bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
V3 tip determinants of susceptibility to inhibition by CD4-mimetic compounds in natural clade A human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) envelope glycoproteins
Authors: Anang Saumya , Zhang Shijian , Fritschi Christopher , Chiu Ta-Jung , Smith Amos B. , Madani Navid , Sodroski Joseph
Published: August 2023

CD4-mimetic compounds (CD4mcs) bind the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) gp120 exterior envelope glycoprotein (Env) and compete for binding to CD4, the host receptor. CD4mcs prematurely trigger conformational changes in Env similar to those induced by CD4, leading to transient activation of infectivity followed by irreversible virus inactivation. Natural HIV-1 variants exhibit a wide range of susceptibilities to CD4mc inhibition, only a small fraction of which can be explained by variation in the gp120 Phe-43 cavity/vestibule where CD4mcs bind. Here, we study Envs from the resistant HIV-1BG505and the more sensitive HIV-1191955_A4clade A strains. The major determinant of the relative sensitivity of the HIV-1191955_A4Env to CD4mcs mapped to a single residue change (F317Y) in the tip of the gp120 V3 variable loop. In the Envs of several HIV-1 strains, replacement of the more prevalent Phe 317 with a tyrosine residue increased virus sensitivity to multiple CD4mcs. Tryptophan substitutions at residues 317 and 316 resulted in increases and decreases, respectively, in sensitivity to CD4mcs. Some of the gp120 V3 changes increased virus sensitivity to inactivation by both CD4mc and cold exposure, phenotypes indicative of increased Env triggerability. Infection of CD4-negative cells expressing the CCR5 coreceptor by these Env variants was triggered more efficiently by CD4mcs. For the panel of studied HIV-1 Envs, resistance to the CD4mcs was associated with decreased ability to support virus entry. These studies illustrate how variation in gp120 outside the CD4mc binding site can influence the sensitivity of natural HIV-1 strains to inhibition by these compounds.

IMPORTANCE

CD4-mimetic compounds (CD4mcs) are small-molecule inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) entry into host cells. CD4mcs target a pocket on the viral envelope glycoprotein (Env) spike that is used for binding to the receptor, CD4, and is highly conserved among HIV-1 strains. Nonetheless, naturally occurring HIV-1 strains exhibit a wide range of sensitivities to CD4mcs. Our study identifies changes distant from the binding pocket that can influence the susceptibility of natural HIV-1 strains to the antiviral effects of multiple CD4mcs. We relate the antiviral potency of the CD4mc against this panel of HIV-1 variants to the ability of the CD4mc to activate entry-related changes in Env conformation prematurely. These findings will guide efforts to improve the potency and breadth of CD4mcs against natural HIV-1 variants.
Prodomain-driven enzyme dimerization, a potent pH-dependent autoinhibition mechanism to controlPlasmodiumSub1 subtilisin-like activity prior to prime merozoite egress
Authors: Martinez Mariano , Bouillon Anthony , Brule Sébastien , Raynal Bertrand , Haouz Ahmed , Alzari Pedro M. , Barale Jean-Christophe
Published: August 2023

Malaria symptoms are associated with the asexual multiplication ofPlasmodium falciparumwithin human red blood cells (RBC) and fever peaks coincide with the egress of daughter merozoites following the rupture of the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) and the RBC membranes (RBC). Over the last two decades it has emerged that the release of competent merozoites is tightly regulated by a complex cascade of events, including the unusual multi- step activation mechanism of the pivotal subtilisin-like protease 1 (Sub1) that takes place in three different cellular compartments and remains poorly understood. Following an initial auto- maturation in the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) between its pro- and catalytic domains, the Sub1 prodomain (PD) undergo further cleavages by the parasite aspartic protease plasmepsin X (PmX) within acidic secretory organelles that ultimately lead to full Sub1 activation upon discharge into the parasitophorous vacuole (PV). Here we report the crystal structure of full- lengthP. falciparumSub1 (PfS1FL) and demonstrate, through structural, biochemical and biophysical studies, that the atypicalPlasmodium-specific Sub1 PD directly triggers the assembly of inactive enzyme homodimers at acidic pH, whereas Sub1 is primarily monomeric at neutral pH. Our results shed new light into the finely tuned Sub1 spatiotemporal activation during secretion, particularly the different compartmentalization of PmX processing and full Sub1 activation, and uncover a robust mechanism of pH-dependent subtilisin autoinhibition involved in the tight regulation ofP. falciparummerozoites egress from host infected cells.

