bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive Real-time Detection of Potassium level Changes in Skeletal Muscles during Exercise by Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Roesli Etienne , Primasová Hedvika Haindrich , Thiede Marc , Mani Laila-Yasmin , Gast Lena , Nagel Armin , Vogt Bruno , Vermathen Peter
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Potassium is essential in cellular functions, with specific importance in muscle activity and cardiovascular health. It is the main intracellular cation in the human body with 70% located in muscle. Traditional methods to measure potassium levels are invasive and lack specificity for intracellular concentrations. Recently, non-invasive in vivo investigation of K+ ion homeostasis has become feasible by using39K Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and MR spectroscopy (MRS) at ultrahigh magnetic fields. However, studies demonstrating the sensitivity of39K MRI or MRS to detect potassium alterations in disease or upon intervention are sparse. This study utilizes39K MRS to non-invasively track real-time intramuscular potassium changes during exercise, providing an assessment of potassium dynamics and explores the potential for technical artifacts in the measurements.

Methods

Five healthy subjects (three males, two females) were recruited to perform standardized dynamic knee extensions inside a 7T MR scanner. Potassium levels were measured using a39K MRS protocol that included periods of rest, moderate, and heavy exercise followed by recovery. Additionally, possible measurement artifacts due to muscle movement or changes in coil position relative to the thigh were evaluated using39K MRS and1H MRI monitoring in separate sessions.

Results

The study revealed a consistent decrease in potassium levels during both moderate and heavy exercise, with an average decrease of 5-6%. These changes were rapidly detectable and were reversed upon cessation of exercise, indicating effective in vivo monitoring capability. Possible experimental artifacts were investigated, and the results suggested not to be responsible for the detected potassium changes during exercise. The results of the non-localized39K MRS measurements during exercise correlated well with expected physiological changes based on previous literature.

Discussion

The application of39K MRS provides a valuable non-invasive tool for studying potassium dynamics in human skeletal muscle. This technique could enhance our understanding of muscle physiology and metabolic disorders. The ability to measure these changes in real time and non-invasively highlights the potential for clinical applications, including monitoring of diseases affecting muscle and cellular metabolism.
Proximity proteomics reveals a co-evolved LRRK2-regulatory network linked to centrosomes
Authors: Eckert Marita , Miglionico Pasquale , Izzi Francesca , De Oliveira Rosa Natalia , Ueffing Marius , Raimondi Francesco , Gloeckner Christian Johannes
Published: October 2024

The Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) not only plays a vital role in familial forms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) but is also considered as a risk factor for idiopathic PD. Its multi-domain architecture enables a fine-tuned regulation of its biological function by orchestrating intra- and inter-molecular interactions. Here, we present BioID proximity proteomes of LRRK2 revealing new interactors, which we further characterized by a novel evolutionary and structural bioinformatics pipeline. Co-evolutionary analysis of the protein-protein interaction network identified a structural and functional module enriched in cytoskeletal components linked to the centrosome and microtubules. Furthermore, structural modelling of binary interactions via AlphaFold-multimer revealed distinct groups of interactors engaging with LRRK2 dependent on specific conformations and epitopes. Furthermore, we identified distinct changes in the LRRK2 proximity proteome induced by the type I kinase inhibitor MLi-2 or by co-expression of the LRRK2 upstream effector RAB29. Dependent on its state of activity and conformation, these protein-protein interactions link LRRK2 to defined cellular sub-compartments, including centriolar satellites as well as vesicular sub-compartments.
Improving the visualization of viruses in soil
Authors: Parvate Amar D. , Alfaro Trinidad , McDearis Regan , Zimmerman Amy , Hofmockel Kirsten , Nelson William C. , Evans James E.
Published: October 2024

Viruses are numerically the most abundant forms on Earth, and most are present in soil. Scientific study is usually restricted to viruses or phages which are known to either positively or negatively impact human activities, livestock or crops. Visualizing the diverse morphotypes within native soil virus populations has been challenging even though viruses are highly abundant in soil and critical to rhizosphere function; primarily due to a lack of an established and reliable method of performing high-resolution structural studies on viruses natively isolated from soil. Suspensions of viruses natively isolated from soil contain nanometer to micron scale debris which renders protein crystallography for structural studies unfeasible and makes sample prep for cryo-TEM extremely challenging. Conventional TEM provides only low-resolution structural information. Here we employed and compared a simple spin filtration method to cleanup solutions of extracted viruses for direct observation with cryo-electron microscopy. The method is agnostic to isolation approaches as it is a physical biochemical separation to remove large and small debris that hinders high-resolution imaging. In addition to improving image quality and preservation of structural features, the method visualizes morphotypes not typically seen with conventional TEM imaging and enables capturing a particle library with both 2D and 3D information. In addition to tailed and non-tailed polyhedral phages, our study reports several other under reported or novel morphotypes of soil viruses.
Polar bodies serve as a landmark for anteroposterior axis formation in spiders
Authors: Wang Ruixun , Pechmann Matthias
Published: October 2024

The early embryogenesis of many spiders involves the formation of a radially symmetric germ disc. While the cells of the rim of this germ disc develops into anterior structures, the center of the disc will form the posteriorly located segment addition zone of the embryo. Therefore, germ disc formation sets the anterior-posterior (AP) body axis of spider embryos. The early spider egg is a spherical structure with no apparent asymmetry, and it is believed that germ disc formation is a stochastic process.

