bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TheHydractiniacell atlas reveals cellular and molecular principles of cnidarian coloniality
Authors: Salamanca-Díaz David A. , Horkan Helen R. , García-Castro Helena , Emili Elena , Salinas-Saavedra Miguel , Rossi Maria Eleonora , Álvarez-Presas Marta , Gabhann Rowan Mac , Febrimarsa  , Pérez-Posada Alberto , Kenny Nathan J. , Paps Jordi , Frank Uri , Solana Jordi
Published: June 2024

Coloniality is a widespread growth form in cnidarians, tunicates, and bryozoans, among others. Despite being modular, composed of multiple zooids and supporting tissues, colonies function as a single physiological unit. A major question in the biology of colonies is the cellular mechanism of generating structurally and functionally distinct colony parts. The cnidarianHydractiniaestablishes colonies with different types of zooids (polyps), interconnected by a gastrovascular system that is attached to the substrate and known as stolons. We obtained single cell transcriptomic profiles of ∼200KHydractiniacells, including isolated stolons and two polyp types. We characterised the majorHydractiniacell types and quantified their abundance across colony parts. Overall, we find that distinct colony parts are characterised primarily by distinct combinations of shared cell types and to a lesser extent by part-specific cell types. Therefore, we propose that both cell type combinations, as well as rarer cell type innovations, have been the main mechanism in the evolution of coloniality in cnidarians. We identified cell type-specific transcription factors (TFs) and gene networks expressed within these cell types. Notably, we discovered a previously unidentified, stolon-specific cell type, which expresses enzymes related to biomineralization and chitin synthesis, reminiscent of molluscan shell matrix proteins that may represent a crucial adaptation to the animal’s habitat. In summary, theHydractiniacell atlas elucidates the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying coloniality.
The N-glycosylation defect in Lec5 and Lec9 CHO cells is caused by absence of the DHRSX gene
Authors: Kentache Takfarinas , Althoff Charlotte R. , Caligiore Francesco , Souche Erika , Schulz Céline , Graff Julie , Pieters Eline , Stanley Pamela , Contessa Joseph N. , Schaftingen Emile Van , Matthijs Gert , Foulquier François , Bommer Guido T. , Wilson Matthew P.
Published: June 2024

Glycosylation-deficient Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines have been instrumental in the discovery of N-glycosylation machinery. Yet, the molecular causes of the glycosylation defects in the Lec5 and Lec9 mutants have been elusive, even though for both cell lines a defect in dolichol formation from polyprenol was previously established. We recently found that dolichol synthesis from polyprenol occurs in three steps consisting of the conversion of polyprenol to polyprenal by DHRSX, the reduction of polyprenal to dolichal by SRD5A3 and the reduction of dolichal to dolichol, again by DHRSX.

This led us to investigate defective dolichol synthesis in Lec5 and Lec9 cells. Both cell lines showed increased levels of polyprenol and its derivatives, concomitant with decreased levels of dolichol and derivatives, but no change in polyprenal levels, suggesting DHRSX deficiency. Accordingly, N-glycan synthesis and changes in polyisoprenoid levels were corrected by complementation with human DHRSX but not with SRD5A3. Furthermore, the typical polyprenol dehydrogenase and dolichal reductase activities of DHRSX were absent in membrane preparations derived from Lec5 and Lec9 cells, while the reduction of polyprenal to dolichal, catalyzed by SRD5A3, was unaffected. Long-read whole genome sequencing of Lec5 and Lec9 cells did not reveal mutations in the ORF ofSRD5A3, but the genomic region containingDHRSXwas absent. Lastly, we established the sequence of Chinese hamster DHRSX and validated that this protein has similar kinetic properties to the human enzyme. Our work therefore identifies the basis of the dolichol synthesis defect in CHO Lec5 and Lec9 cells.
Targeted and Untargeted Amine Metabolite Quantitation in Single Cells with Isobaric Multiplexing
Authors: Heininen Juho , Movahedi Parisa , Kotiaho Tapio , Kostiainen Risto , Pahikkala Tapio , Teppo Jaakko
Published: June 2024

