bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atypical peripheral actin band formation via overactivation of RhoA and Non-muscle myosin II in Mitofusin 2 deficient cells
Authors: Wang Yueyang , Troughton Lee D. , Xu Fan , Chatterjee Aritra , Zhao Han , Cifuentes Laura P. , Wagner Ryan B. , Chen Jingjuan , Kuang Shihuan , Suter Daniel M. , Yuan Chongli , Chan Deva , Huang Fang , Oakes Patrick W. , Deng Qing
Published: October 2022

Cell spreading and migration play central roles in many physiological and pathophysiological processes. We have previously shown that MFN2 regulates the migration of human neutrophillike cells via suppressing Rac activation. Here, we show that in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, MFN2 suppresses RhoA activation and supports cell polarization. After the initial spreading period, the wild-type cells polarize and migrate, whereas the Mfn2-/- cells maintain a circular shape. Increased cytosolic Ca2+ resulting from the loss of Mfn2 is directly responsible for this phenotype, which can be rescued by expressing an artificial tether to bring mitochondria and ER to close vicinity. Elevated cytosolic Ca2+ activates Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, RhoA, and Myosin light-chain kinase, causing an over-activation of non-muscle myosin II and a formation of a prominent F-actin ring at the cell periphery and increased cell contractility. The formation of the peripheral actin band alters cell physics and is dependent on substrate rigidity.

Our results provide a novel molecular basis to understand how MFN2 regulates distinct signaling pathways in different cells and tissue environments, which is instrumental in understanding and treating MFN2-related diseases.
Ni(II) binding affinity and specificity of solute binding proteins: the importance of the double His motif and variable loop revealed by structural and mutational studies
Authors: Diep Patrick , Stogios Peter J. , Evdokimova Elena , Savchenko Alexei , Mahadevan Radhakrishnan , Yakunin Alexander F.
Published: October 2022

Extracytoplasmic solute binding proteins (SBPs) are molecular shuttles involved in the cellular uptake of various small molecules and metal ions including Ni(II). Our previous study with the Ni(II) binding proteins (NiBPs) CjNikZ from Campylobacter jejuni and CcNikZ-II from Clostridium carboxidivorans demonstrated they were able to bind Ni(II) at low micromolar affinity without the need for additional chelators. Here, we determined the crystal structure of apo CcNikZ-II, which revealed a Ni(II) binding site comprised of the highly conserved double His (HH-)prong (His511, His512) and a short variable (v-)loop nearby (Thr59-Thr64, TEDKYT). Alanine scanning mutagenesis of the CcNikZ-II Ni(II) binding site identified Glu60 and His511 as essential for high affinity binding to Ni(II). Phylogenetic analysis of >4000 SBP sequences demonstrated the presence of two clusters of proteins containing the HH-prong with CcNikZ-II and CjNikZ. To provide insights into the role of the double His-prong and v-loop sequence in Ni(II) binding of NiBPs, nine purified CcNikZ-II homologues containing the HH-prong and v-loop were screened using an automated screening workflow. Metal binding assays with purified homologous NiBPs revealed high Ni(II) binding affinity without requirement for chelators indicating that the double His prong represents a signature motif for the presence of Ni(II) binding activity in SBPs. The engineered CcNikZ-II variants with the wild type v-loop (TEDKYT) replaced with v-loops from NiBPs with higher affinity showed up to an order of magnitude higher affinity for Ni(II). In addition, the v-loop appears to play a role in metal ion specificity as purified wild type and engineered NiBPs with different v-loop sequences showed distinct metal profiles. This work paves way for metalloprotein engineering of NiBPs towards biocatalytic and metal recovery applications.
The Ketogenic Diet Metabolite β-Hydroxybutyrate Promotes Mitochondrial Elongation via Deacetylation and Improves Autism-like Behavior in Zebrafish
Authors: Uddin Golam M. , Lacroix Rachel , Zaman Mashiat , Khatib Iman Al , Rho Jong M. , Kurrasch Deborah M. , Shutt Timothy E.
Published: October 2022

The ketogenic diet (KD) is clinically beneficial and has therapeutic potential access a growing list of neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the underlying mechanisms mediating the benefits of the KD, which can also have undesirable side effects, remain undefined. To this end, improvements in mitochondrial morphology and function correlate with improved ASD behaviours in response to the KD, though how the KD influences mitochondrial morphology, and whether this is sufficient to improve behaviour remains unknown. Here, we investigate how beta-hydroxybutyrate (βHB), a key metabolite produced by the KD regulates mitochondrial morphology, and whether this pathway could be exploited to improve ASD behaviours. We found that β-oxidation of ΒHB promotes mitochondrial elongation by increasing NAD+ levels, which in turn activates SIRT deacetylases that act on key regulators of both mitochondrial fusion and fission. Our data suggest that increasing NAD+ levels with its precursor, nicotinamide nucleotide (NMN), is sufficient to promote mitochondrial hyperfusion. Finally, both ΒHB and NMN improve locomotor behaviour in the shank3+/- zebrafish model of ASD. Together, our findings elucidate a mechanism by which the ketogenic diet promotes mitochondrial elongation. Moreover, manipulation of this pathway may provide a novel avenue for the treatment of neurological disorders such as ASD, one which may obviate potential complications of the KD in clinical practice.
Arterial cells support the development of human hematopoietic progenitors in vitro via secretion of IGFBP2
Authors: Petazzi Paolo , Ventura Telma , Luongo Francesca Paola , May Alisha , Taylor Helen Alice , Romanò Nicola , Forrester Lesley M. , Menéndez Pablo , Fidanza Antonella
Published: October 2022