Significance

Malaria fever spikes are due to the rupture of infected erythrocytes, allowing the egress ofPlasmodiumsp. merozoites and further parasite propagation. This fleeting tightly regulated event involves a cascade of enzymes, culminating with the complex activation of the subtilisin- like protease 1, Sub1. Differently than other subtilisins, Sub1 activation strictly depends upon the processing by a parasite aspartic protease within acidic merozoite secretory organelles. However, Sub1 biological activity is requested in the pH neutral parasitophorous vacuole, to prime effectors involved in the rupture of the vacuole and erythrocytic membranes. Here we show that the unusual, parasite specific Sub1 prodomain is directly responsible for its acidic- dependent dimerization and autoinhibition, required for protein secretion, before its full activation at neutral pH in a monomeric form. pH-dependent Sub1 dimerization defines a novel, essential regulatory element involved in the finely tuned spatiotemporal activation of the egress of competentPlasmodiummerozoites.
CoCoNuTs: A diverse subclass of Type IV restriction systems predicted to target RNA
Authors: Bell Ryan T. , Sahakyan Harutyun , Makarova Kira S. , Wolf Yuri I. , Koonin Eugene V.
Published: August 2023

A comprehensive census of McrBC systems, among the most common forms of prokaryotic Type IV restriction systems, followed by phylogenetic analysis, reveals their enormous abundance in diverse prokaryotes and a plethora of genomic associations. We focus on a previously uncharacterized branch, which we denote CoCoNuTs (coiled-coilnuclease tandems) for their salient features: the presence of extensive coiled-coil structures and tandem nucleases. The CoCoNuTs alone show extraordinary variety, with 3 distinct types and multiple subtypes. All CoCoNuTs contain domains predicted to interact with translation system components, such as OB-folds resembling the SmpB protein that binds bacterial transfer-messenger RNA (tmRNA), YTH-like domains that might recognize methylated tmRNA, tRNA, or rRNA, and RNA-binding Hsp70 chaperone homologs, along with RNases, such as HEPN domains, all suggesting that the CoCoNuTs target RNA. Many CoCoNuTs might additionally target DNA, via McrC nuclease homologs. Additional restriction systems, such as Type I RM, BREX, and Druantia Type III, are frequently encoded in the same predicted superoperons. In many of these superoperons, CoCoNuTs are likely regulated by cyclic nucleotides, possibly, RNA fragments with cyclic termini, that bind associated CARF (CRISPR-AssociatedRossmannFold) domains. We hypothesize that the CoCoNuTs, together with the ancillary restriction factors, employ an echeloned defense strategy analogous to that of Type III CRISPR-Cas systems, in which an immune response eliminating virus DNA and/or RNA is launched first, but then, if it fails, an abortive infection response leading to PCD/dormancy via host RNA cleavage takes over.
Human resource analytics revisited: a systematic literature review of its adoption, global acceptance and implementation
Authors: Ramachandran Rukma , Babu Vimal , Murugesan Vijaya Prabhagar
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This systematic literature review aims to explore the adoption, global acceptance and implementation of human resources (HR) analytics (HRA) by reviewing literature on the subject. HRA adoption can assist HR professionals in managing complex procedures and making strategic human resource management (SHRM) decisions more effectively. The study also aims to identify the applications of analytics in various disciplines of management.

Design/methodology/approach

The review is conducted using a domain-based structured literature review (SLR), emphasizing the diffusion of innovative thinking and the adoption process of HRA among early adopters. The philosophical stances are analyzed with the combination of research onion model and PRISMA protocol. Secondary data are gathered from published journals, books, case studies, conference proceedings, web pages and media stories as the primary source of information.

Findings

The study finds that skilled professionals and management assistance can significantly impact adoption intentions, enabling professionals to deal with analytics. The examples and analytical models provided by early adopters allow managers to manage complex processes and make SHRM decisions.

Research limitations/implications

The study suggests that the lack of use of quantitative techniques is a key limitation and should be considered in future studies. Despite the rise in the number of research papers on HRA, its application in the workplace remains limited.

Practical implications

This research can assist managers in implementing HRA and help resolve complex and inefficient processes, making SHRM decisions.

Originality/value

This study adds to the existing body of knowledge on how HRA can aid a company's efficacy and performance and can be considered one of the first to link adoption and HRA.
Higher education student intentions behind becoming an entrepreneur
Authors: Wasim Jahangir , Haj Youssef Moustafa , Christodoulou Ioannis , Reinhardt Robert
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This research aims to identify the intentions behind becoming an entrepreneur and the perception of entrepreneurial failure among different groups of students. There has been significant research discussing the motivations behind becoming an entrepreneur. However, such a research study is often focused on individuals who are already in the entrepreneurial process. Therefore, this research focuses on the understanding of the entrepreneurial process specified on the intentions of becoming an entrepreneur and the associated risk, in the context of a learning process.

Design/methodology/approach

The perspectives of students towards becoming an entrepreneur and their perception of associated risk are identified. A comparative exploratory case study method is used. Three cases developed in the light of empirical evidence consist of Business, Law and Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students.

Findings

Major results show that the law and STEM students were on the same line in terms of motivational factors, such as being career driven. In contrary, the business students were more driven by personal factors such as leaving something behind and building something meaningful.

