bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dendritic branch structure compartmentalizes voltage-dependent calcium influx in cortical layer 2/3 pyramidal cells
Authors: Landau Andrew T. , Park Pojeong , Wong-Campos J. David , Tian He , Cohen Adam E. , Sabatini Bernardo L.
Published: January 2022

Back-propagating action potentials (bAPs) regulate synaptic plasticity by evoking voltage-dependent calcium influx throughout dendrites. Attenuation of bAP amplitude in distal dendritic compartments alters plasticity in a location-specific manner by reducing bAP-dependent calcium influx. However, it is not known if neurons exhibit branch-specific variability in bAP-dependent calcium signals, independent of distance-dependent attenuation. Here, we reveal that bAPs fail to evoke calcium influx through voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) in a specific population of dendritic branches in cortical layer 2/3 pyramidal cells, despite evoking substantial VGCC-mediated calcium influx in sister branches. These branches contain VGCCs and successfully propagate bAPs in the absence of synaptic input; nevertheless, they fail to exhibit bAP-evoked calcium influx due to a branch-specific reduction in bAP amplitude. We demonstrate that these branches have more elaborate branch structure compared to sister branches, which causes a local reduction in electrotonic impedance and bAP amplitude. Finally, we show that bAPs still amplify synaptically-mediated calcium influx in these branches because of differences in the voltage-dependence and kinetics of VGCCs and NMDA-type glutamate receptors. Branch-specific compartmentalization of bAP-dependent calcium signals may provide a mechanism for neurons to diversify synaptic tuning across the dendritic tree.
H2A.Z deposition by SWR1C involves multiple ATP-dependent steps
Authors: Fan Jiayi , Moreno Andrew T. , Baier Alexander S. , Loparo Joseph J. , Peterson Craig L.
Published: January 2022

The histone variant H2A.Z is a conserved feature of nucleosomes flanking protein-coding genes. Deposition of H2A.Z requires ATP-dependent replacement of nucleosomal H2A by a chromatin remodeler related to the multi-subunit enzyme, yeast SWR1C. How these enzymes use ATP to promote this nucleosome editing reaction remains unclear. Here we use single-molecule and ensemble methodologies to identify three ATP-dependent phases in the H2A.Z deposition reaction. Real-time analysis of single nucleosome remodeling events reveals an initial, priming step that occurs after ATP addition that likely involves transient DNA unwrapping from the nucleosome. Priming is followed by rapid loss of histone H2A, which is subsequently released from the H2A.Z nucleosomal product. Surprisingly, the rates of both priming and the release of the H2A/H2B dimer are sensitive to ATP concentration. This complex reaction pathway provides multiple opportunities to regulate the timely and accurate deposition of H2A.Z at key genomic locations.
Functional interplay between arginyl-tRNA synthetases and arginyltransferase
Authors: Avcilar-Kucukgoze Irem , Kashina Anna
Published: January 2022

Protein arginylation, mediated by arginyltransferase ATE1, is a posttranslational modification of emerging biological importance that consists of transfer of the amino acid Arg to protein and peptide substrates. ATE1 utilizes charged tRNAArg as the donor of the arginyl group, which depends on the activity of Arg-tRNA synthetases (RARS) and is also utilized in translation. The mechanisms that regulate the functional balance between ATE1, RARS and translation are unknown. Here we addressed the functional interplay between these mechanisms using intracellular arginylation sensor in cell lines with overexpression or deletion of ATE1 and RARS isoforms. We find that arginylation levels depend on the physiological state of the cells but are not directly affected by translation activity or availability of RARS isoforms. However, displacement of RARS from the multi-synthetase complex leads to an increase in intracellular arginylation independently of RARS enzymatic activity. This effect is accompanied by ATE1’s redistribution into the cytosol. Our results provide the first comprehensive analysis of the interdependence between translation, arginyl-tRNA synthesis, and arginylation.