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells develop from the hemogenic endothelium located in various sites during development, including the dorsal aorta from where Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) emerge. This process has proven especially challenging to recapitulate in vitro from pluripotent stem cells and further studies are needed to pinpoint the missing stimuli in vitro. Here, we compared iPSC-derived endothelial cells and in vivo HSC-primed hemogenic endothelium and identified 9 transcription factors expressed at significantly lower levels in cells generated in vitro. Using a novel DOX-inducible CRISPR activation system we induced the expression of those genes during in vitro differentiation. To study the phenotypical changes induced by the activation of target genes, we employed single cell RNA sequencing in combination with engineered gRNA that are detectable within the sequencing pipeline. Our data showed a significant expansion of arterial-fated endothelial cells associated with a higher in vitro progenitor activity. The expanded arterial cluster was marked by high expression of IGFBP2 and it was distinct from the hemogenic cluster that showed increased cell cycle progression. We demonstrated that the addition of IGFBP2 to differentiating PSCs resulted in a higher number of functional progenitors, identifying the supporting role of arterial cells play to the emergence of blood progenitors via IGFBP2 paracrine signalling.
Relevance of the viral Spike protein/cellular Estrogen Receptor-α interaction for endothelial-based coagulopathy induced by SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Barbieri Silvia , Cattani Franca , Sandrini Leonardo , Grillo Magda Maria , Talarico Carmine , Iaconis Daniela , Lione Lucia , Salvatori Erika , Amadio Patrizia , Garoffolo Gloria , Maffei Mariano , Galli Francesca , Beccari Andrea Rosario , Marra Emanuele , Zoppi Marica , Michaelides Michael , Roscilli Giuseppe , Aurisicchio Luigi , Bertini Riccardo , Allegretti Marcello , Pesce Maurizio
Published: October 2022

Severe coagulopathy has been observed at the level of the microcirculation in several organs including lungs, heart and kidneys in patients with COVID-19, and in a minority of subjects receiving the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Various mechanisms have been implicated in these effects, including increases in circulating neutrophil extracellular traps, excessive inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Even if a correlation between infection by SARS-CoV-2 and upregulation of coagulation cascade components has been established in the lung, no direct proofs have been yet provided about the transcriptional machinery controlling the expression of these factors. Recent results obtained by us reported a novel transcriptional function of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) viral protein involving a direct protein-protein interaction with the human Estrogen Receptor-α (ERα). Given the implications of ERα in the control of key effectors in the coagulation cascade, we hypothesized that S-protein might increase the pro-coagulation activity of endothelial cells via the transcriptional activity of the ERα, thus justifying the enhanced risk of thrombosis. To assess this, we tested the effects of S-protein on the expression of Tissue Factor (TF) and the overall procoagulation activity in a human endothelial cell line and confirmed this finding by overexpressing S-protein by gene transfer in mice. We then designed and tested two-point mutations in the S2 S-protein sequence that abolished the pro-coagulation function of S-protein in vitro and in vivo, without compromising its immunogenicity. In addition to reveal a new potential transcriptional function of S-protein, these results inspire the design of new vaccines with lower risk of thrombogenesis. Indeed, while the benefit/risk ratio remains overwhelming in favor of COVID-19 vaccination, our results shed light on the causal mechanisms of some rare anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine adverse events, and are thus essential for current and future vaccination and booster campaigns.
A neonatal mouse model characterizes transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 variants and reveals a role for ORF8
Authors: Rodriguez-Rodriguez Bruno A. , Ciabattoni Grace O. , Duerr Ralf , Valero-Jimenez Ana M , Yeung Stephen T. , Crosse Keaton M. , Schinlever Austin R. , Bernard-Raichon Lucie , Rodriguez-Galvan Joaquin J. , McGrath Marisa E. , Vashee Sanjay , Xue Yong , Loomis Cynthia , Khanna Kamal M. , Cadwell Kenneth , Desvignes Ludovic , Frieman Matthew F. , Ortigoza Mila B , Dittmann Meike
Published: October 2022