For this study, we have re-analyzed early spider embryogenesis and found a strong correlation of the position of the polar bodies and the formation of the germ disc. Our results suggest that germ disc formation in the common house spiderParasteatoda tepidariorumis not a stochastic but a pre-determined process. Furthermore, we provide evidence that this correlation might be conserved between araneomorph and mygalomorph spider species.
PlasmidGPT: a generative framework for plasmid design and annotation
Authors: Shao Bin
Published: October 2024

We introduce PlasmidGPT, a generative language model pretrained on 153k engineered plasmid sequences from Addgene. PlasmidGPT generatesde novosequences that share similar characteristics with engineered plasmids but show low sequence identity to the training data. We demonstrate its ability to generate plasmids in a controlled manner based on the input sequence or specific design constraint. Moreover, our model learns informative embeddings of both engineered and natural plasmids, allowing for efficient prediction of a wide range of sequence-related attributes.
Mechanism of NPC1L1 mediated 27-hydroxycholesterol metabolisms in the occurrence and development of osteoporosis
Authors: Li Bohao , Lv Zhicheng , Chen Boyu , Zhang Tieqi , Yu Yueming , Sun Shiwei , Huang Haitian , Zhou Lei , Wang Minghai
Published: October 2024

Cholesterol metabolism is closely related to the occurrence and development of osteoporosis, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) is one of the key cholesterol transporter proteins, however, there are few reports on the functions of NPC1L1 besides regulating cholesterol transport, let alone bone homeostasis. Our preliminary research indicated that NPC1L1 may play a negative regulatory role in osteogenic differentiation. In this study, using in vitro osteogenic differentiation experiment and mouse osteoporosis model, we showed here that NPC1L1 expression was downregulated during osteogenesis, and NPC1L1 knockdown significantly enhanced osteogenic differentiation ability of osteoblasts and delayed progress of osteoporosis. Mechanistically, through RNA sequencing, NPC1L1 was found regulate cholesterol metabolism rather than transportation. It increased 27-Hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC) level through activating 27-hydroxylase (Cyp27a1), resulting in 27-OHC accumulation in osteoblasts and inhibition of osteogenesis. Moreover, C/EBPα was proved mediated NPC1L1 promotes production of 27-OHC by Cyp27a1. These findings reveal that NPC1L1 inhibits osteogenesis and promotes osteoporosis via regulate cholesterol metabolism.

Graphical Abstract

NPC1L1 inhibits osteogenic differentiation and promotes the progression of OP through the C/EBPα/Cyp27a1/27-OHC axis.
Cytosolic Enhanced Dark Epac-Based FRET Sensors for Intracellular cAMP detection in live cells via FLIM
Authors: Zanetti Giulia , Klarenbeek Jeffrey B. , Jalink Kees
Published: October 2024

Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-based biosensors are powerful tools for studying second messengers with high temporal and spatial resolution. FRET is commonly detected by ratio-imaging, but Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM), which measures the donor fluorophore’s lifetime, offers a robust and more quantitative alternative. We have introduced and optimized four generations of FRET sensors for cAMP, based on the effector molecule Epac1, including variants for either ratio-imaging or FLIM detection. Recently, Massengill and colleagues introduced additional mutations that improve cytosolic localization in these sensors, focusing on constructs optimized for ratio-imaging. Here we present and briefly characterize these mutations in our dedicated FLIM sensors, finding they enhance cytosolic localization while maintaining performance comparable to original constructs.
The haplotype-resolved assembly of COL40 a cassava (Manihot esculenta) line with broad-spectrum resistance against viruses causing Cassava brown streak disease unveils a region of highly repeated elements on chromosome 12
Authors: Thoben Corinna , Pucker Boas , Winter Stephan , Econopouly Bethany Fallon , Sheat Samar
Published: October 2024