Originality/value

Whilst studies have attempted to understand entrepreneurial intentions, little work has considered students and their views on becoming entrepreneurs. Even with studies that looked at this subject matter, the focus was mainly business students. The authors build on previous work and construct the authors' views based on multi-disciplinary student base to know more about their intentions to become an entrepreneur. The science and law students were more influenced by external factors, whereas business students were focused more on their personal goals. Such classification of the diverse intentions based on student discipline opens a new and promising research avenue to better develop entrepreneurial education not only for business students but across all disciplines in higher education.
Revisit on energy flow: accurate predictions and analysis of heatlines for thermal convection within enclosures of various configurations
Authors: Bhattacharya Madhuchhanda , Basak Tanmay
Published: August 2023

Purpose

A few earlier studies presented infeasible heatline trajectories for natural convection within annular domains involving an inner circular cylinder and outer square/circular enclosure. The purpose of this paper is to revisit and illustrate the correct heatline trajectories for various test cases.

Design/methodology/approach

Galerkin finite element based methodology and space adaptive grid have been used to simulate natural convective flows within the annular domains. The prediction of heatlines involves derivatives at the nodes, which are evaluated based on finite element basis functions and contributions from neighboring elements.

Findings

The heatlines in the earlier work indicate infeasible heat flow paths such as heat flow from one portion to the other of isothermal hot walls and heat flow across the adiabatic walls. Current results illustrate physically consistent heat flow paths involving perpendicularly emerging heatlines from hot to cold walls for conductive transport, long heat flow paths around the closed-loop heatline cells for convective transport and parallel layout of heatlines to the adiabatic walls. Results also demonstrate complex heatlines involving multiple flow vortices and complex flow structures.

Originality/value

Current work translates heatfunctions from energy flux vectors, which are determined by using basis sets. This work demonstrates the expected heatline trajectories for various scenarios involving conductive and convective heat transport within enclosures with an inner hot object as a first attempt, and the results are precursors for the understanding of energy flow estimates.
Sensation seeking and conspicuous consumption in event-based activities: the mediation role of fear of missing out (FoMO)
Authors: Dursun Mehmet Tahir , Argan Metin , Tokay Argan Mehpare , Dinç Halime
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Numerous studies have looked at why people attend events which engage in conspicuous consumerism, but they have neglected the fear of missing out on these event-based experiences. This study aims to look at the impact of sensation seeking on conspicuous consumption within the event-based activities. Moreover, the developed model examined the mediating role of the fear of missing out in this impact.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted, and a conceptual framework was performed to test hypothesized links between the three variables.

Findings

The findings show that sensation seeking affects conspicuous consumption, and fear of missing out has a mediating effect on this relationship.

Originality/value

The results of the study give some theoretical and practical implications to practitioners and researchers about aspirational class as elite consumers and high-level attendees of one-off events.
The relationship between virtuous leadership and innovation management in the pharmaceutical companies of the public business sector – Egypt
Authors: Mohammed Sanaa Mostafa , El-Ashram Reda Ebrahim
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The current paper is aimed to explore the relationship between virtuous leadership (VL) dimensions and the dimensions of innovation management (IM) among employees in pharmaceutical companies of the public business sector – Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

The current paper relied on the descriptive and analytical method and the survey paper in dealing with the paper variables. Participants for this paper consisted of (312) employees who completed a questionnaire that assessed VL and IM.

Findings

The results revealed that there is a positive, statistically significant relationship between VL and IM, Specifically, there is a positive effect of courage, justice and prudence on strategic innovation, a positive effect of courage, humanity and asceticism on technical innovation, and there is a positive effect of prudence, humanity and courage on management innovation.

Practical implications

The paper concluded that VL acts as an important tool that facilitates IM and promotes high levels of innovation for employees.

Originality/value

The current paper contributed to understanding the conditions in which employees of pharmaceutical companies have VL and provided additional guidance for effective practices of quality IM in pharmaceutical companies of the public business sector. In this study, a model was built to analyze the mechanism underlying the relationship between virtuous leadership and innovation management in pharmaceutical companies.
Accountability in French non-profit organizations: between paradox and complexity
Authors: Plaisance Guillaume
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This article examines whether accountability can contribute to the analysis of effectiveness in grassroots voluntary organizations (GVOs) in France.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on recent studies and stakeholder theory, hypotheses are formulated about the negative link between accountability and financial effectiveness and a positive link between accountability and non-financial effectiveness.

Findings

The findings show that accountability practices are positive determinants of financial indicators (apart from return on assets [ROA]) and employment of people in difficulty. In contrast, the other non-financial indicators are not explained by accountability practices.

