bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blockade of TMPRSS2-mediated priming of SARS-CoV-2 by the N-terminal peptide of lactoferrin
Authors: Ohradanova-Repic Anna , Gebetsberger Laura , Tajti Gabor , Ondrovičová Gabriela , Praženicová Romana , Skrabana Rostislav , Baráth Peter , Stockinger Hannes , Leksa Vladimir
Published: December 2021

In addition to vaccines, there is an urgent need for supplemental antiviral therapeutics to dampen the persistent COVID-19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS–CoV-2). The transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), which is responsible for the proteolytic processing of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein as virus priming for cell entry, appears as a rational therapeutic target for the clearance of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Accordingly, selective inhibitors of TMPRSS2 represent potential tools for prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Here, we tested the inhibitory capacities of the human milk glycoprotein lactoferrin and its N-terminal peptide pLF1, which we identified as inhibitors of plasminogen, a serine protease homologous to TMPRSS2. In vitro proteolysis assays revealed that, unlike full-length lactoferrin, pLF1 significantly inhibited the proteolytic activity of TMPRSS2. pLF1 inhibited both the proteolytic processing of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the SARS-CoV-2 infection of simian Vero cells. Because lactoferrin is a natural product and several biologically active peptides, such as the N-terminally derived lactoferricins, are produced naturally by pepsin-mediated digestion, natural or synthetic peptides from lactoferrin represent well-achievable candidates for supporting prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
Sustained TNF signaling is required for the synaptic and behavioral response to acute stress
Authors: Kemp Gina M , Altimimi Haider F , Nho Yoonmi , Heir Renu , Stellwagen David
Published: December 2021

Acute stress triggers plasticity of forebrain synapses as well as behavioral changes. Here we reveal that Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF) is a required downstream mediator of the stress response in mice, necessary for stress-induced synaptic potentiation in the ventral hippocampus and for an increase in anxiety-like behaviour. Acute stress is sufficient to activate microglia, triggering the long-term release TNF. Critically, on-going TNF signaling in the ventral hippocampus is necessary to sustain both the stress-induced synaptic and behavioral changes, as these could be reversed hours after induction by antagonizing TNF signaling. This demonstrates that TNF maintains the synaptic and behavioral stress responsein vivo, making TNF a potential novel therapeutic target for stress disorders.
Lrig1 and Wnt dependent niches dictate segregation of resident immune cells and melanocytes in murine tail epidermis
Authors: Baess Susanne C. , Burkhart Ann-Kathrin , Cappello Sabrina , Graband Annika , Seré Kristin , Zenke Martin , Niemann Catherin , Iden Sandra
Published: December 2021

The barrier-forming, self-renewing mammalian epidermis comprises keratinocytes, pigment- producing melanocytes, and resident immune cells as first-line host defense. In murine tail skin, interfollicular epidermis patterns into pigmented ′scale′ and hypopigmented ′interscale′ epidermis. Why and how mature melanocytes accumulate in scale epidermis is unresolved. Here, we delineate a cellular hierarchy among epidermal cell types that determines skin patterning. Already during postnatal development, melanocytes co-segregate with newly forming scale compartments. Intriguingly, this process coincides with partitioning of both Langerhans cells and dendritic epidermal T-cells to interscale epidermis, suggesting functional segregation of pigmentation and immune surveillance. Analysis of non-pigmented mice and of mice lacking melanocytes or resident immune cells revealed that immunocyte patterning is melanocyte- and melanin-independent, and,vice versa, immune cells do not control melanocyte localization. Instead, genetically enforced progressive scale fusion uponLrig1deletion showed that melanocytes and immune cells dynamically follow epithelial scale:interscale patterns. Importantly, disrupting Wnt-Lef1 function in keratinocytes caused melanocyte mislocalization to interscale epidermis, implicating canonical Wnt signaling in organizing the pigmentation pattern. Together, this work uncovered cellular and molecular principles underlying the compartmentalization of tissue functions in skin.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Pigmentation and immune surveillance functions in murine tail skin are spatially segregated by Lrig1- and Wnt-Lef1-dependent keratinocyte lineages that control the partitioning of melanocytes and tissue-resident immune cells into distinct epidermal niches.
Myopathy mutations in DNAJB6 slow conformer specific substrate processing that is corrected by NEF modulation
Authors: Bhadra Ankan K. , Rau Michael J. , Daw Jil A. , Fitzpatrick James A.J. , Weihl Conrad C. , True Heather L.
Published: December 2021