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Grantz) is a vital staple crop for millions of people, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it is a primary source of food and income. However, cassava production is threatened by several viral diseases, including cassava brown streak disease, which causes severe damage to the edible storage roots. Current cassava varieties in Africa lack effective resistance to this disease, leading to significant crop losses. We investigated the genetic diversity of cassava and identifed new sources of resistance to the viruses causing cassava brown streak disease. The cassava line, COL40, from a South American germplasm collection showed broad-spectrum resistance against all known strains of the viruses that cause this disease. To further understand the genetic basis of this resistance, we sequenced the genome of COL40 and produced a high-quality, haplotype-resolved genome assembly. This genomic resource provides new insights into cassava’s genetic architecture, particularly in regions associated with disease resistance. The sequence reveals significant structural variation, including transposable elements, inversions, and deletions, which may contribute to the resistance phenotype. The reference genome assembly presented here will provide a valuable genomic resource for studying the cassava brown streak resistance and will help in accelerating breeding efforts to introduce virus resistance into African cassava varieties. By identifying genetic variants linked to resistance, future breeding programs can develop cassava cultivars that are more resilient to viral threats, enhancing food security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers across regions affected by the disease.
Dietary L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) augments cuticular melanization inAnophelesmosquitos while reducing their lifespan and malaria parasite burden
Authors: Camacho Emma , Dong Yuemei , Chrissian Christine , Cordero Radames J.B. , Saravia Raúl G. , Anglero-Rodriguez Yessenia , Smith Daniel F.Q. , Jacobs Ella , Hartshorn Isabelle , Patiño-Medina Jose Alberto , DePasquale Michael , Dziedzic Amanda , Jedlicka Anne , Smith Barbara , Mlambo Godfree , Tripathi Abhai , Broderick Nichole A. , Stark Ruth E. , Dimopoulos George , Casadevall Arturo
Published: October 2024

L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), a naturally occurring tyrosine derivative, is prevalent in environments that include mosquito habitats, potentially serving as part of their diet. Given its role as a precursor for melanin synthesis we investigated the effect of dietary L-DOPA on mosquito physiology and immunity toPlasmodium falciparumandCryptococcus neoformansinfection. Dietary L-DOPA was incorporated into mosquito melanin via a non-canonical pathway and had profound transcriptional effects that were associated with enhanced immunity, increased pigmentation, and reduced lifespan. Increased melanization resulted in an enhanced capacity to absorb electromagnetic radiation that affected mosquito temperatures. Bacteria in the mosquito microbiome were sources of dopamine, which is a substrate for melanization. Our results illustrate how an environmentally abundant amino acid analogue can affect mosquito physiology and suggest its potential usefulness as an environmentally friendly vector control agent to reduce malaria transmission, warranting further research and field studies.
Band-selective IR PRESS for brain tumor spectroscopy allows robust detection of lactate
Authors: Kishimoto Shun , Kim Olga , Munasinghe Jeeva , Yasunori Otowa , Kota Yamashita , Yamamoto Kazutoshi , Linehan W. Marston , Wu Jing , Krishna Murali C , Brender Jeffrey R
Published: October 2024

Lactate plays a critical role in the tumor microenvironment, driving tumor progression, metastasis, and immune evasion. Despite its importance, in vivo quantification of lactate using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has faced challenges, primarily due to the overlapping lipid signal at 1.3 ppm. Current clinical practice employs a long echo time to exploit differences in T2 relaxation between lactate and lipids; however, this approach significantly suppresses signals from other metabolites. Lipid has a notably different T1 relaxation time than lactate and other metabolites, which may be exploited by an inversion recovery sequence to better distinguish them. However, this method has not found wide use because of the loss of signal in other metabolites. Here we introduce a selective inversion pulse with a short echo time MRS method (SPIR-PRESS), which mitigates this issue. In phantom experiments, SPIR-PRESS successfully suppressed lipid signals that could be misinterpreted as lactate in short TE PRESS spectra, while maintaining sensitivity to the full metabolite profile. SPIR-PRESS demonstrated superior performance in quantifying lactate compared to long echo time PRESS, with ∼ 60 % increase in sensitivity for lactate detection compared to conventional PRESS with a 288 ms TE. In a mouse glioma model, SPIR-PRESS clearly detected lactate and other key tumor metabolites (choline, creatine, NAA) in the tumor, which were not detectable in conventional long TE PRESS. These findings highlight SPIR-PRESS as a promising technique for improved lactate quantification and comprehensive metabolite profiling in tumor environments.
Genome Report: Diploid assembly of the Mexican lime genome reveals extensive heterozygosity
Authors: Massaro Isabelle , Thomson James , Leichty Aaron R.
Published: October 2024

Clonally propagated crops have long been recognized for their high levels of heterozygosity both between subgenomes within a somatic cell and between cells within an individual clone. Recent developments in long read sequencing technologies have accelerated our ability to identify this diversity and it is increasingly clear that these sources of diversity are abundant in clonal varieties and can contribute to variation in traits of interest to breeders. In this work, we assemble both subgenomes of Mexican lime (Citrusxaurantifolia), an interspecific hybrid betweenC. hystrixvar.micranthaandC. medica. Using this chromosome-level assembly, we find extensive divergence between haplotypes, with at least 89% of the annotated genes harboring polymorphisms at an average rate of 13 per kilobase of coding sequence. Additionally, using high coverage PacBio HiFi libraries from leaf tissue of four individuals we identified multiple large structural variants differing between thorned and thornless lineages, and evidence for mosaicism at hundreds of loci. Many of these variants are found in the promoters and bodies of genes and may act as standing variation for continued improvement of this cultivar.
Modular representations emerge in neural networks trained to perform context-dependent tasks
Authors: Johnston W. Jeffrey , Fusi Stefano
Published: October 2024