Research limitations/implications

The study points out the complexity and paradoxes surrounding accountability and highlights the risk of insensitivity to it. It thus underlines a specific French situation, close to the risks of myopia linked to accountability. One possible explanation could be the coupling and decoupling mechanisms that allow non-profit organizations (NPOs) to regain power. Given the sometimes-random effects of accountability, producing nuanced theories is necessary, and governance should oscillate between equilibrium and adaptation in the face of stakeholders. Finally, this article introduces the risk of insensitivity of NPOs to accountability (i.e. they act as they wish, regardless of control mechanisms such as accountability).

Practical implications

This study thus reveals governance dilemmas, which could be solved through less formal, more mission-oriented, more creative and therefore heterodox accountability.

Originality/value

The French context of mistrust of certain managerial approaches and the development of codes of governance based on a disciplinary vision are confronted with a growing and critical literature on accountability in NPOs.
Unlocking the secret to happiness at work: the power of inclusive leadership, organizational justice and workplace inclusion
Authors: Jha Indu Nath , Pal Durba , Sarkar Subhadip
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Inclusive Leadership (IL) and Organizational Justice (OJ) on employees’ Happiness at Work (HAW). Utilizing a mediation mechanism, the study additionally uncovers the mediating impact of Workplace Inclusion (WI).

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved a cross-sectional study with a quantitative methodology, collecting data from 311 employees working in IT sector firms in India by administering standardized questionnaires. Statistical analyses, including Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling using SmartPLS4.0, were conducted to examine the relationship between constructs.

Findings

The hypothesized mediation model was supported. WI mediated the relationship partially between OJ and HAW, whereas there is a full mediating effect of WI on the IL–HAW relationship. Overall, the study shows that by providing fair treatment, inclusive leaders promote inclusivity among employees, further enhancing HAW.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s implications suggest that leaders, with their inclusive behaviour and fair practices, can have a significant positive impact on employees’ workplace happiness when accompanied by a sense of inclusivity among employees.

Practical implications

Organizations and leaders can utilize this study’s findings to promote inclusiveness and HAW, which can be a key to organizational growth and development in a post-pandemic era.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the research literature by addressing the unexplored relationship between IL, OJ and HAW. The exclusive as well as inclusive focus on the mediating role of WI adds new insights and enriches the understanding of the intricate conceptualization of the variables under study.
The possibilities of teaching the past: fifth grade teachers' instructional choices
Authors: Brugar Kristy A.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore decision-making of elementary teachers (n = 5) specific to US/American history content and curricular resources. More specifically for this study, the author asks the following broad research question: When presented with a collection of social studies instructional resources, how do elementary teachers describe the choices they do make/may make?

Design/methodology/approach

In this comparative case study, fifth-grade teachers were interviewed using verbal protocol methodology, they discussed their curriculum, teaching and instructional decisions as each was presented with history/social studies resources associated with newly adopted state standards.

Findings

Findings indicate these elementary teachers have professional freedom to make instructional decisions in the ways they interpreted the standards, design instruction and select materials for social studies.

Originality/value

This study contributes to and extends the research in elementary social studies. Teachers' voices and decisions are presented as intellectual and pedagogical actions associated with teaching elementary school social studies.
Green extraction of phospholipids from ghee residue using pulsed electric field processing: Process optimisation and analysis of structural and compositional parameters
Authors: Krishnegowda Rajesh , Sharma Monika , Ravindra Menon Rekha
Published: August 2023

Process parameters were optimised using Taguchi orthogonal array design for extraction of phospholipids (PLs) from ghee residue (GR) with pulsed electric field (PEF) assistance. For higher PL yield and antioxidant activity, process voltage and time were observed to be significant factors. Optimised conditions were determined as 60 kV/cm voltage at 7.5 (v/w) solvent (water)‐to‐solid ratio for 5 min. Physical disruption of GR matrix due to PEF treatment was established through scanning electron micrographs. Lipidomic profile of the extract ascertained through liquid chromatography‐mass spectrophotometry (LC–MS) revealed multiple species of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine in the resultant extract.
Female expatriates on the move? Gender diversity management in global mobility
Authors: Bader Benjamin , Bucher Jana , Sarabi Almasa
Published: August 2023

An increase in gender diversity activities and a greater societal awareness of inequality issues have led to an unprecedented focus on gender diversity management (GDM) in multinational companies (MNCs). Despite GDM efforts in MNCs, female expatriates continue to be under represented in global mobility and are still missing as an explicit target group in MNCs' GDM endeavors. Despite the evidence for gender‐related challenges concerning expatriation, global mobility does not account for gender when it comes to policy considerations. Accordingly, based on 31 in‐depth semi‐structured interviews, we seek to explore why female expatriates continue to be underrepresented in international assignments. We find that the relation between a company's global mobility management and its respective GDM is, in most cases, nonexistent. We also discover that MNCs utilize a gender‐blind approach that is shaped by stereotypes which favor the selection of male employees in global mobility.
How does depletion interact with auditors' skeptical dispositions to affect auditors' challenging of managers in negotiations?
Authors: Bhaskar Lori Shefchik , Majors Tracie M. , Vitalis Adam
Published: August 2023