Molecular chaperones, or heat shock proteins (HSPs), protect against the toxic misfolding and aggregation of proteins. As such, mutations or deficiencies within the chaperone network can lead to disease. In fact, dominant mutations in DNAJB6 (Hsp40/Sis1), an Hsp70 co-chaperone, leads to a protein aggregate myopathy termed Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type D1 (LGMDD1). DNAJB6 client proteins and co-chaperone interactions in skeletal muscle are not known. Here, we used the yeast prion model client in conjunction with in vitro chaperone activity assays to gain mechanistic insights, and found that LGMDD1 mutants affect Hsp40 functions. Strikingly, the mutants changed the structure of client protein aggregates, as determined by altered distribution of prion strains. They also impair the Hsp70 ATPase cycle, dimerization, and substrate processing and consequently poison the function of wild-type protein. These results define the mechanisms by which LGMDD1 mutations alter chaperone activity and provide avenues for therapeutic intervention.
An empirical evaluation of genotype imputation of ancient DNA
Authors: Ausmees Kristiina , Sanchez-Quinto Federico , Jakobsson Mattias , Nettelblad Carl
Published: December 2021

With capabilities of sequencing ancient DNA to high coverage often limited by sample quality or cost, imputation of missing genotypes presents a possibility to increase power of inference as well as cost-effectiveness for the analysis of ancient data. However, the high degree of uncertainty often associated with ancient DNA poses several methodological challenges, and performance of imputation methods in this context has not been fully explored. To gain further insights, we performed a systematic evaluation of imputation of ancient data using Beagle 4.0 and reference data from phase 3 of the 1000 Genomes project, investigating the effects of coverage, phased reference and study sample size. Making use of five ancient samples with high-coverage data available, we evaluated imputed data with respect to accuracy, reference bias and genetic affinities as captured by PCA. We obtained genotype concordance levels of over 99% for data with 1x coverage, and similar levels of accuracy and reference bias at levels as low as 0.75x. Our findings suggest that using imputed data can be a realistic option for various population genetic analyses even for data in coverage ranges below 1x. We also show that a large and varied phased reference set as well as the inclusion of low-to moderate-coverage ancient samples can increase imputation performance, particularly for rare alleles. In-depth analysis of imputed data with respect to genetic variants and allele frequencies gave further insight into the nature of errors arising during imputation, and can provide practical guidelines for post-processing and validation prior to downstream analysis.
A double-walled sapphire single-crystal gas-pressure cell (type III) for in situ neutron diffraction
Authors: Finger Raphael , Hansen Thomas C. , Kohlmann Holger
Published: December 2021

In situ neutron diffraction is an important characterization technique for the investigation of many functional materials, e.g. for hydrogen uptake and release in hydrogen storage materials. A new sapphire single-crystal gas-pressure cell for elastic neutron scattering has been developed and evaluated; it allows conditions of 298 K and 9.5 MPa hydrogen pressure and 1110 K at ambient pressure. The pressure vessel consists of a sapphire single-crystal tube of 35 mm radius and a sapphire single-crystal crucible as sample holder. Heating is realized by two 100 W diode lasers. It is optimized for the D20 diffractometer, ILL, Grenoble, France, and requires the use of a radial oscillating collimator. Its advantages over earlier sapphire single-crystal gas-pressure cells are higher maximum temperatures and lower background at low and high diffraction angles. The deuterium uptake in palladium was followed in situ for validation, proving the potential of the type-III gas-pressure cell for in situ neutron diffraction on solid–gas reactions.
Chemical and elemental mapping of spent nuclear fuel sections by soft X-ray spectromicroscopy
Authors: Ditter Alexander Scott , Smiles Danil E. , Lussier Daniel , Altman Alison B. , Bachhav Mukesh , He Lingfeng , Mara Michael W. , Degueldre Claude , Minasian Stefan G. , Shuh David K.
Published: December 2021

Soft X-ray spectromicroscopy at the O K-edge, U N
4,5-edges and Ce M
4,5-edges has been performed on focused ion beam sections of spent nuclear fuel for the first time, yielding chemical information on the sub-micrometer scale. To analyze these data, a modification to non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) was developed, in which the data are no longer required to be non-negative, but the non-negativity of the spectral components and fit coefficients is largely preserved. The modified NMF method was utilized at the O K-edge to distinguish between two components, one present in the bulk of the sample similar to UO2 and one present at the interface of the sample which is a hyperstoichiometric UO2+x
species. The species maps are consistent with a model of a thin layer of UO2+x
over the entire sample, which is likely explained by oxidation after focused ion beam (FIB) sectioning. In addition to the uranium oxide bulk of the sample, Ce measurements were also performed to investigate the oxidation state of that fission product, which is the subject of considerable interest. Analysis of the Ce spectra shows that Ce is in a predominantly trivalent state, with a possible contribution from tetravalent Ce. Atom probe analysis was performed to provide confirmation of the presence and localization of Ce in the spent fuel.
Is academic spin-off financing a matter of business and growth models? The Spanish case
Authors: Martínez-Martínez Sofía Louise , Ventura Rafael , Cisneros Ruiz Ana José , Diéguez-Soto Julio
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study investigates the relationship between the development of academic spin-offs (ASOs) and the type of financing involved, by considering three research questions: How do ASOs differ in terms of financing? To what extent and for what reasons do ASOs differ in their financing? How do business and growth models dictate the selection of different sorts of financing arrangement?