The brain has large-scale modular structure in the form of brain regions, which are thought to arise from constraints on connectivity and the physical geometry of the cortical sheet. In contrast, experimental and theoretical work has argued both for and against the existence of specialized sub-populations of neurons (modules) within single brain regions. By studying artificial neural networks, we show that this local modularity emerges to support context-dependent behavior, but only when the input is low-dimensional. No anatomical constraints are required. We also show when modular specialization emerges at the population level (different modules correspond to orthogonal subspaces). Modularity yields abstract representations, allows for rapid learning and generalization on novel tasks, and facilitates the rapid learning of related contexts. Non-modular representations facilitate the rapid learning of unrelated contexts. Our findings reconcile conflicting experimental results and make predictions for future experiments.
Dynamic functional adaptations during touch observation in autism: Connectivity strength is linked to attitudes towards social touch and social responsiveness
Authors: Masson Haemy Lee
Published: October 2024

Autistic adults often experience differences in social interactions involving physical contact. Brain imaging studies suggest that these differences may be related to atypical brain responses to social-affective cues, affecting both the experience of receiving touch and observing it in others. However, it remains unclear whether these atypical responses are limited to specific brain regions or represent broader alterations in brain connectivity. The current study investigated how the functional network architecture is modulated during touch observation associated with autism and explored the extent to which changes in this architecture are associated with individual differences in social touch preferences and social responsiveness. By integrating generalized psychophysiological interaction (gPPI) analysis with independent component analysis (ICA), the current study analyzed existing fMRI datasets, in which 21 autistic and 21 non-autistic male adults viewed videos of social and nonsocial touch while undergoing MRI scans. A gPPI analysis of pre-defined regions of interest revealed that autistic adults exhibited increased connectivity between sensory and social brain regions. The strength of some of these connections was positively associated with a higher preference for social touch and greater social responsiveness, suggesting neural compensatory mechanisms that may help autistic adults better understand the meaning of touch. At the level of large-scale brain networks extracted using ICA, atypical connectivity was predominantly observed between the sensorimotor network and other networks involved in social-emotional processing. Increased connectivity was observed in the sensorimotor network during nonsocial touch, suggesting that embodied simulation, the process by which individuals internally simulate touch experience of others in this context, may be more engaged when observing human-object interactions than during human-to-human touch in autism. This study reveals atypical context-dependent modulation of functional brain architecture associated with autism during touch observation, suggesting that challenges in recognizing and using affective touch in social interactions may be associated with altered brain connectivity. Neural compensatory mechanisms in autistic individuals who enjoy social touch and show higher social responsiveness may function as adaptive social responses. However, these compensations appear to be limited to specific brain regions, rather than occurring at the level of large-scale brain networks.
RO8191, a new compound for initiating embryo implantation in mice
Authors: Shu Junlan , Terakawa Jumpei , Osuka Satoko , Muraoka Ayako , Ruan Jiali , Ito Junya , Iida Atsuo , Hondo Eiichi
Published: October 2024

During early pregnancy in mice, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) regulates embryo implantation by activating the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. The STAT3 pathway has been recognized to play a critical role in embryo implantation. However, it is not clear whether STAT3 activation itself can cause induction of embryo implantation. In this study, the effects of RO8191, a potential STAT3 activator, on embryo implantation were investigated through a series of studies with different mouse models. We found that the injection of RO8191 can induce embryo implantation by activating the STAT3 pathway in delayed implantation mice. Furthermore, RO8191 can initiate decidualization, which is essential for embryo implantation, in uterine epithelial-specificStat3, Gp130, orLifrconditional knockout (cKO) mice, which shows infertility due to embryo implantation failure. Histomorphological observations revealed that successful embryo implantation and embryonic development was seen inLifrcKO mice. Increased epithelial detachment and vascularization were observed inStat3cKO mice, and excessive inflammatory response and embryo death were observed inGp130cKO mice. These results suggest that STAT3, Gp130 and LIFR each play a distinct role in embryo implantation and development. Although the specific mechanisms of RO8191 are not fully understood, the present study will provide insights to support the application of RO8191 in treating recuurent implantation failure.
Sensing Aharonov-Bohm Phase Using a Multiply-Orbiting-Ion Interferometer
Authors: Saito Ryoichi , Mukaiyama Takashi
Published: October 2024

