bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-ray measurement of periarticular soft tissue predict readmission complications after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Hu Hanwen , Tao Ye , Qingyuan Zheng , Zhang Guoqiang , Ni Ming
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Obesity is widely recognized as one of the risk factors for osteoarthritis. This study aims to explore the association between BMI and periarticular soft tissue on readmission complications in patients with previous joint replacement through the study of clinical and imaging data.

Methods

This retrospective study summarized 625 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. Imaging measurement data included several measurable soft tissue values and ratios on the anteroposterior. The association between BMI and imaging soft tissue measurement data with complications leading to readmission during follow-up was explored.

Results

Analyzing 761 preoperative imaging measurements and postoperative follow-up data, a significant correlation (P<0.05) emerged between postoperative readmission complications and measured soft tissue thickness around the joint. A 1:4 paired test affirmed the independent predictive power (P<0.1) of select soft tissue data for readmission complications.

Conclusion

BMI proved insufficient in evaluating obesity-related complications post total knee arthroplasty. Preoperative imaging soft tissue data exhibited superior predictive capability for anticipating readmission complications after arthroplasty.

Trial registration number: S2021-094-01

Trial registration dates: 25/03/2021 Retrospectively registered
Cerebrovascular reactivity impairment in genetic frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Kancheva Ivana , Bouzigues Arabella , Russell Lucy L. , Foster Phoebe H. , Ferry-Bolder Eve , van Swieten John , Jiskoot Lize , Seelaar Harro , Sanchez-Valle Raquel , Laforce Robert , Graff Caroline , Galimberti Daniela , Vandenberghe Rik , de Mendonça Alexandre , Tiraboschi Pietro , Santana Isabel , Gerhard Alexander , Levin Johannes , Sorbi Sandro , Otto Markus , Pasquier Florence , Ducharme Simon , Butler Chris R. , Ber Isabelle Le , Finger Elizabeth , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Masellis Mario , Synofzik Matthis , Moreno Fermin , Borroni Barbara , Rohrer Jonathan D. , van der Weerd Louise , Rowe James B. , Tsvetanov Kamen A.
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) is an indicator of cerebrovascular health and its signature in hereditary frontotemporal dementia (FTD) remains unknown. We investigated CVR in genetic FTD and its relationship to cognition.

METHODS

CVR differences were assessed between 284 pre-symptomatic and 124 symptomatic mutation carriers, and 265 non-carriers, using resting-state fluctuation amplitudes (RSFA) on component-based and voxel-level RSFA maps. Associations and interactions between RSFA, age, genetic status, and cognition were examined using generalised linear models.

RESULTS

Compared to non-carriers, mutation carriers exhibited greater RSFA reductions, predominantly in frontal cortex. These reductions increased with age. The RSFA in these regions correlated with cognitive function in symptomatic and, to a lesser extent, pre- symptomatic individuals, independent of disease stage.

DISCUSSION

CVR impairment in genetic FTD predominantly affects frontal cortical areas, and its preservation may yield cognitive benefits for at-risk individuals. Cerebrovascular health may be a potential target for biomarker identification and disease-modifying efforts.
Functional metagenomics reveals an alternative, broad-specificity pathway for metabolism of carbohydrates in human gut commensal bacteria
Authors: Nasseri Seyed Amirhossein , Lazarski Aleksander C. , Lemmer Imke L. , Zhang Chloe Y. , Brencher Eva , Chen Hong-Ming , Sim Lyann , Betschart Leo , Worrall Liam J. , Strynadka Natalie C. J. , Withers Stephen G.
Published: March 2024

The vast majority of the glycosidases characterised so far follow one of the variations of the “Koshland” mechanisms to hydrolyse glycosidic bonds. Herein we describe a large-scale screen of a human gut microbiome metagenomic library using an assay that selectively identifies non-Koshland glycosidase activities. This screen led to identification of a commonly occurring cluster of enzymes with unprecedentedly broad substrate specificities that is thoroughly characterised, mechanistically and structurally. Not only do these enzymes break glycosidic linkages of both α and β stereochemistry and multiple connectivities, but also substrates that are not cleaved by standard glycosidases. These include thioglycosides such as glucosinolates and pseudo-glycosidic bonds of pharmaceuticals such as acarbose. This is achieved via a distinct mechanism of hydrolysis that involves stepwise oxidation, elimination and hydration steps, each catalysed by enzyme modules that are in many cases interchangeable between organisms and substrate classes. These appear to constitute a substantial alternative pathway for glycan degradation.
Identification and characterization of thede novomethyltransferases for eukaryotic N6-methyladenine (6mA)
Authors: Cheng Ting , Zhang Jiachen , Li Haicheng , Diao Jinghan , Zhang Wenxin , Niu Junhua , Kataoka Kensuke , Gao Shan
Published: March 2024

