bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural characterization of the “totonou” state associated with sauna use
Authors: Chang Ming , Ibaraki Takuya , Naruse Yasushi , Imamura Yasuhiko
Published: January 2023

Saunas are becoming increasingly popular worldwide, being an activity that promotes relaxation and health. Intense feelings of happiness have been reported shortly after enjoying a hot sauna and cold water, what is known in Japan as the “totonou” state. However, no research has investigated what occurs in the brain during the “totonou” state. In the present study, participants underwent a sauna phase, consisting of three sets of alternating hot sauna, cold water, and rest. We elucidated changes in brain activity and mood in the “totonou” state by measuring and comparing brain activity and emotional scales before and after the sauna phase and during the rest phase in each set. We found significant increases in theta and alpha power during rest and after the sauna phase compared to before the sauna phase. Moreover, in an auditory oddball task, the p300 amplitude decreased significantly and MMN amplitude increased significantly after the sauna phase. The increase in MMN indicates higher activation of the pre-attentional auditory process, leading to a decrease in attention-related brain activity P300. Hence, the brain reaches in a more efficient state. Further, the response time in behavioral tasks decreased significantly. In addition, the participants’ subjective responses to the questionnaire showed significant changes in physical relaxation and other indicators after being in the sauna. Finally, we developed an artificial intelligence classifier, obtaining an average accuracy of brain state classification of 88.34%. The results have potential for future application.
ATG5 selectively engages virus-tethered BST2/Tetherin in an LC3C-associated pathway
Authors: Judith Delphine , Versapuech Margaux , Bejjani Fabienne , Palaric Marjory , Verlhac Pauline , Kuster Aurelia , Lepont Leslie , Gallois-Montbrun Sarah , Janvier Katy , Berlioz-Torrent Clarisse
Published: January 2023

BST2/Tetherin is a restriction factor that reduces HIV-1 dissemination by tethering virus at the cell surface. BST2 also acts as a sensor of HIV-1 budding, establishing a cellular anti-viral state. The HIV-1 Vpu protein antagonizes BST2 antiviral functions, notably by subverting an LC3C-associated pathway, a key cell intrinsic anti-microbial mechanism. Here, we show that ATG5 associates with BST2 and acts as a signaling scaffold to trigger an LC3C-associated pathway induced by HIV-1 infection. This process is initiated at the plasma membrane through the recognition of virus-tethered BST2 by ATG5. ATG5 and BST2 assemble as a complex, independently of the viral protein Vpu and ahead of the recruitment of the ATG protein LC3C. The conjugation of ATG5 with ATG12 is dispensable for this interaction. ATG5 recognizes cysteine-linked homodimerized BST2 and specifically engages phosphorylated BST2 tethering viruses at the plasma membrane, in an LC3C-associated pathway. We also found that this LC3C-associated pathway is used by Vpu to attenuate the inflammatory responses mediated by virion retention. Overall, we highlight that by targeting BST2 tethering viruses, ATG5 acts as a transducer of the LC3C-associated pathway induced by HIV-1 infection.

Significance statement

The outcome of viral infection in cells is dependent on the balance between host restriction factors and viral countermeasures. BST2/Tetherin is a restriction factor that reduces HIV-1 dissemination by tethering virions at the cell surface. Its action is counteracted by the viral protein Vpu through multiple mechanisms. Here, we describe the initial step of a non-canonical autophagic pathway, called LC3C-associated pathway, subverted by Vpu to counteract BST2 antiviral activities. We found that the autophagic protein ATG5 acts as a transducer by targeting phosphorylated and dimerized virus-tethered BST2 from cell surface to the degradation. Our discovery opens new avenue in the discovery of unconventional functions of ATG5, as an adaptor for receptor at the plasma membrane initiating an unconventional autophagy process.
Enhanced neuroimaging with a calcium sensor in the live adultDrosophila Melanogasterbrain using closed-loop adaptive optics light-sheet microscopy
Authors: Hubert Antoine , Farkouh Georges , Harms Fabrice , Veilly Cynthia , Imperato Sophia , Mercier Mathias , Loriette Vincent , Rouyer François , Fragola Alexandra
Published: January 2023

Abstract

We report on an Adaptive Optics (AO) Light-Sheet Fluorescence Microscope compatible with neuroimaging, based on direct wavefront sensing without the requirement of a guide star. We demonstrate fast AO correction, typically within 500ms, of in-depth aberrations of the live adultDrosophilabrain, enabling to double the contrast when imaging with structural or calcium sensors. We quantify the gain in terms of image quality on multiply neuronal structures part of the sleep network in theDrosophilabrain, at various depths, and discuss the optimization of key parameters driving AO such as the number of corrected modes and the photon budget. We present a first design of a compact AO add-on that is compatible with integration into most of reported Light-Sheet setups and neuroimaging.
Identification of protein secretion systems in bacterial genomes using MacSyFinder version 2
Authors: Abby Sophie S , Denise Rémi , Rocha Eduardo PC
Published: January 2023

