bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balance of AKT isoforms in intestinal barrier function. Implications for IBD therapy.
Authors: Garcia Prieto Teresa , Barbachano Antonio , Cuesta Natalia Garcia , SANCHEZ GONZALEZ DOLORES , Arranz Alicia , Fresno Manuel
Published: July 2023

The leakiness of the intestinal epithelial barrier plays a major role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease. We show that either Akt1 overexpression or Akt2 chemical inhibition have similar effects on intestinal epithelial cells, enhancing the permeability of the barrier and affecting the expression and/or localization of the tight junctions' proteins whereas Akt1 inhibition or Akt2 overexpression show the opposite results. Akt1 overexpression or Akt2 inhibition also promotes activation of beta-Catenin and Lgr5. Moreover, mouse intestinal organoids treated with Akt1 inhibitors present dissembled and disorganized structures that mimic IBD features. Importantly, in DSS-induced IBD mice, Akt2 inhibition strongly ameliorates disease, presenting healthy-like crypts, having tightened colon epithelial cells expressing TJP, and an anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage phenotype. In contrast, treatment with Akt1 inhibitors enhances histological damage, TJP disorganization, reduces Lgr5+ expression and promotes a more proinflammatory milieu further favoring the disease. Those results suggest that balance between Akt1 and Akt2 regulates the functionality of the intestinal epithelial barrier, cell renewal and inflammation and that Akt2 inhibition can be considered as a new therapy for IBD.
The longer the better: longer acrosomes contain more proteins involved in sperm-egg interactions
Authors: Otčenášková Tereza , Stopková Romana , Stopka Pavel
Published: July 2023

Speciation and sperm competition have been shown to be the major driving forces for sperm morphology variation, swimming velocity and metabolism. We used light microscopy to measure sperm traits and nLC-MS/MS to detect proteomic variation in three species of rodents – promiscuousApodemus flavicollis,less promiscuousMicrotus arvalis,and the least promiscuousMus musculus musculus. We show that the length of sperm apical hook containing the acrosome is the most variable trait and that this variation is reflected by proteomes on interspecific and intraspecific levels. Thus, we provide potential markers of selection such as Ldhc (in Mus and Apodemus) for long acrosomes which is a gene coding L-lactate dehydrogenase that is involved in sperm motility and Spaca1, which is important in sperm-oocyte fusion), and e.g. Mup17 for short acrosomes – a gene coding a Major urinary protein that likely chelates lipophilic compounds after spermiogenesis. In short, longer acrosomes are characteristic of proteins involved in fertilisation and gluconeogenesis, while shorter acrosomes contain more cytoskeletal proteins important for spermiogenesis. For the first time, we demonstrate that there is an innate and evolvable variability in sperm morphology and corresponding proteomes within species that can be driven by sperm competition to species-specific reproductive optima.

Summary statement

We show that interspecific and intraspecific variation in sperm morphology traits are detectable on proteomic level thus providing markers of selection due to sperm competition.
A matrisome atlas of germ cell development
Authors: Amran Aqilah , Pigatto Lara , Farley Johanna , Godini Rasoul , Pocock Roger , Gopal Sandeep
Published: July 2023

The extracellular matrix (matrisome) provides chemical and mechanical cues to control the structure and function of cells and tissues. Yet, comprehensive understanding of how matrisome factors individually and collectively control cell and tissue behaviorin vivois lacking. Here, we systematically investigate the function of 443 conserved matrisome-coding genes in controlling germ cell behavior within a complex tissue - theCaenorhabditis elegansgermline. Using high-content imaging, 3D reconstruction and cell behavior analysis of >3500 germlines and >7 million germ cells, we identify specific matrisome factors that regulate germline structure, protein distribution, germ cell cycle and fate, apoptosis, and oocyte health. These findings reveal matrisome networks acting autonomously and non-autonomously to coordinate germ cell behavior, providing new avenues to study and manipulate cell fates.
Highly regenerative species-specific genes improve age-associated features in the adultDrosophilamidgut
Authors: Nagai Hiroki , Adachi Yuya , Nakasugi Tenki , Takigawa Ema , Ui Junichiro , Makino Takashi , Miura Masayuki , Nakajima Yu-ichiro
Published: July 2023

Background

The remarkable regenerative abilities observed in planarians and cnidarians are closely linked to the active proliferation of adult stem cells and the precise differentiation of their progeny, both of which typically deteriorate during aging in low regenerative animals. While regeneration-specific genes conserved in highly regenerative organisms may confer regenerative abilities and long-term maintenance of tissue homeostasis, it remains unclear whether introducing these regenerative genes into low regenerative animals can improve their regeneration and aging processes.

Results

Here we ectopically express high regenerative species-specific JmjC domain-encoding genes (HRJDs) inDrosophila, a widely used low regenerative model organism. Surprisingly, HRJD expression impedes tissue regeneration in the developing wing disc but extends organismal lifespan when expressed in the intestinal stem cell lineages of the adult midgut under non-regenerative conditions. Notably, HRJDs enhance the proliferative activity of intestinal stem cells while maintaining their differentiation fidelity, ameliorating age-related decline in gut barrier functions.