DNA N6-adenine methylation (6mA) is rediscovered as an important epigenetic mark in eukaryotes. We previously identified the MT-A70 family member AMT1 as the maintenance methyltransferase (MTase), but the identity of thede novoMTase(s) for 6mA establishment remains unidentified. The unicellular model eukaryoteTetrahymena thermophilaoffers a unique opportunity for studyingde novomethylation: during sexual reproduction, the 6mA-free zygotic nucleus develops into 6mA-positive new macronucleus (MAC) marked by genome-widede novomethylation. Here we identified that TET1 and TET2 are essential forde novo6mA in the new MAC, but not for maintenance 6mA in the somatic MAC. Knockout ofTET1and/orTET2not only abolished methylation on most methylatable ApT positions, but also attenuated methylation on the rest. The substantial 6mA decrease in turn altered gene expression pattern and reduced the survival rate of sexual progenies, highlighting the importance of dedicatedde novoMTase activity.
Global coral genomic vulnerability explains recent reef losses
Authors: Selmoni Oliver , Cleves Phillip A. , Exposito-Alonso Moises
Published: March 2024

The dramatic decline of reef-building corals calls for a better understanding of coral adaptation to ocean warming. Here, we characterized genetic diversity of the widespread genusAcroporaby building a genomic database of 547 coral samples from different oceanic regions—from the Great Barrier Reef to the Persian Gulf. Through genome-environment associations, we found that differentAcroporaspecies showed evolutionary signals of heat-adaptation in the same genomic regions, pointing to genes associated with molecular heat shock responses and symbiosis. These adaptive signals were uncommon inAcroporapopulations exposed to less than two heatwaves, indicating a potential genomic vulnerability to future heat exposure. We showed that genomic vulnerability estimates corroborate local and global patterns of coral decline, and used these estimates to reassess global coral reef conservation risks and priorities.
Infection of human organoids supports an intestinal niche forChlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Hovhannisyan Pargev , Stelzner Kathrin , Keicher Markus , Paprotka Kerstin , Neyazi Mastura , Pauzuolis Mindaugas , Ali Waled Mohammed , Rajeeve Karthika , Bartfeld Sina , Rudel Thomas
Published: March 2024

Several reports suggest that intestinal tissue may be a natural niche forChlamydia trachomatisinfection and a reservoir for persistent infections in the human body. Due to the human specificity of the pathogen and the lack of suitable host models, there is limited knowledge on this topic. In our study, we modelled the course of the chlamydial infection in human primary gastrointestinal (GI) epithelial cells originating from patient-derived organoids. We show that GI cells are resistant to apical infection andC. trachomatisneeds access to the basolateral membrane to establish an infection. Transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals the presence of both normal as well as aberrant chlamydial developmental forms in the infected cells, suggesting a possible cell-type specific nature of the infection. Furthermore, we show that the plasmid-encoded Pgp3 is an important virulence factor for the infection of human GI cells. This is the first report ofC. trachomatisinfection in human primary intestinal epithelial cells supporting a possible niche for chlamydial infection in the human intestinal tissue.

Author summary

Chlamydial infection has a high global prevalence and is a major health concern. Untreated infections may cause complications and lead to serious health problems, especially in women. Although the infection is usually localized to the genital tract, experiments performed in a mouse infection model as well as the accumulating clinical data suggest that the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract might represent a hidden infection niche and a source of reinfections. In our study, we used the advantages of the organoid technology to model the chlamydial infection in patient-derived primary GI epithelial cells. We were able to show that these cells are resistant to the infection, however,Chlamydiacould utilize a basolateral entry route for efficient infection.Chlamydiaform either normal or persistent-like developmental forms in these GI epithelial cells. We also showed the importance of the plasmid-mediated virulence in the infection of human GI cells. The results obtained in the GI infection model replicated phenotypes predicted and expected forChlamydiahuman intestinal infection, and therefore support a role of the human GI tract as a potential niche for chlamydial infection.
Full-length structure of the host targeted bacterial effector Bep1 reveals a novel structural domain conserved in FIC effector proteins from Bartonella
Authors: Huber Markus , Wagner Alexander , Reiners Jens , Seyfert Carsten E. , Sharpe Timothy , Smits Sander H.J. , Schirmer Tilman , Dehio Christoph
Published: March 2024

Bacterial effector proteins translocated via a type-IV secretion system (T4SS) typically harbor a C-terminal segment required for recognition by the type-IV secretion coupling protein 1. In the alpha-proteobacterial pathogen Bartonella, the signal is bipartite being composed of a BID (Bep intracellular delivery) domain and a positively charged C-terminal tail 2. Here, we show the crystal structure of full length Bartonella effector protein 1 (Bep1), which shows a novel FIC-OB-BAS(BID) domain arrangement conserved in the majority of Beps with the BID domain inserted into the newly dis-covered BAS parent domain. We propose that the BAS domain is necessary for the overall boomerang-like shape of Bep1 and that it plays a role during translocation through the T4SS.
Semirelativistic study of the semileptonic decays of
Bq
mesons to orbital excited heavy tensors
Authors: Ke Wen-Yuan , Pei Su-Yan , Wang Tianhong , Wang Guo-Li
Published: March 2024