Protein secretion systems are complex molecular machineries that translocate proteins through the outer membrane and sometimes through multiple other barriers. They have evolved by co-option of components from other envelope-associated cellular machineries, making them sometimes difficult to identify and discriminate. Here, we describe how to identify protein secretion systems in bacterial genomes using the MacSyFinder program. This flexible computational tool uses the knowledge gathered from experimental studies to identify homologous systems in genome data. It can be used with a set of pre-defined MacSyFinder models—”TXSScan”, to identify all major secretion systems of diderm bacteria (i.e., with inner and LPS-containing outer membranes) as well as evolutionarily related cell appendages (pili and flagella). For this, it identifies and clusters co-localized genes encoding proteins of secretion systems using sequence similarity search with Hidden Markov Model (HMM) protein profiles. Finally, it checks if the clusters’ genetic content and genomic organization satisfy the constraints of the model. TXSScan models can be altered in the command line or customized to search for variants of known secretion systems. Models can also be built from scratch to identify novel systems. In this chapter, we describe a complete pipeline of analysis, starting from i) the integration of information from a reference set of experimentally studied systems, ii) the identification of conserved proteins and the construction of their HMM protein profiles, iii) the definition and optimization of “macsy-models”, and iv) their use and online distribution as tools to search genomic data for secretion systems of interest. MacSyFinder is available here:https://github.com/gem-pasteur/macsyfinder, and MacSyFinder models here:https://github.com/macsy-models.
Ultrasensitive Proteomics Depicted an In-depth Landscape for Mouse Embryo
Authors: Gu Lei , Li Xumiao , Zhu Wencheng , Shen Yi , Wang Qinqin , Zhang Huiping , Li Jingquan , Li Ziyi , Liu Zhen , Li Chen , Wang Hui
Published: January 2023

In recent years, single-cell or low-input multi-omics techniques have brought a revolution in the study of pre-implantation embryo development. However, single-cell or low-input proteome research in this field is relatively underdeveloped, due to the limited source of mammalian embryo samples, the objective reality of high abundance zona pellucida proteins, and the lack of hypersensitive proteome technology. Here, a comprehensive solution of ultrasensitive proteome technology was developed for single-cell or low-input mouse embryos. Both deep coverage route and high-throughput route could significantly reduce the starting material and enhance the proteomic depth without any customized instrument. Using the deep coverage route, an average of 2,665 or 4,585 protein groups can be identified from 1 or 20 mouse zygotes respectively. Using the high-throughput route, 300 single mouse zygotes can be analysis in 8 days with an average of 2,371 proteins identified. With its popularization, we believe researchers can choose deep coverage or high-throughput technology routes according to their own conditions.
Stimulus-specific prediction error neurons in mouse auditory cortex
Authors: Audette Nicholas J. , Schneider David M.
Published: January 2023

Comparing expectation with experience is an important neural computation performed throughout the brain and is a hallmark of predictive processing. Experiments that alter the sensory outcome of an animal’s behavior reveal enhanced neural responses to unexpected self-generated stimuli, indicating that populations of neurons in sensory cortex may reflect prediction errors – mismatches between expectation and experience. However, enhanced neural responses to self-generated stimuli could also arise through non-predictive mechanisms, such as the movement-based facilitation of a neuron’s inherent sound responses. If sensory prediction error neurons exist in sensory cortex, it is unknown whether they manifest as general error responses, or respond with specificity to errors in distinct stimulus dimensions. To answer these questions, we trained mice to expect the outcome of a simple sound-generating behavior and recorded auditory cortex activity as mice heard either the expected sound or sounds that deviated from expectation in one of multiple distinct dimensions. Our data reveal that the auditory cortex learns to suppress responses to self-generated sounds along multiple acoustic dimensions simultaneously. We identify a distinct population of auditory cortex neurons that are not responsive to passive sounds or to the expected sound but that explicitly encode prediction errors. These prediction error neurons are abundant only in animals with a learned motor-sensory expectation, and encode one or two specific violations rather than a generic error signal.
The Ecology of Viruses in Urban Rodents with a Focus on SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Fisher Adam M. , Airey George , Liu Yuchen , Gemmell Matthew , Thomas Jordan , Bentley Eleanor G. , Whitehead Mark A. , Paxton William A. , Pollakis Georgios , Paterson Steve , Viney Mark
Published: January 2023

