bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do customers’ environmental efforts diffuse to suppliers: the role of customers’ characteristics and suppliers’ digital technology capability
Authors: Feng Yunting , Zhu Qinghua
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The growing attention to green supply chain transparency prompts firms to disclose their environmental efforts and manage environmental issues along supply chains. Drawn upon diffusion theory, this study aims to investigate how customers’ environmental efforts can be diffused to suppliers for similar actions, as well as how customers’ (diffusors’) characteristics and suppliers’ (followers’) capability in digital technology application moderate the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collects secondary data of 1,514 unique customer-supplier dyad year observations of Chinese listed firms and their disclosed environmental efforts from 2009 to 2022. A fixed-effect regression model is used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

This study reveals a positive association between customers’ disclosed environmental efforts and those of their suppliers. Furthermore, the relationship is strengthened when customers are state-owned or when suppliers possess higher levels of digital technology application capability. These findings remain robust when alternative measures of variables are employed.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the supply chain transparency literature by uncovering the diffusion mechanism of environmental efforts from customers to their suppliers. It further identifies moderators for this diffusion, including customers’ (diffusors’) ownership and suppliers’ (followers’) capability. Lastly, our study extends the applicability of diffusion theory within a buyer–supplier context.
Challenges in adopting blockchain technology in supply chain management: a too far fetched idea?
Authors: Raj Rohit , Singh Arpit , Kumar Vimal , Verma Pratima
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Recent technological advancements, often linked to Industry 4.0, require organizations to be more agile and innovative. Blockchain technology (BT) holds immense potential in driving organizations to achieve efficiency and transparency in supply chains. However, there exist some insurmountable challenges associated with the adoption of BT in organizational supply chains (SC). This paper attempts to categorically identify and systematize the most influential challenges in the implementation of BT in SC.

Design/methodology/approach

This study resorts to an extensive literature review and consultations with experts in the field of supply chain management (SCM), information technology and academia to identify, categorize and prioritize the major challenges using VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) and Combined Compromise Solution method (CoCoSo).

Findings

The top three classes of challenges revealed in this study are privacy challenges (PC), infrastructure challenges (IC) and transparency challenges (TC). Maintaining a balance between data openness and secrecy and rectification of incorrect/erroneous input are the top two challenges in the PC category, integration of BT with sustainable practices and ensuring legitimacy are the top two challenges in the IC category, and proper and correct information sharing in organizations was the top most challenge in the TC category.

Originality/value

Future scholars and industry professionals will be guided by the importance of the challenges identified in this study to develop an economical and logical approach for integrating BT to increase the efficiency and outcome of supply chains across several industrial sectors.
Unveiling just-in-time decision support system using social media analytics: a case study on reverse logistics resource recycling
Authors: Shahidzadeh Mohammad Hossein , Shokouhyar Sajjad
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In recent times, the field of corporate intelligence has gained substantial prominence, employing advanced data analysis techniques to yield pivotal insights for instantaneous strategic and tactical decision-making. Expanding beyond rudimentary post observation and analysis, social media analytics unfolds a comprehensive exploration of diverse data streams encompassing social media platforms and blogs, thereby facilitating an all-encompassing understanding of the dynamic social customer landscape. During an extensive evaluation of social media presence, various indicators such as popularity, impressions, user engagement, content flow, and brand references undergo meticulous scrutiny. Invaluable intelligence lies within user-generated data stemming from social media platforms, encompassing valuable customer perspectives, feedback, and recommendations that have the potential to revolutionize numerous operational facets, including supply chain management. Despite its intrinsic worth, the actual business value of social media data is frequently overshadowed due to the pervasive abundance of content saturating the digital realm. In response to this concern, the present study introduces a cutting-edge system known as the Enterprise Just-in-time Decision Support System (EJDSS).

Design/methodology/approach

Leveraging deep learning techniques and advanced analytics of social media data, the EJDSS aims to propel business operations forward. Specifically tailored to the domain of marketing, the framework delineates a practical methodology for extracting invaluable insights from the vast expanse of social data. This scholarly work offers a comprehensive overview of fundamental principles, pertinent challenges, functional aspects, and significant advancements in the realm of extensive social data analysis. Moreover, it presents compelling real-world scenarios that vividly illustrate the tangible advantages companies stand to gain by incorporating social data analytics into their decision-making processes and capitalizing on emerging investment prospects.

Findings

To substantiate the efficacy of the EJDSS, a detailed case study centered around reverse logistics resource recycling is presented, accompanied by experimental findings that underscore the system’s exceptional performance. The study showcases remarkable precision, robustness, F1 score, and variance statistics, attaining impressive figures of 83.62%, 78.44%, 83.67%, and 3.79%, respectively.