Key Points

Intracellular arginylation depends on the physiological state of the cell, but does not compete with the translation machinery

A fraction of ATE1 binds directly to both long and short Arg-tRNA synthetases (RARS)

Displacement of long RARS from the multi-tRNA synthetase complex increases cytosolic fraction and activity of ATE1
Oleic acid-related anti-inflammatory effects in force-stressed PdL fibroblasts are mediated by H3 lysine acetylation associated with altered IL10 expression
Authors: Schuldt Lisa , von Brandenstein Katrin , Jacobs Collin , Symmank Judit
Published: January 2022

The initiation of a spatially and temporally limited inflammation is essential for tissue and bone remodeling by the periodontal ligament (PdL) located between teeth and alveolar bone. Obesity-associated hyperlipidemic changes may impair PdL fibroblast (PdLF) functions, disturbing their inflammatory response to mechanical stress such as those occurring during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Recently, we reported an attenuated pro-inflammatory response of human PdLF (HPdLF) to compressive forces when stimulated with monounsaturated oleic acid (OA). Fatty acids, including OA, could serve as alternative source of acetyl-CoA, thereby affecting epigenetic histone marks such as histone 3 lysine acetylation (H3Kac) in a lipid metabolism-dependent manner. In this study, we therefore aimed to investigate the extent to which OA exerts its anti -inflammatory effect via changes in H3Kac. Six-hour compressed HPdLF showed increased H3Kac when cultured with OA. Inhibition of histone deacetylases resulted in a comparable IL10 increase as observed in compressed OA cultures. In contrast, inhibition of histone acetyltransferases, particularly p300/CBP, in compressed HPdLF exposed to OA led to an inflammatory response comparable to compressed control cells. OA-dependent increased association of H3Kac to IL10 promoter regions in force-stressed HPdLF further strengthened the assumption that OA exhibits its anti-inflammatory properties via modulation of this epigenetic mark. In conclusion, our study strongly suggests that obesity-related hyperlipidemia affect the functions of PdL cells via alterations in their epigenetic code. Since epigenetic inhibitors are already widely used clinically, they may hold promise for novel approaches to limit obesity-related risks during OTM.
An M protein coiled coil unfurls and exposes its hydrophobic core to capture LL-37
Authors: Kolesiński Piotr , Wang Kuei-Chen , Hirose Yujiro , Nizet Victor , Ghosh Partho
Published: January 2022

Surface-associated, coiled-coil M proteins ofStreptococcus pyogenes(Strep A) disable human immunity through interaction with select proteins. However, coiled coils lack features typical of protein-protein interaction sites, and it is therefore challenging to understand how M proteins achieve specific binding, for example, with the human antimicrobial peptide LL-37, leading to its neutralization. The crystal structure of a complex of LL-37 with M87 protein, an antigenic M protein variant from a strain that is an emerging threat, revealed a novel interaction mode. The M87 coiled coil unfurled and asymmetrically exposed its hydrophobic core to capture LL-37. A single LL-37 molecule bound M87 in the crystal, but in solution recruited additional LL-37 molecules, consistent with a ‘protein trap’ neutralization mechanism. The interaction mode visualized crystallographically was verified to contribute significantly to LL-37 resistance in an M87 Strep A strain, and was identified to be conserved in a number of other M protein types that are prevalent in human populations. Our results provide specific detail for therapeutic inhibition of LL-37 neutralization by M proteins.
Genomic occupancy of the bromodomain protein Bdf3 is dynamic during differentiation of African trypanosomes from bloodstream to procyclic forms
Authors: Ashby Ethan , Paddock Lucinda , Betts Hannah L. , Miller Geneva , Porter Anya , Rollosson Lindsey M. , Saada Carrie , Tang Eric , Wade Serenity J. , Hardin Johanna , Schulz Danae
Published: January 2022

Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of Human and Animal African trypanosomiasis, cycles between a mammalian host and a tsetse fly vector. The parasite undergoes huge changes in morphology and metabolism as it adapts to each host environment. These changes are reflected in the differing transcriptomes of parasites living in each host. While changes in the transcriptome have been well catalogued for parasites differentiating from the mammalian bloodstream to the insect stage, it remains unclear whether chromatin interacting proteins mediate transcriptomic changes during life cycle adaptation. We and others have shown that chromatin interacting bromodomain proteins localize to transcription start sites in bloodstream parasites, but whether the localization of bromodomain proteins changes as parasites differentiate from bloodstream to insect stage parasites remains unknown. To address this question, we performed Cleavage Under Target and Release Using Nuclease (CUT&RUN) timecourse experiments using a tagged version of Bromodomain Protein 3 (Bdf3) in parasites differentiating from bloodstream to insect stage forms. We found that Bdf3 occupancy at most loci increased at 3 hours following onset of differentiation and decreased thereafter. A number of sites with increased bromodomain protein occupancy lie proximal to genes known to have altered transcript levels during differentiation, such as procyclins, procyclin associated genes, and invariant surface glycoproteins. While most Bdf3 occupied sites are observed throughout differentiation, a very small number appear de novo as differentiation progresses. Notably, one such site lies proximal to the procyclin gene locus, which contains genes essential for remodeling surface proteins following transition to the insect stage. Overall, these studies indicate that occupancy of chromatin interacting proteins is dynamic during life cycle stage transitions, and provides the groundwork for future studies aimed at uncovering whether changes in bromodomain protein occupancy affect transcript levels of neighboring genes. Additionally, the optimization of CUT&RUN for use in Trypanosoma brucei may prove helpful for other researchers as an alternative to Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP).
Microglia-secreted TNF-α affects differentiation efficiency and viability of pluripotent stem cell-derived human dopaminergic precursors
Authors: Wenker Shirley D. , Gradaschi Victoria , Ferrari Carina , Farias Maria Isabel , Garcia Corina , Beauquis Juan , Zeng Xianmin , Pitossi Fernando J.
Published: January 2022

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic cells of thesubstantia nigra pars compacta. Even though successful transplantation of dopamine-producing cells into the striatum exhibits favourable effects in animal models and clinical trials; transplanted cell survival is low. Since every transplant elicits an inflammatory response which can affect cell survival and differentiation, we aimed to studyin vivoandin vitrothe impact of the pro-inflammatory environment on human dopaminergic precursors. We first observed that transplanted human dopaminergic precursors into the striatum of immunosuppressed rats elicited an early and sustained activation of astroglial and microglial cells after 15 days post-transplant. This long-lasting response was associated with Tumor necrosis factor alpha expression in microglial cells.In vitroconditioned media from activated BV2 microglial cells increased cell death, decreased Tyrosine hydroxylase -positive cells and induced morphological alterations on human neural stem cells-derived dopaminergic precursors at two differentiation stages: 19 days and 28 days. Those effects were ameliorated by inhibition of Tumor necrosis factor alpha, a cytokine which was previously detectedin vivoand in conditioned media from activated BV-2 cells. Our results suggest that a pro-inflammatory environment is sustained after transplantation under immunosuppression, providing a window of opportunity to modify this response to increase transplant survival and differentiation. In addition, our data show that the microglia-derived pro-inflammatory microenvironment has a negative impact on survival and differentiation of dopaminergic precursors. Finally, Tumor necrosis factor alpha plays a key role in these effects, suggesting that this cytokine could be an interesting target to increase the efficacy of human dopaminergic precursors transplantation in Parkinson’s Disease.
Acceptability of extending HPV-based cervical screening intervals from 3 to 5 years: An interview study with women in England
Authors: Nemec Martin , Waller Jo , Barnes Jessica , Marlow Laura A.V
Published: January 2022

Objectives: The introduction of primary HPV testing in the NHS Cervical Screening Programme in England means the screening interval for 25-49-year-olds can be extended from 3 to 5 years. We explored womens responses to the proposed interval extension.