Small animal models have been a challenge for the study of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, with most investigators using golden hamsters or ferrets1, 2. Mice have the advantages of low cost, wide availability, less regulatory and husbandry challenges, and the existence of a versatile reagent and genetic toolbox. However, adult mice do not robustly transmit SARS-CoV-23. Here we establish a model based on neonatal mice that allows for transmission of clinical SARS-CoV-2 isolates. We characterize tropism, respiratory tract replication and transmission of ancestral WA-1 compared to variants Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.617.2), Omicron BA.1 and Omicron BQ.1.1. We identify inter-variant differences in timing and magnitude of infectious particle shedding from index mice, both of which shape transmission to contact mice. Furthermore, we characterize two recombinant SARS-CoV-2 lacking either the ORF6 or ORF8 host antagonists. The removal of ORF8 shifts viral replication towards the lower respiratory tract, resulting in significantly delayed and reduced transmission in our model. Our results demonstrate the potential of our neonatal mouse model to characterize viral and host determinants of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, while revealing for the first time a role for an accessory protein in this context.
Equivalent excitability through different sodium channels and implications for the analgesic efficacy of selective drugs
Authors: Xie Yu-Feng , Yang Jane , Ratté Stéphanie , Prescott Steven A.
Published: October 2022

Nociceptive sensory neurons convey pain-related signals to the CNS using action potentials. Loss-of-function mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 cause insensitivity to pain (presumably by reducing nociceptor excitability) but efforts to treat pain by inhibiting NaV1.7 pharmacologically have largely failed. This may reflect the variable contribution of NaV1.7 to nociceptor excitability. Contrary to claims that NaV1.7 is necessary for nociceptors to initiate action potentials, we show that nociceptors can achieve equivalent excitability using different combinations of NaV1.3, NaV1.7, and NaV1.8. Selectively blocking one of those NaVsubtypes reduces nociceptor excitability only if the other two subtypes are weakly expressed. For example, excitability relies on NaV1.8 in acutely dissociated nociceptors but responsibility shifts to NaV1.7 and NaV1.3 by the fourth day in culture. A similar shift in NaVdependence occurs in vivo after inflammation, impacting ability of the NaV1.7-selective inhibitor PF-05089771 to reduce pain in behavioral tests. Flexible use of different NaVsubtypes exemplifies degeneracy – equivalent function using different components – and compromises the reliable modulation of nociceptor excitability by subtype-selective inhibitors. Identifying the dominant NaVsubtype to predict drug efficacy is not trivial. Degeneracy at the cellular level must be considered when choosing drug targets at the molecular level.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Nociceptors can achieve equivalent excitability using different sodium channel subtypes. The analgesic efficacy of subtype-selective drugs hinges on which subtype controls excitability. This contingency likely contributes to poor clinical outcomes.
Broad Brain Networks Support Curiosity-Motivated Incidental Learning Of Naturalistic Dynamic Stimuli With And Without Monetary Incentives
Authors: Meliss Stefanie , van Reekum Carien , Murayama Kou
Published: October 2022

Curiosity – the intrinsic desire to know – is a concept central to the human mind and knowledge acquisition. Experimental studies on information-seeking have found that curiosity facilitates memory encoding and exhibits similar reward,ng properties as extrinsic rewards/incentives by eliciting a dopaminergic response. However, it is not clear whether these findings hold with more naturalistic dynamic stimuli and how the joint effect of curiosity and extrinsic incentive manifests in learning and neural activation patterns. Herein, we presented participants with videos of magic tricks across two behavioural (N1 = 77, N2 = 78) and one fMRI study (N = 50) and asked them to rate subjective feelings of curiosity, while also performing a judgement task that was incentivised for the half of participants. Incidental memory for the magic trick was tested a week later. The integrated results showed that both curiosity and availability of extrinsic incentives enhanced encoding but did not interact with each other. However, exploratory analyses showed that curiosity and monetary incentives were associated with recollection and familiarity differently, suggesting the involvement of different encoding mechanisms. Analysis of the fMRI data using the intersubject synchronisation framework showed that, while the effects of curiosity on memory were located in the hippocampus and dopaminergic brain areas, neither the effects of curiosity nor incentives themselves were found in the often-implicated reward network, but instead were associated with cortical areas involved in processing uncertainly and attention. These results suggest that curiosity recruits broader brain networks than what was implicated in the previous literature when investigated with dynamic stimuli.
Visual Perceptual Learning of Feature Conjunctions Leverages Non-linear Mixed Selectivity
Authors: Karami Behnam , Schwiedrzik Caspar M.
Published: October 2022

Visual objects are often defined by multiple features. Therefore, learning novel objects entails learning conjunctions. Visual cortex is organized into separate compartments, each of which is devoted to processing a single feature. A prime example of this is are neurons purely selective to color and orientation, respectively. However, neurons that jointly encode multiple features (mixed selectivity) also exist across the brain and play critical roles in a multitude of tasks. Here, we sought to uncover the optimal policy that our brain adapts to achieve conjunction learning using these available resources. 59 human subjects practiced orientation-color conjunction learning in four psychophysical experiments designed to nudge the visual system towards using one or the other resource. We find that conjunction learning is possible by linear mixing of pure color and orientation information, but that more and faster learning takes place when pure and mixed selectivity neurons are involved. We also find that learning with mixed selectivity confers advantages in performing an untrained “exclusive or” (XOR) task several months after learning the original conjunction task. This study sheds light on possible mechanisms underlying conjunction learning and highlights the importance of learning by mixed selectivity in such accounts.
Relationship between physical environment and neuropsychological perception in children with Asperger’s disorder
Authors: Ehsani Far Haniyeh , Nayyeri Fallah Siyamak , Khalili Akram
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This research aims to examine the relationship between the physical environment and neuropsychological perception in children with Asperger’s disorder.