We developed a single cell amine analysis approach utilizing isobarically multiplexed samples of 6 individual cells along with analyte abundant carrier. This methodology was applied for absolute quantitation of amino acids and untargeted relative quantitation of amines in a total of 108 individual cells using nanoflow LC with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Together with individually determined cell sizes, this provides the first absolute quantification of intracellular metabolites within individual cells. The targeted method was partially validated for 10 amino acids with limits of detection in low attomoles, linear calibration range covering analyte amounts typically from 30 amol to 120 fmol, and correlation coefficients (R) above 0.99. Using the cell sizes determined during dispensing, millimolar intracellular concentrations were determined. The untargeted approach yielded 249 features that were detected in at least 25% of the single cells, providing modest cell type separation on principal component analysis. Using Greedy forward selection with regularized least squares, a sub-selection of 100 features explaining most of the difference, was determined. These features were annotated using MS2 from analyte standards and accurate mass with library search. The approach provides accessible, sensitive, and high-throughput method with the potential to be expanded also to other forms of ultrasensitive analysis.
Adolescent maturation of cortical excitation-inhibition balance based on individualized biophysical network modeling
Authors: Saberi Amin , Wischnewski Kevin J. , Jung Kyesam , Lotter Leon D. , Schaare H. Lina , Banaschewski Tobias , Barker Gareth J. , Bokde Arun L.W. , Desrivières Sylvane , Flor Herta , Grigis Antoine , Garavan Hugh , Gowland Penny , Heinz Andreas , Brühl Rüdiger , Martinot Jean-Luc , Paillère Martinot Marie-Laure , Artiges Eric , Nees Frauke , Papadopoulos Orfanos Dimitri , Lemaitre Herve , Poustka Luise , Hohmann Sarah , Holz Nathalie , Baeuchl Christian , Smolka Michael N. , Vaidya Nilakshi , Walter Henrik , Whelan Robert , Schumann Gunter ,   IMAGEN Consortium, Paus Tomáš , Dukart Juergen , Bernhardt Boris C. , Popovych Oleksandr V. , Eickhoff Simon B. , Valk Sofie L.
Published: June 2024

The balance of excitation and inhibition is a key functional property of cortical microcircuits which changes through the lifespan. Adolescence is considered a crucial period for the maturation of excitation-inhibition balance. This has been primarily observed in animal studies, yet humanin vivoevidence on adolescent maturation of the excitation-inhibition balance at the individual level is limited. Here, we developed an individualizedin vivomarker of regional excitation-inhibition balance in human adolescents, estimated using large-scale simulations of biophysical network models fitted to resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from two independent cross-sectional (N = 752) and longitudinal (N = 149) cohorts. We found a widespread relative increase of inhibition in association cortices paralleled by a relative age-related increase of excitation, or lack of change, in sensorimotor areas across both datasets. This developmental pattern co-aligned with multiscale markers of sensorimotor-association differentiation. The spatial pattern of excitation-inhibition development in adolescence was robust to inter-individual variability of structural connectomes and modeling configurations. Notably, we found that alternative simulation-based markers of excitation-inhibition balance show a variable sensitivity to maturational change. Taken together, our study highlights an increase of inhibition during adolescence in association areas using cross sectional and longitudinal data, and provides a robust computational framework to estimate microcircuit maturationin vivoat the individual level.
ZFHX3 plays a role in pain and cautious-like behaviours in mice
Authors: Nolan PM , Gettings SM , Hillier R , Bourbia N
Published: June 2024

A missense mutation in zinc finger homeobox-3 (ZFHX3) gene is known to alter circadian rhythms and metabolism. ZFHX3 is highly expressed in the central nucleus of amygdala and so we investigated whether female and male Zfhx3Sci-/+mice have impaired pain, fear, anxiety-like, and cautious-like behaviours as these behaviours which are associated with the central nucleus of the amygdala. Using mechanical and thermal sensitivity test, the fear conditioning test and the light-dark box test, we found that female Zfhx3Sci-/+mice have hypoalgesia to mechanical stimulus while hyperalgesia to heat stimulus. Additionally, both female and male Zfhx3Sci-/+display reduction of cautious-like behaviour. While neither female and male Zfhx3Sci-/+mice showed a difference in fear conditioning or anxiety-like behaviour, we have demonstrated for the first time that ZFHX3 is involved in pain and cautious behaviours.

Highlights

Female and male Zfhx3Sci/+mice displayed less cautious-like behaviour

Zfhx3Sci/+female mice had hypoalgesia to noxious mechanical stimulus

Zfhx3Sci/+female mice had hyperalgesia to noxious heat stimulus
The transcriptomic and spatial organization of telencephalic GABAergic neuronal types
Authors: van Velthoven Cindy T.J. , Gao Yuan , Kunst Michael , Lee Changkyu , McMillen Delissa , Chakka Anish Bhaswanth , Casper Tamara , Clark Michael , Chakrabarty Rushil , Daniel Scott , Dolbeare Tim , Ferrer Rebecca , Gloe Jessica , Goldy Jeff , Guzman Junitta , Halterman Carliana , Ho Windy , Huang Mike , James Katelyn , McCue Rachel , Nguy Beagan , Pham Trangthanh , Ronellenfitch Kara , Thomas Eric D. , Torkelson Amy , Pagan Chelsea , Kruse Lauren , Dee Nick , Ng Lydia , Waters Jack , Smith Kimberly A. , Tasic Bosiljka , Yao Zizhen , Zeng Hongkui
Published: June 2024