Based on the method of solving the complete Salpeter equation, we study the semileptonic decays of a 0− heavy meson to 1P, 2P, or 3P heavy-tensor mesons, Bq→(c¯q)(nP)ℓ+νℓ (q=u,d,s,c;n=1,2,3). The obtained branching ratio of B(B→D2⋆(2460)ℓ+νℓ) agrees with the experimental data. We predict B(Bs0→Ds2⋆−(1P)ℓ+νℓ)=3.76×10−3 and B(Bc+→χc2(1P)ℓ+νℓ)=1.82×10−3. The branching ratios of decays to 2P and 3P final states are found to be very small. The ratios R(D¯2⋆0)=0.045, R(Ds2⋆)=0.048 and R(χc2)=0.059 are also obtained. This study focuses on the contribution of relativistic corrections. The wave function of the pseudoscalar includes nonrelativistic S-wave and relativistic P-wave. While for a tensor, it contains nonrelativistic P-wave and relativistic P-, D-, and F-waves in its wave function. We find the individual contributions of relativistic partial waves are significant in the decay B→D2⋆(2460)ℓ+νℓ, but the overall contribution of the relativistic effect is 24.4%, which is small due to cancellation. Similarly, for the decay Bs0→Ds2⋆−(1P)ℓ+νℓ, the contribution of the relativistic effect is 28.8%. While for Bc+→χc2(1P)ℓ+νℓ, the individual contributions of relativistic partial waves and the overall relativistic correction are both small, the later of which is 22.1%.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Electroweak phase transition in singlet extensions of the standard model with dimension-six operators
Authors: Oikonomou V. K. , Giovanakis Apostolos
Published: March 2024

The significance of the electroweak phase transition is undeniable, and although initially it was believed that it was second order, it is now believed that it is a first-order transition. However, it is not a strong first-order phase transition in the context of the standard model, and the remedy to this issue is to use the Higgs portal and directly couple the Higgs to a hidden scalar sector. This can result in a strong electroweak phase transition, while the couplings to a hidden scalar are constrained by several phenomenological constraints, such as the sphaleron rate criterion and the branching ratio of the Higgs to invisible channels. In this work, we consider the standard singlet extensions of the standard model, including dimension-six non-renormalizable operators that couple a real singlet scalar field with the Higgs doublet. As a result, we examine the effects of those Higgs-singlet couplings on the electroweak phase transition. The effective theory, where the nonrenormalizable couplings originate from, is considered to be active beyond 15 TeV. As we show, the Universe experiences a two-step electroweak phase transition, a primary phase transition in the singlet sector at a high temperature, and then a subsequent first-order phase transition from the singlet vacuum to the electroweak vacuum. The singlet’s phase transition can either be second order or first order, depending on the singlet mass and its couplings to the Higgs. In particular, we show that the dimension-six operator assists in generating a strong electroweak phase transition in regions of the parameter space that were excluded in the previous singlet extensions of the standard model. This is further apparent for low singlet masses mS<mH/2, which are rarely taken into account in the literature due to the invisible branching ratio of the Higgs boson. In some limited cases in the parameter space, the electroweak phase transition is weakened by the presence of the higher order operator.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dark matter in a mirror solution to the strong
CP
problem
Authors: Bonnefoy Quentin , Hall Lawrence , Manzari Claudio Andrea , McCune Amara , Scherb Christiane
Published: March 2024

We study thermal production of dark matter (DM) in a realization of the minimal models of Bonnefoy [], where parity is used to solve the strong CP problem by transforming the entire Standard Model (SM) into a mirror copy. Although the mirror electron e′ is a good DM candidate, its viability is mired by the presence of the mirror up quark u′, whose abundance is intimately related to the e′ abundance and must be suppressed. This can be achieved through a sequential freeze-in mechanism, where mirror photons are first produced from SM gluons, and then the mirror photons produce e′. After computing the details of this double freeze-in, we discuss the allowed parameter space of the model, which lies at the threshold of experimental observations. We find that this origin of e′ DM requires a low reheating temperature after inflation and is consistent with the baryon asymmetry arising from leptogenesis, providing mirror neutrinos have a significant degeneracy. Finally, we show that this e′ DM is not compatible with Higgs parity, the simplest scheme with exact parity, unless SM parameters deviate significantly from their central values or the minimal model is extended.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Anatomy of diluted dark matter in the minimal left-right symmetric model
Authors: Nemevšek Miha , Zhang Yue
Published: March 2024