Wild animals are naturally infected with a range of viruses, some of which may be zoonotic for humans. During the human COIVD pandemic there was also the possibility of rodents acquiring SARS-CoV-2 from people, so-called reverse zoonoses. To investigate this we have sampled rats (Rattus norvegicus) and mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) from urban environments in 2020 during the human COVID-19 pandemic. We metagenomically sequenced lung and gut tissue and faeces for viruses, PCR screened for SARS-CoV-2, and serologically surveyed for anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike antibodies. We describe the range of viruses that we found in these two rodent species. We found no molecular evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, though in rats we found lung antibody responses and evidence of neutralisation ability, that are consistent with rats being exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and / or exposed to other viruses that result in cross-reactive antibodies.
CTCF is essential for proper mitotic spindle structure and anaphase segregation
Authors: Chiu Katherine , Berrada Yasmin , Eskndir Nebiyat , Song Dasol , Fong Claire , Naughton Sarah , Chen Tina , Moy Savanna , Gyurmey Sarah , James Liam , Ezeiruaku Chimere , Capistran Caroline , Lowey Daniel , Diwanji Vedang , Peterson Samantha , Parakh Harshini , Burgess Ayanna R. , Probert Cassandra , Zhu Annie , Anderson Bryn , Levi Nehora , Gerlitz Gabi , Packard Mary C. , Dorfman Katherine A. , Bahiru Michael Seifu , Stephens Andrew D.
Published: January 2023

Mitosis is an essential process in which the duplicated genome is segregated equally into two daughter cells. CTCF has been reported to be present in mitosis but its importance for mitotic fidelity remains to be determined. To evaluate the importance of CTCF in mitosis, we tracked mitotic behaviors in wild type and two different CTCF CRISPR-based genetic knockdowns. We find that knockdown of CTCF results in prolonged mitoses and failed anaphase segregation via time lapse imaging of SiR-DNA. CTCF knockdown did not alter cell cycling or the mitotic checkpoint, which was activated upon nocodazole treatment. Immunofluorescence imaging of the mitotic spindle in CTCF knockdowns revealed disorganization via tri/tetrapolar spindles and chromosomes behind the spindle pole. Imaging of interphase nuclei showed that nuclear size increased drastically, consistent with failure to divide the duplicated genome in anaphase. Population measurements of nuclear shape in CTCF knockdowns do not display decreased circularity or increased nuclear blebbing relative to wild type. However, failed mitoses do display abnormal nuclear morphologies relative to successful mitoses, suggesting population images do not capture individual behaviors. Thus, CTCF is important for both proper metaphase organization and anaphase segregation which impacts the size and shape of the interphase nucleus.
Growth substrate limitation enhances anaerobic arsenic methylation byParaclostridium bifermentansstrain EML
Authors: Qiao Jiangtao , Sallet Hugo , Meibom Karin Lederballe , Bernier-Latmani Rizlan
Published: January 2023

Microbial arsenic methylation is established as a detoxification process under aerobic conditions (converting arsenite to monomethylated arsenate) but proposed to be a microbial warfare strategy under anoxic conditions due to the toxicity of its main product monomethylarsonous acid (MMAs(III)). Here, we leveraged a paddy soil-derived anaerobic arsenic methylator,Paraclostridium bifermentansstrain EML, to gain insights into this process. Strain EML was inoculated into a series of media involving systematic dilutions of Reinforced Clostridial Broth (RCB) with 25 μM arsenite to assess the impact of growth substrate concentration on arsenic methylation. Growth curves evidenced the sensitivity of strain EML to arsenite, and As speciation analysis revealed the production of MMAs(III). Concentrations of MMAs(III) and arsenic methylation gene (arsM) transcription were found to be positively correlated with the RCB dilution, suggesting that substrate limitation enhancesarsMgene expression and associated anaerobic arsenic methylation. We propose that growth substrate competition between microorganisms may also lead to an increase in anaerobic As methylation. This hypothesis was further evaluated in an anaerobic co-couture mode of strain EML with either wild-typeEscherichia coliK-12 MG1655 (WT) orE. coliexpressing the MMAs(III)-resistance gene (arsP), (ArsPE. coli). We found increased MMAs(III) production in the presence ofE. colithan its absence and growth inhibition of WTE. colito a greater extent than ArsPE. coli, presumably due to MMAs(III) produced by strain EML. Taken together, our findings point to an ecological role for anaerobic arsenic methylation, highlighting the role of microbe-microbe competition/interaction in this process.

IMPORTANCE

Anaerobic arsenic methylation is enhanced in rice paddy soils under flooding conditions than that under drying conditions, leading to increased methylated arsenic accumulation in rice grains. Unlike the known detoxification role for aerobic arsenic methylation, the ecological role of anaerobic arsenic methylation remains elusive and is proposed to be an antibiotic-producing process involving in microbial warfare. In this study, we interrogated a rice paddy soil-derived anaerobic arsenic-methylating bacterium (Paraclostridium bifermentansstrain EML) to investigate the effect of growth substrate limitation on arsenic methylation by strain EML in the context of the microbial warfare hypothesis. We provide direct evidence for the role of growth substrate competition in anaerobic arsenic methylation by strain EML. Furthermore, we evidence a feedback loop, by which a bacterium resistant to MMAs(III) enhances its production, presumably through enhancedarsMexpression resulting from substrate limitation. Our work uncovers complex interactions between an anaerobic arsenic methylator and potential competitors.
13C and15N Resonance Assignments of Alpha Synuclein Fibrils Amplified from Lewy Body Dementia Tissue
Authors: Barclay Alexander M. , Dhavale Dhruva D. , Borcik Collin G. , Milchberg Moses H. , Kotzbauer Paul T. , Rienstra Chad M.
Published: January 2023