The telencephalon of the mammalian brain comprises multiple regions and circuit pathways that play adaptive and integrative roles in a variety of brain functions. There is a wide array of GABAergic neurons in the telencephalon; they play a multitude of circuit functions, and dysfunction of these neurons has been implicated in diverse brain disorders. In this study, we conducted a systematic and in-depth analysis of the transcriptomic and spatial organization of GABAergic neuronal types in all regions of the mouse telencephalon and their developmental origins. This was accomplished by utilizing 611,423 single-cell transcriptomes from the comprehensive and high-resolution transcriptomic and spatial cell type atlas for the adult whole mouse brain we have generated, supplemented with an additional single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset containing 99,438 high-quality single-cell transcriptomes collected from the pre- and postnatal developing mouse brain. We present a hierarchically organized adult telencephalic GABAergic neuronal cell type taxonomy of 7 classes, 52 subclasses, 284 supertypes, and 1,051 clusters, as well as a corresponding developmental taxonomy of 450 clusters across different ages. Detailed charting efforts reveal extraordinary complexity where relationships among cell types reflect both spatial locations and developmental origins. Transcriptomically and developmentally related cell types can often be found in distant and diverse brain regions indicating that long-distance migration and dispersion is a common characteristic of nearly all classes of telencephalic GABAergic neurons. Additionally, we find various spatial dimensions of both discrete and continuous variations among related cell types that are correlated with gene expression gradients. Lastly, we find that cortical, striatal and some pallidal GABAergic neurons undergo extensive postnatal diversification, whereas septal and most pallidal GABAergic neuronal types emerge simultaneously during the embryonic stage with limited postnatal diversification. Overall, the telencephalic GABAergic cell type taxonomy can serve as a foundational reference for molecular, structural and functional studies of cell types and circuits by the entire community.
Activation of NLRP3 inflammasome/pyroptosis by protease inhibitor atazanavir at high concentrations is mediated through mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Zhou Lei , Cosme Moises , Li Min , Eduafo Velma , Jnr Dereck Amakye , Paintsil Elijah
Published: June 2024

Protease inhibitor (PI)-based antiretroviral therapy increases CD4 and CD8 cell counts through anti-apoptosis mechanism. However, there are emerging reports that PIs could have pro-apoptotic effects; thus, PIs may have biphasic effect on apoptosis. We hypothesized that PI-induced apoptosis may be mediated through PI-induced mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

To test this hypothesis, we used human T lymphoblastoid cell line (CEM) cultured with increasing concentrations of atazanavir (ATV). We assessed mitochondrial function—i.e., cell growth, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ), ROS, and electron transport chain (ETC) proteins. Apoptosis pathway genes were interrogated using the Human Apoptosis RT² Profiler PCR Array kit (QIAGEN), followed by quantitative PCR for validation.

CEM cells treated with 15, 22.5, and 30 µM of ATV resulted in significant reduction in cell growth and increased apoptosis. Further, high concentrations of ATV resulted in decreased mitochondrial ΔΨ, increased ROS production, and decreased protein expression of ETC I, II, III, and V. The following apoptosis pathway genes—caspase-1, BCL2A1, TP73 and TNFRSF1B—were differentially expressed. Caspase-1 is known to play a role in inducing NLRP3 inflammasome/pyroptosis pathway. We validated this with qPCR of the genes in the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Of note, NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 and caspase-1 inhibitor YVAD reversed mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death. Our findings suggest that ATV-induced cell death is through the NLRP3 inflammasome/pyroptosis pathway. ATV-induced mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in the regulation of ATV-activated NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.
Biological and technical variability in mouse microbiome analysis and implications for sample size determination
Authors: McAdams Zachary , Gustafson Kevin , Ericsson Aaron
Published: June 2024

Background

The gut microbiome (GM) affects host growth and development, behavior, and disease susceptibility. Biomedical research investigating the mechanisms by which the GM influences host phenotypes often involves collecting single fecal samples from laboratory mice. Many environmental factors can affect the composition of the GM in mice and while efforts are made to minimize these sources of variation, biological variation at the cage or individual mouse level and technical variation from 16S rRNA library preparation exist and may influence microbiome outcomes. Here we employed a hierarchical fecal sampling strategy to 1) quantify the effect size of biological and technical variation and 2) provide practical guidance for the development of microbiome studies involving laboratory mice.

Results

We found that while biological and technical sources of variation contribute significant variability to microbiome alpha and beta diversity outcomes but their effect size is 3- to 30-times lower than that of the experimental variable in the context of an experimental group with high intergroup variability. After quantifying variability of alpha diversity metrics at the technical and biological levels, we then simulated whether sequencing multiple fecal samples from individual mice could improve effect size in a two-group experimental design. Collecting five fecal samples per mouse increased effect size achieving the maximum 5% reduction in the required number of animals per group. While reducing the number of animals required, sequencing costs were dramatically increased.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the effect size of biological and technical factors may contribute appreciable variability to an experimental paradigm with relatively low mean differences. Additionally, repeated sampling improves statistical power however, its application is likely impractical given the increased sequencing costs.
Chronic Social Defeat Stress Gives Rise to Social Avoidance Through Fear Learning
Authors: Lee Jinah , Aubry Antonio , Hanif Sadiyah , Grunfeld Itamar , Likhtik Ekaterina , Burghardt Nesha S.
Published: June 2024

Chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), a widely used rodent model of stress, reliably leads to decreased social interaction in stress susceptible animals. Here, we investigate a role for fear learning in this response using 129Sv/Ev mice, a strain that is more vulnerable to CSDS than the commonly used C57BL/6 strain. We first demonstrate that defeated 129Sv/Ev mice avoid a CD-1 mouse, but not a conspecific, indicating that motivation to socialize is intact in this strain. CD-1 avoidance is characterized by approach behavior that results in running in the opposite direction, activity that is consistent with a threat response. We next test whether CD-1 avoidance is subject to the same behavioral changes found in traditional models of Pavlovian fear conditioning. We find that associative learning occurs across 10 days CSDS, with defeated mice learning to associate the color of the CD-1 coat with threat. This leads to the gradual acquisition of avoidance behavior, a conditioned response that can be extinguished with 7 days of repeated social interaction testing (5 tests/day). Pairing a CD-1 with a tone leads to second-order conditioning, resulting in avoidance of an enclosure without a social target. Finally, we show that social interaction with a conspecific is a highly variable response in defeated mice that may reflect individual differences in generalization of fear to other social targets. Our data indicate that fear conditioning to a social target is a key component of CSDS, implicating the involvement of fear circuits in social avoidance.
Os-circANK negatively regulates resistance to bacterial blight in rice via Osa-miR398b/OsCSD1/OsCSD2 pathways
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Wang Peihong , Wang Sai , Liao Weixue , Ouyang Mingyan , Lin Sisi , Lin Rongpeng , Sarris Panagiotis F. , Michalopoulou Vasiliki , Feng Xurui , Zhang Zinan , Xu Zhengyin , Chen Gongyou , Zhu Bo
Published: June 2024

CircRNAs are widely present in plants, yet there have been no reports on the role of circRNA in the regulatory mechanisms of interactions between rice and pathogenic bacteria. As the sequence of circRNAs matches the parent gene except for the back splicing site, there is no feasible way to specifically knockdown circRNAs in plants. We identified a circRNA, named Os-circANK, derived from an ankyrin repeat protein, which was significantly downregulated postXanthomonas oryzaepv.oryzae(Xoo) inoculation. We have created a CRISPR-Cas13d system to specifically knockdown a plant circular RNA, resulting in genetically edited rice with a targeted decrease in Os-circANK expression. Os-circANK was found to function as a sponge for Osa-miR398b, suppressing the cleavage ofOsCSD1/OsCSD2by Osa-miR398b, leading to a reduction in ROS levels followingXooinfection and a negative regulation of resistance to bacterial blight in rice. Our findings demonstrate that Os-circANK inhibits the resistance to bacterial blight in rice via the Osa-miR398b/OsCSD1/OsCSD2 pathways.
Structure-function relationship of PE11 esterase ofMycobacterium tuberculosiswith respect to its role in virulence
Authors: Dahiya Priyanka , Banerjee Amit , Saha Abhishek , Nandicoori Vinay Kumar , Ghosh Sudip , Mukhopadhyay Sangita
Published: June 2024

The lipolytic enzymes ofMycobacterium tuberculosisplay a critical role in immunomodulation and virulence. Among these proteins, PE11 which also belongs to the PE/PPE family, is the smallest (∼10.8 kDa) and play a significant role in cell wall remodelling and virulence. PE11 is established to be an esterase, but its enzymatic and structural properties are not yet characterized. In this study, using homology modelling we deduced the putative structure which shows the presence of both α-helix and β-sheet structures which is in close agreement with that observed by CD spectra of the purified protein. PE11 was found to contain a GX3SX4G motif homologous to canonical ‘GxSxG’ motif present in many serin hydrolases. The catalytic triad appears to be located within this motif as substitution of Serine26and Glycine31residues abrogated its enzymatic activity. Gel-filtration chromatography data indicate that PE11 possibly exists as dimer and tetramer showing positive cooperativity for binding its substrates. In addition, PE11 esterase activity was found to be critical for cell wall remodelling, antibiotic resistance and conferring survival advantages toM. tuberculosis. Our data suggest that PE11 can be targeted for designing potential therapeutic strategies.
Consumer willingness to buy and pay for dog-human companionship: a combination of SEM and NCA approaches
Authors: Rishi Bikramjit , Shiva Atul , Israney Ritika Sharma
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The phenomenal growth in dog ownership, dog-related products and services consumption, and the development of the pet industry emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of dog-human companionship. This study explored different dimensions of willingness to buy and pay for dog-human companionship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted among dog owners (N = 337). The data was collected from the dog owners through an adapted questionnaire. Variance-based Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to understand the relationship among the variables under study.

Findings

The results of the data analysis revealed that specialty purchases and activity/youth had a significant association with willingness to pay for dog companionship. However, boundaries predict the willingness to buy products and services related to dogs. In addition, there was a significant difference between males and females regarding buying intentions, wherein females were willing to buy dog products in the Indian context.