Originality/value

This scholarly work offers a comprehensive overview of fundamental principles, pertinent challenges, functional aspects, and significant advancements in the realm of extensive social data analysis. Moreover, it presents compelling real-world scenarios that vividly illustrate the tangible advantages companies stand to gain by incorporating social data analytics into their decision-making processes and capitalizing on emerging investment prospects.
Persistent trends and inefficiencies in the Greek housing market: a sentiment based approach
Authors: Vasileiou Evangelos , Hadad Elroi , Oikonomou Martha
Published: May 2024

Purpose

We examine the aggregate price trend of the Greek housing market from a behavioral perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

We construct a behavioral real estate sentiment index, based on relevant real estate search terms from Google Trends and websites, and examine its association with real estate price distributions and trends. By employing EGARCH(1,1) on the New Apartments Index data from the Bank of Greece, we capture real estate price volatility and asymmetric effects resulting from changes in the real estate search index. Enhancing robustness, macroeconomic variables are added to the mean equation. Additionally, a run test assesses the efficiency of the Greek housing market.

Findings

The results show a significant relationship between the Greek housing market and our real estate sentiment index; an increase (decrease) in search activity, indicating a growing interest in the real estate market, is strongly linked to potential increases (decreases) in real estate prices. These results remain robust across various estimation procedures and control variables. These findings underscore the influential role of real estate sentiment on the Greek housing market and highlight the importance of considering behavioral factors when analyzing and predicting trends in the housing market.

Originality/value

To investigate the behavioral effect on the Greek housing market, we construct our behavioral pattern indexes using Google search-based sentiment data from Google Trends. Additionally, we incorporate the Google Trend index as an explanatory variable in the EGARCH mean equation to evaluate the influence of online search behavior on the dynamics and prices of the Greek housing market.
“Should I stay or should I go”: experience does not make the expert in police snap decision-making
Authors: Tejeiro Ricardo , Shortland Neil , Paramio Alberto , Alison Laurence , González José Luis
Published: May 2024

Purpose

We analyse the role of subject matter experts' experience in establishing performance benchmarks for ambiguous and unstructured police tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants included 156 students in the final week of their training to become commissioned officers of a police force (78.8% male, aged 21 to 54); 55.8% had previous experience as police officers, with 5–39 years of service (expert group). Participants completed an online questionnaire providing demographic data and responded to three written vignettes presenting critical high-ambiguity, time-pressure, and life-threatening situations.

Findings

Having prior police experience or being familiar with the situations presented in the vignettes did not impact the decisions made in two of the three vignettes. In the vignette where differences appeared, there was no clearly preferred option among the experts. Experts provided shorter and less elaborate justifications for their decisions compared to novices.

Originality/value

Overall experience and personal familiarity with situations do not appear to be sufficient conditions for identifying someone as an expert in this type of tasks. Results are discussed in relation to the difference between knowing what one should do and what one does due to stress and the moral or “sacred” values prevalent in police forces.
Does land consolidation promote livestock production and combat rural depopulation in northern Spain?
Authors: Orea Luis , Pérez‐Méndez José A. , Álvarez Inmaculada
Published: May 2024

This paper evaluates the effect on livestock production and rural population of the land consolidation (LC) processes that occurred over recent decades in Asturias, an autonomous region located in north‐west Spain. We use a novel Difference‐in‐Difference (DiD) model which allows for multiple LCs at different points in time and for spatial spill‐overs. As many parishes have been involved in two or more LC processes, we test whether we can simplify our analysis using a specification for these parishes that accumulates the effect of consecutive, and often distant, LC processes. We find that this simplification can be implemented when we analyse the effect of the LC processes on parishes' livestock production, but not when we examine their effects on parish population. We find that parish livestock production increases on average by about 3% once we take into account spatial effects, and that LC processes have especially attenuated the decline in the number of farms in (coastal) parishes where dairy farms predominate. We do not find strong evidence regarding the effectiveness of LC processes in redressing rural depopulation, except in some of the parishes located in western Asturias.
Material Composition of the Newly Discovered Zongzhuo Formation Sedimentary Mélange in the Dingri Area, Southern Tibet, and its Constraints on the Basin Controlling Dingri–Gamba Fault
Authors: YAN Songtao , DING Ailing , DAI Xuejian , LI Hu , LIU Tao , ZHU Lidong , WU Qingsong
Published: May 2024