Methods: We conducted semi-structured phone/video interviews with 22 women aged 25-49 years. Participants were selected to vary in age, socioeconomics, and screening history. We explored attitudes to the current 3-year interval, then acceptability of a 5-year interval. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Framework Analysis.

Results: Attitudes to the current 3-year interval varied; some wanted more frequent screening, believing cancer develops quickly. Some participants worried about the proposed change; others trusted it was evidence-based. Frequent questions concerned the rationale and safety of longer intervals, speed of cancer development, the possibility of HPV being missed or cell changes occurring between screens. Many participants felt reassured when the interval change was explained alongside the move to HPV primary screening, of which most had previously been unaware.

Conclusions: Communication of the interval change should be done in the context of broader information about HPV primary screening, emphasising that people who test negative for HPV are at lower risk of cell changes so can safely be screened every 5 years. The long time needed for HPV to develop into cervical cancer provides reassurance about safety, but it is important to be transparent that no screening test is perfect.
Creation of synthetic contrast-enhanced computed tomography images using deep neural networks to screen for renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Sassa Naoto , Kameya Yoshitaka , Takahashi Tomoichi , Matsukawa Yoshihisa , Majima Tsuyoshi , Tsuruta Katsuhisa , Kobayashi Ikuo , Kajikawa Keishi , Kawanishi Hideji , Kurosu Haruka , Yamagiwa Shou , Takahashi Masaya , Hotta Kazuhiro , Yamada Keiichi , Yamamoto Tokunori
Published: January 2022

Objectives: To elucidate if synthetic contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) images created from plain CT images using deep neural networks (DNN) could be used for screening, clinical diagnosis, and postoperative follow up of small diameter renal tumors by comparing the concordance rate between real and synthetic CECT images and the diagnoses according to 10 urologists.
Methods: This retrospective, multicenter study included 155 patients (artificial intelligence training cohort [n=99], validation cohort [n=56]) who underwent surgery for small-diameter (≤40 mm) renal tumors, with the pathological diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma, during 2010 to 2020. Preoperatively, dynamic plain CT and CECT images were obtained. We created a learned DNN using pix2pix. We examined the quality of the synthetic CECT images created using this DNN and compared them with real CECT images using the zero mean normalized cross correlation parameter. We assessed concordance rates between real and synthetic images and diagnoses according to 10 urologists by creating a receiver operating characteristic curve and calculating the area under the curve (AUC).
Results: The synthetic CECT images were highly concordant with the real CECT images, regardless of the existence or morphology of the renal tumor. Regarding the concordance rate, a greater AUC was obtained with synthetic CECT (AUC=0.892) than with only CT (AUC=0.720; p<0.001).
Conclusions: This study is the first to use DNN to create a high-quality synthetic CECT image that was highly concordant with a real CECT image. Synthetic CECT images could be used for urological diagnoses and clinical screening.
Comparison of Anterior Nares Viral Loads in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Individuals Diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 in a University Screening Program
Authors: Hall Samantha M. , Landaverde Lena , Gill Christopher , Yee Grace Midori , Sullivan Madison , Doucette-Stamm Lynn , Landsberg Hannah , Platt Judy T. , White Laura , Hamer Davidson H , Klapperich Catherine M.
Published: January 2022

