bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
mRNA targeting eliminates the need for the signal recognition particle during membrane protein insertion in bacteria
Authors: Sarmah Pinku , Shang Wenkang , Origi Andrea , Licheva Mariya , Kraft Claudine , Ulbrich Maximilian , Lichtenberg Elisabeth , Wilde Annegret , Koch Hans-Georg
Published: November 2022

Signal-sequence dependent protein targeting is essential for the spatiotemporal organization of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and facilitated by dedicated protein targeting factors, such as the signal recognition particle (SRP). However, targeting signals are not exclusively contained within proteins, but can also be present within mRNAs. Byin vivoandin vitroassays, we show that mRNA targeting is controlled by the nucleotide content and by secondary structures within mRNAs. mRNA binding to bacterial membranes occurs independently of soluble targeting factors, but is dependent on the SecYEG-translocon and YidC. Importantly, membrane insertion of proteins translated from membrane-bound mRNAs occurs independently of the SRP pathway, while the latter is strictly required for proteins translated from cytosolic mRNAs. In summary, our data indicate that mRNA targeting acts in parallel to the canonical SRP-dependent protein targeting and serves as an alternative strategy for safeguarding membrane protein insertion when the SRP pathway is compromised.
On the role and regulation of glycogen catabolic isoenzymes inSynechocystissp. PCC6803
Authors: Neumann Niels , Lee Kenric , Forchhammer Karl
Published: November 2022

Glycogen is the main carbon storage polymer in many organisms and widespread throughout all domains of life. In cyanobacteria glycogen degradation plays an essential role when metabolism changes to a heterotrophic mode during dark phases or the resuscitation from nitrogen starvation. Like many other cyanobacteria the genome ofSynechocystissp. PCC 6803 encodes for several homologues of glycogen catabolic enzymes. The role and regulation of this isoenzymes has so far been only partly understood. Here we show via biochemical analysis that the glycogen phosphorylase GlgP1 is regulated by a C-terminal redox switch unique to certain cyanobacteria. This is the first time a redox regulation of a glycogen degrading enzyme has been shown in prokaryotes. Remarkably, GlgP1 is inactivated in its reduced state and gets activated via oxidation by ROS. We conclude that GlgP1 is especially important for rapid glycogen degradation in certain stress conditions during photoautotrophic growth. We suggest that thereby carbon is channeled through the OPP pathway, to stabilize photosynthesis during situations of high ribulose-1,5-BP demands. Furthermore, we suggest that the concomitant formation of NADPH within this pathway is essential to regenerate ROS scavenging compounds like GSH to reduce potential oxidative damage and to improve survivability under prolonged phases of oxidative stress. In addition, we show for the first time the role of the two glycogen debranching isoenzymes where GlgX1 turned out to be the essential glycogen debranching enzyme during resuscitation from chlorosis, while the role of GlgX2 remains elusive.
Lineage frequency time series reveal elevated levels of genetic drift in SARS-CoV-2 transmission in England
Authors: Yu QinQin , Ascensao Joao , Okada Takashi ,   The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) consortium, Boyd Olivia , Volz Erik , Hallatschek Oskar
Published: November 2022

Genetic drift in infectious disease transmission results from randomness of transmission and host recovery or death. The strength of genetic drift for SARS-CoV-2 transmission is expected to be high due to high levels of superspreading, and this is expected to substantially impact disease epidemiology and evolution. However, we don’t yet have an understanding of how genetic drift changes over time or across locations. Furthermore, noise that results from data collection can potentially confound estimates of genetic drift. To address this challenge, we develop and validate a method to jointly infer genetic drift and measurement noise from time-series lineage frequency data. Our method is highly scalable to increasingly large genomic datasets, which overcomes a limitation in commonly used phylogenetic methods. We apply this method to over 490,000 SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences from England collected between March 2020 and December 2021 by the COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) consortium and separately infer the strength of genetic drift for pre-B.1.177, B.1.177, Alpha, and Delta. We find that even after correcting for measurement noise, the strength of genetic drift is consistently, throughout time, higher than that expected from the observed number of COVID-19 positive individuals in England by 1 to 3 orders of magnitude, which cannot be explained by literature values of superspreading. Our estimates of genetic drift will be informative for parameterizing evolutionary models and studying potential mechanisms for increased drift.