The study of sedimentary mélanges holds pivotal importance in understanding orogenic processes and unveiling geodynamic mechanisms. In this study, we present findings on zircon U‐Pb isotopes and whole‐rock elemental data concerning the recently uncovered Zongzhuo Formation sedimentary mélanges within the Dingri area. Field observations reveal the predominant composition of the Zongzhuo Formation, characterized by a matrix of sandstone‐mudstone mixed with sand‐conglomerates within native blocks exhibiting soft sediment deformation. Moreover, exotic blocks originating from littoral–neritic seas display evidence of landslide deformation. Our study identifies the depositional environment of the Zongzhuo Formation in Dingri as a slope turbidite fan, with its provenance traced back to the passive continental margin. Notably, this contrasts with the Zongzhuo Formation found in the Jiangzi–Langkazi area. Based on existing data, we conclude that the Zongzhuo Formation in the Dingri area was influenced by the Dingri–Gamba fault and emerged within a fault basin of the passive continental margin due to Neo‐Tethys oceanic subduction during the Late Cretaceous period. Its provenance can be attributed to the littoral–neritic sea of the northern Tethys Himalaya region. This study holds significant implications for understanding the tectonic evolution of Tethys Himalaya and for reevaluating the activity of the Dingri–Gamba fault, as it controls the active deposition of the Zongzhuo Formation.
Non‐selective microbiota reduction after the elicitation of a seaweed's immune response
Authors: Li Jiasui , Saha Mahasweta , Majzoub Marwan E. , Yang Teng , Chu Haiyan , Thomas Torsten , Weinberger Florian , Egan Suhelen
Published: May 2024

Pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI) is an integral part of the innate immune system of many eukaryotic hosts, assisting in the defence against pathogen invasions. In plants and animals, PTI exerts a selective pressure on the microbiota that can alter community composition. However, the effect of PTI on the microbiota for non‐model hosts, including seaweeds, remains unknown. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction complemented with 16S rRNA gene and transcript amplicon sequencing, this study profiled the impact that PTI of the red seaweed Gracilaria gracilis has on its microbiota. PTI elicitation with agar oligosaccharides resulted in a significant reduction in the number of bacteria (by >75% within 72 h after treatment). However, the PTI elicitation did not cause any significant difference in the community diversity or structure. These findings demonstrated that PTI can be non‐selective, and this might help to maintain a stable microbiota by uniformly reducing bacterial loads.
Predictors of abstinence maintenance after cocaine inpatient detoxification: A prospective study
Authors: Poireau Margaux , Clergue‐Duval Virgile , Maillard Angéline , Icick Romain , Azuar Julien , Smith Pauline , Faurent Mathieu , Volle Emmanuelle , Delmaire Christine , Cabé Julien , Bloch Vanessa , Vorspan Florence
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives

Cocaine is a highly addictive substance, and with no approved medication for cocaine use disorder (CUD), leading to a heavy burden. Despite validated psychosocial treatments, relapse rates after detoxification are very high in CUD. Few consistent factors can predict abstinence after detoxification. Our study, therefore, aimed at identifying factors predicting abstinence among CUD patients after inpatient detoxification.

Methods

Eighty‐one CUD inpatients were included during detoxification and characterized for clinical and sociodemographic data at baseline and at a follow‐up of 3 months after discharge, including a standard measure of their abstinence duration from cocaine. We performed Cox univariate analyzes to determine the factors associated with abstinence maintenance, followed by a multivariate Cox regression to identify independent predictors.

Results

Abstinence maintenance was shorter in patients injecting cocaine (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.01–13.27, p < .001) and using cocaine heavily in the month before inclusion (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00–1.06, p = .046). Conversely, abstinence maintenance was longer in patients with longer inpatient detoxification stays (HR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94–0.99, p = .015) and prescribed with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (HR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.16–0.56, p < .001).

Discussion and Conclusions

Patients with severe CUD may require longer inpatient stays to achieve abstinence. Regarding SSRI prescription, more specific studies are needed to provide stronger recommendations about their use in clinical practice.

Scientific Significance

Our findings suggest several modifiable factors to improve inpatient treatment response in CUD. As there are no specific recommendations about the optimal duration of inpatient stay, our results could pave the way for evidence‐based guidelines.
Presence and development of diabetic retinopathy in 16 999 patients with type 1 diabetes in the Danish Registry of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Stokholm Lonny , Pedersen Frederik Nørregaard , Andersen Nis , Andresen Jens , Bek Toke , Dinesen Sebastian , Hajari Javad , Heegaard Steffen , Højlund Kurt , Laugesen Caroline Schmidt , Kawasaki Ryo , Möller Sören , Schielke Katja Christina , Subhi Yousif , Thykjær Anne Suhr , Grauslund Jakob
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the five‐year incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and associated risk markers in patients with type 1 diabetes in the national Danish DR‐screening programme.

Methods

Based on national data, we included all 16 999 patients with type 1 diabetes in the Danish Registry of Diabetic Retinopathy, who attended the national screening programme in the period 2013–2018. According to the worse eye at first screening, DR was classified (levels 0–4) and linked with various national health registries to retrieve information on diabetes duration, systemic comorbidity, and medication.