We use multiple methods to examine how depletion and auditors' skeptical dispositions interact to affect auditors' challenging of managers in negotiations over financial statement amounts. We expect auditors are likely depleted from effortfully exercising self‐regulation during the busy times when these negotiations occur. Individuals in a depleted state tilt toward natural, less effortful behaviors. Thus, we posit that the effects of depletion will diverge depending on the auditor's skeptical disposition—a determinant of how natural or effortful they will find the skeptical behaviors (e.g., challenging) versus client service behaviors (e.g., maintaining the client relationship and audit efficiency) required for negotiations. We predict that client service auditors (i.e., low skeptics) will challenge managers less in negotiations when depleted versus non‐depleted, while high skeptic auditors will challenge more when depleted. We test this interactive prediction in an abstract experiment where we manipulate depletion and measure auditors' skeptical dispositions using trait skepticism. Findings support our predictions. We also develop a new measure of auditors' client service–skeptic disposition based on the skepticism literature that adds nuance to the traditional lower versus higher skeptic labels. In a second study, interviews with audit partners validate the realism of our depletion and client service–skeptic constructs and corroborate our experimental findings. Our study sheds light on depletion effects in auditors' negotiations with their clients and how the effects differ based on auditor personalities.
Ecosystem engineering in a high and cold desert: Effect of a subterranean rodent on lizard abundance and behaviour
Authors: Bongiovanni Silvina Beatriz , Borruel Díaz Natalia Gladys , Borghi Carlos Eduardo
Published: August 2023

Subterranean rodents are often considered as ecosystem engineers because they physically modify the surrounding environment due to their burrowing and foraging activities. Understanding the modifications that ecosystem engineering species exert on the environment are of crucial importance in ecology studies, since they may affect the structure and population dynamics of several species, including lizards. Thus, the objective of the present study is to test the effect that Ctenomys mendocinus exert in the abundance of Liolaemus ruibali and its escape behaviour, in a high‐elevation desert. Lizard abundance was estimated using observation transects and escape behaviour was studied with an experiment where the observer was considered by lizards as a potential predator and distance before the lizard flees was measured. All the variables were compared between areas disturbed by C. mendocinus and undisturbed ones. We found that L. ruibali was favoured by C. mendocinus activity. By creating burrow systems that serve as refuges for lizards, this rodent species increases the abundance of L. ruibali and reduces its flight distance, thereby improving its escape performance. We may suggest that C. mendocinus, through the construction of burrow systems, would be acting as an ecosystem engineer in Puna desert, affecting L. ruibali ecology.
Ecology and host manipulation by an egg‐larva parasitoid of Chrysodeixis includens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Neves Daniel V. C. , Pereira Renata R. , Campos Julia N. D. , Ramos Rodrigo S. , Junior Paulo A. S. , Carmo Daiane G. , Picanço Marcelo C.
Published: August 2023

Parasitoids are among the main natural enemies of crop pests. Copidosoma truncatellum (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is a parasitoid of Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Plusiinae), which is an important pest of soybean, bean, cotton, sunflower, tomato and potato. Copidosoma are parasitoids of lepidopteran egg‐larva, especially those of the subfamily Plusiinae. The embryonic development of the Copidosoma parasitoid begins in the lepidopteran egg, and this development extends to the beginning of the host larval stage of the parasitized lepidopteran. However, the rate of parasitism is a complex ecological relationship affected by climatic elements and age of the host. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the ecology and host manipulation exerted by the C. truncatellum parasitoid on C. includens. The research was conducted in bean crops (Phaseolus vulgaris) over 2 years. The highest rates of parasitism were observed in crops in March in both years, when it was observed that about 40% of the individuals of C. includens were parasitized by C. truncatellum. In hot seasons and with less rainfall, parasitism is greater. The age of C. includens eggs (up to 3 days) did not affect C. truncatellum parasitism. The parasitized C. includens egg and caterpillar stages, which had their durations extended, showed the parasitized C. includens caterpillars presented higher leaf consumption. Additionally, this study was conducted in the field, which makes its results representative of natural conditions. Therefore, in warm and dry seasons, more significant parasitism of C. includens by C. truncatellum is expected. Parasitism increases the duration of the stages of lepidopterans and increases food consumption by its larvae.
Family firm status and environmental disclosure: The moderating effect of board gender diversity
Authors: Maggi Barbara , Gjergji Rafaela , Vena Luigi , Sciascia Salvatore , Cortesi Alessandro
Published: August 2023