Author Summary

The transmission of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 is strongly affected by chance effects in the contact process between infected and susceptible individuals, collectively referred to as random genetic drift. We have an incomplete understanding of how genetic drift changes across time and locations. To address this gap, we developed a computational method that infers the strength of genetic drift from time series genomic data that corrects for non-biological noise and is computationally scalable to the large numbers of sequences available for SARS-CoV-2, overcoming a major challenge of existing methods. Using this method, we quantified the strength of genetic drift for SARS-CoV-2 transmission in England throughout time and across locations. These estimates constrain potential mechanisms and help parameterize models of SARS-CoV-2 evolution. More generally, the computational scalability of our method will become more important as increasingly large genomic datasets become more common.
Divergent microbial structure still results in convergent microbial function during arrested anaerobic digestion of food waste at different hydraulic retention times
Authors: Jiang Minxi , Khunjar Wendell , Li Anjie , Chandran Kartik
Published: November 2022

In this study, two arrested anaerobic digestion bioreactors fed with food waste operated under different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) exhibited long-term stable volatile fatty acid (VFA) production performance including similar total yields (p= .085) with propionic acid (PA) being the most abundant VFA. Meta-omics analysis revealed distinct microbial structures (p= .02) at the two HRTs while there were no differences in potential and extant functionality as indicated by the whole-genome and whole-transcriptome sequencing, respectively. The highest potential (relative abundance of DNA sequence reads) and extant (relative abundance of mRNA sequence reads) functionality corresponded with PA production compared to other acids. The most abundant genusPrevotellaproduced PA mainly through the acryloyl-CoA pathway. Based on our results, the mechanistic basis for the similar VFA production performance observed under the HRTs tested lies in the community-level redundancy in convergent acidification functions and pathways, rather than trends in community structure.
Patterns and determinants of the global herbivorous mycobiome
Authors: Meili Casey H. , Jones Adrienne L. , Arreola Alex X. , Habel Jeffrey , Pratt Carrie J. , Hanafy Radwa A. , Wang Yan , Yassin Aymen S. , TagElDein Moustafa A. , Moon Christina D. , Janssen Peter H. , Shrestha Mitesh , Rajbhandari Prajwal , Nagler Magdalena , Vinzelj Julia M. , Podmirseg Sabine M. , Stajich Jason E. , Goetsch Arthur L. , Hayes Jerry , Young Diana , Fliegerova Katerina , Grilli Diego Javier , Vodička Roman , Moniello Giuseppe , Mattiello Silvana , Kashef Mona T. , Nagy Yosra I. , Edwards Joan A. , Dagar Sumit Singh , Foote Andrew P. , Youssef Noha H. , Elshahed Mostafa S.
Published: November 2022

In spite of their indispensable role in host nutrition, the anaerobic gut fungal (AGF) component of the herbivorous gut microbiome remains poorly characterized. To examine global patterns and determinants of AGF diversity, we generated and analyzed an amplicon dataset from 661 fecal samples from 34 animal species, 9 families, and 6 continents. We identified 56 novel genera, greatly expanding AGF diversity beyond current estimates. Both stochastic (homogenizing dispersal and drift) and deterministic (homogenizing selection) processes played an integral role in shaping AGF communities, with a higher level of stochasticity observed in foregut fermenters. Community structure analysis revealed a distinct pattern of phylosymbiosis, where host-associated (animal species, family, and gut type), rather than ecological (domestication status and biogeography) factors predominantly shaped the community. Hindgut fermenters exhibited stronger and more specific fungal-host associations, compared to broader mostly non-host specific associations in foregut fermenters. Transcriptomics-enabled phylogenomic and molecular clock analyses of 52 strains from 14 genera indicated that most genera with preferences for hindgut hosts evolved earlier (44-58 Mya), while those with preferences for foregut hosts evolved more recently (22-32 Mya). This pattern is in agreement with the sole dependence of herbivores on hindgut fermentation past the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event through the Paleocene and Eocene, and the later rapid evolution of animals employing foregut fermentation strategy during the early Miocene. Only a few AGF genera deviated from this pattern of co-evolutionary phylosymbiosis, by exhibiting preferences suggestive of post-evolutionary environmental filtering. Our results greatly expand the documented scope of AGF diversity and provide an ecologically and evolutionary-grounded model to explain the observed patterns of AGF diversity in extant animal hosts.
Dependence of Nucleosome Mechanical Stability on DNA Mismatches
Authors: Ngo Thuy T. M. , Liu Bailey , Wang Feng , Basu Aakash , Wu Carl , Ha Taekjip
Published: November 2022

The organization of nucleosomes into chromatin and their accessibility are shaped by local DNA mechanics. Conversely, nucleosome positions shape genetic variations, which may originate from mismatches during replication and chemical modification of DNA. To investigate how DNA mismatches affect the mechanical stability and the exposure of nucleosomal DNA, we used an optical trap combined with single-molecule FRET and a single-molecule FRET cyclization assay. We found that a single base-pair C-C mismatch enhances DNA bendability and nucleosome mechanical stability for the 601-nucleosome positioning sequence. An increase in force required for DNA unwrapping from the histone core is observed for single base-pair C-C mismatches placed at three tested positions: at the inner turn, at the outer turn, or at the junction of the inner and outer turn of the nucleosome. The results support a model where nucleosomal DNA accessibility is reduced by mismatches, potentially explaining the preferred accumulation of single nucleotide substitutions in the nucleosome core and serving as the source of genetic variation during evolution and cancer progression. Mechanical stability of an intact nucleosome, i.e., mismatch-free, is also dependent on the species as we find that yeast nucleosomes are mechanically less stable and more symmetrical in the outer turn unwrapping compared to Xenopus nucleosomes.
The Mangrove Microbiome of the Malay Peninsula
Authors: Wainwright Benjamin J. , Millar Trevor , Bowen Lacee , Hickman Kate , Lee Jen Nie , Yeo Zee Yi , Huang Danwei , Zahn Geoffrey
Published: November 2022