Originality/value

This study provides significant dimensions of willingness to buy and pay for the pet industry. The results of this study can help managers draft marketing strategies to influence dog owners.
Can transformers transform financial forecasting?
Authors: Souto Hugo Gobato , Moradi Amir
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to critically evaluate the competitiveness of Transformer-based models in financial forecasting, specifically in the context of stock realized volatility forecasting. It seeks to challenge and extend upon the assertions of Zeng et al. (2023) regarding the purported limitations of these models in handling temporal information in financial time series.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a robust methodological framework, the study systematically compares a range of Transformer models, including first-generation and advanced iterations like Informer, Autoformer, and PatchTST, against benchmark models (HAR, NBEATSx, NHITS, and TimesNet). The evaluation encompasses 80 different stocks, four error metrics, four statistical tests, and three robustness tests designed to reflect diverse market conditions and data availability scenarios.

Findings

The research uncovers that while first-generation Transformer models, like TFT, underperform in financial forecasting, second-generation models like Informer, Autoformer, and PatchTST demonstrate remarkable efficacy, especially in scenarios characterized by limited historical data and market volatility. The study also highlights the nuanced performance of these models across different forecasting horizons and error metrics, showcasing their potential as robust tools in financial forecasting, which contradicts the findings of Zeng et al. (2023)

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the financial forecasting literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of the applicability of Transformer-based models in this domain. It offers new insights into the capabilities of these models, especially their adaptability to different market conditions and forecasting requirements, challenging the existing skepticism created by Zeng et al. (2023) about their utility in financial forecasting.
Does corporate digitalization improve disclosure quality?
Authors: Hu Mingzhi , Su Yinxin , Yu Xiaofen
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the potential association between corporate digitization and disclosure quality, and how this relationship is moderated by non-state ownership and institutional environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on signaling theory and factors that affect disclosure quality, the authors developed a framework to study how corporate digitization is associated with disclosure quality. The proposed framework was empirically tested using a comprehensive analysis that integrated corporate-level data on digitalization, disclosure quality, and ownership structure, with regional-level data on the institutional environment. The authors employed linear panel regression models with fixed effects.

Findings

The authors found that corporate digitization is significantly and positively associated with higher disclosure quality. This positive association is particularly pronounced for non-state-owned enterprises compared to state-owned enterprises. Additionally, an improvement in the institutional environment strengthens the positive relationship between digitization and disclosure quality.

Originality/value

This work contributes to the literature on corporate digitization by empirically investigating its impact on disclosure quality. The study also extends previous research by considering the moderating roles of ownership structure and institutional environment on the digitization-disclosure quality relationship.
Efficiency and intrinsic quality in healthcare: blending radial and non-radial measures of efficiency with a flashpoint of long-term health policy
Authors: Cinaroglu Songul
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Efficiency and quality are primary factors for the survival of health systems. The evaluation of the efficiency of the healthcare system is a crucial component of promoting long-term health policy actions. Healthcare capacity indicators provide a basis for evaluating and comparing the performance of different healthcare organizations. Intrinsic quality indicators are Donabedian (1980)’s structural and process elements of quality of healthcare. This study aims to integrate capacity and intrinsic quality indicators of healthcare while measuring the efficiency of provinces by using radial and non-radial efficiency measurement techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Efficiency analysis performed in Turkey from 2015 to 2020 by performing input-oriented radial, nonradial, and super-efficiency estimates for 81 provinces of Turkey by incorporating capacity and intrinsic quality indicators into the different model specifications.

Findings

Radial and nonradial efficiency results have an increasing trend over the study years obtained from the efficiency models showing high average scores obtained from the models that include intrinsic quality of care indicators. Statistically significant mean rank differences are observed between different radial efficiency models for all study years (p < 0.001). Negative and moderate level correlations were observed between radial efficiency results and quality of care indicators (r < 0.70).

Originality/value

Under long-term centralized health policies, increases in efficiency result in decreased intrinsic quality of care indicators. A better synthesis of health system capacity and intrinsic healthcare quality indicators is necessary to generate evidence-based health systems.
How internal listening inspires remote employee engagement: examining the mediating effects of perceived organizational support and affective organizational commitment
Authors: Qin Yufan Sunny
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Even though remote work has been around for years and COVID-19 has rapidly increased its prevalence among organizations, research on remote employee engagement is limited. Informed by social exchange theory and social support theory, the purpose of the current study is to examine how internal listening, including both organizational and supervisory listening, influences remote employee engagement and the mediating role of remote employees perceived organizational supportiveness and affective organizational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey as the research method, the study recruited full-time employees who fully work remotely in the United States of America. The data were collected in early December 2021, and a total of 527 complete and valid responses were used for data analysis. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

The results showed that both organizational and supervisory listening had an indirect effect on remote employee engagement by strengthening their perceived organizational support and affective organizational commitment. Both organizational listening and supervisory listening could make remote employees feel they are supported by the organization. However, only supervisory listening had a significant direct impact on remote employees' affective commitment to the organization.