Fibrils of the protein α-synuclein (Asyn) are implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, and Multiple System Atrophy. Numerous forms of Asyn fibrils have been studied by solid-state NMR and resonance assignments have been reported. Here, we report a new set of13C,15N assignments that are unique to fibrils obtained by amplification from postmortem brain tissue of a patient diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia.
Major trends and environmental correlates of spatiotemporal shifts in the distribution of genes compared to a biogeochemical model simulation in the Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Preheim Sarah , Morris Shaina , Zhang Yue , Holder Chris , Arora-Williams Keith , Gensbigler Paul , Hinton Amanda , Jin Rui , Pradal Marie-Aude , Gnanadesikan Anand
Published: January 2023

Microorganisms mediate critical biogeochemical transformations that affect the productivity and health of aquatic ecosystems. Metagenomic sequencing can be used to identify how the taxonomic and functional potential of microbial communities change in response to environmental variables by investigating changes in microbial genes. However, few studies directly compare gene changes to biogeochemical model predictions of corresponding processes, especially in dynamic estuarine ecosystems. We aim to understand the major drivers of spatiotemporal shifts in microbial genes and genomes within the water column of the Chesapeake and highlight the largest discrepancies of these observations with model predictions. We used a previously published shotgun metagenomic dataset from multiple months, sites, and depths within Chesapeake Bay in 2017 and a metatranscriptomic dataset from 2010-2011. We compared metagenomic observations with rates predicted with a comprehensive physical-biogeochemical model of the Bay. We found the largest changes in the relative abundance of genes involved in carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur metabolism associated with variables that change with depth and season. Several genes associated with the largest changes in gene abundance are significantly correlated to corresponding modeled processes. Yet, several discrepancies in key genes were identified, such as differences between genes mediating nitrification, higher than expected abundance and expression of denitrification genes in aerobic waters, and nitrogen fixation genes in environments with relatively high ammonia but low oxygen concentrations. This study identifies processes that align with model expectations and others that require additional investigation to determine the biogeochemical consequences of these discrepancies and their impact within an important estuarine ecosystem.
Apo- and holo- transferrin differentially interact with ferroportin and hephaestin to regulate iron release at the blood-brain barrier
Authors: Baringer Stephanie L. , Palsa Kondaiah , Simpson Ian A. , Connor James R.
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background

Apo- (iron free) and holo- (iron bound) transferrin (Tf) participate in precise regulation of brain iron uptake at endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier. Apo-Tf indicates an iron deficient environment and stimulates iron release, while holo-Tf indicates an iron sufficient environment and suppresses additional iron release. Free iron is exported through ferroportin, with hephaestin as an aid to the process. Until now, the molecular mechanism of apo- and holo-Tf’s influence on iron release was largely unknown.

Methods

Here we use a variety of cell culture techniques, including co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assay, in iPSC-derived endothelial cells and HEK 293 cells to investigate the mechanism of apo- and holo-Tf’s influence over iron release. We placed our findings in physiological context by further deciphering how hepcidin played a role in this mechanism as well.

Results

We demonstrate that holo-Tf induces the internalization of ferroportin through the established ferroportin degradation pathway. Furthermore, holo-Tf directly binds to ferroportin, whereas apo-Tf directly binds to hephaestin. Only pathological levels of hepcidin disrupt the interaction between holo-Tf and ferroportin, and no amount of hepcidin disrupts the interaction between apo-Tf and hephaestin. The disruption of the holo-Tf and ferroportin interaction by hepcidin is due to hepcidin’s ability to rapidly internalize ferroportin compared to holo-Tf.

Conclusions

These novel findings provide a molecular mechanism for apo- and holo-Tf regulation of iron release from endothelial cells. They further demonstrate how hepcidin impacts these protein-protein interactions, and offer a model for how holo-Tf and hepcidin corporate to suppress iron release. We have established a more thorough understanding of the mechanisms behind iron release regulation with great clinical impact for a variety of neurological conditions in which iron release is dysregulated.
Ending the suitability quantification dilemma: intelligent decision support system for modular integrated construction in a high-density metropolis
Authors: Wuni Ibrahim Yahaya , Mazher Khwaja Mateen
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Modular integrated construction (MiC) is a modern construction method innovating and reinventing the traditional site-based construction method. As it integrates advanced manufacturing principles and requires offsite production of volumetric building components, several factors and conditions must converge to make the MiC method suitable and efficient for building projects in each context. This paper aims to present a knowledge-based decision support system (KB-DSS) for assessing a project’s suitability for the MiC method.