Microbes have fundamental roles underpinning the functioning of our planet, they are involved in global carbon and nutrient cycling, and support the existence of multicellular life. The mangrove ecosystem is nutrient limited and without microbial cycling, life in this harsh environment would likely not exist. The mangroves of Southeast Asia are the oldest and most biodiverse of all the planets. They have vital roles helping to prevent shoreline erosion, act as nursery grounds for many marine species and contain significant stocks of sequestered carbon. Despite these recognised benefits and the importance of microbes in these ecosystems, studies examining the mangrove microbiome are scarce, especially in the Southeast Asian biodiversity hotspot. Here we examine the microbiome ofAvicenia albaandSonneratia albaand identify a core microbiome of 81 taxa, a further eight taxa (Pleurocapsa, Tunicatimonas, Halomonas, Marinomonas, Rubrivirga, Altererythrobacte, Lewinella, andErythrobacter) were found to be differentially abundant suggesting key roles in this microbiome, with the identified dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) metabolisers having important functions in these habitats. The majority of those identified are involved in nutrient cycling or involved in the production of compounds that promote host survival. Increasingly, blue carbon and nature-based solutions to climate change are heralded as viable mitigation steps to limit climate change, however, this is done with little to no consideration of the microbial communities that cycle sequestered carbon in these environments. Here, we examine the microbial communities present in sediment samples taken in close proximity to each tree, sediment samples represent a major sink of atmospheric carbon and understanding how the associated communities will change as climate change advances will become an increasingly important part of carbon stock assessments. Knowing what microbes are presently there is an important first step in this process.
Classification accuracy of structural and functional connectomes across different depressive phenotypes
Authors: Yeung Hon Wah , Stolicyn Aleks , Shen Xueyi , Adams Mark J. , Romaniuk Liana , Thng Gladi , Buchanan Colin R. , Tucker-Drob Elliot M. , Bastin Mark E. , McIntosh Andrew M. , Cox Simon R. , Smith Keith M. , Whalley Heather C.
Published: November 2022

Phenotyping of major depressive disorder (MDD) in research can vary from study to study, which, together with heterogeneity of the disorder, may contribute to the inconsistent associations with various risk factors including neuroimaging features. These aspects also potentially underlie previous problems with machine learning methods using imaging data to inform predictive biomarkers. In this study we therefore aimed to examine the classification accuracy of structural and functional connectomes across different depressive phenotypes, including separating MDD subgroups into those with and without early childhood adversity (one of the largest risk factors for MDD associated with brain development). We applied logistic ridge regression to classify control and MDD participants defined according to six different MDD definitions in a large community-based sample (N= 14, 507). We used brain connectomic data based on six structural and two functional network weightings and conducted a comprehensive analysis to (i) explore how well different connectome modalities predict different MDD phenotypes commonly used in research, (ii) investigate whether stratification of MDD based on the presence or absence of early childhood adversity (measured with the childhood trauma questionnaire) can improve prediction accuracies, and (iii) identify important predictive features that are consistent across MDD phenotypes. We find that functional connectomes consistently outperform structural connectomes as features for MDD classification across phenotypes. Highest accuracy of 61.06% (chance level 50.0%) was achieved when predicting the Currently Depressed phenotype (i.e. the phenotype defined by the presence of more than five symptoms of depression in the past two weeks) with features based on partial correlation functional connectomes. Accuracy of classifying Currently Depressed participants with added CTQ threshold criterion rose to 65.74%. Application of the Jaccard index to assess predictive feature overlap indicated that there were neurobiological differences between MDD patients with and without childhood adversity. Further to that, analysis of predictive features for different MDD phenotypes with binomial tests revealed sensorimotor and visual functional subnetworks as consistently important for prediction. Our results provide the basis for future research, and indicate that differences in sensorimotor and visual subnetworks may serve as important biomarkers of MDD.
Vesicle-mediated transport of ALIX and ESCRT-III to the intercellular bridge during cytokinesis
Authors: Pust Sascha , Brech Andreas , Wegner Catherine Sem , Stenmark Harald , Haglund Kaisa
Published: November 2022