Temporary matter domination and late entropy dilution, injected by a “long-lived” particle in the early Universe, serves as a standard mechanism for yielding the correct dark matter relic density. We recently pointed out the cosmological significance of diluting particle’s partial decay into dark matter. When repopulated in such a way, dark matter carries higher momentum than its thermal counterpart, resulting in a suppression of the linear matter power spectrum that is constrained by the large scale structure observations. In this work, we study the impact of such constraints on the minimal left-right symmetric model that accounts for the origin of neutrino mass. We map out a systematic anatomy of possible dilution scenarios with viable parameter spaces, allowed by cosmology and various astrophysical and terrestrial constraints. We show that to accommodate the observed dark matter relic abundance the spontaneous left-right symmetry breaking scale must be above PeV and cosmology will continue to provide the most sensitive probes of it. In case the dilutor is one of the heavier right-handed neutrinos, it can be much lighter and lie near the electroweak scale.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Challenges in interpreting the NANOGrav 15-year dataset as early Universe gravitational waves produced by an ALP induced instability
Authors: Geller Michael , Ghosh Subhajit , Lu Sida , Tsai Yuhsin
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we study a possible early universe source for the recent observation of a stochastic gravitational wave background at the NANOGrav pulsar timing array. The source is a tachyonic instability in a dark gauge field induced by an axionlike particle (ALP), a known source for gravitational waves. We find that relative to the previous analysis with the NANOGrav 12.5-year dataset, the current 15-year dataset favors parameter space with a relatively larger axion mass and decay constant. This favored parameter space is heavily constrained by ΔNeff and overproduction of ALP dark matter. While there are potential mechanisms for avoiding the second problem, evading the ΔNeff constraint remains highly challenging. In particular, we find that the gravitational wave magnitude is significantly suppressed with respect to the gauge boson dark radiation, which implies that successfully explaining the NANOGrav observation requires a large additional dark radiation, violating the cosmological constraints. Satisfying the ΔNeff constraint will limit the potential contribution from this mechanism to the observed signal to at most a percent level.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Efficient tensor network simulation of IBM's largest quantum processors
Authors: Patra Siddhartha , Jahromi Saeed S. , Singh Sukhbinder , Orús Román
Published: March 2024

We show how quantum-inspired 2D tensor networks can be used to efficiently and accurately simulate the largest quantum processors from IBM, namely Eagle (127 qubits), Osprey (433 qubits), and Condor (1121 qubits). We simulate the dynamics of a complex quantum many-body system—specifically, the kicked Ising experiment considered recently by IBM in Y. Kim , —using graph-based projected entangled pair states (gPEPS), which was proposed by some of us in . Our results show that simple tensor updates are already sufficient to achieve very large unprecedented accuracy with remarkably low computational resources for this model. Apart from simulating the original experiment for 127 qubits, we also extend our results to 433 and 1121 qubits, and for evolution times around eight times longer, thus setting a benchmark for the newest IBM quantum machines. We also report accurate simulations for infinitely many qubits. Our results show that gPEPS are a natural tool to efficiently simulate quantum computers with an underlying lattice-based qubit connectivity, such as all quantum processors based on superconducting qubits.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Finding the Last Bits of Positional Information
Authors: McGough Lauren , Casademunt Helena , Nikolić Miloš , Aridor Zoe , Petkova Mariela D. , Gregor Thomas , Bialek William
Published: March 2024

In a developing embryo, information about the position of cells is encoded in the concentrations of morphogen molecules. In the fruit fly, the local concentrations of just a handful of proteins encoded by the gap genes are sufficient to specify position with a precision comparable to the spacing between cells along the anterior-posterior axis. This matches the precision of downstream events such as the striped patterns of expression in the pair-rule genes, but is not quite sufficient to define unique identities for individual cells. We demonstrate theoretically that this information gap can be bridged if positional errors are spatially correlated, with correlation lengths approximately 20% of the embryo length. We then show experimentally that these correlations are present, with the required strength, in the fluctuating positions of the pair-rule stripes, and this can be traced back to the gap genes. Taking account of these correlations, the available information matches the information needed for unique cellular specification, within error bars of approximately 2%. These observation support a precisionist view of information flow through the underlying genetic networks, in which accurate signals are available from the start and preserved as they are transformed into the final spatial patterns.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Synthesis, characterization and supramolecular analysis for (E)-3-(pyridin-4-yl)acrylic acid
Authors: Florez-Muñoz Valentina , Guerrero Andres Felipe , Macias Mario , Illicachi Luis Alberto , D'Vries Richard
Published: March 2024

The title compound, C8H7NO2, crystallizes as prismatic colourless crystals in space group P\overline{1}, with one molecule in the asymmetric unit. The pyridine ring is fused to acrylic acid, forming an almost planar structure with an E-configuration about the double bond with a torsion angle of −6.1 (2)°. In the crystal, strong O—H...N interactions link the molecules, forming chains along the [101] direction. Weak C—H...O interactions link adjacent chains along the [100] direction, generating an R
2
2(14) homosynthon. Finally, π–π stacking interactions lead to the formation of the three-dimensional structure. The supramolecular analysis was supported by Hirshfeld surface and two-dimensional fingerprint plot analysis, indicating that the most abundant contacts are associated with H...H, O...H/H...O, N...H/H...N and C...H/H...C interactions.
Interaction mechanisms of interface management risks in complex systems of high-speed rail construction projects: an association rule mining-based modeling framework
Authors: Han Yuanwen , Shen Jiang , Zhu Xuwei , An Bang , Bao Xueying
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to develop an interface management risk interaction modeling and analysis methodology applicable to complex systems in high-speed rail construction projects, reveal the interaction mechanism of interface management risk and provide theoretical support for project managers to develop appropriate interface management risk response strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces the association rule mining technique to improve the complex network modeling method. Taking China as an example, based on the stakeholder perspective, the risk factors and significant accident types of interface management of high-speed rail construction projects are systematically identified, and a database is established. Then, the Apriori algorithm is used to mine and analyze the strong association rules among the factors in the database, construct the complex network, and analyze its topological characteristics to reveal the interaction mechanism of the interface management risk of high-speed rail construction projects.