Design/methodology/approach

The KB-DSS uses 21 significant suitability decision-making factors identified through literature review, consultation of experts and questionnaire surveys. It has a knowledge base, a DSS and a user interface. The knowledge base comprises IF-THEN production rules to compute the MiC suitability score with the efficient use of the powerful reasoning and explanation capabilities of DSS.

Findings

The tool receives the inputs of a decision-maker, computes the MiC suitability score for a given project and generates recommendations based on the score. Three real-world projects in Hong Kong are used to demonstrate the applicability of the tool for solving the MiC suitability assessment problem.

Originality/value

This study established the complex and competing significant conditions and factors determining the suitability of the MiC method for construction projects. It developed a unique tool combining the capabilities of expert systems and decision support system to address the complex problem of assessing the suitability of the MiC method for construction projects in a high-density metropolis.
Making sense of the digital badging landscape in education and workplace settings: a scoping review of the empirical literature
Authors: Cumberland Denise M. , Deckard Tyra G. , Kahle-Piasecki Lisa , Kerrick Sharon A. , Ellinger Andrea D.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The concept of digital badges (DBs) as a form of microcredentialing has gained considerable traction in higher education and workplace settings in recent years. This scoping review aims to map the empirical research conducted on DBs in higher education and workplace settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of this study is a scoping literature review. This scoping review adopts the five-stage scoping framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005).

Findings

Based upon our review of the 45 studies that comprised this scoping review of the empirical literature on DBs, we advance a typology that segments the empirical research based on whether DBs are used as pedagogical tools (PTs) or microcredentials. The authors found some confusion regarding nomenclature, numerous theories offered to explain DBs and divergent findings that suggest room for further exploration of this relatively new phenomenon.

Originality/value

This scoping review of the literature helps make sense of the emerging research landscape on DBs. The findings suggest that using DBs as a PT or as a microcredential has implications for a wide range of stakeholders regarding promoting lifelong learning, upskilling and reskilling the workforce. With the financial constraints facing higher education in a postpandemic environment, understanding the impact of DBs is needed before making an investment in this arena.
The socioemotional wealth of leaders in family firm succession and corporate governance processes: a systematic literature review
Authors: Marques Isabel Cristina Panziera , Leitão João , Ferreira João , Cavalcanti André
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Adopting the research concept of socioemotional wealth (SEW) as applied to family firm leaders, this study aims to analyse the literature on succession and corporate governance processes in family firms in keeping with this still developing concept and thereby not only contributing to advancing knowledge on this field but also proposing a conceptual model of analysis and a future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors carried out a review and systematisation of the literature according to its different thematic groups through recourse to VOSviewer software and content analysis to establish a systematised and integrated structure of the reference literature based on a sample of 218 studies published and indexed on the Web of Science and SCOPUS databases between 2010 and 2021.

Findings

The results portray five leading clusters, specifically, (1) SEW and family firm performance; (2) SEW and the focus on leadership as a precursor to succession; (3) family firms, SEW and corporate social governance; (4) family firm innovation and performance; and (5) family ownership and management. The authors then put forward a conceptual model of analysis both to better integrate these topics and as a proposition for application in future research projects.

Originality/value

The study provides a new and solid systematisation of the literature and supports the argument that family firms concentrating on developing the leader's SEW increase the probability of structuring a successful succession process as well as the likelihood of achieving higher quality corporate governance.
HRM solutions: a framework for small business owners to manage industrial relations while facilitating labour unionisation mitigation
Authors: LeCounte John Fitzpatrick
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Small business owners require objective solutions to deal with threats of labour unionisation. This study aims to centre on a novel exploration for improving the leadership acumen of small business owners to address labour unionisation. Specifically, small business owners need a theoretical framework that uses best practices from human resource management (HRM) and industrial relations to provide solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The design, methodology and approach reflect post-modernist epistemological and ontological perspectives for conducting systematic literature reviews. A systematic literature review revealed the relationship between small business owners’ leadership, positive industrial relations and HRM policies and procedures. To identify relevant studies in the review, the utilisation of several databases (EBSCO Database, including PsycINFO and Psych studies; Web of Science) and a mix of ranked journals from entrepreneurship, human resources, leadership and organisational behaviour.

Findings

The findings and results in this paper reflect the purpose, methodology and literature analysis culminating in 162,132,000 peer-reviewed studies. A total of 142 peer-reviewed studies met criterion for review. For example, the purpose of this review focused on labour unionisation mitigation for small businesses and HRM solutions. In doing so, the methodology allowed for identification of a novel research topic (i.e. how small business owners mitigate labour unionisation) worthy of further investigation. The sparse findings on labour unionisation mitigation represent small business owners' reticence in creating HRM policies and procedures.