Conclusions

These findings together suggest that the introduction of highly regenerative species-specific genes can improve stem cell functions and promote a healthy lifespan when expressed in aging animals.
Single-cell landscape reveals NAMPT mediated macrophage polarization that regulate smooth muscle cell phenotypic switch in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Wen Zuoshi , Jiang Liujun , Yu Fangcong , Xu Xiaodong , Chen Mengjia , Xue Jianing , Zhu Pengwei , Ying Zhangquan , Li Zhoubin , Chen Ting
Published: July 2023

Rationale

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and lethal disease that leads to elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and right ventricular failure. The phenotypic switching of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) plays a crucial role in the pathological progression of PAH. However, the underlying mechanism of SMC phenotypic modulation remains unclear.

Objectives

We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of SMC phenotypes and regulatory networks by analyzing hypertensive and non-diseased pulmonary arteries.

Methods

We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on pulmonary arteries obtained from patients with PAH and healthy donors. This was followed by bioinformatics analyses, mouse models, and in vitro studies to construct a normal pulmonary artery atlas, characterize SMC phenotypes, investigate intercellular communication, and explore the molecular mechanisms underlying SMC phenotypic switching.

Measurements and Main Results

Our scRNA-seq analysis identified specific activation of vascular cells, including myofibrocytes, macrophage M2 polarization, endothelial-mesenchymal transition, and chondroid-like SMCs in healthy pulmonary arteries. In PAH pathology, there was an enhanced phenotypic switch of SMCs from contractile to fibroblast-like. Intercellular communication revealed increased M1 macrophage-SMC crosstalk in PAH, which was facilitated by NAMPT. Using a cellular co-culture system, we found that NAMPT-mediated M1 macrophage polarization induced fibroblast-like phenotypic switching in SMCs via the CCR2/CCR5 axis.

Conclusions

Our findings provide a comprehensive cell atlas of healthy human pulmonary arteries and demonstrate that NAMPT-driven M1 macrophage polarization plays a critical role in the fibroblast-like phenotypic switching of SMCs through CCR2/CCR5 cellular crosstalk in PAH.
A Brain-Wide Map of Neural Activity during Complex Behaviour
Authors:   International Brain Lab, Benson Brandon , Benson Julius , Birman Daniel , Bonacchi Niccolo , Carandini Matteo , Catarino Joana A , Chapuis Gaelle A , Churchland Anne K , Dan Yang , Dayan Peter , DeWitt Eric EJ , Engel Tatiana A , Fabbri Michele , Faulkner Mayo , Fiete Ila Rani , Findling Charles , Freitas-Silva Laura , Gercek Berk , Harris Kenneth D , Hausser Michael , Hofer Sonja B , Hu Fei , Hubert Felix , Huntenburg Julia M , Khanal Anup , Krasniak Christopher , Langdon Christopher , Lau Petrina Y P , Mainen Zachary F , Meijer Guido T , Miska Nathaniel J , Mrsic-Flogel Thomas D , Noel Jean-Paul , Nylund Kai , Pan-Vazquez Alejandro , Pouget Alexandre , Rossant Cyrille , Roth Noam , Schaeffer Rylan , Schartner Michael , Shi Yanliang , Socha Karolina Z , Steinmetz Nicholas A , Svoboda Karel , Urai Anne E , Wells Miles J , West Steven J , Whiteway Matthew R , Winter Olivier , Witten Ilana B , Gercek Berk , Paninski Liam , Bruijns Sebastian A. , Davatolhagh Felicia
Published: July 2023

A key challenge in neuroscience is understanding how neurons in hundreds of interconnected brain regions integrate sensory inputs with prior expectations to initiate movements and thereby make decisions. It is difficult to meet this challenge if different laboratories apply different analyses to different recordings in different regions during different behaviours. Here, we report a comprehensive set of recordings from 621733 neurons across 139 mice in 12 labs performing a decision making task with sensory, motor, and cognitive components, obtained with 699 Neuropixels probe insertions covering 279 brain areas in the left forebrain and midbrain and the right hindbrain and cerebellum. We provide an initial appraisal of this brain-wide map, assessing how neural activity encoded key task variables. Representations of visual stimuli appeared transiently in classical visual areas after stimulus onset and then spread to ramp-like activity in a collection of mid- and hindbrain regions that also encoded choices. Neural responses correlated with motor action almost everywhere in the brain. Responses to reward delivery and consumption versus negative feedback were also widespread. This publicly available dataset represents an unprecedented resource for understanding how computations distributed across and within brain areas drive behaviour.
Co-cultivation ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaestrains combines advantages of different metabolic engineering strategies for improved ethanol yield
Authors: van Aalst Aafke C.A. , van der Meulen Igor S. , Jansen Mickel L.A. , Mans Robert , Pronk Jack T.
Published: July 2023