Interferometers, which are built using spatially propagating light or matter waves, are commonly used to measure physical quantities. These measurements are made possible by exploiting the interference between waves traveling along different paths. This study introduces a novel approach to sensing of the Aharonov-Bohm phase, an ion matter-wave interferometer operating within a two-dimensional rotational trajectory in a trap potential. The ion orbitals in the nearly circular potential change rotation direction with time. This reversal of rotation direction results in a corresponding change in the interference phase. Our study is the first attempt to utilize propagating matter waves of an ion in constructing a two-dimensional interferometer for the measurement of physical quantities. Given that the scale factor of the interferometer to the cyclotron motion and the rotation of the system is common, the sensitivity to the Aharonov-Bohm phase in this study corresponds to a rotation sensitivity of approximately 300  rad/s. Besides advancing interferometry, our work also lays the foundation for future research into the use of ion matter waves in gyroscopic applications.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Data quality in laboratory convergent-beam X-ray total scattering
Authors: Metz Peter C. , Koehler Michael R. , Page Katharine
Published: October 2024

Measurement of laboratory atomic pair distribution function data has improved with contemporary X-ray sources, optics and detectors, with acquisition times of the order of minutes for ideal samples. This paper examines resolution effects in pair distribution function data obtained using a convergent-beam configuration and an Ag X-ray tube from standard silicon powder and from 10 nm BaTiO3 nanocubes. The elliptical multilayer X-ray mirror reflects a non-trivial X-ray spectrum and introduces resolution effects not commonly treated in ordinary parafocusing divergent-beam laboratory diffraction. These resolution effects are modeled using the fundamental parameters approach, and the influence this has on interpretation and modeling of the resulting reduced atomic pair distribution function data is demonstrated.
Link between b.c.c.–f.c.c. orientation relationship and austenite morphology in CF8M stainless steel
Authors: Mollens Maxime , Guery Adrien , Loisnard Dominique , Hild François , Roux Stéphane
Published: October 2024

Slow-cooled CF8M duplex stainless steel is used for critical parts of the primary coolant pipes of nuclear reactors. This steel can endure severe service conditions, but it tends to become more brittle upon very long-term aging (tens of years). Therefore, it is essential to understand its specific microstructure and temporal evolution. As revealed by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analyses, the microstructure consists of millimetre-scale ferritic grains within which austenite lath packets have grown with preferred crystallographic orientations concerning the parent ferritic phase far from the ferrite grain boundaries. In these lath packets where the austenite phase is nucleated, the lath morphology and crystal orientation accommodate the two ferrite orientations. Globally, the Pitsch orientation relationship appears to display the best agreement with the experimental data compared with other classical relationships. The austenite lath packets are parallel plate-shaped laths, characterized by their normal n. A novel methodology is introduced to elucidate the expected relationship between n and the crystallographic orientation given the coarse interfaces, even though n is only partly known from the observation surface, in contrast to the 3D crystal orientations measured by EBSD. The distribution of retrieved normals n is shown to be concentrated over a set of discrete orientations. Assuming that the ferrite and austenite obey the Pitsch orientation relationship, the determined lath normals are close to an invariant direction of the parent phase given by the same orientation relationship.
Electronic angle focusing for neutron time-of-flight powder diffractometers
Authors: Von Dreele Robert B.
Published: October 2024

A neutron time-of-flight (TOF) powder diffractometer with a continuous wide-angle array of detectors can be electronically focused to make a single pseudo-constant wavelength diffraction pattern, thus facilitating angle-dependent intensity corrections. The resulting powder diffraction peak profiles are affected by the neutron source emission profile and resemble the function currently used for TOF diffraction.
Harmonizing Maqasid al-Shari’ah with sustainable waste management practices: a conceptual framework for principles and implementation
Authors: Azmin Shompa Zohora , Akbar Mohamed Aslam , Mohd Mohadis Hazwani
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the principles guiding sustainable waste management practices within the framework of Maqasid al-Shari’ah. The purpose is to address the environmental challenges arising from economic expansion, population growth and resource consumption, which often lead to unsustainable waste management practices and hinder economic growth. The focus is on aligning waste management principles with the ethical objectives outlined in Shari’ah.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a qualitative content analysis method and an inductive approach to outline the constituent elements that formulate the framework, this study investigates the objectives of Maqasid al-Shari’ah to identify underlying elements crucial for sustainable waste management.