Originality/value

This study is among the first that examines the importance of listening in motivating employee engagement in the context of remote work. The findings showcase the communication functions, from the aspect of organizational and leadership listening, in inspiring the remote workforce. Moreover, this study contributes to the understanding of listening as a pivotal force in driving employees' positive emotional and relational outcomes when they work remotely.
Developing artificial intelligence enabled Marketing 4.0 framework: an Industry 4.0 perspective
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Shameek , Singh Rohit Kumar , Jain Tinu
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to analyze the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing marketing capabilities for Indian fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) firms, with appropriate emphasis on dynamic capabilities (DC). By integrating AI into their operations, companies can enhance diverse marketing practices, leading to improved efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, the study offers valuable insights and guidance for effectively implementing AI in marketing strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews of 26 seasoned professionals from various positions in the Indian FMCG sector were conducted for the study. A systematic approach of coding that includes open, axial and selective coding was made to recognize the themes that represent AI-enabled marketing practices. This approach ensured that the themes were precisely identified and comprehensively analyzed. Interviews followed by a rigorous coding process provide valuable insights into the practical implementation of AI-enabled marketing practices for the Indian FMCG industry.

Findings

The study’s results underscore the importance of AI in enhancing marketing practices for FMCG firms, particularly in four critical areas: personalization, consumer engagement, marketing automation and strategic goals. By adopting AI in these areas, Indian FMCG firms can significantly enhance their marketing capabilities, increasing efficiency, effectiveness and gaining a competitive advantage.

Research limitations/implications

The study uses qualitative data analysis to explain how DC through AI technologies can enhance digital marketing practices for Indian FMCG organizations. Furthermore, the study provides valuable insights into how AI technologies can improve marketing capabilities and emphasizes the importance of DC. The study also proposes a framework for AI-enabled Marketing 4.0 that can guide FMCG firms seeking to leverage AI technologies to enhance their marketing practices.

Originality/value

This study outlines the potential for enhancing marketing practices by adapting AI in the Marketing 4.0 environment for Indian FMCG companies, highlighting the importance of DC in achieving this goal.
When spermatogenesis of Cycas revoluta was discovered!
Authors: Nagata Toshiyuki
Published: June 2024

Cycads have a unique phylogenetic position within the gymnosperms which is most typically recognized by the production of motile sperm. The formation of sperm in Cycas revoluta was discovered in 1896 by Seiichiro Ikeno. This discovery and that of Ginkgo biloba by Sakugoro Hirase represent the first great scientific achievements in Japan after the Meiji Restoration. The role of Seiichiro Ikeno in these achievements is highlighted in this review. Later, he became a pioneer in the introduction of genetics and genetic studies in Japan. Throughout his life, he devoted himself to scientific studies.
‘The helpless French girl’: Seduction narratives in a nineteenth‐century abortion trial
Authors: Mai Brooke Lansing
Published: June 2024

In the 1840s, newspaper reporters and prosecutors in New York City began to use literary tropes about seduction to characterise unmarried women who had abortions. This article uses an 1844 trial over an abortion performed on a young French immigrant woman to demonstrate how the uptake of such tropes obscured women's own perspectives about sexual relations and vilified abortion providers. This process ultimately fostered growing anti‐abortion attitudes in the decade before the American Medical Association's campaign to criminalise abortion, revealing the cultural, not just medical, roots of anti‐abortion activism in the USA.
Antihypertensive effects of the Limosilactobacillus reuteri Z09 and Lactobacillus helveticus Z11 fermented milk in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Song Xiaoling , Fu Jinfeng , Ding Qinchao , Cao Feiwei , Zhang Xiu , Zhang Yanan , Lai Shanglei , Zhug Hui , Valencak Teresa G , Ren Daxi
Published: June 2024

Recent studies have shown that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation has great potential to relieve hypertension. In this study, we verified the antihypertensive effects of Limosilactobacillus reuteri Z09, Lactobacillus helveticus Z11 and their mixed fermented milk (MIX‐FM) on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Four weeks of administration showed that all three LAB fermentations had an antihypertensive effect on SHRs, while MIX‐FM showed the best effect. MIX‐FM had the highest angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor peptide contents, and it can improve intestinal dysbiosis better than the other two groups. The above results suggest that these two strains have the potential to develop antihypertensive dairy products.
Association of vascular endothelial growth factor‐C, plasma angiotensinogen and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with hemodialysis
Authors: Yeter Haci Hasan , Levent Mustafa , Sahiner Levent , Yildirim Tolga , Yilmaz Rahmi
Published: June 2024

Introduction

This study aims to examine the relationship between fluid overload, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C (VEGF‐C), plasma Angiotensinogen (pAGT), and echocardiography findings in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

This was a single‐center, cross‐sectional study. Patients were divided into two groups according to mid‐week inter‐dialytic weight gain (mIDWG): (1) mIDWG ≤3% and (2) mIDW >3%.

Results

A total of 55 patients were enrolled in this study. While the mean pAGT and left ventricular mass index were significantly higher in patients with mIDWG >3% compared to patients with mIDWG ≤3%, VEGF‐C was similar between groups. pAGT ≥76.8 mcg/L, VEGF‐C ≤175.5 pg/ML, and pAGT /VEGF‐C ≥0.45 were significant cut‐offs for the prediction of left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that these cut‐off values were significantly associated with LVH.