Glycerol is the major organic byproduct of industrial ethanol production with the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Improved ethanol yields have been achieved with engineeredS. cerevisiaestrains in which heterologous pathways replace glycerol formation as the predominant mechanism for anaerobic re-oxidation of surplus NADH generated in biosynthetic reactions. Functional expression of heterologous phosphoribulokinase (PRK) and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBisCO) genes enables yeast cells to couple a net oxidation of NADH to the conversion of glucose to ethanol. In another strategy, NADH-dependent reduction of exogenous acetate to ethanol is enabled by introduction of a heterologous acetylating acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (A-ALD). This study explores potential advantages of co-cultivating engineered PRK-RuBisCO-based and A-ALD-based strains in anaerobic bioreactor batch cultures. Co-cultivation of these strains, which in monocultures showed reduced glycerol yields and improved ethanol yields, strongly reduced the formation of acetaldehyde and acetate, two byproducts that were formed in anaerobic monocultures of a PRK-RuBisCO-based strain. In addition, co-cultures on medium with low acetate-to-glucose ratios that mimicked those in industrial feedstocks completely removed acetate from the medium. Kinetics of co-cultivation processes and glycerol production could be optimized by tuning the relative inoculum sizes of the two strains. Co-cultivation of a PRK-RuBisCO strain with aΔgpd1 Δgpd2A-ALD strain, which was unable to grow in the absence of acetate and evolved for faster anaerobic growth in acetate-supplemented batch cultures, further reduced glycerol formation but led to extended fermentation times. These results demonstrate the potential of using defined consortia of engineeredS. cerevisiaestrains for high-yield, minimal-waste ethanol production.
A Critical Study in Stereopsis and Listing’s Law
Authors: Turski Jacek
Published: July 2023

The brain uses slightly different 2D retinal images to enhance our vision with stereopsis: spatial depth and 3D shape. Stereopsis is organized by pairs of corresponding retinal elements of zero disparity: a small retinal area in one eye and the corresponding unique area in the other share one subjective visual direction. This organization results in retinal disparity’s spatial coordinates. The study presented here extends the 2D setting of the author’s geometric modeling of the disparity’s spatial coordination in the binocular system with the asymmetric eye (AE) to the 3D framework. The AE models the healthy human eye’s asymmetry of optical components. InGeoGebra’sdynamic geometry simulations, the 3D spatial coordinates of retinal disparity integrated with the eyes’ posture are visualized, and longitudinal and vertical disparities of distal visual stimuli are computed, contributing to stereopsis and visual space geometry study. Further, the torsional disparity is computed in the framework of Euler’s rotation theorem. It can assess the geometric and neural or ocular motor plant constraints to Listing’s law. Finally, epipolar geometry in the binocular system with AEs is discussed. Although this study enhances the geometric description of stereopsis and oculomotor control of eyes 3D orientations, it also simplifies their analyses.
Flow cytometric isolation of drug-like conformational antibodies specific for amyloid fibrils
Authors: Desai Alec A. , Zupancic Jennifer M. , Trzeciakiewicz Hanna , Gerson Julia E. , DuBois Kelly N. , Skinner Mary E. , Sharkey Lisa M. , McArthur Nikki , Ferris Sean P. , Bhatt Nemil N. , Makowski Emily K. , Smith Matthew D. , Chen Hongwei , Huang Jie , Jerez Cynthia , Kane Ravi S. , Kanaan Nicholas M. , Paulson Henry L. , Tessier Peter M.
Published: July 2023

Antibodies that recognize specific protein conformational states are broadly important for research, diagnostic and therapeutic applications, yet they are difficult to generate in a predictable and systematic manner using either immunization orin vitroantibody display methods. This problem is particularly severe for conformational antibodies that recognize insoluble antigens such as amyloid fibrils associated with many neurodegenerative disorders. Here we report a quantitative fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) method for directly selecting high-quality conformational antibodies against different types of insoluble (amyloid fibril) antigens using a single, off-the-shelf human library. Our approach uses quantum dots functionalized with antibodies to capture insoluble antigens, and the resulting quantum dot conjugates are used in a similar manner as conventional soluble antigens for multi-parameter FACS selections. Notably, we find that this approach is robust for isolating high-quality conformational antibodies against tau and α-synuclein fibrils from the same human library with combinations of high affinity, high conformational specificity and, in some cases, low off-target binding that rival or exceed those of clinical-stage antibodies specific for tau (zagotenemab) and α-synuclein (cinpanemab). This approach is expected to enable conformational antibody selection and engineering against diverse types of protein aggregates and other insoluble antigens (e.g., membrane proteins) that are compatible with presentation on the surface of antibody-functionalized quantum dots.
Can rural e-commerce narrow the urban–rural income gap? Evidence from coverage of Taobao villages in China
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhou Mi
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The digital economy is expected to revive the countryside and reduce the current level of urban–rural inequality. Nevertheless, whether rural e-commerce can narrow the urban–rural income gap still requires further analysis. The purpose of this paper is to clarify whether this goal is, in fact, being achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

Taobao villages have become the epitome of rural e-commerce development in China. Therefore, this paper matches the data of Taobao villages and the data of prefecture-level cities from 2014 to 2019, and employs a two-way fixed effect model, nonlinear model, instrumental variable model and interactive fixed effects model to explore the impact of rural e-commerce on the urban–rural income gap.