RT-qPCR has been used as the gold standard method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 since early in the pandemic. At our university based high throughput screening program, we test all members of our community weekly. RT-qPCR cycle threshold (CT) values are inversely proportional to the amount of viral RNA in a sample, and thus are a proxy for viral load. We hypothesized that CT values would be higher, and thus the viral loads at the time of diagnosis would be lower in individuals who were infected with the virus but remained asymptomatic throughout the course of the infection. We collected the N1 and N2 CT values from 1633 SARS-CoV-2 positive RT-qPCR tests of individuals sampled between August 7, 2020, and March 18, 2021, at the BU Clinical Testing Laboratory. We matched this data with symptom reporting data from our clinical team. We found that asymptomatic patients had CT values significantly higher than symptomatic individuals on the day of diagnosis. Symptoms were followed by the clinical team for 10 days post the first positive test. Within the entire population, 78.1% experienced at least one symptom during surveillance by the clinical team (n=1276/1633). Of those experiencing symptoms, the most common symptoms were nasal congestion (73%, n=932, 1276), cough (60.0%, n=761/1276), fatigue (59.0%, n=753/1276), and sore throat (53.1%, n=678/1276). The least common symptoms were diarrhea (12.5%, n=160/1276), dyspnea on exertion (DOE) (6.9%, n=88/1276), foot or skin changes (including rash) (4.2%, n=53/1276), and vomiting (2.1%, n= 27/1276). Presymptomatic individuals, those who were not symptomatic on the day of diagnosis but became symptomatic over the following 10 days, had CT values higher for both N1 (median= 27.1, IQR 20.2- 32.9) and N2 (median=26.6, IQR 20.1-32.8) than the symptomatic group N1 (median= 21.8, IQR 17.2- 29.4) and N2 (median= 21.4, IQR 17.3- 28.9) but lower than the asymptomatic group N1 (median=29.9, IQR 23.6-35.5) and N2 (median= 30.0, IQR 23.1- 35.7). This study supports the hypothesis that viral load in the anterior nares on the day of diagnosis is a measure of disease intensity at that time.
Is there a causal relationship between executive function and liability to mental health and substance use? A Mendelian randomisation approach
Authors: Burton Sabrina M.I , Sallis Hannah M , Hatoum Alexander S , Munafo Marcus R , Reed Zoe E
Published: January 2022

Background: Executive function consists of several cognitive control processes that are able to regulate lower level processes. Poorer performance in tasks designed to test executive function is associated with a range of psychopathologies such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety, as well as with smoking and alcohol consumption. Despite these well-documented associations, whether they reflect causal relationships, and if so in what direction, remains unclear. We aimed to establish whether there is a causal relationship between a latent factor for performance on multiple executive function tasks - which we refer to as common executive function (cEF) - and liability to schizophrenia, MDD, anxiety, smoking initiation, alcohol consumption, alcohol dependence and cannabis use disorder (CUD), and the directionality of any relationship observed.

Methods: We used a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomisation (MR) approach using genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data from large cohorts (N=17,310 to 848,460) to examine whether causal relationships exist, and if so in which direction.

Results: We found evidence of a causal effect of increased cEF on reduced schizophrenia liability (IVW: OR=0.10; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.19; p-value=3.43x10-12), reduced MDD liability (IVW: OR=0.52; 95% CI 0.38 to 0.72; p-value=5.23x10-05), decreased drinks per week (IVW: β=-0.06; 95% CI -0.10 to -0.02; p-value=0.003), and reduced CUD liability (IVW: OR=0.27; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.61; p-value=1.58x10-03). We also found evidence of a causal effect of increased schizophrenia liability on decreased cEF (IVW: β=-0.04; 95% CI -0.04 to -0.03; p-value=3.25x10-27), as well as smoking initiation on decreased cEF (IVW: β=-0.06; 95%CI -0.09 to -0.03; p-value=6.11x10-05).

Conclusion: Our results indicate a potential bidirectional causal relationship between a latent factor measure of executive function (cEF) and schizophrenia liability, a possible causal effect of increased cEF on reduced MDD liability, CUD liability, and alcohol consumption, and a possible causal effect of smoking initiation on decreased cEF. These results suggest that executive function should be considered as a potential risk factor for some mental health and substance use outcomes, and may also be impacted by mental health (particularly schizophrenia). Further studies are required to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these effects, but our results suggest that executive function may be a promising intervention target. These results may therefore inform the prioritisation of experimental medicine studies (e.g., of executive function interventions), for both mental health and substance use outcomes, to improve the likelihood of successful translation.
Exercise reprograms the inflammatory landscape of multiple stem cell compartments during mammalian aging
Authors: Liu Ling , Kim Soochi , Buckley Matthew T. , Reyes Jaime M. , Kang Jengmin , Tian Lei , Wang Mingqiang , Lieu Alexander , Mao Michelle , Rodriguez-Mateo Cristina , Ishak Heather , Jeong Mira , Wu Joseph C. , Goodell Margaret A. , Brunet Anne , Rando Thomas A.
Published: January 2022