Conclusion

Renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system activation may persist in hemodialysis patients with excessive IDWG. Additionally, pAGT and VEGF‐C could be risk factors for the development of LVH.
Expression characterization of miR‐6826‐3p in Pardosa pseudoannulata (Araneae: Lycosidae) under high temperature stress
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Fu Di , Yang Qing , Xiao Feng , Mu Meimei , Xiao Rong , Jin Daochao
Published: June 2024

Pardosa pseudoannulata is key predator in rice ecosystems; it plays a crucial role in rice pest biological control, effectively managing major rice pests such as rice planthopper. At present, there are few related studies on spiders' microRNA (miRNA). Consequently, we initiate a study on miR‐6826‐3p in P. pseudoannulata in response to high temperatures. First, we identified a total of 686 target genes of miR‐6826‐3p, 439 target genes had annotated results in the database, primarily involved in transcription and metabolism functions. Subsequently, quantitative real‐time PCR was employed to assess the relative expression levels of miR‐6826‐3p in P. pseudoannulata under different temperatures (31, 34, 37, 40°C) and various durations (1, 2, 4, 8, 12 h). The results revealed that compared to the control group (25°C), the relative expression level of miR‐6826‐3p in female spiders significantly increased under the same temperature and different duration stresses. The expression level of miR‐6826‐3p in male spiders showed an initial increase followed by a decrease trend, with relatively lower expression levels after 1 and 12 h at the same temperature conditions. Furthermore, under the same duration of stress, compared to the control group (25°C), the relative expression level of miR‐6826‐3p in female spiders significantly increased at different temperatures. These results demonstrate that P. pseudoannulata miR‐6826‐3p plays a significant role in response to high‐temperature stress. The research findings can provide a basis for future in‐depth studies on the miRNA functional of P. pseudoannulata, aiding in the elucidation of the regulatory mechanisms of P. pseudoannulata miRNAs in response to high‐temperature environments.
Beyond the narrative: Colombia and the Venezuelan migrants
Authors: Hussein Abdihakim , Nye Emily
Published: June 2024

Forced migration is an increasingly common feature in international relations, and the mass migration of Venezuelans to Colombia provides an opportunity to analyze how strategic narratives can support a welcoming migration and integration policy. Because Colombia is a country with no history of immigration and no established anti‐immigrant group, its experience provides unique insight into the impact and limitations of positive migration narratives. While Colombia's migration policy and humanitarian narrative have garnered praise internationally, this praise has not been matched by a sense of urgency for action, attention, or funding. Domestically, the policy response to mass Venezuelan migration has met international standards. Moreover, the country has experienced relatively little unrest compared to other host countries in Latin America. There is, however, ample evidence that Colombian perceptions of increased Venezuelan migration are negative and that tension and scapegoating are on the rise. Given these contradictions, this article reviews and discusses how and why Colombia's positive, humanitarian narratives have succeeded, as well as these narratives' limitations and need for adjustments. Together, these insights can help other host nations craft more effective and truthful migration strategic narratives.
Nicotine strength of e‐liquids used by adult vapers in Great Britain: A population survey 2016 to 2024
Authors: Jackson Sarah E. , Brown Jamie , Shahab Lion , Arnott Deborah , Bauld Linda , Cox Sharon
Published: June 2024

Background and aims

In March 2024, the UK government announced plans to introduce a Vaping Products Duty that will tax e‐liquids based on their nicotine strength. This study examined trends in the nicotine strength of e‐liquids used by adult vapers and differences in those currently used across relevant subgroups.

Design

Nationally‐representative, cross‐sectional household survey, July 2016 to January 2024.

Setting

Great Britain.

Participants

7981 adult vapers.

Measurements

Participants were asked whether the e‐cigarette they mainly use contains nicotine (yes/no) and the e‐liquid strength (no nicotine, >0–≤ 6, 7–11, 12–19 or ≥20 mg/ml). We also collected information on the main device type used (disposable/refillable/pod), age, gender, occupational social grade, history of ≥1 mental health conditions, smoking status and (among past‐year smokers) level of cigarette addiction.

Findings

The proportion of vapers in England using high‐strength (≥20 mg/ml) e‐liquids increased from an average of 3.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.9–5.0) up to June 2021 to 32.5% (CI = 27.9–37.4) in January 2024 (the vast majority of whom [93.3% in January 2024] reported using exactly 20 mg/ml; the legal limit). This rise was most pronounced among those using disposable e‐cigarettes, those aged 18‐24 years and all smoking statuses (including never smokers) except long‐term (≥1y) ex‐smokers. Of those surveyed in 2022–2024 in Great Britain, overall, 89.5% (CI = 88.1–90.8) said they usually used e‐cigarettes containing nicotine, 8.7% (CI = 7.5–10.0) used nicotine‐free e‐cigarettes, and 1.8% (CI = 1.2–2.4) were unsure. The proportion using ≥20 mg/ml was higher among those mainly using disposable (47.9%) compared with pod (16.3%) or refillable (11.5%) devices; never smokers (36.0%), current smokers (28.8%) or recent (<1y) ex‐smokers (27.4%), compared with long‐term ex‐smokers (13.9%); and younger (16–24y; 44.2%) compared with older (≥25y; range 9.4–25.1%) age groups. There were no notable differences across other subgroups of interest.