Cellular abscission is the final step of cytokinesis that leads to the physical separation of the two daughter cells. The scaffold protein ALIX and the ESCRT-I protein TSG101 contribute to recruiting ESCRT-III to the midbody, which orchestrates the final membrane scission of the intercellular bridge. Here, we addressed by which mechanisms ALIX and the ESCRT-III subunit CHMP4B are transported to the midbody. Structured illumination microscopy revealed gradual accumulation of ALIX at the midbody, resulting in the formation of spiral-like structures extending from the midbody to the abscission site, which strongly co-localized with CHMP4B. Live-cell microscopy uncovered that ALIX appeared together with CHMP4B in vesicular structures, whose motility was microtubule-dependent. Depletion of ALIX led to structural alterations of the midbody and delayed recruitment of CHMP4B, resulting in delayed abscission. Likewise, depletion of the kinesin-1 motor KIF5B reduced the motility of ALIX-positive vesicles and caused delayed recruitment of ALIX, TSG101 and CHMP4B to the midbody, accompanied by impeded abscission. We propose that ALIX, TSG101 and CHMP4B are associated with endosomal vesicles transported along microtubules by kinesin-1, leading to their directional transport to the cytokinetic bridge and midbody, thereby contributing to their function in abscission.
A magnetically controlled chemical–mechanical polishing (MC-CMP) approach for fabricating channel-cut silicon crystal optics for the High Energy Photon Source
Authors: Hong Zhen , Diao Qianshun , Xu Wei , Yuan Qingxi , Yang Junliang , Li Zhongliang , Jiang Yongcheng , Zhang Changrui , Zhang Dongni , Liu Fang , Zhang Xiaowei , Liu Peng , Tao Ye , Sheng Weifan , Li Ming , Zhao Yidong
Published: November 2022

Crystal monochromators are indispensable optical components for the majority of beamlines at synchrotron radiation facilities. Channel-cut monochromators are sometimes chosen to filter monochromatic X-ray beams by virtue of their ultrahigh angular stability. Nevertheless, high-accuracy polishing on the inner diffracting surfaces remains challenging, thus hampering their performance in preserving the coherence or wavefront of the photon beam. Herein, a magnetically controlled chemical–mechanical polishing (MC-CMP) approach has been successfully developed for fine polishing of the inner surfaces of channel-cut crystals. This MC-CMP process relieves the constraints of narrow working space dictated by small offset requirements and achieves near-perfect polishing on the surface of the crystals. Using this method, a high-quality surface with roughness of 0.614 nm (root mean square, r.m.s.) is obtained in a channel-cut crystal with 7 mm gap designed for beamlines at the High Energy Photon Source, a fourth-generation synchrotron radiation source under construction. On-line X-ray topography and rocking-curve measurements indicate that the stress residual layer on the crystal surface was removed. Firstly, the measured rocking-curve width is in good agreement with the theoretical value. Secondly, the peak reflectivity is very close to theoretical values. Thirdly, topographic images of the optics after polishing were uniform without any speckle or scratches. Only a nearly 2.5 nm-thick SiO2 layer was observed on the perfect crystalline matrix from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy photographs, indicating that the structure of the bulk material is defect- and dislocation-free. Future development of MC-CMP is promising for fabricating wavefront-preserving and ultra-stable channel-cut monochromators, which are crucial to exploit the merits of fourth-generation synchrotron radiation sources or hard X-ray free-electron lasers.
Échele Cabeza as a harm reduction project and activist movement in Colombia
Authors: Díaz Moreno Mauro , Alarcón Ayala Nathalia , Estrada Yarelix , Morris Vannesa , Quintero Julián
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results and context of the drug checking service (DCS) performed by the harm reduction project Échele Cabeza (EC) in Colombia.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from several years are presented with a focus on data from 2021. In 2021, data were derived from 2,339 questionnaires filled out by DCS users and a total of 2,868 drug checking test results from samples collected at the fixed-site service in Bogotá and 30 music festivals in 8 cities nationwide.

Findings

The tusi phenomenon is gaining strength in Colombia revealing a problem associated with the changing makeup of tusi and, thus, polydrug use. MDMA adulteration and misrepresentations have increased in comparison to 2019. There is an increasing number of people who want to use the DCS in Colombia, which is encouraging but also exposes the limitations of the drug checking methods available to EC.

Originality/value

This paper offers the first publication of the pioneering drug checking organization EC in Latin America.
Socially responsible marketing in pandemic times at CoKarma
Authors: Nagpal Gaurav , Ruparel Namita , Seth Himanshu , Saha Victor
Published: November 2022

Learning outcomes

After reading and discussing the case, the participant would be able to: comprehend the ethics in marketing strategies that were displayed by an entrepreneur in the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic; appreciate how the marketing was executed in a socially responsible manner through digital means when there was a conflict between the business and the social interest; and understand how the innovative services or products can be developed that turn the trouble into an opportunity. The case shall also enlighten the students on how to create suitable marketing messages in digital times. The purpose of this paper is to let the students appreciate how they can carry out marketing efforts for a business while keeping customer needs and aspirations at the core, how the marketing campaigns can be designed and executed in a socially responsible manner and how the product portfolio can be suitably altered to make it more valued to the customer. After reading and discussing this case, the students will also be able to appreciate that it is important to identify and address the customer’s pain which may be stated or unstated by the customer. The case intends to teach students how to identify and reap the opportunities that get created from time to time and to make them appreciate that businesses can contribute significantly towards societal gains by committing minimal resources.