Exercise has the ability to rejuvenate stem cells and improve tissue homeostasis and regeneration in aging animals. However, the cellular and molecular changes elicited by exercise have not been systematically studied across a broad range of cell types in stem cell compartments. To gain better insight into the mechanisms by which exercise affects niche and stem cell function, we subjected young and old mice to aerobic exercise and generated a single cell transcriptomic atlas of muscle, neural and hematopoietic stem cells with their niche cells and progeny.

Complementarily, we also performed whole transcriptome analysis of single myofibers from these animals. We identified common and unique pathways that are compromised across these tissues and cell types in aged animals. We found that exercise has a rejuvenating effect on subsets of stem cells, and a profound impact in the composition and transcriptomic landscape of both circulating and tissue resident immune cells. Exercise ameliorated the upregulation of a number of inflammatory pathways as well as restored aspects of cell-cell communication within these stem cell compartments. Our study provides a comprehensive view of the coordinated responses of multiple aged stem cells and niche cells to exercise at the transcriptomic level.
Enhancing competitive advantage and financial performance of consumer-goods SMEs in export markets: how do social capital and marketing innovation matter?
Authors: Jeong So Won , Chung Jae-Eun
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Building on the resource-based view (RBV), this study examines the differential roles of internal and external social capital (SC) in enhancing the marketing innovation (MI), competitive advantage and financial performance of Korean small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in export markets.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 197 valid cases were obtained from Korean manufacturing SMEs in the consumer goods sector. Then, a path analysis was employed to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

First, SME internal SC positively influenced MI, whereas external SC positively influenced foreign distributor's MI (or foreign distributor MI). Second, SME MI was positively associated with foreign distributor MI. Third, no statistical differences were found in the strength of the paths from foreign distributor and SME MI to competitive advantage. Meanwhile, foreign distributor MI positively affected financial performance more than SME MI. Fourth, SME competitive advantage predicted a positive financial performance. Finally, the effect of SME MI on financial performance had an inverted “U” shape.

Originality/value

This study fills a research gap in the MI literature by identifying MI in terms of its actors (SMEs and their foreign distributors) and examining the differential roles of internal and external SC in MI.
Causal effects of corporate taxes on private firms' earnings management: a regression discontinuity analysis
Authors: Kong Gaowen
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The authors emphasize the information role of earnings management and how it may be used to “mislead some stakeholders about the underlying economic performance of the company or to influence contractual outcomes that depend on reported accounting numbers.” Specifically, the authors examine the causal effect of tax incentives on private firms' earnings management based on a corporate tax reform in China.

Design/methodology/approach

In December 2001, China implemented a tax collection reform which moved the collection of corporate income taxes from the local tax bureau to the state tax bureau. This reform results in exogenous variations in the effective tax rate among similar firms established before and after 2002. The authors apply a regression discontinuity design and use the generated variation in the effective tax rate to investigate the impact of taxes on firm earnings management.

Findings

The authors find that tax reduction substantially increases private firms' incentives to manage earnings information, and such effect is particularly pronounced when tax collection intensity and government interventions are low. Further evidence shows that lower tax rates stimulate firms' investment, inventory turnover and recruitment of skilled human capital. A plausible mechanism is that private firms signal a promising outlook by managing earnings to attain greater financing and improve investment/operation levels when financial constraints are removed.