Design/methodology/approach

This study through mixed qualitative–quantitative approaches conducted strategies including a survey and case study. Accordingly, multiple methods were applied to collect data including semi-structured expert interviews (20 persons) and questionnaires (N = 400). The sampling strategy of questionnaire participants was random clustering and the target population was children with Asperger from Iran Asperger Support Associations. Besides, the sampling strategy for the participants of semi-structured expert interviews was non-random and purposeful. The collected data from the participant’s questionnaires and interviews were analyzed by Porsline and Excel software and content analysis, respectively.

Findings

Based on the relationship between the physical environment and neuropsychological perception, the results of the research indicate that despite all existing differences between the two spectra of hyper-sensitive and hypo-sensitive behaviors, it is possible to design architectural spaces responding to their common needs and satisfy both spectra.

Originality/value

This research on to healing aspect is quite new and contributes significant information about health issues in building design. This study tries to derive and examine the supportive characteristics of architectural spaces that integrate special physical and effective designs to improve the healing process of children with Asperger’s disorder.
Exploring pattern of complexity in mega construction projects
Authors: Bilgin Gizem , Erol Huseyin , Atasoy Guzide , Dikmen Irem , Birgonul M. Talat
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Megaprojects are known as complex projects that involve high levels of uncertainty. This interpretive study explores and portrays perceived complexity in mega construction projects by lived experiences of project managers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilises a ground theory approach to analyse data gathered from semi-structured interviews with 18 professionals involved in 11 megaprojects.

Findings

Complexity in mega construction projects is defined as a project property that stems from the interaction of project features, uncertain variables/conditions, and managerial actions forming a pattern, which emerges over time, based on the reflections of construction practitioners.

Originality/value

This study defines complexity based on the reflections of the practitioners in the construction industry and uniquely identifies complexity patterns that may have implications for project management, particularly risk management.
Critical analysis of the role of junior enterprises in the training of future professionals aligned with the SDG: an exploratory study considering Brazilian HEI
Authors: Viana Lazaro , Rampasso Izabela Simon , Pavan Serafim Milena , Quelhas Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves , Leal Filho Walter , Anholon Rosley
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Junior enterprises have been gaining increasing attention in the Brazilian Higher Education Institutions. In addition, these companies are contributing to enhance the training of future professionals. Improvements in future professionals’ training must consider education for sustainability. In this context, this paper aims to critically analyze the role of junior enterprises in the training of undergraduate students in line with the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Design/methodology/approach

To discuss the ways for junior enterprises to contribute to students’ training with a higher alignment with sustainable development, it is necessary to know the routine of their activities well. Therefore, the strategy used in this research was to use the Delphi process with students who participated/participate in this kind of extracurricular activity in their institutions and are familiar with the SDGs disseminated by the United Nations.

Findings

From the rounds of Delphi method debates, eight items were listed and presented an agreement greater than 50% of the participants. Illustratively, three of them are cited here: most participants understand that some current metrics used by junior enterprises require greater alignment with the SDGs; most participants agree that junior enterprises need to better monitor the results of their postexecution projects because in general beneficial impacts on sustainability are observed in the long term; and most of the participants understand that the actions developed by junior enterprises are aligned with corporate sustainability and conscious capitalism.

Originality/value

The contribution of junior enterprises to the promotion of sustainability education is practically not addressed in the literature. The findings presented here, resulting from the Delphi process, can greatly contribute for junior enterprises to rethink their actions to better prepare future professionals to act toward sustainable development.
Factors influencing resistance to hospitality information system change
Authors: Kim Jungsun (Sunny) , Hardin Andrew , Lee Samuel
Published: October 2022

Purpose

When organizations implement a new information system (IS), they often experience users' resistance behaviors. This study explored the effects of IS self-efficacy, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and anxiety on resistance to IS change within the hospitality domain. It also compared these relationships before and after completing e-learning courses for a new IS.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey responses were gathered from current and future hospitality employees. All hypotheses were tested via confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results demonstrated that (1) IS self-efficacy had significant effects on both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of IS; and (2) IS anxiety had a significant impact on resistance to IS change, both before and after completing the e-learning courses. The results also showed that self-efficacy had a significant effect on anxiety and, in turn, resistance to change, after completing the e-learning courses, but not prior to the training.