Findings

Firstly, the ability of urban residents to share rural e-commerce development is higher than that of rural residents, which actually widens the urban–rural income gap. Secondly, the migration to cities of rural families that have profited from e-commerce, and the return of working-class people to the countryside, are two factors that are contributing to the widening of the urban–rural income gap. Thirdly, the farther the distance from the urban area and the higher the spatial agglomeration of the rural e-commerce cluster is, the weaker the impact on widening the urban–rural income gap will be. Finally, while industrial-led rural e-commerce is responsible for widening the urban–rural income gap, agricultural-led rural e-commerce has no significant impact on the urban–rural income gap.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this paper is the first to analyze the impact of rural e-commerce on the urban–rural income gap from the perspective of the coverage of Taobao villages. This empirical study will enrich existing theoretical perspectives on urban–rural integration under the backdrop of the digital economy.
A meso-level exploration of citizen’s mGov adoption from SD logic perspective: the case of COVID-19 tracking app of India
Authors: Sharma Namrata , Pandey Vidushi
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the factors affecting the adoption of mGov apps using the theoretical foundations of service-dominant (SD) logic. The authors specifically explore the impact of resource distribution (infrastructure and knowledge) and environmental variables (health infrastructure) among the Indian states on the adoption of Aarogya Setu (the COVID-19 tracking app) by their citizens.

Design/methodology/approach

For the meso-level study, the states of India are the unit of analysis. The authors have used secondary data published by the government and other reliable organizations. The study is based on 29 states of India and Delhi, a union territory and the capital of India. The authors conducted a regression and moderation analysis using SPSS and PROCESS macros on the collected secondary data.

Findings

The findings reveal that operand resources (state domestic productivity per capita and internet penetration rate) positively impact the adoption of the mGov app. The operant resource (literacy) and the environmental variable (health index) are, however, negatively affecting the adoption of the mGov app. On the other hand, another operant resource, digital literacy, was found to have no significant effect on the adoption of the mGov app. Further, the moderating variable, health index, is found to be moderating all the relationships except internet penetration and adoption of the mGov app.

Originality/value

The study is novel in two aspects. First, in using the theoretical foundation of SD logic to examine the factors impacting the adoption of mGov app. Second, it is a meso-level study, which is not a widely explored avenue in mGov research.
Work-integrated learning placement in engineering education: a comparative contextual analysis of public universities in Malawi, Namibia and South Africa
Authors: Ngonda Tiyamike , Nkhoma Richard , Falayi Thabo
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The study compares how work-integrated learning (WIL) placement positioning, duration, assessment strategies and environment at three Southern African universities influence engineering students' academic and employability outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a qualitative case study approach that drew on the principles of collaborative autoethnography (CAE). The researchers reflected on WIL placement practices, structure, assessment, environment and outcomes at their universities and then analysed the reflections using comparative descriptive techniques.

Findings

The study reports no uniformity among the universities in positioning WIL placement in the curriculum. It is done during end-of-year vacations, between the penultimate and final year or in the last year. The study found WIL placement positioning does not influence academic outcomes; however, the influence on employability outcomes needs further investigation. Components of WIL placement assessment are similar, presentations, logbooks and reports. However, there are differences in the weightings of the various assessment components and the contribution of the industry supervisor. There is a growing trend towards placing students within universities to mitigate the challenges of limited opportunities of placements available in the industry. The impact of this also needs to be further investigated. Lastly, there are policy-related challenges in placing international students. Work restrictions on student visas limit international students’ access to WIL placement. Southern African universities need to lobby the waivers to student visa restrictions that limit their participation in WIL programs if there are to succeed in their internationalisation efforts.

Originality/value

The study highlights the gaps in understanding Southern African universities' WIL placement practices, particularly relating to the positioning of WIL placement in the curriculum, the assessment methods used and the theory to work integration and employability outcomes.
The inconspicuous benefits of a crisis in shifting perceptions of country image and local goods in Jordan
Authors: Khair Nadine , Mahadin Bushra , Gammoh Leen Adel , Al-Twal Arwa
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore the influence of the pandemic on manoeuvring consumption decisions towards goods and encouraging the trial of local food goods in a developing country, Jordan; primarily by taking an internal look into country image from a local perspective. Given the lack of studies analysing the impact of crises on consumption decisions, this research highlights the hidden benefits of the pandemic in shifting the perceptions of local food goods among Jordanian consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts an exploratory approach to obtain rich, descriptive data to aid in the understanding of the shift in country image perceptions after the COVID-19 crisis and associated influences on purchase intentions. Using a qualitative open-ended approach eliminates the boundaries of closed-end methods of experimental research. Due to the nature of the phenomena being explored in this research, this study adopts the approach of responsive interviews with 26 participants.