Findings

The study reveals how the principles embedded in Maqasid al-Shari’ah provide a foundation for effective waste management practices. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating these principles into human behavior to ensure that waste management aligns with the Shari’ah viewpoint. The insights shed light on the role of Maqasid al-Shari’ah in managing waste sustainably and contributing to environmental conservation efforts.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the field by offering a unique perspective on waste management practices through the lens of Maqasid al-Shari’ah. The study’s originality lies in its exploration of how Islamic ethical objectives can guide sustainable waste management, providing a framework that goes beyond conventional approaches. The incorporation of a comprehensive literature review enhances the authenticity and novelty of the proposed waste management framework.
Enhancing supply chain resilience through the supply network approach
Authors: Cinti Alessandro , Marcone Maria Rosaria , Sabatini Andrea , Temperini Valerio
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the efficacy of the supply network approach in bolstering supply chain resilience amidst escalating global uncertainty. With enterprises worldwide facing increasing threats that disrupt supply chains, this research explores how firms enhance supply network resilience during crises.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a multi-case study design, this research thoroughly examines interactions within firms’ supply networks to uncover new insights on supply network approach and how firms enhance supply network resilience against global uncertainty. The selection of cases was methodologically aligned to represent diverse industries and geographical locations to ensure a comprehensive analysis.

Findings

This study’s findings reveal how firms develop supply network resilience during global crises. The supply network perspective provides a deeper understanding of how firms manage supply chain interactions, interdependencies and strategic positions to survive and thrive during crises. The conceptual framework developed here provides insights that can foster improved coordination and facilitate effective temporary organising. The framework highlights the need for firms to proactively seize opportunities and mitigate risks within their global supply chains during crises to boost overall resilience.

Originality/value

Offering novel insights into the domain of supply chain networks, this study underscores novel perspectives of the supply network approach when firms develop supply chain resilience during global crises. Highlighting the adaptive responses of firms that integrate these approaches enriches the understanding of strategic manoeuvres firms can use to navigate global uncertainty and secure supply chain continuity.
Influences of VR technology on the effect of museum narrative based on embodied cognitive theory: a case study of the opium war museum
Authors: Jiang Liao , Chen Yi , Sun Yao
Published: October 2024

Purpose

With an increasing array of new technologies and devices emerging as novel approaches to museum narratives, scholars are intrigued by the narrative effect they produce. Within this context, this study aims to conduct a quantitative case study on the influencing mechanisms among technology embodiment, technology attachment, museum narrative effect and perceived museum image based on embodied cognitive theory (ECT).

Design/methodology/approach

By introducing the Opium War Museum, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China, as an empirical case study, the authors collected data, through questionnaires, from 425 visitors who had experienced virtual reality (VR) technology in the museum. The data was then analyzed by using the maximum likelihood estimate for structural equation modeling.

Findings

Technology embodiment and technology attachment have significant positive correlations with the museum narrative effect. Technology attachment provides a partial mediating effect between technology embodiment and the museum narrative effect. The perceived museum image moderates such mediating effects of technology attachment.

Originality/value

This study brings the emerging idea of developing visitor experiences with VR through expanding the applications of ECT in the museum scenario. First, the authors identified the underlying interaction patterns between various factors that influence the museum narrative effect. Second, the authors verified that technology can optimize the museum narrative effect and help the creative transformation of cultural relics and culture. This study also provides practical recommendations to improve the technological service experience and strengthen the “audience-centric” management concept of museums
Buying what matters: towards a value model allowing to implement policy preference in public procurement
Authors: Kodym Jakub
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to promote value as a core concept enabling innovative and socially responsible procurement. It suggests how organisations should analyse value from their own perspective and from that of their stakeholders and users, to keep pace with the expectations of today's society.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines developments in recent legislation and case law of the EU as well as observed good practice. It builds on these bases and on economic and behavioural approaches to define value and embed it in the awarding framework of public contracts.

Findings

While traditional “prescriptive” approaches face legality and efficiency challenges as buyers must take into account societal considerations, this change of perspective allows to pursue policies in a more transparent and defendable manner. The study proposes a simple value model as a framework for such analysis.

Research limitations/implications

The study opens a field for further qualitative and comparative research, measuring or determining how active implementation of value approaches improve efficiency and/or lead to better fulfilment of procurement and policy objectives.

Practical implications

Reasoning in terms of value can be further developed into enabling measures promoting sustainable sourcing, support of local and small businesses and bonds with communities.

Social implications

An explicit introduction of value as a procurement enabler should help organisations to implement their sustainability policies and to better use public procurement as a strategic instrument, and even as a driver of social innovation.

Originality/value

In spite of the pressing practical challenges related to value in public procurement, literature on this topic is scarce and has mostly tackled the problematics from a purely legal or theoretical point of view. This paper tends to address it from different and more practical perspectives, such as contribution of procurement to governance; linking public procurement and public policy; meaning of innovation from transaction (market) perspective and its implications for tendering.
Painting workshops for people living with dementia as a means of expression and communication: revelations from our elders
Authors: Wyatt Megan , Boddington Paula
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore art workshops for people living with dementia as a process enabling creative expression and fostering communication with others.

Design/methodology/approach

To enable detailed exploration of the expressive powers of painting and drawing, the authors draw several examples from a series of painting workshops for people living with dementia, which formed part of the PPI for research into experiences of restraint within care.