Research limitations/implications

This study addressed the lack of theory-driven empirical research on predictors of user resistance to IS change, based on social cognitive theory, technology acceptance models, and user resistance research.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, hospitality operators and vendors can focus on improving factors influencing user adoption of a new IS when they design and implement it. Operators can design better change management strategies to reduce resistance to IS change.

Originality/value

Few investigations have been conducted to explain the relationships among the aforementioned factors, before and after completing e-learning for a hospitality IS.
An Islamic co-operative housing solution for China’s housing affordability issues
Authors: Ma Yaxin , Md Taib Fauziah
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to propose a new housing affordability solution by combining the Islamic finance concept of Musharakah Mutanaqisah (diminishing partnership) with a cooperative and crowdfunding model. The proposed alternative housing loan model is presented to experts in financing and real estate business, whose views and comments were solicited to evaluate the applicability of the proposed model in real world.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative study that uses semi-structured interviews to determine the initial thoughts of various stakeholders regarding the adoption and implementation of the proposed model.

Findings

The majority of experts (interviewees) agreed with and appreciated the model’s original ideas but expressed concern over the absence of community culture and trust in China, which could represent a serious threat to the model’s viability. It is anticipated that the suggested model will be implemented as pilot projects by the local government in places where Islamic culture and faith are more widespread, hence possibly impacting the model’s effective implementation.

Research limitations/implications

As there are insufficient Islamic financial specialists in China, the limitation of this qualitative study is the small sample size. If certain policymakers could participate, the outcomes would be more hierarchical and trustworthy.

Originality/value

This is, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the first study of its kind to examine the viability of this innovative Islamic cooperative housing finance scheme within the context of a specific housing issue in China.
Blockchain-based circular economy for achieving environmental sustainability in the Indian electronic MSMEs
Authors: Mukherjee Subhodeep , Nagariya Ramji , Baral Manish Mohan , Patel Bharat Singh , Chittipaka Venkataiah , Rao K. Srinivasa , Rao U.V. Adinarayana
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The circular economy is a production and consumption model that encourages people to share, lease, reuse, repair, refurbish and recycle existing materials and products for as long as possible. The blockchain-based circular economy is being used in many industries worldwide, but Indian electronic MSMEs face many problems in adopting a blockchain-based circular economy. The research aims to discover the barriers the electronic MSMEs face in adopting a blockchain-based circular economy and pull back from achieving environmental sustainability in their operations.

Design/methodology/approach

Fifteen barriers are identified from the literature review and finalized with experts' opinions. These barriers are evaluated by using interpretive structural modeling (ISM), MICMAC analysis and fuzzy TOPSIS method.

Findings

Lack of support from distribution channels, lack of traceability mechanism and customer attitudes toward purchasing remanufactured goods are identified as the most critical barriers.

Practical implications

The study will benchmark the electronic MSMEs in achieving environmental sustainability in the blockchain-based circular economy.

Originality/value

It is a study that not only establishes a hierarchical relationship among the barriers of blockchain adoption in Indian electronic MSMEs but also verifies the results with fuzzy TOPSIS method.
Public cooperation with police in Detroit: a testing of three perspectives
Authors: Khatchatourian Hailey , MacFarland Grace , Thai Mindy , Hickling Danika , Smith Brad , Wu Yuning
Published: October 2022

Purpose

While public support for and cooperation with the police has been deemed vital for police effectiveness, what shapes such support and cooperation has not been fully examined. The purpose of this study is to explore three perspectives on public cooperation with police simultaneously: (1) police legitimacy, (2) legal cynicism, and (3) neighborhood norms.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used in this study came from a survey conducted with 408 residents across three neighborhoods in Detroit, Michigan, in 2009. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was used to assess the relationship between the three groups of theory-based predictors, representing police legitimacy, legal cynicism, and neighborhood norms, and the dependent variable of cooperation.

Findings

The findings partially support the legitimacy model, as trust in police, but not perceived obligation to obey, predicts cooperation with police. This study provides strong support for the legal cynicism and neighborhood norms perspectives. Specifically, residents who have higher levels of legal cynicism and who report a stronger anti-snitch neighborhood subculture report being less inclined to cooperate with the police.

Originality/value

This study is the first to compare the relative influences of three major perspectives on public cooperation. Future studies should continue to analyze competing theories in explaining public cooperation with the police and determine if findings from this study are applicable to locations outside Detroit.
Graduate student diversity, equity and inclusion professional development
Authors: Willis Deborah S. , Schram Laura N.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Recent research on graduate students’ diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) socialization found that graduate colleges play a role in supporting graduate students’ DEI professional development (Perez et al., 2020), but more studies are needed about how graduate colleges facilitate DEI socialization. One graduate college at a large, selective, research-intensive, public university in the Midwestern US created a graduate certificate for professional development in DEI to expand graduate students’ capacities to contribute to inclusion and equity in higher education. The purpose of this multi-method program evaluation is to assess whether the certificate program created significant learning about DEI and developed intercultural competence among graduate students.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors rely on multiple methods to evaluate the impact of the professional development DEI certificate. First, the authors used the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) pre and postassessment to measure the growth of participants in the first three years of the program. Second, the authors designed a reflection tool to assess significant learning after each component of the program. Finally, we conducted focus groups with graduates of the program to understand what program components were most valuable for DEI-related significant learning.