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a grounded-theory, qualitative approach based on 39 Spanish ASOs.

Findings

There is a heterogeneity of ASO financing, and the selection of financial resources is related to the business and growth model of the ASO. Furthermore, there are some critical junctures for financing within each group of ASOs.

Research limitations/implications

The study advances the understanding of the determinants of ASOs, specifically with respect to financing, business models and growth orientation. The Spanish context used here may not permit the global generalisation of the results; nevertheless, this study is a response to calls to consider the effect of regional context on ASOs.

Practical implications

Knowing the heterogeneity of ASOs in terms of financing and how business and growth models determines the selection of distinct financing sources help financial planning, investment decisions and the design of programmes and policies, which can be relevant for both ASOs and their stakeholders (investors, universities and governments).

Originality/value

This study provides a comprehensive view of ASO financing, confirming a heterogeneity, not only in terms of financing but also in some critical junctures that presage a change from one type of financing to another.
Supply chain integration for middle-market firms: a qualitative investigation
Authors: Schwieterman Matthew , Rungtusanatham Manus , Goldsby Thomas J. , Benton W.C. , Cooper Martha C. , Andiç-Mortan Esen
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This research seeks to identify the motivations, means and outcomes of supply chain integration (SCI) among firms in the middle market (i.e. those with annual revenues between US$10m and US$1bn). These firms often interface with larger, more powerful firms in the supply chain – both suppliers and customers. Understanding how these firms are challenged and benefit from integrative mechanisms in supply chain relations can lead to better outcomes more often.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilizes an online focus group methodology featuring 39 participants. The participants were able to interact in written form with a professional moderator, as well as each other, over the course of three days.

Findings

The research presents evidence that firms in the middle market adopt SCI as a response to pressure from customers and suppliers. These firms also view technology as a primary means of achieving integration. Despite their disadvantageous size position relative to larger customers and suppliers, firms in the middle market achieved positive outcomes from integration.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the specific context of middle-market firms, this research may lack generalizability. However, providing contextualization regarding firm size contributes specificity to the large number of studies detailing the challenges and benefits of SCI.

Practical implications

Managers of firms in the middle market should find value in this study as it explicates the possible benefits their firms may realize through integration with customers and suppliers. Moreover, this research outlines several of the possible means through which integration can be achieved. Further, managers in smaller and larger firms can better understand the motives and needs of middle-market companies with which they interact.

Originality/value

Despite voluminous literature on SCI, this paper provides context-specific findings by isolating the implications of SCI to firms in the middle market.
Does context shape comprehension: evaluating the influence of presentation on inquiry strategies in science learning
Authors: Portnoy Lindsay , Lemberger Talia
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Approaches to learning have the ability to influence knowledge acquisition, comprehension, retention and even motivation to learn. Previous work indicates that despite age, experience, or prior knowledge, students have a tendency to approach learning differently as a function of the presented content. The purpose of this study is to explore how context influences student approaches to learning science.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt a question-asking methodology to evaluate if approaches to learning the same science content vary when presented within the context of Pure Science or the History of Science.

Findings

Results indicate that contextualizing the presentation of science content, shifts the approaches students take in attempting to learn science content as evidenced by the questions they ask to deepen their understanding. Additional variables of prior experience with each scientific concept, task persistence at a distractor task and later recall of the presented concepts were related to different inquiry strategies.

Research limitations/implications

Implications for instructional design and pedagogy are discussed.

Practical implications

The framework in which scientific information is presented may impact how students modify existing and create a new schema, impacting their beliefs about scientific knowledge and the way in which students question, hypothesize and engage within the domain of science.

Social implications

By studying the role of inquiry while students engage in science learning, the authors explore the role of context, content and knowledge retention.

Originality/value

The current study probes at the nature of student questioning and its reliance on the content, context and its relationship to outcome variables such as learning and, perhaps, even persistence as it relates to students’ prior knowledge within content areas which may, in turn, lead to varying levels of student self-efficacy.
Influence of dependence on social capital and operational performance: a study of the textile and clothing industry
Authors: Celestini Juliana , Goecks Lucas Schmidt , Lolli Francesco , Sellitto Miguel Afonso
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate empirically whether the presence of dependence influences the strength and direction of the relationship between social capital and operational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors tested two effects, moderator and mediator, of the dependence between social capital and operational performance in the buyer–supplier relationship in the supply chain. The authors use dependence as a dichotomous variable and empirically test the hypotheses using hierarchical linear regression from data collected from 117 industrial companies in Brazil.

Findings

The results show that although dependence does not have a mediating effect on social capital shares in operational performance, it moderates the strength of trust actions in relation to cost, delivery, flexibility and innovativeness of the buyer.