Building on agency and resource‐based view theories, this study investigates the level of environmental disclosure (ED) practices of family versus non‐family firms and explores the moderating role of board gender diversity. We test our hypotheses on a 3‐year (2018–2020) panel data sample comprising 324 observations of Italian small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises traded on the Euronext Growth Milan. Findings show that, compared to non‐family firms, companies with a family firm status are characterized by lower levels of ED. Gender diversity on the board, however, moderates this relationship, reducing this gap, to the extent that the family firm status is associated with higher ED when the number of women directors is high enough to constitute a critical mass. We consequently contribute to the studies on family business, corporate governance, and corporate social responsibility.
More than energy cost: multiple benefits of the long Achilles tendon in human walking and running
Authors: Blazevich Anthony J. , Fletcher Jared R.
Published: August 2023

Elastic strain energy that is stored and released from long, distal tendons such as the Achilles during locomotion allows for muscle power amplification as well as for reduction of the locomotor energy cost: as distal tendons perform mechanical work during recoil, plantar flexor muscle fibres can work over smaller length ranges, at slower shortening speeds, and at lower activation levels. Scant evidence exists that long distal tendons evolved in humans (or were retained from our more distant Hominoidea ancestors) primarily to allow high muscle–tendon power outputs, and indeed we remain relatively powerless compared to many other species. Instead, the majority of evidence suggests that such tendons evolved to reduce total locomotor energy cost. However, numerous additional, often unrecognised, advantages of long tendons may speculatively be of greater evolutionary advantage, including the reduced limb inertia afforded by shorter and lighter muscles (reducing proximal muscle force requirement), reduced energy dissipation during the foot–ground collisions, capacity to store and reuse the muscle work done to dampen the vibrations triggered by foot–ground collisions, reduced muscle heat production (and thus core temperature), and attenuation of work‐induced muscle damage. Cumulatively, these effects should reduce both neuromotor fatigue and sense of locomotor effort, allowing humans to choose to move at faster speeds for longer. As these benefits are greater at faster locomotor speeds, they are consistent with the hypothesis that running gaits used by our ancestors may have exerted substantial evolutionary pressure on Achilles tendon length. The long Achilles tendon may therefore be a singular adaptation that provided numerous physiological, biomechanical, and psychological benefits and thus influenced behaviour across multiple tasks, both including and additional to locomotion. While energy cost may be a variable of interest in locomotor studies, future research should consider the broader range of factors influencing our movement capacity, including our decision to move over given distances at specific speeds, in order to understand more fully the effects of Achilles tendon function as well as changes in this function in response to physical activity, inactivity, disuse and disease, on movement performance.
Development of prosocial behavior and inhibitory control in late childhood: A longitudinal exploration of sex differences and reciprocal relations
Authors: Ferschmann Lia , Overweg Ingrid , Dégeilh Fanny , Bekkhus Mona , Havdahl Alexandra , von Soest Tilmann , Tamnes Christian K.
Published: August 2023

This study examined longitudinal development of prosocial behavior, assessed by the parent‐reported Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire, and inhibitory control, measured by the Opposite Worlds Task, in a sample aged 9 and 12 years (n = 9468, 49.9% girls, 85.8% White) from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. The goal was to assess whether the level of prosocial behavior at age 9 relates to change in inhibitory control, and vice versa. Sex differences were also explored. Latent change score models showed that low inhibitory control in boys at age 9 was associated with more decreases in prosocial behavior from 9 to 12 years of age. This may suggest that interventions targeting inhibitory control in boys may also foster their social competence.
Why talk about sin? Luther's understanding of sin and hopeful sin‐talk in the 21st century
Authors: Guðmundsdóttir Arnfríður
Published: August 2023

For Luther talking about sin and the sinful nature of human beings has a strong pastoral significance. His emphasis on the “bondage” of the human will is tightly connected to his insistence on the human sinful condition, and our inability to choose to be or not to be held captive by sin. My conclusion is that it is indeed important to continue to talk about sin if the Christian discourse about God's forgiveness and grace is to make sense. Furthermore, I believe Luther's understanding of sin as misplaced trust, the distinction he makes between sin and sins, and his idea of a justified sinner can indeed make a significant contribution to a hopeful sin‐talk within Christian communities today. It is, however, necessary to pay attention to Luther's historical context and to reevaluate his understanding of human nature and human sinfulness from a feminist critical perspective.

The sin‐concept has gradually been losing its relevance within Christian communities. Therefore the question: why should we continue to talk about sin? The aim of this article is to explore Luther's understanding of sin and human sinfulness, in order to find out if, and then how, he might prove helpful when it comes to the interpretation of the concept of sin in the 21st century. The focus is on Luther's pastoral writings in The Small and The Large Catechism (1529), together with his Smalcald Articles (1537).
Identification of factors associated with progression of left atrial enlargement in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Uemura Koya , Nishimori Makoto , Nagai Shun , Takeuchi Mariko , Nishihara Yu , Todo Saki , Oota Eri , Odajima Susumu , Takeuchi Kimikazu , Ichikawa Yasushi , Kintsu Masayuki , Yamauchi Yuki , Shiraki Hiroaki , Yamashita Kentaro , Fukuda Terunobu , Hisamatsu Eriko , Hirata Ken‐ichi , Tanaka Hidekazu
Published: August 2023

