues to break dormancy. However, it is still unclear to what extent variation in germination strategies can help to explain variation in the distributions of related species and contribute to adaptive radiation. Using standardised laboratory germination trials, we demonstrated the existence of both inter‐ and intraspecific variation in germination strategies in two congeneric species of submerged macrophytes that occur in a dynamic wetland system characterised by strong variation in salinity and hydro‐regime.

The ditch grass Ruppia maritima L. typically lives in temporary waterbodies, where it assures high seed set through a short life cycle, early flowering and self‐pollination. Its congeneric Ruppia spiralis L. ex Dumortier grows in (semi‐)permanent waterbodies where it can have a perennial life cycle. Populations are presumed to be maintained mainly through clonal growth, and seed production is lower than in R. maritima. We hypothesised that salt and temperature are two important germination cues in these ecosystems that can explain the observed differences in distribution patterns between these two species.

We exposed seeds of both species in a full factorial designed experiment to four different salinities (0‰, 7‰, 14‰ and 21‰) and two different temperature regimes (17 and 24°C, simulating spring and summer temperatures, respectively). The experiment was repeated over three consecutive inundation cycles (30 days of inundation, followed by 30 days of drought). During the third cycle, all seeds were inundated with fresh water, as salinity might constraint germination in species that rely on fresh water for germination.

We found that the R. maritima seeds had overall low germination success. The freshwater inundation caused rapid germination in seeds that previously were in a high‐salinity treatment. In R. spiralis, which inhabits more permanent habitats of variable salinity, we detected a more complex response, involving two germination peaks. These two contrasting germination strategies observed within R. spiralis could target spring or summertime growing periods respectively. We believe that the observed variation in germination strategies is an important element in ecological differentiation in the morphologically conserved genus Ruppia and may have contributed to past and ongoing speciation.