Conclusions

Use of high‐strength nicotine e‐liquids in England appears to have increased sharply in recent years. Most adult vapers in Great Britain appear to use e‐cigarettes that contain nicotine but different subgroups use different strengths: nicotine strengths tend to be higher among those who mainly use disposable devices and those aged 16–24y, and lower among long‐term ex‐smokers.
The Korean Spotlight: The Effect of Culture on Stock Returns Through Investor Attention*
Authors: Park Kyung Hee , Lee Sanghoon
Published: June 2024

This study empirically examines the relationship between “investor attention” and aggregate stock returns, seeking to determine whether interest in South Korea can predict the returns of the Korean stock market. The results confirm a positive relationship between interest in Korea and future stock market returns. Furthermore, this relationship is observed to have emerged with the widespread dissemination of Korean culture starting in 2017. This impact is found to be more significant on the KOSDAQ market compared to the KOSPI market. Within the KOSPI market, the influence of interest on stock returns is particularly pronounced in the case of small‐cap stocks. It is also observed that since 2017, as interest in South Korea has increased, information related to the improvement of Korea's corruption index has begun to significantly affect stock returns.
Infrastructural citizenship and geosolidarity
Authors: Boyer Dominic
Published: June 2024

In northeast Houston, a community organization is experimenting with building green infrastructure, beginning with rain gardens. In doing so, the project's participants are engaging in what might be called “infrastructural citizenship.” This form of citizenship uses “civil power” to defy white‐supremacist legacies of technopolitical flood control, which have made northeast Houston one of the most heavily flooded parts of the city. Yet infrastructural citizenship also expresses commitments beyond stormwater management, taking aim at inherited infrastructural logics and traditions associated with other norms of US petroculture (e.g., spatialized and racialized environmental toxicity, translocal supply chains). In contrast to the default petrosolidarity that ensnares the Global North (and much of the Global South), initiatives like the rain garden project evince a growing geosolidarity with the land and its capacities. Such a politics can challenge both a racist petrostate and the conditions of ecological emergency that it perpetrates.
Maternal food insecurity increases the risk of low birth weight babies: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: de Freitas Rocha Ariane Ribeiro , de Souza de Morais Núbia , Azevedo Francilene Maria , de Castro Morais Dayane , Priore Silvia Eloiza
Published: June 2024

Aim

To ascertain whether maternal food insecurity was associated with low birth weight of their babies.

Methods

Systematic review conducted following the items of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews—PRISMA, and recorded in PROSPERO. The descriptors food security, low birth weight and infant low birth weight were combined in the electronic databases: Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature and Google Scholar, independently by two researchers, between October 2022 and September 2023. The meta‐analysis of the association between food insecurity and low birth weight was conducted. The included studies underwent quality and risk of bias assessment.

Results

The initial search resulted in 631 records, 12 of which met the inclusion criteria and were selected for this study. Mothers experiencing food insecurity presented 3.09 more risk of having low birth weight babies when compared to those in food security situations.

Conclusion

Evaluating and monitoring the food and nutritional situation of pregnant women is necessary, with emphasis on the importance of prenatal care, to direct public policies that ensure food security and strengthen adequate nutritional conditions for pregnant women and their babies.
A heterogeneous tumor immune microenvironment of uncommon epidermal growth factor receptor mutant non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Chong , Yang Liangwei , Zhao Weidi , Zhu Huangkai , Shi Shuo , Chen Songan , Wang Guoqiang , Li Bing , Zhao Guofang
Published: June 2024

Common epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are usually not considered for immunotherapy in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) due to poor efficacy. However, whether uncommon EGFR mutations are suitable for immunotherapy has not been thoroughly studied. Thus, we explored the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) features in uncommon EGFR mutant NSCLC. In this study, a total of 41 patients with EGFR mutations were included, the majority (85.4%) of whom were stage I. Among them, 22 patients harbored common mutations, while 19 patients presented with uncommon mutations. Compared with common mutations, uncommon mutations exhibited more infiltrating T cells and fewer M2 macrophages, upregulated expression of antigen processing and a presentation pathway. Unsupervised clustering based on the mIF profile identified two classes with heterogeneous TME in uncommon mutations. Class 1 featured the absence of PD‐1+ cytotoxic T cell infiltration, and class 2 displayed a hotter TME because of the downregulated expression of hypoxia (p < 0.001), oxidative phosphorylation (p = 0.009), and transforming growth factor beta signaling (p = 0.01) pathways as well as increased expression of CTLA4 (p = 0.001) and PDCD1 (p = 0.004). The association of CTLA4 and PDCD1 with TME profiles was validated in a TCGA lung adenocarcinoma cohort with uncommon EGFR mutations. Our study reveals the distinct and heterogeneous TME features in uncommon EGFR mutant NSCLC.