Findings

Findings indicate that participants’ perceptions of country image and local goods and their consumption changed responding to COVID-19 for different reasons, creating new norms and perceptions of country image and local food goods. The findings precisely indicate a shift from negative to positive perceptions of country image and local food goods due to the pandemic. Results reveal that there are inconspicuous benefits associated with the role of the pandemic in shifting perceptions of country image and local food goods in Jordan.

Research limitations/implications

Consumers’ perceptions and consumption decisions continue reciprocally to respond to and reflect on the COVID-19 crisis. Adjusting to the new normal is now the focus of research to understand the variance in consumption decisions across the world, including in emerging markets such as Jordan. Results also extend research on cue theory, as crisis seems to have a moderating role in the extent of influence cue theory has on perceptions of goods.

Practical implications

Assisting local brands in improving their marketing strategies, by identifying the barriers that hinder the “desire to try” phase among Jordanian consumers.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is unique and first of its kind, as it investigates perceptions of Jordanian consumers of their country’s image and whether the perceptual change in their country image would also stimulate a shift of perceptions in local food goods concerning the COVID-19 crisis. The results provide new insights into understanding consumer behaviour and preferences in crises; and the inconspicuous benefits that a crisis may have on local goods.
Knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate occupational therapy students towards older adults with dementia
Authors: Gavin Laoise , O’Callaghan Lisa-Jean , Usher Ruth
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Due to the increasing incidence of dementia in Ireland, there is a need to prepare occupational therapy students for future careers in dementia-focused health care. The purpose of this study are to measure the knowledge and attitudes of Irish undergraduate occupational therapy students towards older people with dementia and examine related variables including year of study, personal and placement dementia experiences and future career choice.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was gathered using a cross-sectional online survey, incorporating the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale and the Dementia Attitudes Scale, which was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

Seventy-five responses were gathered and analysed, indicating more advanced occupational therapy students demonstrate higher levels of dementia knowledge, but dementia attitudes remain similar across different year groups. Students with clinical dementia experiences displayed comparable levels of dementia knowledge and attitudes to those without. However, students with familial dementia experiences displayed significantly more positive attitudes. The likelihood of selecting a future career with older adults with dementia significantly related to students’ positive dementia attitudes but not dementia knowledge.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first Irish study that focuses on undergraduate occupational therapy students’ dementia knowledge and attitudes. The results could be used to inform and develop Irish undergraduate occupational therapy programmes.
Shape perception of soft hand based on dual-signal comparison contact detection
Authors: Shi Kai , Li Jun , Bao Gang
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The structural adaptive ability of the soft robot is fully demonstrated in the grasping task of the soft hand. A soft hand can easily realize the envelope operation of the object without planning. With the continuous development of robot applications, researchers are no longer satisfied with the ability of the soft hand to grasp. The purpose of this paper is to perceive the object’s shape while grasping to provide a decision-making basis for more intelligent robot applications.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a dual-signal comparison method to obtain the fingertip position. The dual signal includes the displacement calculated by the static model without considering the external load change and the displacement calculated by the bending sensor. The dual-signal comparison method can use the obvious change trend difference between the above two signals in the hover and contact states to identify the touch position. The authors make the soft hand scan around the object through touch operation to detect the object’s shape, and the tracks of every touch fingertip position can envelop the object’s shape.

Findings

The experimental results show that the dual-signal comparison method can accurately identify the contact moment of soft fingers. This detection method makes the soft hand develop the shape detection ability. The soft hand in the experiment can perceive squares, circles and a few other complex shapes.

Originality/value

The dual-signal comparison method proposed in this paper can detect a touch action by using the signal change trend when the working condition suddenly changes with the rough robotic model and sensing, thus improving the utilization value of the measured signal. The problems of large model errors and inaccurate sensors also negatively impact the use of other soft robots. It is generally difficult to achieve good results by directly using these models and sensors with the thinking of rigid robot analysis. The dual-signal comparison method in this paper can provide some reference for this aspect.
Importance of employee development programs in business
Authors: Bilderback Stephanie L. , Miller Gloria J.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The importance of employee development programs (EDPs) has been evolving as businesses continue to change and employees continue to have different motivations. Understanding what motivates employees to continue working in a company can help managers have a more successful future. The relationship development between employees and managers can be more easily achieved with an established EDP with goals and motivations communicated. Both employees and managers can influence a positive culture. The authors use the social exchange theory (SET) to help explain this process.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of previous research was conducted. Looking through the social exchange lens, the authors developed practical implications of best practices for employee development (ED).