Practical implications

As for the practical implications, in a buyer–supplier relationship, managers may not be fully capable of decreasing dependence and thus increasing the effect of trust actions on operational performance.

Originality/value

For management practices in the textile and clothing industry, social capital actions contribute to strategic objectives, increasing collaboration between supply chain partners, and for operations, offering more options in managing social ties.
Place attachment and affinity: turning the Mainland Chinese students into “Word-of-Mouth Champions”
Authors: Wang Xin , Wai Lai Ivan Ka , Song Baoyi
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Mainland Chinese students are the largest group of international students globally. The role of international students in destination marketing can be seen as “Word-of-Mouth Champions”. This study attempts to examine the effect of place attachment and affinity for Mainland Chinese students on generating word-of-mouth intention towards their place of study.

Design/methodology/approach

Six well-trained research assistants collected paper-based questionnaires in six institutions in Macao. They chose every tenth student who passed by to fill in the questionnaire at six locations in each institution. This study employed partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to estimate the strength of causal relationship among place identity, place dependence, affinity and intention to word-of-mouth.

Findings

The results of the survey from 327 students in Macao indicate that place dependence, place identity and affinity drive Mainland Chinese students to provide word-of-mouth regarding Macao. Place dependence has a positive influence on place identity, and place identity has a positive influence on affinity with residents. However, place dependence has no significant direct effect on affinity.

Practical implications

Evidence from this study indicates the importance of students' word-of-mouth as they as sojourners, in particular, the students' place attachment and affinity for residents is critical to positive their Word-of-mouth on destinations. This research offers insights about the potential group which need require attention.

Originality/value

This study fills a research gap by exploring the relationship between place attachment and social distance in influencing Mainland Chinese students' behaviour, a relationship that has rarely been investigated in tourism research. Practical recommendations are provided to the governments, universities and education enterprises according to the results of the study. From both theoretical and practical perspectives, the findings from this study suggest promoting international students to turn into real “Word-of-Mouth Champions”.
Investigating the level and determinants of hibah knowledge: a study among Muslims in Kedah, Malaysia
Authors: Kamis Nur Syaedah , Abd. Wahab Norazlina
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the level of hibah knowledge among Muslims in Kedah and investigate its determinants, consisting of education level, education stream, religiosity, social influence and social media.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is quantitative in nature. Questionnaires were distributed to collect data from Muslims in Alor Setar, Kedah. In total, 195 questionnaires were collected and data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The study finds that Muslims in Alor Setar, Kedah have good knowledge of hibah. Further, education stream, religiosity, social influence and social media were identified as significant factors that influence their knowledge of hibah.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation is its narrow focus in surveying Muslims only in Alor Setar, Kedah. The second limitation is the limited number of determinants used in investigating hibah knowledge among Muslims and the techniques used in analyzing the data. Despite these limitations, the study’s findings provide invaluable insights into the factors influencing hibah knowledge among Muslims in Alor Setar, Kedah.

Practical implications

This study provides insights regarding the significant personal factors and environmental factors to increase Muslims’ knowledge of hibah. The link between the Islamic education stream and hibah knowledge provides a clear indication that Islamic education can curb the economic problems caused by the substantial amounts of frozen and unclaimed assets in Malaysia. A significant relationship between the environmental factors (social influence and social media) and hibah knowledge also implies that the government and private agencies related to Islamic estate planning and management may use these significant determinants as part of the marketing strategy to increase the usage of hibah as an alternative tool for estate planning.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a better understanding of Muslims’ knowledge about hibah. The government and related agencies in Islamic estate planning and management can now gain better insights into Muslims’ level of knowledge about hibah and the factors influencing their knowledge of hibah as an effective tool for Islamic estate planning and management. Hence, more effective strategies can be recommended to enhance the knowledge of Muslims on hibah. The findings of this study should be of value to the government in its effort to address the increasing number of frozen estates in Malaysia.
Patients’ experience sharing with online social media communities: a bottom-of-the-pyramid perspective
Authors: Akareem Husain Salilul , Wiese Melanie , Hammedi Wafa
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Despite having inadequate resources, highly impoverished patients tend to seek and share health information over social media groups to improve each other’s well-being. This study aims to focus on access to health-care information for such patients and aims to provide an understanding of how online health-care communities (OHCs), as transformative service mediators, can be platforms for patients with chronic and nonchronic health conditions to share their experiences in a base-of-the-pyramid (BOP) context.

Design/methodology/approach

A large-scale survey among 658 respondents was conducted in a very low-income country. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

A model of patients’ experience sharing (PES), motivations and consequences for health-care services are introduced and tested. The result supports the PES model for patients with chronic health conditions, showing that utilitarian, hedonic and social value dimensions directly influence PES and indirectly influence patients’ continuance intention with OHCs and patient efforts. However, a mediating effect of PES was found only between the value dimensions and patients’ efforts. A negative moderation effect of medical mistrust was found in the relationship between utilitarian value and PES for both chronic and nonchronic patient groups.