Results

At first screening, median age and duration of diabetes were 45.0 and 16.7 years, and 57.5% were males. The prevalence and five‐year incidences for DR and progression to proliferative DR (PDR) were 44.2%, 8.9% and 2.0%, respectively. In multivariable Cox models, the incidence endpoints were associated with duration of diabetes (hazard ratio [HR] 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.63–1.89, and HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.73–2.40 per 10 years), moderately low Charlson Comorbidity Index score (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.10–1.47, and HR 2.80, 95% CI 2.23–3.51), and use of blood pressure lowering medication (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.05–1.36, and HR 1.98, 95% CI 1.53–2.57).

Conclusion

In a study of all patients with type 1 diabetes from the Danish DR‐screening programme, we identified duration of diabetes, systemic disease and use of anti‐hypertensive treatment as consistent risk markers for incident and progressive DR.
Assessing digital capability for twin transition and profitability: From firm and people perspectives with leadership support as moderator
Authors: Singh Bindu , Srivastava Anugamini Priya , Chatterjee Sheshadri , Durana Pavol , Kliestik Tomas
Published: May 2024

Digital capability encompasses the skills and attitudes that firms and employees need to thrive in the modern digital era. Digital capability of a firm involves the effective adoption and use of modern digital technologies such as Industry 4.0. From the individual perspective, digital capability is referred to as knowledge and skill sets of people which are essential to work in digitally enabled firms. Not many studies have been conducted to assess how digital capability can help in twin transition, that is, both at individual and firm levels, and how such digital capability can help in improving profitability for the firms. There is also a lack of studies exploring how firm leadership support can enhance digital capability to improve both organizational and employee performance. In this background, the aim of this study is to assess the role of digital capability for both firm and people perspectives with leadership support as moderator. With the support of resource‐based view (RBV) and literature, a research model was prepared conceptually which was later validated using PLS‐SEM technique considering 348 responses from employees of different types of industries. Based on the analysis of feedback from participants in India, this study has reached a specific conclusion. Consequently, the results suffer from external validity issues which have been considered as one of the critical limitations of this study. It has been demonstrated that impacts of digital competency could improve both people and firm performance enhancing the profitability of the firms. Such enhancement of profitability is facilitated by the impact of leadership support.
Transnational review on the use of information and communication technologies and technoscience in healthcare: Their impact on the autonomy and governance of individuals and communities
Authors: Unanue Cuesta Concepción
Published: May 2024

The impact and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in healthcare settings has been increasing since 2019. This is greatly due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. But beyond accommodating an extraordinary and complex situation in terms of healthcare services, or beyond replacing personalised care delivered by healthcare professionals (HCPs), has there been a process of information and consultation for communities and HCPs? Do we have the basic requirements needed to make such use commonplace in health care? What will the impact be on communities and their governance? Have we arrived here by consensus or by imposition? Our purpose has been to conduct a transnational analysis by approaching communities, social actors, and healthcare professionals in three territories in a pilot study following a qualitative methodology. The aim being to discover the potential impact of such measures beyond the right to health and if such measures are compatible with the purpose of population settling in rural areas. Furthermore, to identify if this entails a conflict of value and priorities or if we need new ethical reviews both for communities and healthcare professionals.
Direct neuronal protection by the protease‐activated receptor PAR4 antagonist ML354 after experimental stroke in mice
Authors: Fleischer Michael , Szepanowski Rebecca D. , Pesara Valeria , Bihorac Julia Sophie , Oehler Beatrice , Dobrev Dobromir , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Fender Anke C.
Published: May 2024

Background and Purpose

Thrombo‐inflammation is a key feature of stroke pathophysiology and provides multiple candidate drug targets. Thrombin exerts coagulation‐independent actions via protease‐activated receptors (PAR), of which PAR1 has been implicated in stroke‐associated neuroinflammation. The role of PAR4 in this context is less clear. This study examined if the selective PAR4 antagonist ML354 provides neuroprotection in experimental stroke and explored the underlying mechanisms.

Experimental Approach

Mouse primary cortical neurons were exposed to oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) and simulated reperfusion ± ML354. For comparison, functional Ca2+‐imaging was performed upon acute stimulation with a PAR4 activating peptide or glutamate. Male mice underwent sham operation or transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), with ML354 or vehicle treatment beginning at recanalization. A subset of mice received a platelet‐depleting antibody. Stroke size and functional outcomes were assessed. Abundance of target genes, proteins, and cell markers was determined in cultured cells and tissues by qPCR, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence.