Findings

Findings of this study should guide organizations to develop, improve or maintain effective EDPs.

Originality/value

This paper uses social exchange theory to foster best practices for EDPs.
Does valuation uncertainty benefit acquirers or targets?
Authors: Wnuczak Paweł , Osiichuk Dmytro
Published: July 2023

Purpose

While the existing studies largely suggest that valuation uncertainty benefits acquirers, who apply discounts to targets' value attributable to information asymmetry, the authors argue that the opposite may be the case.

Design/methodology/approach

Through multivariate econometric analysis of transaction data, the authors establish the link between the degree of valuation uncertainty measured by targets' track of public listing and acquisition premia. The authors use text-mining tools to measure acquirer–target similarity and control for its role in intermediating the posited empirical relationships.

Findings

Having analyzed 618 acquisitions involving listed targets from China, the authors find that acquirers pay higher valuation premia for the more recently listed and relatively younger companies than for those with a longer history since floatation. Similar patterns apply to valuation multiples. Higher valuations are partially attributable to premia for control, as acquirers are likelier to buy a majority stake in the recently listed firms, especially if the latter are similar to them. Such transactions take less time to complete and involve a transfer of larger share blocks despite the higher degree of information asymmetry and a frequent lack of targets' operational profitability. The authors also observe a significant premium for target–acquirer similarity: acquirers appear to rush deal completion due to possible overestimation of targets' potential and familiarity bias.

Originality/value

The authors show that acquisition premia may be driven by acquirers' proclivity to place risky investment bets on the growth potential of opaque targets. This pattern may partially explain frequent failures of mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
Assessment of the dichotomy between public ownership of land, expropriation laws and practices in Ethiopia: the case of Burayu town
Authors: Talema Abebe Hambe , Nigusie Wubshet Berhanu
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate key aspects of public ownership of land, expropriation and compensation laws and practices in Ethiopia with special reference to Burayu Town.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed research technique of descriptive and analytic approach is applied in the research. This study used a purposive sampling technique to select case study counties and a systematic method for sampling households. Questionnaire surveys, focus group discussions, interviews and observations were used to collect empirical data. Average, percentage and paired-sample t-test analyses are used for quantitative data analysis.

Findings

Significant discrepancies exist between the expropriation laws and how property valuation and compensation are practiced in Ethiopia. The findings include the arbitrariness in designating public interest status to projects; unfair property valuation practice that neglects location factor to determine market value due to a skewed understanding of public ownership of land; and the assignment of property valuators who have no valuation expertise and proper knowledge of expropriation related laws. Findings revealed the socio-economic status of expropriated households has deteriorated due to the expropriation of their landholding.

Research limitations/implications

It was difficult to locate the relocated persons as they were resettled in different localities. Furthermore, the town officers were not forthcoming to provide complete information on the expropriation and compensation procedures they followed. However, this study overcame the limitations through persistent requests and availing time for the data gathering.

Practical implications

The findings indicated the need to redefine relationships between public ownership of land, public interest and expropriation of landholding. A proper understanding of the triad will pave the way for better expropriation practice in Ethiopia and in countries where land is under public ownership.

Social implications

The social implication of the study revealed that the socio-economic situation of relocated persons was adversely affected due to the poor implementation of laws.

Originality/value

The disparity between public ownership of land and the rights of citizens on landholding is misunderstood by policymakers. Research has shown for the first time the root cause for the discontent of expropriated persons in Ethiopia.
Circumstances, causes and timing of death in extremely preterm infants admitted to NICU: The EPIPAGE‐2 study
Authors: Boileau Pascal , Letouzey Mathilde , Morgan Andrei S. , Lorthe Elsa , Kaminski Monique , Coquelin Anaëlle , Azria Elie , Caeymaex Laurence , Rouget Florence , Diguisto Caroline , Claris Olivier , Tosello Barthélémy , Truffert Patrick , Bétrémieux Pierre , Benhammou Valérie , Marchand‐Martin Laetitia , Goffinet François , Ancel Pierre‐Yves , Foix‐L'Hélias Laurence
Published: July 2023

Aim

To describe the circumstances, causes and timing of death in extremely preterm infants.

Methods

We included from the EPIPAGE‐2 study infants born at 24–26 weeks in 2011 admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Vital status and circumstances of death were used to define three groups of infants: alive at discharge, death with or without withholding or withdrawing life‐sustaining treatment (WWLST). The main cause of death was classified as respiratory disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, infection, central nervous system (CNS) injury, other or unknown.

Results

Among 768 infants admitted to NICU, 224 died among which 89 died without WWLST and 135 with WWLST. The main causes of death were respiratory disease (38%), CNS injury (30%) and infection (12%). Among the infants who died with WWLST, CNS injury was the main cause of death (47%), whereas respiratory disease (56%) and infection (20%) were the main causes in case of death without WWLST. Half (51%) of all deaths occurred within the first 7 days of life, and 35% occurred within 8 and 28 days.