Originality/value

This study is a pioneering attempt to develop and test a PES model in a BOP market.
Reconciling COVID-19 pandemic budget deficits through furloughs and salary reductions
Authors: Bumpus Minnette A.
Published: December 2021

Theoretical basis

The primary topics, in this case, align well with social processes relative to communication and decision-making, and with individual processes relative to fairness in the workplace.

Research methodology

The case was developed from secondary sources. The secondary sources included news reports, and university sources (i.e. e-mails, announcements, reports, town hall meetings). This descriptive case has been classroom tested in an undergraduate organizational behavior course.

Case overview/synopsis

On September 10, 2020, the president of Bowie State University, Dr Aminta H. Breaux, announced that the university needed to “take a number of steps, including a temporary salary reduction plan, to close the FY21 funding gap and position the university for continued budget challenges” (Exhibit 1) triggered by the economic impact of COVID-19 on the state of Maryland. Some of the faculty members’ reactions to this announcement included shock and disappointment. Reflecting on what led to the state appropriation reductions, why would faculty members be shocked by President Breaux’s announcement of temporary salary reductions? Did President Breaux make the right decision, and was it communicated appropriately?

Complexity academic level

This descriptive case is most appropriate for undergraduate level organizational behavior courses.
The effect of niche filtering on plant species abundance in temperate grassland communities
Authors: Padullés Cubino Josep , Axmanová Irena , Lososová Zdeňka , Večeřa Martin , Bergamini Ariel , Bruelheide Helge , Dengler Jürgen , Jandt Ute , Jansen Florian , Pätsch Ricarda , Chytrý Milan
Published: December 2021

Niche filtering predicts that abundant species in communities have similar traits that are suitable for the environment. However, niche filtering can operate on distinct axes of trait variation in response to different ecological conditions. Here, we use a trait‐based approach to infer niche filtering processes and (a) test if abundant and rare species in grassland communities are differently positioned along distinct axes of trait variation, (b) determine if these trait variation axes, as well as phylogenetic and functional similarities, drive species relative abundance (above‐ground cover) within communities, and (c) explore whether these relationships vary across grassland types and macro‐climatic gradients.

We analysed species abundance in vegetation plots from temperate grasslands in Central Europe as a function of species position along three axes of trait variation: the ‘Plant Size Spectrum’ (PSS), the ‘Leaf Economics Spectrum’ (LES) and the ‘Life span/Clonality Spectrum’ (LCS). We also used phylogenetic and functional similarities in the multi‐dimensional trait space as predictors of species abundance. We compared our results among alpine, wet, mesic and dry grasslands and tested whether the effect of the predictors on species abundance was significant across macro‐climatic gradients.

Compared to abundant species, rare species in grassland communities were more commonly annual and non‐clonal, had lower stature and smaller leaves and seeds, and relied on more acquisitive leaf economics. Our predictors significantly explained species abundance in approximately one‐third of the plots. LES was the most important predictor across all plots, with the most prominent effect in alpine and dry grasslands and areas with more extreme temperatures. In contrast, in mesic and wet grasslands and grasslands located in warmer and less seasonal regions, species abundance was best predicted by phylogenetic similarities between species, with Poaceae species becoming more abundant.

Our study explored trait–abundance relationships for different community types across a large area and broad macro‐climatic gradients. We conclude that niche filtering, and particularly resource‐acquisition trade‐offs, drives species abundance in temperate grassland communities of Central Europe. Our findings emphasize the interaction between local environmental conditions and plant function in determining community assembly.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Varying Contracts – Consideration, Form and Reality
Authors: Lee Pey‐Woan
Published: December 2021

In Ma Hongjin v SCP Holdings Pte Ltd, the Singapore Court of Appeal confirmed that only contract variations supported by consideration are legally binding, rejecting the suggestion that the acceptance of practical benefits has so diluted the doctrine of consideration as to render the requirement illusory. Subsequently, in Charles Lim Teng Siang v Hong Choon Hau, the Singapore Court of Appeal declined to follow the UK Supreme Court's reasoning in MWB Business Exchange Centres Ltd v Rock Advertising Ltd, holding (obiter) that no oral modification clauses do not inevitably invalidate subsequent oral modifications. This note evaluates both decisions and concludes that their combined effect is to endorse a flexible framework for contractual variations in Singapore. The framework builds on the conception of contractual variations as a complex phenomenon encompassing both one‐off exchanges for value and cooperative adjustments to ongoing contracts. Nevertheless, its dominant focus is to promote enterprise through the enhancement of party autonomy.
SAYING ‘YES’ TO WHAT?: YIMBY and Urban Redevelopment in Chicago
Authors: Curran Winifred
Published: December 2021