Case overview/synopsis

The mainstream marketing discipline focuses on excessive consumerism as opposed to the concept of “socially responsible marketing” which advocates that business initiatives should be supported by ethical considerations. The coworking industry was one of the worst affected industries by the pandemic since their customers started working from their homes during and post the lockdowns, leading to a loss in revenues. The protagonist in the case had a strong belief that the business interests would be secondary to the overall interest of society, and therefore, he advised the customers on how they could work productively, safely and stress-free from their homes. As the lockdown was un-eased, the marketing campaigns were launched and executed in a very ethical manner, while designing innovative service offerings were designed.

Complexity academic level

The case is relevant for the students pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies in the field of business and management.

Supplementary material

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
Global perspectives on gender diversity and business performance
Authors: Fouad Sam H.L. , Fouad Nadya A. , Li Xu , Carvalho Juliana
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Based on the resource-based theory, the purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between operational employment levels of gender diversity and business performance over a multi-year period. This study also explores if gender parity moderates this relationship and how gender diversity is directionally developed.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-lagged panel design and path analysis is applied to a global data set of women employees, women managers and women senior executives – in relation to revenue, of over 6,000 companies over the six-year period from 2012 to 2017.

Findings

Overall results confirm a positive relationship between women managers and revenue over a multi-year period for all companies. A moderating analysis also finds a positive relationship between total women employees (as well as women managers) and revenue growth of companies headquartered in countries with medium levels of gender parity. The overall and moderating analysis do not find a positive relationship between senior women executives and revenue growth. Longitudinal analysis also finds that the multiple operational levels of gender diversity directionally develop in a mutually cyclical manner.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first diversity and business performance study to use a global data set of multiple operational levels of women employees, managers and senior executives over a multi-year period. This study contributes new perspectives on the positive relationship between women managers and business performance. This study also confirms prior findings of a positive relationship between women employees and business performance in medium gender-parity countries. Finally, this longitudinal study introduces the concept of the gender pipeline of executive advancement along the multiple operational levels of employment and finds that gender diversity is directionally developed in a mutually cyclical, bidirectional pattern.
Economic impacts of in-house and packaged software investments: the influence of software investment opportunities
Authors: Qu Wen Guang , Pinsonneault Alain
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Software has become increasingly important in business. However, the value of aggregate in-house and packaged software investments and the influence of an industry's software investment opportunities (SIOs) are poorly understood in the literature. This study addresses this research gap and proposes that an industry's SIOs play an essential role in the economic impacts of industry in-house and packaged software investments.

Design/methodology/approach

A model of the economic impacts of in-house and packaged software investments at the industry level under different SIOs is developed and empirically tested based on a panel dataset of private industries in the USA between 1998 and 2020.

Findings

The results show that with the increase in the number of SIOs in an industry, the economic performance of in-house software investments increases, while that of packaged software investments decreases.

Originality/value

By highlighting the role of SIOs in moderating the economic performance of in-house and packaged software, this study shows the critical role of the information technology (IT) environment in understanding software's economic value.
Lender’s position in the profit and loss sharing Islamic finance: an analytical perspective of Izutsu’s hypotheses on “Islam” and “Hilm”
Authors: Suzuki Yasushi , Miah Mohammad Dulal
Published: November 2022

Purpose

There is a growing debate as to how Islamic financial institutions can increase the expansion of profit and loss sharing (PLS) finance instead of widely practiced markup finance. This paper aims to seek to argue that protecting lenders right is to be ensured if we expect to see the rise of PLS finance of Islamic banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws upon the theorical contribution of Toshihiko Izutsu, who shows the derivation of the modern term Islam from its pre-Islamic root of hilm. Izutsu argues that a halim (Muslim or mu’min) possesses power and becomes altruist for fellow Muslim. This research takes this view to illustrate that Islamic lenders should be bestowed with economic and financial power for the expansion of PLS finance.

Findings

The authors show that Islamic financial system does not furnish required institutions conducive for expansion of PLS finance. The authors further argue that the practice of PLS should be based on an effective power retained by the lender to discipline the borrower, which is currently lacking in a typical PLS contract.

Practical implications

The retention of the power by the lender does not necessarily breach maqasid al-shari’ah, so far as the power is managed upon the concept of hilm. This philosophical speculation, in the authors’ view, would contribute to bridge a gap between Islamic pragmatists and perfectionists’ view toward expansion of PLS finance.