Findings

Artwork enabled personal expression, facilitated conversation with others and revealed hidden knowledge and abilities, but also revealed dangers of miscommunication, specifically here related to technological changes and spirituality.

Research limitations/implications

Individual differences in responses to painting will exist meaning that the specific findings outlined here are unique to individuals and not always generalisable. This follows from the quality of the individual communication that may be enabled by painting, meaning that close attention to each person is both fostered and required.

Practical implications

Art activities can provide a means to enable deep personal expression and agency in people living with dementia, which can contribute to countering dehumanisation.

Social implications

Attention to the process of painting can be beneficial in fostering verbal and non-verbal communication with individuals who have difficulties in communication. Attention to cultural issues in care needs to incorporate understanding of spiritual and religious issues and take note of gaps in understanding related to technological as well as cultural changes between generations.

Originality/value

Much work in this area explores art activities for people living with dementia in terms of beneficial outcomes. This work explores the creative process inherent in painting, drawing upon insights from art theory and providing in-depth individual insights through case studies. Both researchers in this study are artists and the work drew upon their understanding of the processes of painting.
Buruli ulcer: An epidemiological update from Japan
Authors: Fukaura Ryo , Ato Manabu , Murase Chiaki , Miyamoto Yuji , Sugawara‐Mikami Mariko , Takahashi Toshifumi , Hoshino Yoshihiko , Fujimoto Noriki , Akiyama Masashi , Ishii Norihisa , Yotsu Rie
Published: October 2024

Japan is one of the rare non‐tropical countries with documented cases of Buruli ulcer (BU). Mycobacterium ulcerans subsp. shinshuense has been identified as the causative agent. The first report of BU in Japan dates back to 1982, with sporadic reports thereafter. Recently, the number of cases has been on the increase, and 50 cases (57.7%) are from the past decade alone, out of a total of 87 cases reported to date. Japan's well‐developed healthcare facilities play a crucial role in enabling detailed investigations and providing appropriate treatment for patients, contributing to a favorable prognosis. However, the rarity of the disease results in lack of awareness among healthcare professionals, leading to frequent delays in diagnosis. This article aims to offer an updated overview of BU cases in Japan and to raise awareness of BU among dermatologists and other healthcare professionals in a non‐endemic setting.
BirdWingData: Wingspan and wing area data of birds compiled from multiple literature sources and original measurements
Authors: Shiomi Kozue , Tatani Masanori , Kikuchi Dale M.
Published: October 2024

Wing morphology plays a pivotal role in avian flight capabilities and ecological adaptations across diverse environments. Consequently, wing measurement data are used frequently in comparative analyses and hypothesis exploration to understand avian evolution. Among the parameters representing wing morphology, wingspan and wing area are relatively challenging to obtain compared to simpler measures such as wing length and hand‐wing index. This study aimed to enhance accessibility to existing wingspan and wing area data by compiling measurements from 25 literature sources, in addition to unpublished data. The dataset covers 856 species across 95 families and 28 orders. Although the inclusion proportion varies widely among orders, ranging from 0% to 100%, this initial dataset forms a foundation for a more comprehensive database on avian wing morphology. The complete dataset for this abstract published in the Data Paper section of the journal is available in electronic format in MetaCat in JaLTER at https://jalter.diasjp.net/data/ERDP-2024-04. [Correction added on 6 January 2025, after first online publication: The URL for the dataset has been updated.] The dataset will be updated continuously, with the latest version available on figshare in CSV and Microsoft Excel formats (https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.23537892.v2).
Authenticity and high performance: Nonmarket social, public and media strategies of foreign SMEs during a black swan event
Authors: Gorostidi‐Martinez Haritz , Jiang Qing Yun , Zhao Xiao Kang
Published: October 2024

Nonmarket (NM) strategy is an emerging concept, similar to the notion of NM social, public and media strategy (SPMS). Previous literature has predominantly focused on larger corporations, often overlooking smaller enterprises. Additionally, much of the existing research has been centred on developed markets, leaving a gap in qualitative research. The current analysis seeks to elucidate how foreign small and medium‐sized enterprises (FSMEs) in transitional markets, such as Shanghai, adopt specific NM SPMS to mitigate the liability of foreignness (LOF) during a pandemic. The study utilizes a CGT approach, employing semi‐structured interviews with 27 participants, including foreign entrepreneurs and digital marketing specialists. Additionally, qualitative data was analysed comprehensively using Atlas.ti 9 software. The qualitative methodology implementation resulted in the creation of the authenticity and high performance framework from where specific strategies and general implications are presented. The study highlights two principal themes: (1) The need for increased flexibility and speed in social media message communication and (2) Customized FSME strategies through digital marketing—a never‐going‐back market digitalization. The second theme is subdivided into (a) Tailored public relations for FSMEs. (b) An increased need for internal cohesion—fostering a stable mindset and positive rapport among staff. (c) An increased need for trialling new target customers. (d) Creating a relatable story—showing a particular vulnerability can be viral and (e) Maintaining a strong reputation for operational performance.
Discontinuous Distribution of Test Statistics Around Significance Thresholds in Empirical Accounting Studies
Authors: CHANG XIN , GAO HUASHENG , LI WEI
Published: October 2024