Left atrial (LA) enlargement frequently occurs in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, and this enlargement is associated with the development of heart failure, thromboembolism, or atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR). AF patients can develop LA enlargement over time, but its progression depends on the individual. So far, the factors that cause progressive LA enlargement in AF patients have thus not been elucidated, so that the aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with the progression of LA enlargement in AF patients. We studied 100 patients with persistent or permanent AF (aged: 67 ± 2 years, 40 females). Echocardiography was performed at baseline and 12 (5–30) months after follow‐up. LA size was evaluated as the LA volume index which was calculated with the biplane modified Simpson's method from apical four‐and two‐chamber views, and then normalized to the body surface area (LAVI). The deterioration of AFMR after follow‐up was defined as a deterioration in severity of mitral regurgitation (MR) by a grade of 1 or more. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that hypertension (p = .03) was an independently associated parameter of progressive LA enlargement, as was baseline LAVI. In addition, the Kaplan–Meier curve indicated that patients with hypertension tended to show greater deterioration of AFMR after follow‐up than those without hypertension (log‐rank p = .08). Hypertension proved to be strongly associated with progression of LA enlargement over time in patients with AF. Our findings provide new insights for better management of patients with AF to prevent the development of AFMR.
Latitude‐specific urbanization effects on life history traits in the damselfly Ischnura elegans
Authors: Palomar Gemma , Wos Guillaume , Stoks Robby , Sniegula Szymon
Published: August 2023

Many species are currently adapting to cities at different latitudes. Adaptation to urbanization may require eco‐evolutionary changes in response to temperature and invasive species that may differ between latitudes. Here, we studied single and combined effects of increased temperatures and an invasive alien predator on the phenotypic response of replicated urban and rural populations of the damselfly Ischnura elegans and contrasted these between central and high latitudes. Adult females were collected in rural and urban ponds at central and high latitudes. Their larvae were exposed to temperature treatments (current [20°C], mild warming [24°C], and heat wave [28°C; for high latitude only]) crossed with the presence or absence of chemical cues released by the spiny‐cheek crayfish (Faxonius limosus), only present at the central latitude. We measured treatment effects on larval development time, mass, and growth rate. Urbanization type affected all life history traits, yet these responses were often dependent on latitude, temperature, and sex. Mild warming decreased mass in rural and increased growth rate in urban populations. The effects of urbanization type on mass were latitude‐dependent, with central‐latitude populations having a greater phenotypic difference. Urbanization type effects were sex‐specific with urban males being lighter and having a lower growth rate than rural males. At the current temperature and mild warming, the predator cue reduced the growth rate, and this independently of urbanization type and latitude of origin. This pattern was reversed during a heat wave in high‐latitude damselflies. Our results highlight the context‐dependency of evolutionary and plastic responses to urbanization, and caution for generalizing how populations respond to cities based on populations at a single latitude.
Diversity of CysD domains in gel‐forming mucins
Authors: Khmelnitsky Lev , Milo Ayala , Dym Orly , Fass Deborah
Published: August 2023

CysD domains are disulfide‐rich modules embedded within long O‐glycosylated regions of mucin glycoproteins. CysD domains are thought to mediate intermolecular adhesion during the intracellular bioassembly of mucin polymers and perhaps also after secretion in extracellular mucus hydrogels. The human genome encodes 18 CysD domains distributed across three different mucins. To date, experimental structural information is available only for the first CysD domain (CysD1) of the intestinal mucin MUC2, which is one of the most divergent of the CysDs. To provide experimental data on a CysD that is representative of a larger branch of the fold family, we determined the crystal structure of the seventh CysD domain (CysD7) from MUC5AC, a mucin found in the respiratory tract and stomach. The MUC5AC CysD7 structure revealed a single calcium‐binding site, contrasting with the two sites in MUC2 CysD1. The MUC5AC CysD7 structure also contained an additional α‐helix absent from MUC2 CysD1, with potential functional implications for intermolecular interactions. Lastly, the experimental structure emphasized the flexibility of the loop analogous to the main adhesion loop of MUC2 CysD1, suggesting that both sequence divergence and physical plasticity in this region may contribute to the adaptation of mucin CysD domains.
Text‐centered “talk” in foreign language classrooms: Comparing the affordances of face‐to‐face and digital social annotated reading
Authors: Michelson Kristen , Abdennebi Mourad , Michelson Chuck
Published: August 2023