Originality/value

Although Izutsu’s explanation provides an important tool to argue that the altruistic behaver of halim can encourage the supply of participatory finance, this provision has not been adequately argued in the literature.
Better together? How evolution of co-branding alliance affects performance
Authors: Nygaard Arne , Dahlstrom Robert
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine role stress over the course of an alliance between supply chains. This study examines ambiguity as antecedent to multiple organisational outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study subsequently uses a time series design that uses a close replication of the authors’ initial study. The design affords the opportunity to examine the dynamics associated with the evolution of the alliance.

Findings

This study recognises that the relationships developed by collaborating firms are enacted by downstream entrepreneurs in the supply chain, yet this observation is rarely incorporated into interfirm research. The authors illustrate that the alliances have a significant downstream influence on operations at the retail level.

Research limitations/implications

This longitudinal research has the potential to reduce common method variance and enhance causal inference. The second limitation concerns the simultaneous collection of the predictor and criterion variables. The third limitation is the use of single informants as the primary vehicle for the analysis of the theoretical model when prior research indicates that multiple informants offer enhanced reliability and validity.

Practical implications

The findings contribute to the management theory of business entrepreneurship and strategic alliances and research on supply chains.

Originality/value

This study underscores the need to examine alliances via time series. Research that attempts to generalise from data collected at a single point in time is unlikely to be able to capture the dynamics associated with the development of a joint venture and offers limited opportunity to make inferences about the causal order of relationships. The model based on longitudinal data reveals that the stage of an alliance influences the level of vertical control and ambiguity and the effect of control on role ambiguity.
The determinants of foreign divestment in South Korea
Authors: Lee Seon Ju , Kang Sung Jin
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to enhance empirical research on foreign divestment and international relocation by multinational firms are still limited and understudied, although these issues have been a frequent phenomenon and carry important economic implications.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates the trends of foreign divestment in South Korea and examines firm- and host country-level determinants in total, manufacture and service sectors from 2010 to 2019.

Findings

Using probit model analysis, the main findings are first, among the firm-level factors, sales revenue and parent firm dummy are shown as negative and significant determinants of foreign divestment especially in manufacturing sector. Second, among the country-level factors, gross domestic product growth rate and regulatory quality that measures perceptions of sound policies that promote private sector development are shown negative and significant determinants of foreign divestment. On the other hand, relationship between the environmental policy stringency and foreign divestment is shown positive and significant.

Originality/value

The results suggest that these nonfirm-specific characteristics are also important factors in firm decision to divest from the host country.
Research review on steel–concrete composite joint of railway hybrid girder cable-stayed bridges
Authors: Shi Zhou , Gu Jiachang , Zhou Yongcong , Zhang Ying
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to research the development trend, research status, research results and existing problems of the steel–concrete composite joint of railway long-span hybrid girder cable-stayed bridge.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the investigation and analysis of the development history, structure form, structural parameters, stress characteristics, shear connector stress state, force transmission mechanism, and fatigue performance, aiming at the steel–concrete composite joint of railway long-span hybrid girder cable-stayed bridge, the development trend, research status, research results and existing problems are expounded.

Findings

The shear-compression composite joint has become the main form in practice, featuring shortened length and simplified structure. The length of composite joints between 1.5 and 3.0 m has no significant effect on the stress and force transmission laws of the main girder. The reasonable thickness of the bearing plate is 40–70 mm. The calculation theory and simplified calculation formula of the overall bearing capacity, the nonuniformity and distribution laws of the shear connector, the force transferring ratio of steel and concrete components, the fatigue failure mechanism and structural parameters effects are the focus of the research study.

Originality/value

This study puts forward some suggestions and prospects for the structural design and theoretical research of the steel–concrete composite joint of railway long-span hybrid girder cable-stayed bridge.
English version of Japanese guidance for the use of oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in the treatments of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Saeki Hidehisa , Akiyama Masashi , Abe Masatoshi , Igarashi Atsuyuki , Imafuku Shinichi , Ohya Yukihiro , Katoh Norito , Kameda Hideto , Kabashima Kenji , Tsunemi Yuichiro , Hide Michihiro , Ohtsuki Mamitaro ,   Committee for reviewing the Safety of Atopic Dermatitis/Urticaria Treatment, Japanese Dermatological Association
Published: November 2022