Originality/value

This study contributes research implications for theory and practice by offering small business owners a theoretical framework to address labour unionisation. The framework, centring on HRM solutions, is grounded in social exchange theory to address the novel topic of labour unionisation mitigation in small businesses. This study results suggest that HRM solutions for small business owners provide competitive advantages for employee job satisfaction through a holistic industrial relations approach. In future research, examining other issues discussed in this study can influence the understanding of the relationship between small business owners and industrial relations to increase employee job satisfaction.
A meta-analysis of sustainable supply chain practices and performance: the moderating roles of type of economy and innovation
Authors: Yadav Sanjeev , Choi Tsan-Ming , Kumar Anil , Luthra Sunil , Naz Farheen
Published: January 2023

Purpose

In recent years, sustainable supply chain practices (SSCPs), including corporate social responsibility (CSR), have been recognised as important means of developing firms’ sustainability performance (SP). However, empirical findings on the SSCP–SP interaction are inconsistent and even contradictory. This research presents a quantitative meta-analysis that aims to uncover SSCP–SP interactions based on the correlations found in previously published empirical studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the main and moderating variables and selection criteria, 64 sample studies were selected after a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Findings

The findings confirm a positive correlation (0.438) between SSCP and SP. The results also reveal various critical moderators identified through meta-regression.

Practical implications

This study provides insights for operations managers and policymakers regarding the significance of control variables (e.g. ISO certification, type of economy, innovation approach, data collection method) on the relationship between SSCP and SP for business operations. This research uncovers the impacts of ISO regulations and proposed hypotheses through the lens of the natural resource-based view (NRBV) and institutional-based view (IBV).

Originality/value

This research is unique in that it provides a systematic view of the SSCP–SP interaction, validates the results through a theoretical lens (NRBV and IBV) and generalises the results by evaluating the moderation effects via checking prior literature.
An analytical model for spatial developing of sports places and spaces
Authors: Salimi Mehdi
Published: January 2023

Purpose

In terms of the use of sports places and spaces, per capita is a determining parameter for the status and perspective of the future. Although there are many uses for the per capita indicator in sports places, there are no consistent scientific and methodological methods for calculating it. Therefore, this study aims to provide an analytical model to determine the per capita index of sports places and spaces.

Design/methodology/approach

One of the matters that can be considered as the basic information required to develop and construct sports facilities is determination of per capita, which can be used as the most vital information to plan and develop this type of urban utilities. In the history of contemporary urbanization, the use of the per capita concept is one of Reinhard Laumeister’s innovations, a founder of modern urban engineering in Germany, hence, the use of per capita was triggered in 1876, almost 133 years ago.

Findings

The underlying information of the research in two spatial and descriptive sections was analyzed in the geographic information systems (GIS) software. After the division and network distribution of the boundary by the Thiessen Networks analytic function in the Arc GIS, per capita of each polygon was separately calculated using the presented formula and the population of the related blocks

Originality/value

Finally, with the qualitative per capita achieved in the previous stage, the study area was classified based on the need for the development of indoor pools to three, privileged, semi-privileged and deprived spectrums.
Defence organizations in emergency networks: the early response to COVID-19 in Europe
Authors: Kaneberg Elvira , Piotrowicz Wojciech D. , Abikova Jana , Listou Tore , Schiffling Sarah Aline , Paciarotti Claudia , Vega Diego , Adalgeirsdottir Kristjana
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse the crisis network response of European countries and the role played by defence organizations (DOs) during the early response phase of the pandemic, here set to encompass 75 days.

Design/methodology/approach

Published materials – reports, news and communications – provided by authorities and DOs were used. Some of the authors actively participated in national pandemic response networks. An exploratory approach and qualitative content analysis were applied. The data were collected in national languages from 13 European countries, and they were coded and analysed using the actors, resources and activities (ARA) framework.

Findings

This study identified three main categories of activity structures in which the DOs interacted with civilian members of response networks, health-related services, logistics services and public support services. These networks among actors were found within formal response systems and emergent networks. The DOs engaged as actors that provided a range of services when civil authorities could not cope with the huge demand for specific services and when resources were scarce in the initial response phase.

Originality/value

This study contributes by filling an important research gap with regard to the civil-military relations associated with the use of DO resources in the civil response to the pandemic crisis in Europe, which is described as an untraditional response. The ARA network approach provides a framework for arranging ARA and extends the wider civil-military network to expand the formal networks of the early crisis response. The study lays knowledge about the co-operation between civilian and military actors in different contexts and provides a broader understanding of the roles that DOs played in the response operations.
Venture resilience, criminal approaches and the welfare state: entrepreneurial decisions and opinions one year after the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: La Rosa Fabio , Bernini Francesca
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the resilience of Italian companies one year after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak by examining the companies' choices and opinions regarding the welfare state, criminal approaches and mergers and acquisitions (M&As) during the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors proposed a conceptual framework based on a combination of private vs public protection and business resilience theory and adopted a concurrent embedded mixed-method approach, using an online survey of 219 entrepreneurs.