Using examples from Chicago, this intervention questions some of the basic assumptions of the YIMBY movement about housing density, supply, and affordability and argues instead that the push to build at higher densities in certain profitable areas of the city is a legacy of the city's historic and continued segregation.
Redefining Chinese talent management in a new context: a talent value theory perspective
Authors: Wang Meng , Xu Jiuping , Zhao Shuming , Bian Huimin
Published: December 2021

The boundaries of talent management (TM) are shifting. However, there remains insufficient understanding of the impact of context and stakeholders within the conceptualisation of TM. Considerable confusion remains about how TM is conceived and defined in the Chinese context. Even less is known about how to reconceptualise Chinese TM in a changing new context. This review adopts a new theoretical lens of talent value to reconsider the current definitions of Chinese TM and presents a framework for re‐examining the relationships between the components of Chinese TM. Integrating the findings of the academic and practical literature, this article proposes a model to identify key contextual factors of the new context to observe and analyse the impacts of contextual changes on the concept of Chinese TM. By reviewing the English and Chinese literature on TM in the Chinese context, we bridge the knowledge gap and provide non‐Chinese readers with insights into the Chinese TM phenomenon and ways of conceptualisation that will be relevant to multinational firms operating in China and cross‐country comparative studies.
Physiological clearance of Aβ by spleen and splenectomy aggravates Alzheimer‐type pathogenesis
Authors: Yu Zhong‐Yuan , Chen Dong‐Wan , Tan Cheng‐Rong , Zeng Gui‐Hua , He Chen‐Yang , Wang Jun , Bu Xian‐Le , Wang Yan‐Jiang
Published: December 2021

Background

A previous study demonstrated that nearly 40%–60% of brain Aβ flows out into the peripheral system for clearance. However, where and how circulating Aβ is cleared in the periphery remains unclear. The spleen acts as a blood filter and an immune organ. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the spleen in the clearance of Aβ in the periphery.

Methods

We investigated the physiological clearance of Aβ by the spleen and established a mouse model of AD and spleen excision by removing the spleens of APP/PS1 mice to investigate the effect of splenectomy on AD mice.

Results

We found that Aβ levels in the splenic artery were higher than those in the splenic vein, suggesting that circulating Aβ is cleared when blood flows through the spleen. Next, we found that splenic monocytes/macrophages could take up Aβ directly in vivo and in vitro. Splenectomy aggravated behaviour deficits, brain Aβ burden and AD‐related pathologies in AD mice.

Conclusion

Our study reveals for the first time that the spleen exerts a physiological function of clearing circulating Aβ in the periphery. Our study also suggests that splenectomy, which is a routine treatment for splenic rupture and hypersplenism, might accelerate the development of AD.
Detection methods targeting the positive‐ and negative‐sense RNA transcripts from plus‐stranded RNA viruses
Authors: Warncke Signe Ravn , Knudsen Charlotte Rohde
Published: December 2021

The largest group of viruses in the Baltimore classification system comprises viruses with a positive‐sense, single‐stranded RNA genome. Once the viral genome is released into the cytoplasm of a specific host cell following virus entry, it functions directly as an mRNA, and the virus‐encoded proteins that are essential for genome replication are produced by the translation apparatus of the host cell. The positive‐sense genome is replicated in two stages, initially the positive strand is copied to make a negative‐sense RNA, which then functions as the template for transcription of many new positive‐sense genomes. Virus infections can be detected at different stages throughout the infection cycle for diagnostic and scientific purposes. Here, the advantages and disadvantages of some of the relevant methods for genome detection will be briefly reviewed with special emphasis on techniques allowing strand‐specific RNA detection. Furthermore, tools of the future are considered.
Study the mechanism of peimisine derivatives on NF‐κB inflammation pathway on mice with acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Jin Xin , Gao Xu , Lan Meng , Li Chun‐nan , Sun Jia‐ming , Zhang Hui
Published: December 2021

Peimisine is one of the alkaloids in Fritillariae ussuriensis Bulbus, which has anti‐acute lung injury effect. In order to obtain compounds with superior bio‐activity, 14 new derivatives were obtained from peimisine, and the better activity compounds were screened by MTT method. It was found that boc‐leucine mono peimisine ester monoamide (compound G, 25 μg/ml) had increased cell survival rate and reduced the TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and iNOS levels in RAW 264.7 by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated. In vivo, LPS (10 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally to establish ALI model, and compound G (2.5 or 10 mg/kg) was injected into mice as the experimental group. The results showed that after the compound G (10 mg/kg) treatment, the Wet / Dry ratio of the lung was reduced, and the expression of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and iNOS was inhibited. Meanwhile, compound G (10 mg/kg) could increase the content of IκB protein and reduce the content of p65 protein in lung tissue by Western blot analysis, which may play an anti‐acute lung injury role by inhibiting the activity of NF‐κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, compound G could attenuate LPS‐induced ALI in mice and it may become a new approach to treat ALI.
Lipid raft involvement in signal transduction in cancer cell survival, cell death and metastasis
Authors: Li Borui , Qin Yi , Yu Xianjun , Xu Xiaowu , Yu Wenyan
Published: December 2021