Findings

The results show that the network is both scale-free and small-world, implying that construction accidents are not random events but rather the result of strong interactions between numerous interface management risks. Contractors, technical interfaces, mechanical equipment, and environmental factors are the primary direct causal factors of accidents, while owners and designers are essential indirect causal factors. The global importance of stakeholders such as owners, designers, and supervisors rises significantly after considering the indirect correlations between factors. This theoretically explains the need to consider the interactions between interface management risks.

Originality/value

The interaction mechanism between interface management risks is unclear, which is an essential factor influencing the decision of risk response measures. This study proposes a new methodology for analyzing interface management risk response strategies that incorporate quantitative analysis methods and considers the interaction of interface management risks.
Why women on corporate boards are more than just tokens: an Indian perspective
Authors: Bhardwaj Sneh , Morgan Damian , Elms Natalie
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Situated in the context of India, where women’s representation on corporate boards remains low, this study aims to explore whether and how tokenism impacts the behaviours of female directors.

Design/methodology/approach

The boardroom experiences and perceptions of 14 women directors are explored through semi-structured interviews and analysed using an inductive and interpretive process. Also, to get a counter perspective and avoid the social desirability bias from the women participants’ responses, 16 men directors are interviewed.

Findings

The study finds that, as gender minorities, women directors' visibility on boards can create performance pressures on these women. To counter gender-based prejudices, women directors consciously alter their behaviours and project both male and female traits consistent with the director role. By doing so, women directors overcome tokenistic stereotypes and are accepted as part of the director in-group, irrespective of their numeric representation on the board.

Practical implications

The research has implications for governments attempting to increase women’s board presence through affirmative actions and for firms aiming to improve the gender diversity of their board composition.

Originality/value

These findings present an alternative perspective on women directors’ board behaviour by exploring the applicability of Western trends on tokenism and critical mass in the context of India, adding to the vast body of literature concerned with minorities on corporate boards.
Certification bodies’ interpretation and application of the ISO 19011 audit process guidelines
Authors: Sepeng Thembekile Debora , Lourens Ann , Van der Merwe Karl , Gerber Robert
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that third-party quality audits (TPQAs) facilitate performance improvement and give confidence to organisations concerning the process quality of services and products. However, because of inconsistencies and unethical practices often observed in the industry, organisations question the significance of TPQA. A perception exists that its initial purpose as an impartial tool ensuring quality of deliverables is no longer upheld. Hence, the need to determine and explain the influence of the ISO 19011 standard interpretation on the application of the audit guidelines in performing TPQA, to promote consistency in the audit process.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed document analysis of the ISO 19011 standard, followed by semi-structured interviews with certification managers (CBs) to gain insight related to their interpretation and application of the ISO 19011 guidelines.

Findings

The CBs interpret the ISO 19011 guidelines differently; hence, their application of the standard to compile their audit documents differ. Adherence to the principles of auditing particularly, integrity and independence were found as the core of the audit process while their disregard reflects failure of the real intent of auditing. The inconsistencies in the audit procedures and documents developed for auditors are ascribed to some CBs’ personal interpretations.

Originality/value

The study explores how the different interpretations of the ISO 19011 standard prevail and are perceived by the CBs and auditors. The findings aim to support standardisation and reduce the variations across and amongst the different CBs and auditors.
Mindfulness and creative process engagement: the mediating role of workplace relational systems
Authors: Awan Usama , Sufyan Muhammad , Ameer Irfan , Shamim Saqib , Akhtar Pervaiz , Zia Najam Ul
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Despite widespread recognition of the importance of mindfulness in organizational science literature, little is known about how mindfulness motivates individuals to configure information processing and team member exchange relationships to increase creative process engagement. Drawing on motivated information processing theory, this study conceptualizes and empirically examines whether and how mindfulness motivates individuals toward creative process engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data through an online survey from 311 respondents working in the Research and Development (R&D) departments of organizations in multiple industries in Pakistan. For analytical purposes, the authors have applied the structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

This study advances a different view of individual mindfulness on the creative process engagement in the following ways. First, mindfulness enables individuals to self-regulate in specific situations and become effective in fostering creative process engagement. Second, this study extends research on relational information processing by linking it to mindfulness and creative process engagement. Relational information processing partially mediates the relationship between mindfulness and creative process engagement. Third, this study highlights that mindfulness motivates individuals to focus more on developing quality working relationships, but they seem less willing to participate in idea generation and problem-solving solutions.