Findings

The authors find the respondents showing high resilience to the crisis and strongly unaffected by organised crime's (OC's) predatory role; the State seems to have quickly and effectively met the financial needs of sampled Italian companies, at least in the short term.

Practical implications

Whilst welfare can be highly effective for companies to combat crime, regulators should recognise that public protection may decrease with time, leaving companies open to long-term challenges.

Originality/value

The authors believe that our study makes a significant contribution to the entrepreneurship literature because this is the first study to explore how entrepreneurs deal with financing problems in a context characterised by a strong impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and OC pressure.
Generation of a photocontrollable recombinant bovine parainfluenza virus type 3
Authors: Okura Takashi , Tahara Maino , Otsuki Noriyuki , Sato Moritoshi , Takeuchi Kaoru , Takeda Makoto
Published: January 2023

Bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV3) is a promising vaccine vector against various respiratory virus infections, including the human PIV3, respiratory syncytial virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 infections. In this study, we combined the Magnet system and reverse genetic approach to generate photocontrollable BPIV3. An optically controllable Magnet gene was inserted into the H2 region of the BPIV3 large protein gene, which encodes an RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase. The generated photocontrollable BPIV3 grew in specific regions of the cell sheet only when illuminated with blue light, suggesting that spatiotemporal control can aid in safe clinical applications of BPIV3.
The combined effects of artificial light at night and anthropogenic noise on life history traits in ground crickets
Authors: Ichikawa Izumi , Kuriwada Takashi
Published: January 2023

Urbanization affects various biotic and abiotic conditions through the disturbance and modification of the environment by human activity. Anthropogenic noise and artificial light at night (ALAN) associated with urbanization have negative impacts on wildlife. However, few studies have focused on the combined effects of noise and ALAN, and the counter‐adaptation of urban individuals to environmental pollution. We examined the single and combined effects of ALAN and noise on life history traits, including developmental period, survival rate, egg diapause, the number of progeny, and body size, of the cricket Dianemobius nigrofasciatus. We examined whether urban individuals are adapted to these factors by a common garden experiment using the crickets of both urban and rural origin. Our findings revealed no combined effect of ALAN and noise on the life‐history traits of D. nigrofasciatus except on that of survival and progeny production. Both ALAN and noise alone delayed development and prevented egg diapause. Neither noise nor ALAN had a significant effect on body size. The survival rate of rural crickets was not affected by noise and ALAN, but there was a negative synergetic effect. However, there were no significant effects of ALAN, noise, or their combined effect on the survival rate of urban crickets. These results suggest that urban individuals exhibit adaptive evolution to these factors. The number of progeny was positively affected by noise and not affected by ALAN, while the combined effect negatively affected the progeny production. The results suggest that a combined effect of noise and ALAN on important factors for the cricket such as survival and reproduction.
Artemether treatment improves islet function and metabolic homeostasis in diabetic nonhuman primates
Authors: Fu Wei , Hongwei Jiang , Li Jin
Published: January 2023

Highlights

Artemether increased the serum concentration of c‐peptide and decreased the usage of insulin in the diabetic monkey.

Artemether downregulated the serum concentration of total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in the diabetic monkey.

Artemether did not induce dramatic changes of the concentration of liver or kidney damage markers in the serum.
Acoustic and archival technologies join forces: A combination tag
Authors: Goossens Jolien , Woillez Mathieu , LeBris Arnault , Verhelst Pieterjan , Moens Tom , Torreele Els , Reubens Jan
Published: January 2023

Technological advances are key to maximizing the information potential in electronic tagging studies. Acoustic tags inform on the location of tagged animals when they are in the range of an acoustic receiver, whereas archival tags render continuous time series of logged sensor measurements, from which trajectories can be inferred.

We applied a newly developed acoustic data storage tag (ADST) on 154 animals of three fish species to investigate the potential of this combination tag. Fish trajectories were reconstructed from logged depth and temperature histories using an existing geolocation modelling approach, adapted to include a likelihood for acoustic detections.

Out of 126 detected fish (accounting for over 700,000 detections) and 25 tag recoveries, eight ADSTs rendered both acoustic and archival data. These combined data could validate that the original geolocation model performed adequately in locating the fish trajectories in space. The acoustic data improved the timing of the daily position estimates.

Acoustic and archival tagging technologies provided highly complementary information on fish movement patterns and could partly overcome the limitations of either technique. Furthermore, the ongoing developments to acoustically transmit summary statistics of logged data would further increase the information potential of combination tags when tracking aquatic species.
The circadian neurobiology of reward
Authors: Olejniczak Iwona , Begemann Kimberly , Wilhelm Ines , Oster Henrik
Published: January 2023