Examining test statistics from articles in six leading accounting journals, we detect discontinuities in their distributions around conventional significance thresholds (p‐values of 0.05 and 0.01) and find an unusual abundance of test statistics that are just significant. Further analysis reveals that these discontinuities are more prominent in studies with smaller samples and are more salient in experimental than in archival studies. The discontinuity discrepancy between experimental and archival studies relates to several proxies for researcher degrees of freedom. Nevertheless, this evidence does not imply that experimental research is more prone to questionable research practices than archival studies. Overall, our findings speak to the concern of whether accounting researchers could exercise undisclosed discretion to obtain and report statistically significant results. Based on our results, a healthy skepticism of some just‐significant test statistics is warranted.
The miRNA–mRNA modules enhance juvenile hormone biosynthesis for insect vitellogenesis and egg production
Authors: Li Wanwan , Liu Mingzhi , Zhuang Zitong , Gao Lulu , Song Jiasheng , Zhou Shutang
Published: October 2024

In addition to preventing precocious larval metamorphosis, juvenile hormone (JH), synthesized in corpora allata (CA), is known to stimulate female reproduction of insects. JH titer is extremely low or absent during metamorphosis, but thereafter rapidly increases in the previtellogenic stage and rises to a peak in the vitellogenic phase. However, the mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of high levels of JH in adults remain unclear. We found in this study that 12 genes involved in JH synthesis pathway were highly expressed in the CA of adult locusts. By transcriptome analysis and quantitative real‐time – polymerase chain reaction validation, a total of 106 evolutionary conserved micro RNAs (miRNAs) and 163 species‐specific miRNAs were identified in locust CA. Dual‐luciferase assay revealed that 17 miRNAs bound to 10 JH synthesis genes (JHSGs) and downregulated their expression. These miRNAs were expressed in low levels during vitellogenic stage, which was oppositive from that of targeting JHSGs. Six miRNAs including miR‐971‐3p, miR‐31a, miR‐9‐5p, miR‐1‐3p, miR‐315, and miR‐282 were selected for function study. Co‐application of agomiRs resulted in significantly decreased levels of targeting JHSGs, accompanied by significantly reduced vitellogenin expression as well as arrested ovarian development. The data suggest that multiple miRNAs expressed synchronously at low levels in the vitellogenic phase, thereby ensuring the high levels of JHSG expression to facilitate JH biosynthesis required for JH‐dependent female reproduction. The findings provide important information for deciphering miRNA—messenger RNA modules for JH biosynthesis as well as JH regulation of insect metamorphosis and reproduction.
Feeling in control in sexual situations: Day‐level associations with alcohol use and alcohol protective behavioral strategies
Authors: Peterson Roselyn , López Gabriela , Haikalis Michelle , Bhuptani Prachi H. , Boyle Holly K. , Strowger Megan , Carey Kate B. , Orchowski Lindsay M. , Merrill Jennifer E.
Published: October 2024

Background

Feeling in control in a sexual situation may vary as a function of contextual factors, such as whether alcohol is used prior to a sexual experience. Alcohol protective behavioral strategies (PBS) reduce adverse alcohol‐related outcomes and may promote greater sense of control in sexual situations. It was hypothesized that, at the day level, (1) greater alcohol use would be associated with lower likelihood of feeling in control in sexual situations, (2) more PBS would be associated with a greater likelihood of feeling in control, and (3) more PBS would weaken the negative association between alcohol use and sexual control.

Methods

For 28 days, daily data on feeling in control during sex, number of drinks, and PBS were collected from young adults who engage in high‐intensity drinking (8+/10+ drinks in a sitting for women/men). A sample of 112 young adults (age 18–29, 61% female; 78.6% White; 9.8% Hispanic/Latino) reported sex after alcohol use at least once (n = 322 days total). Alcohol use, PBS (total as well as subtype: stopping/limiting drinking [SLD], manner of drinking [MD], and serious harm reduction [SHR]), and alcohol use by PBS interactions were tested as day‐level correlates of sexual control via hierarchical generalized linear modeling.

Results

A significant interaction between alcohol and total PBS on control was observed. At low levels of PBS, more drinks were related to lower likelihood of feeling in control during sex. At high levels of PBS, number of drinks was unrelated to control. A similar pattern of results was observed when examining the PBS subscale of SLD. No main effects of daily PBS or alcohol use on control were observed.

Conclusions

Findings provide insight into feeling in control when drinking alcohol and engaging in sex, at varying levels of PBS. Interventions focused on harm reduction strategies have the potential to reduce risk of alcohol‐related adverse sexual experiences.