Originality/value

The study findings provide implications for research on mindfulness, creativity and motivated information processing to enhance individuals’ creative process engagements. The authors also discuss the implications for executives on the relational and creative benefits of mindfulness.
From text to video with AI: the rise and potential of Sora in education and libraries
Authors: Adetayo Adebowale Jeremy , Enamudu Augustine I. , Lawal Folashade Munirat , Odunewu Abiodun Olusegun
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the transformative role of Sora in education and libraries. This study aims to explore Sora’s capabilities and potential implications for enhancing learning experiences and enriching library resources.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an exploratory approach, this paper analyzes Sora’s functionalities, focusing on its ability to convert textual descriptions into dynamic video content swiftly and accurately. It examines the ways in which Sora can augment learning through interactivity, personalization and accessibility, as well as its capacity to digitize cultural heritage and promote literacy in library settings.

Findings

Sora emerges as a potential powerful tool for education and libraries, offering opportunities for diverse learning modalities, creativity and critical thinking. Its capacity to facilitate immersive storytelling and educational gamification holds promise for engaging users and fostering community involvement. However, ethical considerations such as bias mitigation and equitable access must be addressed to maximize Sora’s benefits.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of artificial intelligence’s potential in education and libraries, particularly through the lens of Sora.
Manager myopia and green technology innovation
Authors: Jian Jianhui , Tian Haiyan , Hu Dan , Tang Zimeng
Published: March 2024

Purpose

With the growing concern of various sectors of society regarding environmental issues and the promotion of sustainable development, green technology innovation is generally considered to be conducive to the long-term development of enterprises. However, because of the existence of agency problems, managers may have shortsighted behaviors. Then how will managers' shortsighted behaviors affect enterprises' green technology innovation?

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses machine learning-based text analysis methods to construct a manager myopia index based on the data from A-share listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges from 2015 to 2020. We examine the impact of manager myopia on green technology innovation in companies.

Findings

Our study finds that manager myopia significantly inhibits green technology innovation in companies. However, when multiple large shareholders coexist and the proportion of institutional investors' holdings is high, it can alleviate the inhibitory effect of manager myopia on green innovation. Heterogeneity tests show that the impact of manager myopia on green technology innovation is relatively significant in non-state-owned and manufacturing companies, as well as in the electricity industry. Robustness tests demonstrate that our conclusions remain valid after using propensity score matching to eliminate endogeneity problems.

Originality/value

From the perspective of corporate governance, this paper incorporates managers' shortsightedness, multiple large shareholders and institutional investors' shareholding ratios into the same logical framework, analyzes their internal mechanisms, helps improve corporate governance, enhances green innovation capabilities and has strong implications for the implementation of national innovation-driven development strategies and the achievement of “carbon peak” and “carbon neutrality” targets.
Understanding the link: the competencies and motivations of nascent entrepreneurs to engage in sustainable entrepreneurship
Authors: Rojas-Cruz Lilia Raquel , Husted Byan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to understand the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies (self-efficacy and social capital) and sustainable entrepreneurship and its incidence through entrepreneurial motivations (opportunity and necessity entrepreneurship).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt a quantitative approach and use ordinary least squares regressions and bootstrapping analysis to test the hypotheses about the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and sustainable entrepreneurship mediated by entrepreneurial motivations using a cross-sectional sample of 2,356 nascent entrepreneurs from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2021–2022 report.

Findings

Evidence suggests that sustainable entrepreneurship is positively influenced by both opportunity- and necessity-driven entrepreneurship. Additionally, the results show that both entrepreneurial motivations positively mediate the relationship between self-efficacy and sustainable entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

The approach departs from the traditional unidimensional perspective on entrepreneurial motivations, recognizing that an entrepreneur can simultaneously embody varying degrees of both motivations. By integrating the study of entrepreneurial competencies and motivations into sustainable entrepreneurship, we can gain a holistic understanding of the dynamics at play.
Exploring the potential of smartphone MEMS sensors for cost-effective rotating machinery speed estimation
Authors: Goel Anuj Kumar , Naikan V.N.A.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the use of smartphone-embedded microelectro-mechanical sensors (MEMS) for accurately estimating rotating machinery speed, crucial for various condition monitoring tasks. Rotating machinery (RM) serves a crucial role in diverse applications, necessitating accurate speed estimation essential for condition monitoring (CM) tasks such as vibration analysis, efficiency evaluation and predictive assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

This research explores the utilization of MEMS embedded in smartphones to economically estimate RM speed. A series of experiments were conducted across three test setups, comparing smartphone-based speed estimation to traditional methods. Rigorous testing spanned various dimensions, including scenarios of limited data availability, diverse speed applications and different smartphone placements on RM surfaces.