This is the English version of guidance for the use of oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Several cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐13, IL‐22, IL‐31, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and interferon‐γ, are involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. As oral JAK inhibitors hinder the JAK‐signal transducers and activators of transcription signal transduction routes involved in the signal transduction of these cytokines, they may be effective for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. In Japan, as oral JAK inhibitors for atopic dermatitis, a JAK1/2 inhibitor, baricitinib, expanded its authorized indications for atopic dermatitis in 2020. Consequentially, a JAK1 inhibitor, upadacitinib, also expanded its indications to atopic dermatitis in 2021, followed by new approval of another JAK1 inhibitor, abrocitinib, for the use under the Japanese health insurance system. Physicians who intend to use them should sufficiently understand and comply with contents of guidelines prepared by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to promote optimal use of these drugs. In the treatment with oral JAK inhibitors, it is important to sufficiently consider disease factors, treatment factors and patient backgrounds, and share them with patients to choose treatment options. Points to be considered for drug selection include the efficacy and safety of drugs, age of patients, and dosage and administration of the drug. This guidance was developed for board certified dermatologists, who are specialized in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, and for promoting proper use of oral JAK inhibitors, taking into account a variety of factors in individual patients.
Role of topical spironolactone in the treatment of acne: A systematic review of clinical trials—Does this therapy open a path towards favorable outcomes?
Authors: Rehan Syeda Tayyaba , Khan Zayeema , Abbas Samina , Imran Laiba , Munir Saqib , Tahir Muhammad Junaid , Kheljee Aqib Zaman , Eljack Mohammed Mahmmoud Fadelallah , Ahmed Ali
Published: November 2022

Acne vulgaris is the eighth most common disease worldwide and presents with inflammatory and noninflammatory skin lesions along with other dermal abnormalities. Oral spironolactone is used for treating acne vulgaris due to its antiandrogenic properties and inhibition of sebogenesis. Recent evidence shows that spironolactone in topical form has similar efficacy to its oral form with comparatively fewer adverse events associated with its use. However, to establish an evidence‐based understanding, this systematic review aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of topical spironolactone in the treatment of acne vulgaris. PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar were comprehensively searched from the date of inception till March 18, 2022 All the clinical trials experimenting with the role of topical spironolactone in the treatment of acne were included. Articles examining the effects of oral spironolactone or other topical agents were excluded. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool (RoB 2.0, version 2019) was used to assess the risk of bias in each study. The study findings have been reported in line with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The literature search yielded 600 articles. Five clinical trials with 195 patients were included in this review. Out of the five trials, two showed a high risk of bias while three had overall some concerns. Patients treated with topical spironolactone showed a significant decrease in the number of papules (p = 0.004), closed comedones (p < 0.05), and lesions (p < 0.05). Compared to placebo, treatment with 5% spironolactone showed a significant decrease in total lesion count (p = 0.007). In addition, 2% spironolactone showed efficacy over clindamycin and reduced the number of comedones (p < 0.0001), papules (p < 0.0001), and pustules (p < 0.0001) while the acne severity index was also considerably lowered (p < 0.0001). Spironolactone was not found to affect significant skin hydration, sebum, elasticity, melanin, and redness (p > 0.05). Topical spironolactone yields better results than other first‐line treatments for acne and displays fewer side effects. However, further large‐scale clinical trials are required before spironolactone can be used as the preferred treatment in the clinical management of acne.
Hedging at the rear edge: Intraspecific trait variability drives the trajectory of marginal populations in a widespread boreal tree species
Authors: Pelletier Emmanuelle , Couture Magali , de Lafontaine Guillaume
Published: November 2022

Rear‐edge populations at the warm margin of species distribution are small, isolated and face environmental conditions at the limit of species bioclimatic envelope. Intraspecific phenotypic variation contributing to the persistence of peripheral populations is expected to become increasingly important under future climate conditions to avoid local extirpation where range shifts lag behind climate change velocity.

We investigated the putative role of intraspecific phenotypic variation for the maintenance of rear‐edge populations of fire‐prone jack pine (Pinus banksiana), an obligate pyriscent boreal species. We assessed whether variation in cone serotiny is associated with the population trajectory of marginal stands located south of the boreal biome, in the temperate forest where natural wildfires are infrequent and unpredictable. To this end, we estimated stand‐scale serotiny, minimal age and tree size structure in 26 jack pine stands from the rear edge (n = 17 sites) and the core (n = 9 sites) of the species' range in eastern Canada.

On average, rear‐edge jack pine populations are less serotinous albeit more variably compared with range‐core populations where serotiny is more uniformly high. Rear‐edge stands are generally older and display reverse J‐shape tree size structure indicative of a multi‐aged demographic equilibrium, whereas range‐core stands are younger and show a unimodal stand structure depicting a single ageing cohort generally lacking interfire recruitment. Eco‐evolutionary dynamics shifts from a dependency on wildfires in range‐core populations to stands that can regenerate and persist without recurrent fires at the rear edge, where stand‐scale serotiny reaches values below 85%.