Findings

The authors found that the DEI professional development program increased students’ intercultural competence as measured by the IDI. Students reported perceptions of significant learning in every domain of learning we assessed using a self-reflection tool and in focus groups.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates how graduate colleges contribute to DEI socialization by preparing graduate students to interact across differences and contribute to inclusive climates both within and beyond academe.
A global review demonstrating the importance of nocturnal pollinators for crop plants
Authors: Buxton Max N. , Gaskett Anne C. , Lord Janice M. , Pattemore David E.
Published: October 2022

Pollinating insects are critical to ecosystem stability and food security. Concerns about the impact of insect declines have therefore seen increased research on the role of wild pollinators in cropping systems. However, this research has predominantly focused on diurnal pollinators such as bees and flies, leaving the role of nocturnal pollinators poorly understood in comparison.

Here, we review the literature on nocturnal pollinators of food crops and medicinal plants by undertaking an abstract, title, and keyword literature search in Web of Science Core Collection [v.5.32].

We found interactions recorded between plants and nocturnal pollinators for 52 plant families, with Cactaceae, Fabaceae and Asparagaceae being mentioned most frequently in the context of nocturnal pollination. We identified 81 animal families that behave as nocturnal crop pollinators, with Sphingidae and Noctuidae moths and Phyllostomidae bats being mentioned most frequently.

The evidence to support claims of pollination by nocturnally active animals varied in strength and mostly involved observations of flower visitation or pollination being inferred based on floral traits. There was a lack of strong experimental evidence. Detailed experimental work, such as pollinator exclusion experiments, is therefore required to corroborate the patterns we have discovered.

Our review is biased towards publications in the English language, but despite this our study shows tropical regions such as Brazil appear to be hotspots for nocturnal crop pollination.

Policy implications. Our findings suggest that nocturnal pollinators visit a large range of crop plants, and may be more important to ecosystem function and food production than currently thought. Current policies in cropping systems implemented to protect bees, such as regulations on pesticide use, are unlikely to also protect nocturnal pollinators. As we develop a better understanding of the importance of nocturnal pollinators for crop plants, many of these regulations may need to be updated to ensure pollination service is not being compromised.
First record of potential bird pollination in the holoparasitic genus Orobanche L.
Authors: Nishimura Akihiro , Takayama Koji
Published: October 2022

Pollinators play an important role in the reproduction of zoophilous plants. A shift in pollinators has often been observed for oceanic island plants, probably because of the differences in fauna. In this study, we obtained data on pollinator shifts from insects to birds in Orobanche boninsimae (Orobanchaceae), a holoparasitic plant species endemic to the Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands, oceanic islands in the Pacific. We observed pollination and measured seed viability in O. boninsimae and its continental sister species O. coerulescens. We found that two passerine birds, the Japanese white‐eye (Zosterops japonicus) and bulbul (Hypsipetes amaurotis squameiceps), visited the flowers and sucked the nectar of O. boninsimae, while only insects visited those of O. coerulescens. Viable seeds were produced under pollinator‐excluded treatments in the two Orobanche species, indicating that the seeds were produced by automatic self‐pollination and/or apomixis. These results suggest that O. boninsimae may be pollinated by birds and can produce seeds by automatic self‐pollination/apomixis. This is the first record of visitation of the genus Orobanche by birds. Studies of pollination systems in native plants on the Bonin Islands are few compared to those on other oceanic islands, and O. boninsimae may provide a valuable example of pollinator shifts in the Bonin Islands.
A meta‐ethnographic understanding of children and young people's experiences of extended school non‐attendance
Authors: Corcoran Shannon , Kelly Catherine
Published: October 2022

The views of the children and young people experiencing Extended School Non‐Attendance difficulties are scarcely represented in the literature. This systematic literature review provides a much needed overview of the existing research evidence through a detailed synthesis of the lived experiences of persistently non‐attending young people, using a meta‐ethnographic approach. Ten qualitative, UK‐based papers were selected and analysed, each of which focused specifically on the direct views of school non‐attenders. Using Noblit and Hare's seven‐step approach, the analysis generated seven themes: (1) difficult relationships with peer group; (2) inconsistent relationships with and support from adults; (3) negative experiences of school transition; (4) negative experiences of learning in school; (5) emotional wellbeing and mental health needs; (6) others' negative perceptions of the individual's needs; (7) personal beliefs about attendance. Through reciprocal translation of these themes, the overarching higher‐order concept was developed relating to the impact of a sense of school belonging. The implications of this review include an enhanced emphasis on the need to gather young people's views early and to use their preferred terminology when discussing their difficulties. While outside the scope of this paper, further research should look to the translation into policy and practice in this area.
Energy productivity and greenhouse gas emission intensity in Dutch dairy farms: A Hicks–Moorsteen by‐production approach under non‐convexity and convexity with equivalence results
Authors: Ang Frederic , Kerstens Kristiaan , Sadeghi Jafar
Published: October 2022