Lipid rafts are cholesterol‐ and sphingolipid‐enriched specialized membrane domains within the plasma membrane. Lipid rafts regulate the density and activity of signal receptors by compartmentalizing them, promoting signalling cascades that play important roles in the survival, death and metastasis of cancer cells. In this review, we emphasize the current concept initially postulated by F. Mollinedo and C. Gajate on the importance of lipid rafts in cancer survival, death and metastasis by describing representative signalling pathways, including the IGF system and the PI3K/AKT, Fas/CD95, VEGF/VEGFR2 and CD44 signalling pathways, and we also discuss the concept of CASMER (cluster of apoptotic signalling molecule‐enriched rafts), coined, originally introduced and further advanced by F. Mollinedo and C. Gajate in the period 2005–2010. Then, we summarize relevant research progress and suggest that lipid rafts play important roles in the survival, death and metastasis of cancer cells, making them promising targets for cancer therapy.
Fast species diversification among dragonflies (Anisoptera: Odonata: Insecta) inhabiting lentic environments regardless of wing pigmentation
Authors: Padilla‐Morales Benjamín , Cornejo‐Páramo Paola , García‐Miranda Oscar , Carrillo Muñoz Aldo Issac , Nieto López Andrea , Castillo‐Morales Daniel L. , Barragán Gustavo Wappler , Urrutia Araxi O. , Serrano‐Meneses Martín Alejandro
Published: December 2021

In dragonflies, species richness shows a marked variation between lineages. Species diversification in this lineage has been linked with habitat variation, but the role of other factors, such as wing pigmentation, arguably one of the most conspicuous traits in dragonflies, have not yet been explored.

In this study, using novel methodology that takes into account state‐dependent speciation, extinction models, and ancestral reconstruction, we investigate the role of wing pigmentation (present/absent) in conjunction with habitat variation (lentic/lotic), to unveil the drivers of species diversification in dragonflies.

We found that wing pigmentation is associated with a marginal increase in diversification compared to unpigmented lineages. Inhabiting a lentic habitat is associated with higher diversification rates. When considering both factors in a single model, lentic environments are associated with higher diversification compared to lotic habitats regardless of pigmentation status. In contrast with results across the whole tree, in lotic environments, wing pigmentation is associated with marginally higher diversification rates compared to non‐pigmented species. Ancestral state reconstruction revealed that the last common ancestor of dragonflies was most likely non‐pigmented and lived in lotic habitats.

Our study provides evidence that wing pigmentation in conjunction with habitat has an important influence on dragonflies species diversification, with habitat being a better differentiator than wing pigmentation.
3D Digital technology as an alternative educational tool in preclinical dentistry
Authors: Yamakami Shelyn Akari , Nagai Manavi , Chutinan Supattriya , Ohyama Hiroe
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The advancement of 3D digital scanners has allowed educators to uphold the quality of education whilst implementing novel methods of assessment.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare two evaluation methods, conventional and digital scanned assessments, on student cavity preparations and students and faculty's perceptions of these assessment methods.

Methods

Predoctoral students performed Class II amalgam and Class III resin composite preparations on simulated teeth for their preclinical competency examinations. Two calibrated faculty evaluated the students’ preparations using dental instruments for conventional assessments and 3D scanned images for digital assessments. Faculty scores from both assessment methods were compared and statistically analysed (p < .05). Students also self‐assessed their performance using the digital scanned images and filled out a perception survey.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the conventional (Class II; 73.3 ± 12.2 and Class III; 82.5 ± 8.9) and the digital assessment with scanned images (Class II; 71.3 ± 11.0 and Class III; 82.2 ± 8.2). Faculty scores from both methods have shown a trend of comparability. Most students agreed that digital ideal preparation models were useful (84.2%) and almost all students agreed that digital technology helped them learn operative dentistry (91.1%). In contrast, most students agreed that conventional assessment should be the main self‐evaluation system (82.2%) and disagreed that digital assessment is more effective than conventional self‐assessment (68.3%).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that 3D digital technology could be an alternative and/or supplementary educational tool to aid in upholding the quality of dental education.
Predictability of dental students’ performance in clinical courses based on their performance in pre‐clinical and academic courses
Authors: Abd Alraheam Islam , Oweis Yara , Al‐Asmar Ayah , Ismail Noor H.I. , Sabra Alaa H.A.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Some dental schools depend on the students’ academic performance for admission purposes. This research aimed at investigating the correlations between dental students’ performance in specific academic courses and their pre‐clinical and clinical counterparts and the correlations between students’ performance in the pre‐clinical practical courses and the clinical courses.