Findings

The methodology demonstrated exceptional performance across low and high-speed contexts. Smartphones-MEMS accurately estimated speed regardless of their placement on surfaces like metal and fiber, presenting promising outcomes with a mere 6 RPM maximum error. Statistical analysis, using a two-sample t-test, compared smartphone-derived speed outcomes with those from a tachometer and high-quality (HQ) data acquisition system.

Research limitations/implications

The research limitations include the need for further investigation into smartphone sensor calibration and accuracy in extremely high-speed scenarios. Future research could focus on refining these aspects.

Social implications

The societal impact is substantial, offering cost-effective CM across various industries and encouraging further exploration of MEMS-based vibration monitoring.

Originality/value

This research showcases an innovative approach using smartphone-embedded MEMS for RM speed estimation. The study’s multidimensional testing highlights its originality in addressing scenarios with limited data and varied speed applications.
Exploring the modulatory effects of sotagliflozin on dyslipidemia in mice: The role of glucagon, fibroblast growth factor 21 and glucagon‐like peptide 1
Authors: Deshmukh Nitin J. , Kalshetti M. S. , Patil Mohan , Autade Pankaj , Sangle Ganesh V.
Published: March 2024

Sotagliflozin is the first dual SGLT1/2 inhibitor antidiabetic drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the management of heart failure. SGLT1/2 inhibition is observed to potentiate the secretion of the incretin hormone, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1). The current preclinical research sought to investigate the effect of sotagliflozin on the secretion of fat‐regulating peptides such as GLP‐1, glucagon and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and their prospective association with sotagliflozin's potential beneficial effects on dyslipidaemia. During an oral fat tolerance test in mice, sotagliflozin substantially increased GLP‐1 and insulin concentrations. Although sotagliflozin alone did not ameliorate postprandial lipemia, its combination with linagliptin (DPP‐IV inhibitor) significantly improved lipid tolerance comparable to orlistat (lipase inhibitor). In a triton‐induced hypertriglyceridemia model, sotagliflozin, along with other medications (fenofibrate, exenatide and linagliptin) reduced fat excursion; however, co‐administration with linagliptin provided no extra advantage. Furthermore, sotagliflozin stimulated glucagon secretion in the alpha TC1.6 cells and healthy mice, which resulted in an increased circulating FGF21 and β‐hydroxybutyrate concentration. Finally, chronic treatment of sotagliflozin in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed obese mice resulted in reduced body weight gain, liver triglyceride, cholesterol, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) levels compared with the placebo group. However, the addition of linagliptin did not provide any additional benefit. In conclusion, sotagliflozin was found to have an effect on GLP‐1 and also stimulate the release of glucagon and FGF21, which are important for regulating fat metabolism. Therefore, sotagliflozin might represent a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia and steatohepatitis.
Economic returns to reproducing parents' field of study
Authors: Birkelund Jesper Fels
Published: March 2024

Research on the influence of family background on college graduates' earnings has not considered the importance of the match between parents' and children's field of study. Using a novel design based on within‐family comparisons, I examine long‐term earnings returns to reproducing parents' field of study in Denmark. I find that individuals whose field of study matches that of a parent have earnings that are 2 percent higher than those of their siblings with college degrees in different fields, on average. Earnings returns to field inheritance are highest in the fields of law (9 percent), medicine (6 percent), and engineering (4 percent) and are driven mainly by income from self‐employment. I find no direct evidence of nepotism as the earnings advantage does not arise from inheritance of parents' firms or employment in parents' occupational network. My findings indicate that, although a college degree generally equalizes family background differences in economic outcomes, there are additional payoffs to field inheritance, particularly in traditional fields characterized by a high degree of social closure and self‐employment.
Combinatorial optimization of pathway, process and media for the production of p‐coumaric acid by Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Moreno‐Paz Sara , van der Hoek Rianne , Eliana Elif , Martins dos Santos Vitor A. P. , Schmitz Joep , Suarez‐Diez Maria
Published: March 2024

Microbial cell factories are instrumental in transitioning towards a sustainable bio‐based economy, offering alternatives to conventional chemical processes. However, fulfilling their potential requires simultaneous screening for optimal media composition, process and genetic factors, acknowledging the complex interplay between the organism's genotype and its environment. This study employs statistical design of experiments to systematically explore these relationships and optimize the production of p‐coumaric acid (pCA) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Two rounds of fractional factorial designs were used to identify factors with a significant effect on pCA production, which resulted in a 168‐fold variation in pCA titre. Moreover, a significant interaction between the culture temperature and expression of ARO4 highlighted the importance of simultaneous process and strain optimization. The presented approach leverages the strengths of experimental design and statistical analysis and could be systematically applied during strain and bioprocess design efforts to unlock the full potential of microbial cell factories.
Systemic intracellular analysis for balancing complex biosynthesis in a transcriptionally deregulated Escherichia colil‐Methionine producer
Authors: Harting Claudia , Teleki Attila , Braakmann Marius , Jankowitsch Frank , Takors Ralf
Published: March 2024