The agricultural sector is currently confronted with the challenge to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, whilst maintaining or increasing production. Energy‐saving technologies are often proposed as a partial solution, but the evidence on their ability to reduce GHG emissions remains mixed. Production economics provides methodological tools to analyse the nexus of agricultural production, energy use and GHG emissions. Convexity is predominantly maintained in agricultural production economics, despite various theoretical and empirical reasons to question it. Employing non‐convex and convex frontier frameworks, this contribution evaluates energy productivity change (the ratio of aggregate output change to energy use change) and GHG emission intensity change (the ratio of GHG emission change to polluting input change) using Hicks‐Moorsteen productivity formulations. We consider GHG emissions as by‐products of the production process by using a multi‐equation model. Given our empirical specification, non‐convex and convex Hicks‐Moorsteen indices can coincide under certain circumstances, which leads to a series of theoretical equivalence results. The empirical application focuses on 1,510 observations of Dutch dairy farms for the period of 2010–2019. The results show a positive association between energy productivity change and GHG emission intensity change, which calls into question the potential of on‐farm, energy‐efficiency‐increasing measures to reduce GHG emission intensity.
Review article: A comprehensive review of unusual causes of acute limb compartment syndrome
Authors: Steadman William , Wu Rui , Hamilton Alistair TM , Richardson Martin D , Wall Christopher J
Published: October 2022

Acute limb compartment syndrome (ALCS) is a surgical emergency that can have serious consequences unless promptly diagnosed and treated, which is particularly challenging when there is an unusual cause. This is a comprehensive review of reported causes of ALCS. From 1068 included articles, we found 299 discrete causes of ALCS including toxins, infections, endocrine pathology, haematological emergencies, malignancy and iatrogenic ALCS. Familiarity with this wide range of ALCS causes may assist in early diagnosis of this limb‐threatening condition.
Is using a consolidation tumor ratio 0.5 as criterion feasible in daily practice? Evaluation of interobserver measurement variability of consolidation tumor ratio of lung cancer less than 3 cm in size
Authors: Koike Sachie , Shimizu Kimihiro , Ide Shogo , Mishima Shuji , Matsuoka Shunichiro , Takeda Tetsu , Miura Kentaro , Eguchi Takashi , Hamanaka Kazutoshi , Araki Taisuke , Sonehara Kei , Todoroki Keisuke , Ichinohe Fumihito , Kawakami Satoshi , Koinuma Masayoshi
Published: October 2022

Background

Consolidation tumor ratio (CTR) calculated as the ratio of the tumor consolidation diameter to the tumor maximum diameter on thin‐section computed tomography (CT) of lung cancer has been reported as an important prognostic factor. It has also been used for treatment decision‐making. This study aimed to investigate the interobserver variability of CTR measurements on preoperative CT and propose a clinically useful CTR‐based classification criterion.

Methods

We enrolled 119 patients who underwent surgery for suspected or diagnosed small‐sized lung cancer (≤3.0 cm in diameter). Nine doctors reviewed preoperative CT scans to measure CTR. Interobserver variability of CTR measurements was evaluated using the coefficient of variation (CV) and Fleiss' κ. The prognostic effect of the CTR‐based classification was assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Interobserver variability of CTR measurement was the highest for tumors with the lowest CTR (CTR = 0); it decreased as CTR increased and reached a plateaued level of low variability (CV <0.5) at CTR of 0.5. We proposed a three‐group classification based on the findings of CTR interobserver variability (CTR < 0.5, 0.5 ≤ CTR < 1, and CTR = 1). Interobserver agreement of the judgment of the CTR‐based classification was excellent (Fleiss' κ = 0.81). The classification significantly stratified patient prognosis (p < 0.001, 5‐year overall survival rates with CTR < 0.5, 0.5 ≤ CTR < 1, and CTR = 1 were 100, 88, and 73.8%, respectively).

Conclusions

CTR 0.5 is a clinically relevant and helpful cutoff for treatment decision‐making in patients with early‐stage lung cancer based on high interobserver agreement and good prognostic stratification.
Identification of critical lncRNAs for milk fat metabolism in dairy cows using WGCNA and the construction of a ceRNAs network
Authors: Mu Tong , Hu Honghong , Ma Yanfen , Yang Chaoyun , Feng Xiaofang , Wang Ying , Liu Jiamin , Yu Baojun , Zhang Juan , Gu Yaling
Published: October 2022