Conclusion

The death of extremely preterm infants in NICU is a complex phenomenon in which the circumstances and causes of death are intertwined.
Enigmatic fish ear stones: Ontogenetic development of saccular otolith in an endemic toothcarp of the Arabian peninsula, Aphaniops kruppi (Teleostei: Aphaniidae)
Authors: Masoumi Amir Hassan , Esmaeili Hamid Reza , Sadeghi Reza
Published: July 2023

Otolith morphology in the toothcarps of the family Aphaniidae is an important source of taxonomic information. However, little is known about the ontogenetic variation in otolith morphology. In this study, the development of otolith morphology in different life stages of Aphaniops kruppi, an endemic toothcarp of the Arabian Peninsula, is described and discussed. The results reveal (i) a significant correlation between standard length and otolith size (length) in larval and early juvenile stages, (ii) clear differences in otolith morphology between larvae/early juveniles and adults, and (iii) a temporal link between the appearance of the sulcus on the otolith's inner face and lifestyles, that is demersal in larvae and early juveniles, and pelagic in adults. Moreover, our new data on otoliths of Ap. kruppi propose that otoliths of larvae or early juveniles of Ap. kruppi can be recognized by adults not only because of their small size but also based on their short and rounded rostrum and antirostrum and shallow, wide excisura. As the above‐mentioned characteristics are also found in the otoliths of juveniles and larvae of several other studied aphaniids, it can be concluded that otoliths are not diagnostic at the species level in Ap. kruppi, and this holds for other closely related species.
Primary midwives' experiences of collegial midwifery assistance during the active second stage of labor: Data from the Oneplus trial
Authors: Tern Helena , Edqvist Malin , Ekelin Maria , Dahlen Hannah G. , Rubertsson Christine
Published: July 2023

Background

Collegial midwifery assistance during the active second stage of labor that involves a second midwife being present has been shown to reduce severe perineal trauma (SPT) by 30%. The aim of this study was to investigate primary midwives' experiences of collegial midwifery assistance with the purpose of preventing SPT during the active second stage of labor.

Methods

This study uses an observational design with data from a multicenter randomized controlled trial (Oneplus). Data consist of clinical registration forms completed by the midwives after birth. Descriptive statistics as well as univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyze the data.

Results

The majority of the primary midwives felt confident (61%) and were positive (56%) toward the practice. Midwives with less than 2 years' work experience were more likely to completely agree they felt confident (aOR 9.18, 95% CI: 6.28–13.41) and experience the intervention as positive (aOR 4.04, 95% CI: 2.83–5.78) than those with over 20 years' work experience. Factors such as duration of time spent in the birthing room by the second midwife, opportunity for planning and if the second midwife provided support were further associated with the primary midwife's experience of the practice as being positive.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that having a second midwife present during the active second stage of labor was an accepted practice, with the majority of primary midwives feeling confident and positive toward the intervention. This was especially pronounced among midwives with less than 2 years' work experience.
Day service cultures from the perspectives of autistic people with profound learning disabilities
Authors: Redmore Ned
Published: July 2023

Background

Service culture refers to the practices, views and values within service organisations. Developing positive cultures has been thought imperative to improving social care, though day services and their cultures remain an under‐researched area. For many autistic people with profound learning disabilities, day services are the sites at which they orientate their Monday–Friday adult lives and so service cultures are fundamental to the way they experience adulthood. It was thus the purpose of this study to explore day service culture through the perspectives and experiences of this group.

Methods

This study took a phenomenological approach involving extended participatory observations with an autistic person with profound learning disabilities at their day service, as well as broader ethnographic work within this context. Data was analysed through theory‐led thematic analysis.

Findings

The study found that autistic people with profound learning disabilities contribute their customs and values to service culture in everyday life and that space, time and place were important in this endeavour. It highlighted how these customs and values could be adopted or challenged by the service, its staff and their established culture.

Conclusion

It is argued that positive service cultures are ones in which day services acknowledge and respond to the views and values of autistic people with profound learning disabilities. A potential framework is discussed to support services with this aim.
Krüppel‐like factor 7 deficiency disrupts corpus callosum development and neuronal migration in the developing mouse cerebral cortex
Authors: Hong Wentong , Gong Pifang , Pan Xinjie , Liu Yitong , Qi Guibo , Qi Congcong , Qin Song
Published: July 2023