Key Results

Stroke up‐regulated PAR4 expression in cortical neurons in vitro and in vivo. OGD augments spontaneous and PAR4‐mediated neuronal activity; ML354 suppresses OGD‐induced neuronal excitotoxicity and apoptosis. ML354 applied in vivo after tMCAO reduced infarct size, apoptotic markers, macrophage accumulation, and interleukin‐1β expression. Platelet depletion did not affect infarct size in mice with tMCAO ± ML354.

Conclusions and Implications

Selective PAR4 inhibition during reperfusion improves infarct size and neurological function after experimental stroke by blunting neuronal excitability, apoptosis, and local inflammation. PAR4 antagonists may provide additional neuroprotective benefits in patients with acute stroke beyond their canonical antiplatelet action.
Evaluation of a panel of furochromenones as the activator and inhibitor of tyrosinase
Authors: Seenivasan Gayathri , Ahmad Sarwat Asma Ziya , Tuti Nikhil Kumar , Shaji Unnikrishnan P. , Das Susmita , Khan Faiz Ahmed , Anindya Roy
Published: May 2024

Tyrosinase is a copper‐containing enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of melanin pigment. While the excess production of melanin causes hyperpigmentation of human skin, hypopigmentation results in medical conditions like vitiligo. Tyrosinase inhibitors could be used as efficient skin whitening agents and tyrosinase agonists could be used for enhanced melanin synthesis and skin protection from UV exposure. Among a wide range of tyrosinase‐regulating compounds, natural and synthetic derivatives of furochromenones, such as 8‐methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP), are known to both activate and inhibit tyrosinase. We recently reported a synthetic approach to generate a variety of dihydrofuro[3,2‐c]chromenones and furo[3,2‐c]chromenones in a metal‐free condition. In the present study, we investigated these compounds for their potential as antagonists or agonists of tyrosinase. Using fungal tyrosinase‐based in vitro biochemical assay, we obtained one compound (3k) which could inhibit tyrosinase activity, and the other compound (4f) that stimulated tyrosinase activity. The kinetic studies revealed that compound 3k caused ‘mixed’ type tyrosinase inhibition and 4f stimulated the catalytic efficiency. Studying the mechanisms of these compounds may provide a basis for the development of new effective tyrosinase inhibitors or activators.
Materializing mortality: Re‐enchanting grave goods in the British Museum using mixed‐method approaches to audience research
Authors: Wilkin Neil , Cecilia Rafie , Wexler Jennifer , Giles Melanie , Garrow Duncan
Published: May 2024

Grave goods are among the most common, but at the same time most powerful, objects on display in many museums. They possess the rare—often latent—ability to convey both particular and universal themes and to collapse chronological and cultural differences by connecting the shared embodiment of museum visitors and past people. To explore these values, this study draws on the results of two phases of in‐depth, mixed‐methods audience research before and after a rapid and low‐cost interpretative intervention: the “Death, Memory and Meaning” trail in the later prehistoric galleries of the British Museum. The analysis highlights the importance of fore‐fronting intimacy and the complex relationship between bodies and objects. It also demonstrates the importance of contextual, emotionally and spiritually connected approaches to the presentation of grave goods. Our findings are especially timely given the intensification of ethical concerns surrounding displays of prehistoric European human remains in museums.
Training, comfort, and perceived effectiveness: Lessons from the pandemic
Authors: Russell Lisa M. , Lach Patrick A. , Morgan Robin K.
Published: May 2024

This empirical study evaluates the impact of faculty training in online teaching on perceived comfort, perceived effectiveness, and stress during the Emergency Transition to Online Learning (ETOL) caused by COVID‐19. Survey data revealed a positive relationship between training in online teaching and perceived effectiveness during the ETOL. However, this relationship is fully mediated by perceived comfort in teaching online, meaning training in online teaching significantly increased faculty perceived comfort, which in turn increased perceived effectiveness. Relative to their counterparts, faculty who agreed that the ETOL was stressful were significantly more likely to cite working from home distractions and a lack of physical resources as the greatest challenges. Going forward, our results suggest faculty should be trained in best practices in online teaching as a regular part of their development. Doing so would not only benefit online courses, but the tools used in online courses can also benefit faculty teaching in‐person courses. The emerging tools used in online courses can also serve to enhance teaching in emerging, technology‐based disciplines in business, such as digital marketing or business analytics. In addition to ongoing training, another best practice to prepare for a future ETOL would be to allow business school faculty to share what they have learned with other business faculty.
Impact of temperature and season on ant foraging activity of two invasive species in a Mediterranean urban area
Authors: Destour Giovanny , Blatrix Rumsais , Caries Aurélien , Genevet Juliette , Kaufmann Bernard , Lecoq Baptiste , Lucas Annick , Verlingue Killian , Vergnes Alan , Javal Marion
Published: May 2024

Invasive species often have harmful effects on human activities and biodiversity. The Tapinoma nigerrimum complex includes three species that exhibit invasive traits and the ability to form supercolonies, including Tapinoma magnum and Tapinoma darioi. While these species are native to the Mediterranean basin, they have recently been reported as invasive in more northern regions of Europe. However, T. magnum and T. darioi show different invasion patterns in Europe, suggesting differences in thermal preferences between these species. We aimed to determine whether there was any difference in activity pattern depending on temperature or season between the two Tapinoma species and between Tapinoma and co‐occurring native Mediterranean ants.