As key regulators, long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in the ruminant mammary gland. However, the function of lncRNAs in milk fat synthesis from dairy cows is largely unknown. In this study, we used the weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) to comprehensive analyze the expression profile data of lncRNAs from the group's previous Illumina PE150 sequencing results based on bovine mammary epithelial cells from high‐ and low‐milk‐fat‐percentage (MFP) cows, and identify core_lncRNAs significantly associated with MFP by module membership (MM) and gene significance (GS). Functional enrichment analysis (Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) of core_lncRNA target genes (co‐localization and co‐expression) was performed to screen potential lncRNAs regulating milk fat metabolism and further construct an interactive regulatory network of lipid metabolism‐related competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). A total of 4876 lncRNAs were used to construct the WGCNA. The MEdarkturquoise module among the 19 modules obtained was significantly associated with MFP (r = 0.78, p‐value <0.05) and contained 64 core_lncRNAs (MM > 0.8, GS > 0.4). Twenty‐four lipid metabolism‐related lncRNAs were identified by core_lncRNA target gene enrichment analysis. TCONS_00054233, TCONS_00152292, TCONS_00048619, TCONS_00033839, TCONS_00153791 and TCONS_00074642 were key candidate lncRNAs for regulating milk fat synthesis. The 22 ceRNAs most likely to be involved in milk fat metabolism were constructed by interaction network analysis, and TCONS_00133813 and bta‐miR‐2454‐5p were located at the network's core. TCONS_00133813_bta‐miR‐2454‐5p_TNFAIP3, TCONS_00133813_bta‐miR‐2454‐5p_ARRB1 and TCONS_00133813_bta‐miR‐2454‐5p_PIK3R1 are key candidate ceRNAs associated with milk fat metabolism. This study provides a framework for the co‐expression module of MFP‐related lncRNAs in ruminants, identifies several major lncRNAs and ceRNAs that influence milk fat synthesis, and provides a new understanding of the complex biology of milk fat synthesis in dairy cows.
Environmental sustainability in Africa: Insight into paper consumption by an African university
Authors: Macaulay Babajide Milton , Ajayi Oluwaseun Matthew , Ogunmiloro Ayomipo Taiwo , Owoeye Josiah Abolade
Published: October 2022

Environmental sustainability is a huge challenge in Africa as the region is currently struggling to provide sustainable systems to support daily human activities. Such activities in many African organisations include paper‐based information storage and communication which are not ecofriendly and place a huge burden on forest resources. This study therefore focused on the implication of overusing paper in an African university. Fifty offices in the university were surveyed and 59 questionnaires administered. The questionnaires were transcribed and analysed using both textual qualitative and quantitative analyses. The results showed that 6888 reams of paper (costing about 8 million Naira) are consumed annually by the university, translating to about 413 trees, which are enough to occupy a standard‐sized football pitch. It was also found that administrative staff members were generally Information Communication Technology (ICT) certified; however, many of them are still not well‐informed on the environmental implication of overconsuming paper even though they are largely aware of the benefits of paperless systems. Recommendations were offered on how to reduce the demand for paper by the university. This study is expected to create more awareness on the urgent need for African organisations to take environmental sustainability issues more seriously.
Immunologic deviations in recurrent spontaneous abortion mouse model
Authors: Ansariniya Hossein , Zare Fateme , Mosaffa Nariman , Idali Farah , Shabani Mahdi , Hadinedoushan Hossein
Published: October 2022

Background

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is an abnormality that has a great impact on women's quality of life. RSA is defined as at least three unexplained abortions (without prior live birth) occurring before the 20th week of pregnancy.

Aim

The present review attempts to discuss immunologic deviations in mouse models of RSA.

Content

The mating of DBA/2J males with CBA/J female mice has provided specialists with a homologous model of RSA. Much of the research using the CBA/J × DBA/2J mouse model has shown immune system alteration results in rejection. The link between RSA and the immune system suggests new approaches to prevent RSA from an immunological perspective. Rejection in this model is linked with the changed immune system during pregnancy, including change in Th1/Th2 ratio and defects in T and NK cells function, and so forth.

Implications

The use of animal models prone to RSA can help a lot to solve the remained mysteries. This study reviews the existing knowledge of immune system roles in the RSA mouse models.
Is this workplace bullying? How ideas about conflict shape conflict management strategies
Authors: Marzionna Paulo
Published: October 2022

The adoption of specific conflict management strategies has usually been linked to various factors, such as litigation avoidance, union substitution and the pursuit of strategic benefits. This study advances the hypothesis that actors’ different frames of reference impact how workplace conflicts are interpreted and managed by unions and employers. Drawing on original data from the Brazilian banking sector, this article shows that companies and unions have different interpretations of workplace bullying. Unions understand workplace bullying as an organizational or sectoral problem inherent to labour relations in the banking sector. In contrast, employers see workplace bullying as a problem caused by individual managers. These different understandings of the same type of conflict are shaped by each actor's frame of reference and influence their responses to workplace bullying. With a pluralist or critical frame of reference, unions favour conflict management tools that try to promote structural changes in the sector. With a unitarist frame of reference, employers try to transform individual behaviour or simply remove individual managers from the workplace. Therefore, organizations with a unitarist frame interpret and respond to conflicts in notably different ways from organizations holding a pluralist or critical frame of reference.