Methods

Academic and practical pre‐clinical and clinical grades were retrieved for 811 students who graduated from the School of Dentistry, the University of Jordan, between 2016 and 2018. Ten courses (five academic and five practical) were selected. Pearson's rho test was used to calculate the correlations between the courses.

Results

Statistically significant weak‐to‐moderate positive correlations were found between each academic course and its pre‐clinical or clinical counterparts and between pre‐clinical and clinical courses. A statistically significant positive moderate correlation (p < .001) was found between students’ performance in fourth and fifth year restorative clinics.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that the academic performance could partially predict the practical performance in both the pre‐clinical and clinical courses and that the clinical performance could partially be predicted from the pre‐clinical practical performance. Moreover, students who can successfully perform the required clinical procedures in fourth year will successfully perform the required clinical procedures in fifth year. However, other confounding factors should be taken into consideration such as manual dexterity and artistic skills even though their intellectual abilities are average.
Finite freedom: Hegel on the existential function of the state
Authors: Katz Gal
Published: December 2021

The article argues that Hegel's glorification of self‐sacrifice in war is grounded in a commitment to individual freedom. Anticipating the existentialists, Hegel believes that being a human individual—a subject who strives to self‐determination and “infinite uniqueness”—involves a contradiction with one's externally determined finitude, which evokes shame and fear of death. In modern civil society, many individuals experience their finite lives as secure and adequately expressive of their self‐determined uniqueness and are thereby relatively shielded from fear of death. For Hegel, I argue, this experience loses touch with a basic existential condition and coincides with a rigid and “spiritually dead” mindset he calls “self‐will.” Patriotism—including the willingness to self‐sacrifice—constitutes Hegel's remedy to this problematic. The state summons its citizens to face their finitude and thereby injects their lives with renewed vitality and sensitivity.
Longitudinal anxiety in couples during a global pandemic: Considering loss, attachment behaviors, and trauma coping self‐efficacy
Authors: Banford Witting Alyssa , Busby Dean M. , Rellaford Susannah R.
Published: December 2021

The COVID‐19 (SARS‐COV‐2) pandemic has had a significant impact on multiple domains of daily functioning in communities, families, and couples. Research on couple dynamics amid mass stress events using dyadic data is still limited. As such, the current study employed a cross‐lagged panel design with 535 cisgender, heterosexual couples to explore longitudinal paths between pandemic‐related loss, attachment behaviors, trauma coping self‐efficacy, and anxiety symptoms. Data were collected at three time points between April and October 2020. The findings demonstrated the potentially mobilizing nature of loss. Higher levels of loss associated with higher levels of attachment behaviors in partners later and higher levels of trauma coping self‐efficacy for men in a partner effect at one lag. Higher levels of attachment behaviors generally associated with improved trauma coping self‐efficacy at the next wave within and across partners, and higher levels of trauma coping self‐efficacy appeared to offset later anxiety within partners. On the other hand, within partners, greater loss is associated with lower levels of attachment behaviors within partners across time. Furthermore, higher anxiety is associated with lower levels of TCSE and higher levels of loss within partners across most lags. Finally, higher trauma coping self‐efficacy is associated with less loss within men at one lag, and greater loss within men at the later lag, which may demonstrate stress and efforts to mobilize to meet it. Indirect effects were found implying the intermediary nature of anxiety and trauma coping self‐efficacy in explaining wave 3 anxiety. Implications for practice and further research are discussed.
CaO‐MgO‐Al2O3‐SiO2 corrosion behavior of SrZrO3‐La2Ce2O7 composite ceramics
Authors: Ma Wen , Qi Yingwei , Liu Ying , Gao Yuanming , Bai Yu , Jia Ruiling , Dong Hongying , Wang Ruijun , Bao Manyu
Published: December 2021

In this work, the corrosion behavior, interaction products, and the corrosion mechanism of (1‐x)SrZrO3‐xLa2Ce2O7(x = 0.3, S7L3; x = 0.5, S5L5; x = 0.7, S3L7) composite bulks after CaO‐MgO‐Al2O3‐SiO2 (CMAS) attack at 1250°C for 1, 4, and 12 h were investigated, respectively. The molten CMAS and the bulks rapidly interacted and generated a dense reaction layer, which mainly composed of La‐Ce apatite, Ce2Zr2O7.04, ZrO2 with some Ce, Ca, Si, Mg, and Al elements preventing CMAS from continuous penetration effectively. The formation of CMAS self‐crystallizing products such as Ca2Al2SiO7 gehlenite and Mg‐Al spinel with high melting points increased the viscosity of CMAS. The elements in the ceramic also diffused into the molten CMAS and formed Ce2Zr2O7.04 and La2Ce2O7, increasing the melt viscosity and blocking the penetration channel of the molten CMAS. The S5L5 bulk has the best corrosion resistance against CMAS attacks.