We measured ambient temperature and ant foraging activity around the nest entrances of T. darioi and T. magnum in urbanised sites around Montpellier, southern France, over almost 1 year.

We did not detect differences in activity between the two species according to temperature, but T. magnum was more active than T. darioi in winter. Compared to the co‐occurring native species, the two Tapinoma species were more active at low temperatures and earlier in the year.

These results suggest that the difference in invasion success between T. magnum and T. darioi may not be explained by temperature preference. The difference in activity between native Mediterranean species and invasive Tapinoma suggests a coexistence through niche partitioning. In addition, our results suggest that control measures against invasive Tapinoma species would be more effective if applied at the end of winter.
A role of dentate gyrus mechanistic target of rapamycin activation in epileptogenesis in a mouse model of posttraumatic epilepsy
Authors: Guo Dongjun , Han Lirong , Godale Christin M. , Rensing Nicholas R. , Danzer Steve C. , Wong Michael
Published: May 2024

Objective

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has been implicated in promoting epileptogenesis in animal models of acquired epilepsy, such as posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) following traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the specific anatomical regions and neuronal populations mediating mTOR's role in epileptogenesis are not well defined. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that mTOR activation in dentate gyrus granule cells promotes neuronal death, mossy fiber sprouting, and PTE in the controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of TBI.

Methods

An adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐Cre viral vector was injected into the hippocampus of Rptorflox/flox (regulatory‐associated protein of mTOR) mutant mice to inhibit mTOR activation in dentate gyrus granule cells. Four weeks after AAV‐Cre or AAV‐vehicle injection, mice underwent CCI injury and were subsequently assessed for mTOR pathway activation by Western blotting, neuronal death, and mossy fiber sprouting by immunopathological analysis, and posttraumatic seizures by video‐electroencephalographic monitoring.

Results

AAV‐Cre injection primarily affected the dentate gyrus and inhibited hippocampal mTOR activation following CCI injury. AAV‐Cre‐injected mice had reduced neuronal death in dentate gyrus detected by Fluoro‐Jade B staining and decreased mossy fiber sprouting by ZnT3 immunostaining. Finally, AAV‐Cre‐injected mice exhibited a decrease in incidence of PTE.

Significance

mTOR pathway activation in dentate gyrus granule cells may at least partly mediate pathological abnormalities and epileptogenesis in models of TBI and PTE. Targeted modulation of mTOR activity in this hippocampal network may represent a focused therapeutic approach for antiepileptogenesis and prevention of PTE.
Sex and age differences in the preference for materials for the communal nests of sociable weavers Philetairus socius
Authors: Silva Nicolas J. , Benoit Fantine , Elliott Andrew , Rault Charlotte , Colençon Pierre , Covas Rita , Doutrelant Claire
Published: May 2024

Many animals build structures that are used for shelter, reproduction or to capture prey. The type of material used to build these structures is likely to influence their solidity, thermoregulation capacity and, in some species, may influence the attractiveness of the builders. In the case of animal nests, evidence for preference of nesting material has been documented in several species but, to date, few field experiments have been conducted, and it was seldom investigated whether individuals' attributes affected those preferences. We investigated these preferences in relation to individual attributes on sociable weavers (Philetairus socius) that build communally one of the largest known nest structures, using dry grass. We conducted an experiment where we presented two piles of straws, long and short, to wild individuals. We recorded 900 h of video and used a deep learning method to automatically detect images where birds were present (266 colour‐ringed individuals). Our results showed that males picked more straws than females and showed a preference for longer straws, while no preference was found for females. In addition, older males showed a preference for long straws compared to younger males. Finally, males displayed higher repeatability than females in their preference for longer straws. In conclusion, we show that choice of nesting material is not random, and that preferences are associated with individual attributes. Future studies should assess how building is associated with social status, mating and reproductive success of the individuals building, to investigate which of these factors could have shaped the evolution of these preferences.
Detecting land cover and land use transitions and the associated temperature changes in the East Asian monsoon region
Authors: Im Ahyeong , Lee Eungul , He Yaqian
Published: May 2024