l‐Methionine (l‐Met) has gained remarkable interest due to its multifaceted and versatile applications in the fields of nutrition, pharmaceuticals and clinical practice. In this study, the fluxes of the challenging l‐Met biosynthesis in the producer strain Escherichia coli (E. coli) DM2853 were fine‐tuned to enable improved l‐Met production. The potential bottlenecks identified in sulfur assimilation and l‐Met synthesis downstream of O‐succinyl‐l‐homoserine (OSHS) were addressed by overexpressing glutaredoxin 1 (grxA), thiosulfate sulfurtransferase (pspE) and O‐succinylhomoserine lyase (metB). Although deemed as a straightforward target for improving glucose‐to‐Met conversion, the yields remained at approximately 12%–13% (g/g). Instead, intracellular l‐Met pools increased by up to four‐fold with accelerated kinetics. Overexpression of the Met exporter ygaZH may serve as a proper valve for releasing the rising internal Met pressure. Interestingly, the export kinetics revealed maximum saturated export rates already at low growth rates. This scenario is particularly advantageous for large‐scale fermentation when product formation is ideally uncoupled from biomass formation to achieve maximum performance within the technical limits of large‐scale bioreactors.
Prenatal post‐implantation development of collared peccaries (Pecari tajacuLinnaeus, 1758)
Authors: de Araújo Júnior Hélio Noberto , Lopes Igor Renno Guimarães , de Sousa Ana Caroline Freitas Caetano , de Oliveira Gleidson Benevides , de Oliveira Radan Elvis Matias , Tertulino Moisés Dantas , Rocha Emanuel Lucas Bezerra , Firmino Paulo Ricardo , Pereira Alexsandra Fernandes , de Oliveira Moacir Franco
Published: March 2024

Given the importance of information on intrauterine development in diagnosing anomalies in the gestational development of the species for the development of assisted reproduction technologies as well as understanding the autonomy and responsiveness of the newborn, the aim of the present study was to describe the external morphology of collared peccary conceptuses. For this study, two conceptuses were used per gestational age of 25–120 days post‐copulation (dpc) and neonates with 145 dpc, totalling 22 animals. Females were euthanised, and embryos/foetuses were examined, measured, and photographed. During the first third of the gestational period (25–50 dpc,n = 8), a marked body curvature, brain vesicles, somites, internal organs, placid lens, auricular protrusion and limb buds are noted. In the second third of the gestational period (51–100 dpc,n = 10), foetuses lose their body curvature, displaying greater anatomical definition, including skeletal, external ears, nostrils, eyelids and tactile hair formation and cranial suture closure. In addition, dorsal scent gland and genital tubercle differentiation were visualized at 50 days post‐copulation. In the third of the gestational period (101–145 dpc,n = 4), the organs become completely formed, alongside skin darkening, eyelid opening, dental eruption, dorsal odorous gland development, sexual organ externalization, and fanero attachment development. These data allowed for the construction of a prenatal growth curve, providing comparative anatomy information for ungulates and further contributing towards rational reproductive management and reproductive biotechnologies for this species.
Altered placental immune cell composition and gene expression with isolated fetal spina bifida
Authors: White Marina , Abdo Hasan , Grynspan David , Mieghem Tim Van , Connor Kristin L.
Published: March 2024

Problem

Fetal spina bifida (SB) is more common in pregnant people with folate deficiency or anomalies of folate metabolism. It is also known that fetuses with SB have a higher risk of low birthweight, a condition that is typically placental‐mediated. We therefore hypothesized that fetal SB would associate with altered expression of key placental folate transporters and an increase in Hofbauer cells (HBCs), which are folate‐dependent placental macrophages.

Method of study

Folate receptor‐α (FRα), proton coupled folate receptor (PCFT), and reduced folate carrier (RFC) protein localization and expression (immunohistochemistry) and HBC phenotypes (HBC abundance and folate receptor‐β [FRβ] expression; RNA in situ hybridization) were assessed in placentae from fetuses with SB (cases; n = 12) and in term (n = 10) and gestational age (GA) – and maternal body mass index – matched (n = 12) controls without congenital anomalies.

Results

Cases had a higher proportion of placental villous cells that were HBCs (6.9% vs. 2.4%, p = .0001) and higher average HBC FRβ expression (3.2 mRNA molecules per HBC vs. 2.3, p = .03) than GA‐matched controls. HBCs in cases were largely polarized to a regulatory phenotype (median 92.1% of HBCs). In sex‐stratified analyses, only male cases had higher HBC levels and HBC FRβ expression than GA‐matched controls. There were no differences between groups in the total percent of syncytium and stromal cells that were positive for FRα, PCFT, or RFC protein immunolabeling.

Conclusions

HBC abundance and FRβ expression by HBCs are increased in placentae of fetuses with SB, suggesting immune‐mediated dysregulation in placental phenotype, and could contribute to SB‐associated comorbidities.