This quasi‐experimental study compares text‐centered dialogs between two groups of intermediate second language (L2) French learners: traditional face‐to‐face (FTF) discussion groups; and groups who annotated and discussed texts through the digital social annotated reading (DSAR) platform,Hypothes.is. All participants read the same articles, with discussions guided by the same reading questions. Participants' dialogs in both conditions were coded based on types of discursive moves, then analyzed through a framework of social, textual, and linguistic affordances. Findings revealed that social affordances emerged significantly more frequently than other affordances among FTF groups while textual affordances emerged significantly more frequently than other affordances among DSAR groups. Findings support the benefits of DSAR tools for more anchored discussions over traditional FTF classroom discussions, with the caution that DSAR tools alone do not necessarily promote deep discussion of foreign language texts. Beyond pedagogical implications, this study suggests an expansion of theoretical frameworks of affordances in future DSAR research.
Cisnormative symbolic colonization and transgender and gender nonconforming individuals in the workplace
Authors: Anderson Karoline Anita
Published: August 2023

Cisnormativity assumes individual traits and social roles that correspond to one's gender assigned at birth. Cisnormativity in workplace culture sustains the discrimination of transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals. Research in the workplace has yet to evaluate strategies that TGNC employees use to attain personal or social goals. In the present study, the term cisnormative symbolic colonization (CSC) incorporates Habermas' theory of communicative action with symbolic interactionism to demonstrate the permeation of cisnormative dominance in workplace culture through symbolic social practices. Interviews with 15 transgender women and gender nonconforming individuals illustrated four strategies used to mitigate CSC in the workplace: bargaining, validating, symbolic‐aligning, and value‐endorsing. The findings demonstrated the dominant impact of CSC in workplace culture and revealed the employment of trans‐symbolism to integrate trans‐inclusive values in the workplace.
Sentinel lymph node assessment in melanoma: current state and future directions
Authors: Cheng Tiffany W , Hartsough Emily , Giubellino Alessio
Published: August 2023

Assessment of sentinel lymph node status is an important step in the evaluation of patients with melanoma for both prognosis and therapeutic management. Pathologists have an important role in this evaluation. The methodologies have varied over time, from the evaluation of dimensions of metastatic burden to determination of the location of the tumour deposits within the lymph node to precise cell counting. However, no single method of sentinel lymph node tumour burden measurement can currently be used as a sole independent predictor of prognosis. The management approach to sentinel lymph node‐positive patients has also evolved over time, with a more conservative approach recently recognised for selected cases. This review gives an overview of past and current status in the field with a glimpse into future directions based on prior experiences and clinical trials.
Facilitating healthcare dieticians' communication skills: A reflective practice intervention
Authors: Picknell Gareth , Cropley Brendan , Mellalieu Stephen , Hanton Sheldon
Published: August 2023

Reflective practice (RP) is a widely accepted approach for facilitating experiential learning within the professional development of service delivery practitioners. However, a dearth of empirical evidence exists to support the potential efficacy of RP for improving applied practice effectiveness. This study examined whether improving professionals' ability to engage in RP at more advanced critical levels impacted their use of communication skills (CS) in practice. A quasi‐experimental, multiple‐baseline, crossover design was employed with 20 Emirati female dieticians who were assigned to one of two groups and exposed to three RP treatments and three control periods. Baseline and postintervention measures of RP and CS were administered to assess whether improved RP skills subsequently impacted practice behaviours. A significant difference between experimental and control groups' RP scores were reported over the treatment period. For CS there was an intervention effect for: listening and rapport; questioning skills; comprehensiveness; organization; transitional statements; and approach to planning and education. The findings indicate that the intervention was successful for improving participants' reflective skills, resulting in more favourable practice behaviours (e.g., CS). This study makes a novel contribution to the literature by providing rigorous empirical evidence to support the value of RP as a metacognitive strategy for improving service delivery behaviours in health professionals.
Evaluation of sexual function after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: A farewell toIIEFquestionnaire
Authors: Shiraishi Koji
Published: August 2023

Longevity with localized prostate cancer (PCa) has been achieved, and the contribution of robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) to cancer control is evident. The next step to investigate in the treatment of localized PCa is improvement of the quality of life (QOL) after RARP. Erectile dysfunction has been considered a major surgical complication, and patient satisfaction after RARP has not improved despite the development of nerve preservation and penile rehabilitation. To comprehensively understand sexual dysfunction after RARP, we must investigate other complications with regard to sexual health, including low sexual desire, disturbed orgasmic function (i.e., anejaculation, orgasm intensity, painful orgasm, and climacturia), shortening of penile length, penile curvature (Peyronie's disease) and unique psychological alterations after the diagnosis of PCa, which are neglected side effects after prostatectomy. In this context, routine evaluation of erectile function by the International Index of Erectile Function only is not sufficient to understand patients' difficulties. A questionnaire is just one way of enabling patients to evaluate their pre‐ and postoperative concerns; listening to patients face‐to‐face is warranted to detect symptoms. Understanding the relationship between symptoms and preserved nerve localization can ultimately provide an individualized nerve‐sparing procedure and improve patient satisfaction after RARP. In combination with psychological counseling, including the partner and medical treatment, such as testosterone replacement, it is time to reconsider ways to improve sexual dysfunction after RARP.