Unprecedented land cover and land use (LCLU) changes can significantly alter the interactions between the land and atmosphere through biogeophysical processes, potentially changing the monsoon systems. Therefore, it is necessary to quantify the LCLU changes and the impacts on the climate in the East Asian monsoon (EAM) region, where significant human‐induced LCLU changes have occurred. This study quantified the LCLU transitions with fractional maps produced using the recently developed categorical LCLU maps from 1982 to 2015. In the five sub‐regions, identified as having undergone significant LCLU transitions, the relationships of the transitions with 2 m temperature were investigated using the ERA5‐Land reanalysis data. The quantified LCLU transitions revealed that, in northeastern China, the dominant trend was forests and grasslands changing into croplands. Moreover, in the marginal areas of Inner Mongolia, the transitions of grasslands to croplands and forests were evident. Croplands were mainly converted to forests in the Sichuan region. In particular, in the Sichuan region, the temperature increased by more than 0.04°C as the forests increased by 1%. In the marginal areas of Inner Mongolia, a 1% decrease in grasslands and a 1% increase in forests, respectively, were associated with a temperature rise of more than 0.03 and 0.04°C. The detected LCLU transitions affect the regional warming as demonstrated by correlation, regression and Granger‐causality analyses and the related biogeophysical processes. Thus, the identified LCLU transitions can change the regional climate and potentially affect the monsoon systems by changing the contrast in heat between land and ocean. This empirical research will not only provide insight into possible changes to climate by LCLU transitions in the EAM region, but it will also yield practical information for implementing land cover policies while considering the geographical characteristics of the region.
A simple method for the preparation of cordierite ceramics with high strength and low thermal expansion coefficient
Authors: Li Zifan , Jiang Haobo , Cui Jinping , Yu Shuyan , Chen Jinxuan , Rao Pinggen
Published: May 2024

Cordierite ceramics have great application prospects due to their very low coefficient of thermal expansion. However, the low purity of ceramics leads to their unsatisfactory fracture strength, which has always been a research focus. Herein, by applying external pressure to the green body of mixed raw materials and optimizing the synthesis temperature, high‐purity cordierite powder was prepared, and then it was used as the starting material for the fabrication of high‐strength cordierite ceramics. The optimal sample exhibited a flexural strength of 146 MPa, which is about 1.4 times that of the cordierite ceramics reported in the literature. This is attributed to applied external pressure increasing the contact area of raw materials, leading to a more thorough reaction, and the content of the α‐cordierite phase is 98.4 wt% in the sample synthesized at 1275°C. Concurrently, the samples possessed a thermal expansion coefficient of only 1.9 × 10−6°C−1 (room temperature to 800°C). In addition, the increase in columnar crystal volume fraction is also one of the reasons for the high strength and low thermal expansion coefficient of cordierite ceramics.
Bone morphogenetic protein 10, a rising star in the field of diabetes and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Wang Xueyin , Sun Helin , Yu Haomiao , Du Bingyu , Fan Qi , Jia Baoxue , Zhang Zhongwen
Published: May 2024

Early research suggested that bone morphogenetic protein 10 (BMP10) is primarily involved in cardiac development and congenital heart disease processes. BMP10 is a newly identified cardiac‐specific protein. In recent years, reports have emphasized the effects of BMP10 on myocardial apoptosis, fibrosis and immune response, as well as its synergistic effects with BMP9 in vascular endothelium and role in endothelial dysfunction. We believe that concentrating on this aspect of the study will enhance our knowledge of the pathogenesis of diabetes and the cardiovascular field. However, there have been no reports of any reviews discussing the role of BMP10 in diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In addition, the exact pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy is not fully understood, including myocardial energy metabolism disorders, microvascular changes, abnormal apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, collagen structural changes and myocardial fibrosis, all of which cause cardiac function impairment directly or indirectly and interact with one another. This review summarizes the research results of BMP10 in cardiac development, endothelial function and cardiovascular disease in an effort to generate new ideas for future research into diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Ingesting yeast extract causes excitation of neurogenic and myogenic colonic motor patterns in the rat
Authors: Li Hongfei , Ji Yanzhao , Luo Hesheng , Huizinga Jan D. , Chen Ji‐Hong
Published: May 2024

Fermented foods play a significant role in the human diet for their natural, highly nutritious and healthy attributes. Our aim was to study the effect of yeast extract, a fermented substance extracted from natural yeast, on colonic motility to better understand its potential therapeutic role. A yeast extract was given to rats by gavage for 3 days, and myogenic and neurogenic components of colonic motility were studied using spatiotemporal maps made from video recordings of the whole colon ex vivo. A control group received saline gavages. The yeast extract caused excitation of the musculature by increasing the propagation length and duration of long‐distance contractions, the major propulsive activity of the rat colon. The yeast extract also evoked rhythmic propulsive motor complexes (RPMCs) which were antegrade in the proximal and mid‐colon and retrograde in the distal colon. RPMC activity was evoked by distention‐induced neural activity, but it was myogenic in nature since we showed it to be generated by bethanechol in the presence of tetrodotoxin. In conclusion, ingestion of yeast extract stimulates rat colon motility by exciting neurogenic and myogenic control mechanisms.
Molecular mechanism of radiation tolerance in lung adenocarcinoma cells using single‐cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Chang Feiyun , Xi Bozhou , Chai Xinchun , Wang Xiuyan , Ma Manyuan , Fan Yafeng
Published: May 2024