Krüppel‐like Factor 7 (KLF7) is a zinc finger transcription factor that has a critical role in cellular differentiation, tumorigenesis, and regeneration. Mutations in Klf7 are associated with autism spectrum disorder, which is characterized by neurodevelopmental delay and intellectual disability. Here we show that KLF7 regulates neurogenesis and neuronal migration during mouse cortical development. Conditional depletion of KLF7 in neural progenitor cells resulted in agenesis of the corpus callosum, defects in neurogenesis, and impaired neuronal migration in the neocortex. Transcriptomic profiling analysis indicated that KLF7 regulates a cohort of genes involved in neuronal differentiation and migration, including p21 and Rac3. These findings provide insights into our understanding of the potential mechanisms underlying neurological defects associated with Klf7 mutations.
Exercise ameliorates anxious behavior and promotes neuroprotection through osteocalcin in VCD‐induced menopausal mice
Authors: Kang Yiting , Yao Jie , Gao Xiaohang , Zhong Hao , Song Yifei , Di Xiaohui , Feng Zeguo , Xie Lin , Zhang Jianbao
Published: July 2023

Aims

As the ovaries age and women transition to menopause and postmenopause, reduced estradiol levels are associated with anxiety and depression. Exercise contributes to alleviate anxiety and depression and the bone‐derived hormone osteocalcin has been reported to be necessary to prevent anxiety‐like behaviors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise on anxiety behaviors in climacteric mice and whether it was related to osteocalcin.

Methods

Menopausal mouse model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 4‐vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD). Open field, elevated plus maze, and light–dark tests were used to detect anxious behavior in mice. The content of serum osteocalcin was measured and its correlation with anxiety behavior was analyzed. BRDU and NEUN co‐localization cells were detected with immunofluorescence. Western blot was applied to obtain apoptosis‐related proteins.

Results

The VCD mice showed obvious anxiety‐like behaviors and 10 weeks of treadmill exercise significantly ameliorated the anxiety and increased circulating osteocalcin in VCD mice. Exercise increased the number of BRDU and NEUN co‐localization cells in hippocampal dentate gyrus, reduced the number of impaired hippocampal neurons, inhibited the expression of BAX, cleaved Caspase3, and cleaved PARP, promoted the expression of BCL‐2. Importantly, circulating osteocalcin levels were positively associated with the improvements of anxiety, the number of BRDU and NEUN co‐localization cells in hippocampal dentate gyrus and negatively related to impaired hippocampal neurons.

Conclusion

Exercise ameliorates anxiety behavior, promotes hippocampal dentate gyrus neurogenesis, and inhibits hippocampal cell apoptosis in VCD‐induced menopausal mice. They are related to circulating osteocalcin, which are increased by exercise.
Do Large Language Models Know What Humans Know?
Authors: Trott Sean , Jones Cameron , Chang Tyler , Michaelov James , Bergen Benjamin
Published: July 2023

Humans can attribute beliefs to others. However, it is unknown to what extent this ability results from an innate biological endowment or from experience accrued through child development, particularly exposure to language describing others' mental states. We test the viability of the language exposure hypothesis by assessing whether models exposed to large quantities of human language display sensitivity to the implied knowledge states of characters in written passages. In pre‐registered analyses, we present a linguistic version of the False Belief Task to both human participants and a large language model, GPT‐3. Both are sensitive to others' beliefs, but while the language model significantly exceeds chance behavior, it does not perform as well as the humans nor does it explain the full extent of their behavior—despite being exposed to more language than a human would in a lifetime. This suggests that while statistical learning from language exposure may in part explain how humans develop the ability to reason about the mental states of others, other mechanisms are also responsible.
Telomerase reverse transcriptase immunohistochemical expression is sensitive but not specific for TERT gene amplification in acral melanoma
Authors: Cho Woo Cheal , Li Wen , Gu Jun , Wang Wei‐Lien , Ning Jing , Sfamenos Steven , Gill Pavandeep , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , Curry Jonathan L. , Lazar Alexander J. , Prieto Victor G. , Torres‐Cabala Carlos A. , Aung Phyu P.
Published: July 2023

Background

TERT gene amplification (TGA) is a mechanism of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) upregulation frequently utilized by acral melanomas (AMs). Currently, the utility of TERT immunohistochemistry (IHC) to predict TGA status in AMs is poorly documented.

Methods

AMs (26 primary and 3 metastatic) and non‐acral cutaneous melanomas (6 primary) were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis using anti‐TERT antibody to demonstrate protein expression and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to assess genomic copy number alteration. The relationship between TERT immunoreactivity and TGA confirmed by FISH was assessed using logistic regression.

Results

TERT expression was seen in 50% (13/26) of primary and 100% (3/3) of metastatic AMs and 50% (3/6) of primary non‐acral cutaneous melanomas. TGA was found in 15% (4/26) and 67% (2/3) of primary and metastatic AMs and 17% (1/6) of non‐acral cutaneous melanomas. The intensity of TERT immunoreactivity correlated with TGA (p = 0.04) and a higher TERT copy number‐to‐control ratio in AMs, with a correlation coefficient of 0.41 (p = 0.03). The sensitivity and specificity of TERT immunoreactivity for predicting TGA in AMs were 100% and 57%, with corresponding positive and negative predictive values of 38% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions

The clinical utility of TERT IHC to predict TGA status in AMs appears to be limited given its low specificity and positive predictive value.