Circadian clocks are important regulators of physiology and behavior. In the brain, circadian clocks have been described in many centers of the central reward system. They affect neurotransmitter signaling, neuroendocrine circuits, and the sensitivity to external stimulation. Circadian disruption affects reward signaling, promoting the development of behavioral and substance use disorders. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of circadian clock‐reward crosstalk. We show how chronodisruption affects reward signaling in different animal models. We then translate these findings to circadian aspects of human reward (dys‐) function and its clinical implications. Finally, we devise approaches to and challenges in implementing the concepts of circadian medicine in the therapy of substance use disorders.
Walking in their shoes: How primary‐care experiences of adults aged 50+ reveal the benefits of e‐learning intervention for general practitioners
Authors: Rzadkiewicz Marta , Chylińska Joanna
Published: January 2023

Patient experiences and activation are increasingly researched. However, related data are limited in three areas: interventions for general practitioners (GPs) working with mature adults (50+), dedicated e‐learning interventions for GPs, and assessments of e‐learning for medical staff through patient experiences. We examined how e‐learning intervention focused on improving GPs' skills in activating communication (understood as promoting engagement and active participation in healthcare) can enhance the experiences of mature patients. The intervention was designed for GPs, yet innovative assessment was based on patient experiences post‐visit. Three research conditions for GPs (n = 165) were introduced: (1) e‐learning or (2) pdf‐article intervention and (3) control. Two independent waves of their patients participated before and after the intervention. Experience measures for patients (n = 1639) included the Patient Expectations Scale (post‐visit), perceived GP's Communication Skills scale, and Patient Satisfaction with Visit scale. E‐learning intervention compared with the control group had a favorable effect for 5 out of 8 dimensions of patient experience. Change in emotional support and quality of life was particularly visible. Mature patient experiences can be improved with the e‐learning intervention for GPs. Measuring patient experience enriches the available knowledge and can help design future research and interventions.
Mind and body in students' and teachers' engagement: New evidence, challenges, and guidelines for future research
Authors: Pekrun Reinhard
Published: January 2023

Background and Aims

Traditionally, research in educational psychology has neglected the physiological foundations of motivation, emotion, engagement, and learning. Recent studies have made substantial progress to more fully consider physiological processes, as documented in the contributions to this special issue. In this commentary, I summarize their findings, discuss strengths and weaknesses, and outline directions for future research.

Results

The studies showcase how physiological indicators can be integrated in research in educational psychology. The resulting findings document links between cardiovascular, electrodermal, and hormonal parameters as well as physical activity and a range of mental and behavioural processes in educational settings. Together, they attest to the critical role of physiological processes in students' and teachers' engagement. However, most of the studies used small samples and correlational designs, and not all of the findings were consistent.

Future Directions

To inform theory and practice in evidence‐based ways, we need to make further headway in building a cumulative, coherent knowledge base. To this end, it may be helpful to more precisely specify the status of physiological indicators; secure construct symmetry of physiological, mental, and behavioural variables; use causal designs and within‐person analysis; include sufficiently powered samples of participants and measurement occasions; employ multiple indicators and assessments to increase reliability and specificity; define the time windows and lags of assessments that are suited to capture physiological processes and their functions; and consider the role of socio‐cultural contexts.
Frizzled‐7‐targeting antibody (SHH002‐hu1) potently suppresses non–small‐cell lung cancer via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Li Kanghua , Mao Shuyang , Li Xingxing , Zhao Huijie , Wang Jingyi , Wang Chenyue , Wu Lisha , Zhang Kunchi , Yang Hao , Jin Mingming , Zhou Zhaoli , Wang Jin , Huang Gang , Xie Wei
Published: January 2023

Non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, and metastasis is considered one of the leading causes of treatment failure in NSCLC. Wnt/β‐catenin signaling is crucially involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a crucial factor in promoting metastasis, and also contributes to resistance developed by NSCLC to targeted agents. Frizzled‐7 (Fzd7), a critical receptor of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, is aberrantly expressed in NSCLC and has been confirmed to be positively correlated with poor clinical outcomes. SHH002‐hu1, a humanized antibody targeting Fzd7, was previously successfully generated by our group. Here, we studied the anti‐tumor effects of SHH002‐hu1 against NSCLC and revealed the underlying mechanism. First, immunofluorescence (IF) and near‐infrared (NIR) imaging assays showed that SHH002‐hu1 specifically binds Fzd7+ NSCLC cells and targets NSCLC tissues. Wound healing and transwell invasion assays indicated that SHH002‐hu1 significantly inhibits the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Subsequently, TOP‐FLASH/FOP‐FLASH luciferase reporter, IF, and western blot assays validated that SHH002‐hu1 effectively suppresses the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, and further attenuates the EMT of NSCLC cells. Finally, the subcutaneous xenotransplanted tumor model of A549/H1975, as well as the popliteal lymph node (LN) metastasis model, was established, and SHH002‐hu1 was demonstrated to inhibit the growth of NSCLC xenografts and suppress LN metastasis of NSCLC. Above all, SHH002‐hu1 with selectivity toward Fzd7+ NSCLC and the potential of inhibiting invasion and metastasis of NSCLC via disrupting Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, is indicated as a good candidate for the targeted therapy of NSCLC.