The efficacy of radiotherapy, a cornerstone in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), is profoundly undermined by radiotolerance. This resistance not only poses a significant clinical challenge but also compromises patient survival rates. Therefore, it is important to explore this mechanism for the treatment of LUAD. Multiple public databases were used for single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) data. We filtered, normalized and downscaled scRNA‐seq data based on the Seurat package to obtain different cell subpopulations. Subsequently, the ssGSEA algorithm was used to assess the enrichment scores of the different cell subpopulations, and thus screen the cell subpopulations that are most relevant to radiotherapy tolerance based on the Pearson method. Finally, pseudotime analysis was performed, and a preliminary exploration of gene mutations in different cell subpopulations was performed. We identified HIST1H1D+ A549 and PIF1+ A549 as the cell subpopulations related to radiotolerance. The expression levels of cell cycle‐related genes and pathway enrichment scores of these two cell subpopulations increased gradually with the extension of radiation treatment time. Finally, we found that the proportion of TP53 mutations in patients who had received radiotherapy was significantly higher than that in patients who had not received radiotherapy. We identified two cellular subpopulations associated with radiotherapy tolerance, which may shed light on the molecular mechanisms of radiotherapy tolerance in LUAD and provide new clinical perspectives.
Achieving goal‐concordant care: Formal and informal advance care planning for White, Black, and Hispanic older adults
Authors: Lenko Rachel A. , Hoffman Geoffrey J. , Robinson‐Lane Sheria G. , Silveira Maria J. , Voepel‐Lewis Terri
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Advance care planning (ACP) aims to ensure that patients receive goal‐concordant care (GCC), which is especially important for racially or ethnically minoritized populations at greater risk of poor end‐of‐life outcomes. However, few studies have evaluated the impact of advance directives (i.e., formal ACP) or goals‐of‐care conversations (i.e., informal ACP) on such care. This study aimed to examine the relationship between each of formal and informal ACP and goal‐concordant end‐of‐life care among older Americans and to determine whether their impact differed between individuals identified as White, Black, or Hispanic.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using 2012–2018 data from the biennial Health and Retirement Study. We examined the relationships of interest using two, separate multivariable logistic regression models. Model 1 regressed a proxy report of GCC on formal and informal ACP and sociodemographic and health‐related covariates. Model 2 added interaction terms between race/ethnicity and the two types of ACP.

Results

Our sample included 2048 older adults. There were differences in the proportions of White, Black, and Hispanic decedents who received GCC (83.1%, 75.3%, and 71.3%, respectively, p < 0.001) and in the use of each type of ACP by racial/ethnic group. In model 1, informal compared with no informal ACP was associated with higher odds of GCC (adjusted odds ratio = 1.38 [95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.82]). In model 2, Black decedents who had formal ACP were more likely to receive GCC than those who did not, but there were no statistically significant differences between decedents of different racial/ethnic groups who had no ACP, informal ACP only, or both types of ACP.

Conclusions

Our results build on previous work by indicating the importance of incorporating goals‐of‐care conversations into routine healthcare for older adults and encouraging ACP usage among racially and ethnically minoritized populations who use ACP tools at lower rates.
A journey in the world of craniofacial development: From 1968 to the future
Authors: Morriss‐Kay Gillian
Published: May 2024

This article is based on my talk at the meeting “3rd Advances in Craniosynostosis: Basic Science to Clinical Practice”, held at University College, London, on 25 August 2023. It describes my contribution, together with that of my research team and external collaborators, to the field of craniofacial development. This began with my PhD research on the effects of excess vitamin A in rat embryos, which led to a study of normal as well as abnormal formation of the cranial neural tube. Many techniques for analysing morphogenetic change became available to me over the years: whole embryo culture, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, cell division analysis, immunohistochemistry and biochemical analysis of the extracellular matrix. The molecular revolution of the 1980s, and key collaborations with international research teams, enabled functional interpretation of some of the earlier morphological observations and required a change of experimental species to the mouse. Interactions between the molecular and experimental analysis of craniofacial morphogenesis in my laboratory with specialists in molecular genetics and clinicians brought my research journey near to my original aim: to contribute to a better understanding of the causes of human congenital anomalies.