Synthesis. Unlike range‐core populations, rear‐edge jack pine populations can locally rely on a dual life‐history strategy to ensure both steady recruitment during fire‐free intervals and successful postfire regeneration. This capacity to cope with infrequent and unpredictable fire regime should increase the resilience and resistance of jack pine populations as global changes alter fire dynamics of the boreal forest. More generally, unique intraspecific phenotypic variation in rear‐edge populations contributes to long‐term species persistence in marginal environmental conditions that might scale up with global changes. The conservation of rear‐edge populations and their genetic legacy appears crucial for the resilience of species.
Climate and forest attributes influence above‐ground biomass of deciduous broadleaf forests in China
Authors: Chen Guoping , Cai Qiong , Ma Suhui , Feng Yuhao , Fang Wenjing , Ji Chengjun , Zhu Jiangling , Wang Zhiheng , Wang Shaopeng , Tang Zhiyao , Fang Jingyun
Published: November 2022

Forests provide a huge carbon pool, a substantial portion of which is stored in above‐ground biomass (AGB). Deciduous broadleaf forests in China are an essential component of global deciduous broadleaf forests, yet the impacts of climate and forest attributes on their AGB are not well understood.

Using a comprehensive forest inventory database from 772 plots distributed across temperate and subtropical deciduous broadleaf forests in China (23.51°–42.53°N and 104.24°–128.27°E), we applied variance partitioning analysis, model selection analysis and structural equation models to explore how climate and forest attributes (species diversity, community‐level functional traits and stand structures) affect AGB in different climatic forests (semi‐arid forests, semi‐humid forests and humid forests).

Community‐level functional traits and stand structures together explained a great portion of the variance in AGB. The effect of community‐level functional traits was greater than that of stand structures in semi‐arid forests and semi‐humid forests, but smaller in humid forests. Further analyses showed that community‐level maximum tree height, stem density and tree size inequality were important explanatory variables. Although climate and species diversity had minor effects, the direct positive effect of mean annual precipitation (MAP) was still important, especially in semi‐arid forests.

Synthesis. Community‐level functional traits but not species diversity were key drivers of AGB, indicating that tree species diversity loss may not impair AGB substantially in deciduous broadleaf forests in China. Moreover, stand structures also had strong effects on AGB in both semi‐arid forests and humid forests, highlighting the importance of structural complexity. In addition, MAP had a direct positive effect on AGB in semi‐arid forests and semi‐humid forests, and a future increase in drought might potentially reduce carbon storage in these forests.
Partial coalescence and whipping capabilities of dairy aerated emulsions as affected by inclusion of monoglycerides with different fatty acid species
Authors: Xie Pengkai , Ji Guozhi , Jin Jun , Xu Hua , Zhang Li , Gao Ziwei , Fan Qinyuan , Chen Yun , Jin Qingzhe , Wang Xingguo
Published: November 2022

Whipping capabilities are the most important indices of dairy aerated emulsions for their use in cakes, desserts and toppings. However, poor whipping capabilities may occur because of included soft fats. Monoglycerides, namely glyceryl monostearate (GMS), glycerol monooleate (GMO) and glycerin monolaurate (GMLa), are the suggested improvers in controlling whipping process through changing partial coalescence behaviours of fat globules. Effects of the three monoglycerides on two crucial whipping factors, that is, fat crystallisation and interfacial properties, were analysed in the present study. It is found that low levels of monoglycerides (<0.25%) showed little effects on the development of partial coalescence, while positive performance was observed in those formulated with increased concentrations ranging from 0.50 to 0.75%. In comparison with GMO, monoglycerides with saturated species significantly improved density and ordering of fat crystal networks and reduced interfacial protein concentrations, contributing to the development of partial coalescence and bubble structures during whipping. Rheology analyses further strongly supported that GMS and GMLa strengthened fat crystal network structure, thereby improving shaping property and heat resistance of foam. The results provided a theoretical basis for improving whipping capabilities of aerated emulsions.
Investigating error in saw mark minimum kerf width measurements
Authors: VanBaarle Alexis L. , Garvin Heather M.
Published: November 2022

Minimum kerf width (MKW) is often assessed in medicolegal cases of skeletal sharp force trauma and can provide information about the tool used. Previously published saw MKW research focuses on the relationship between MKW and saw blade set width (width of the saw blade including tooth set). Despite these publications using various measurement tools and methods to collect MKW, error in MKW measurements is not well‐documented. The goal of this research was to investigate MKW measurement precision in terms of intraobserver error, interobserver error, and the effects of measurement modality (e.g., calipers versus stereo microscope). The study sample consisted of 351 incomplete cuts made with 27 diverse saws. MKW was collected using three methods: (1) inserting the internal caliper jaws into the incomplete kerf, (2) placing the external caliper jaws on the cortical surface, and (3) using a digital stereo microscope and associated measurement software. For each method, intraobserver error and interobserver error were assessed. Differences in measurements taken with the three measurement modalities were assessed for each observer as well. Relative technical error of measurement (rTEM) and coefficients of reliability indicate that internal caliper and stereo microscope measurements had the lowest intra‐ and interobserver error (rTEM = 3.72% to 6.15%; r = 0.98–0.996). External caliper measurements performed the worst (rTEM: intra = 8.53% and inter = 21.32%). There was higher precision between internal caliper and stereo microscope measurements than with the external caliper measurements. This research highlights the need for measurement standardization.