Originality/value

First, the authors present the causal effects of tax incentives on private firm's earnings management, which deepens the authors’ understanding on the determinants of firm's earnings information production. Second, this study also contributes to the literature on tax-induced earnings management. Third, the authors believe that this topic offers clear policy implications and would be of particular interest to regulators.
A benchmark analysis of the quality of distributed additive manufacturing centers
Authors: Verna Elisa , Maisano Domenico Augusto
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Nowadays, companies are increasingly adopting additive manufacturing (AM) technologies due to their flexibility and product customization, combined with non-dramatic increases in per unit cost. Moreover, many companies deploy a plurality of distributed AM centers to enhance flexibility and customer proximity. Although AM centers are characterized by similar equipment and working methods, their production mix and volumes may be variable. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel methodology to (1) monitor the quality of the production of individual AM centers and (2) perform a benchmarking of different AM centers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes the quality of the production output of AM centers in terms of compliance with specifications. Quality is assessed through a multivariate statistical analysis of measurement data concerning several geometric quality characteristics. A novel operational methodology is suggested to estimate the fraction nonconforming of each AM center at three different levels: (1) overall production, (2) individual product typologies in the production mix and (3) individual quality characteristics.

Findings

The proposed methodology allows performing a benchmark analysis on the quality performance of distributed AM centers during regular production, without requiring any ad hoc experimental test.

Originality/value

This research assesses the capability of distributed AM centers to meet crucial quality requirements. The results can guide production managers toward improving the quality of the production of AM centers, in order to meet customer expectations and enhance business performance.
Mobile app users' privacy concerns: different heuristics for privacy assurance statements in the EU and China
Authors: Hudson Sarah , Liu Yi
Published: January 2022

Purpose

As mobile apps request permissions from users, protecting mobile users' personal information from being unnecessarily collected and misused becomes critical. Privacy regulations, such as General Data Protection Regulation in the European Union (EU), aim to protect users' online information privacy. However, one’s understanding of whether these regulations effectively make mobile users less concerned about their privacy is still limited. This work aims to study mobile users' privacy concerns towards mobile apps by examining the effects of general and specific privacy assurance statements in China and the EU.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on ecological rationality and heuristics theory, an online experiment and a follow-up validation experiment were conducted in the EU and China to examine the effects of privacy assurance statements on mobile users' privacy concerns.

Findings

When privacy regulation is presented, the privacy concerns of Chinese mobile users are significantly lowered compared with EU mobile users. This indicates that individuals in the two regions react differently to privacy assurances. However, when a general regulation statement is used, no effect is observed. EU and Chinese respondents remain unaffected by general assurance statements.

Originality/value

This study incorporates notions from fast and frugal heuristics end ecological rationality – where seemingly irrational decisions may make sense in different societal contexts.
Smart cities and quality of life: a quantitative analysis of citizens' support for smart city development
Authors: Chen Zhaoyu , Chan Irene Cheng Chu
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study examined a tourism destination, Macao, a fast-progressing smart city under development, vis-à-vis a set of smart city quality of life (SCQOL) domains and verified their effects on citizens' attitudes, perceptions and support for citizen-centric smart city development (SCD).

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quantitative approach. In particular, a questionnaire survey was used to collect data from Macao citizens. Factor analysis was used to identify SCQOL domains, while multiple linear regression and cluster analysis were used to achieve the research objectives.

Findings

This study identified five SCQOL domains: smart environment, smart people, smart livelihood, smart economy and economic policy, and smart mobility. Each of the domains had a different influence on citizens' attitudes and support for SCD. Three citizen segments (passive, neutral and enthusiastic supporters) were identified.

Practical implications

The five SCQOL domains, their effects on citizens' support for SCD and the three citizen segments identified can help implement the appropriate measures to enhance the target groups' SCD. The findings are also of practical value in evaluating the citizen-centric approaches on smart progress in other contexts.

Originality/value

The concept of smart technology has been widely applied to all aspects of city development. The main goal of SCD is to enhance citizens' quality of life. However, most studies have only explored smart cities and quality of life in isolation. Grounded on citizen centrality, this study contributes to the literature on SCD by proposing a new concept of SCQOL, identifying the domains constituting SCQOL and their influence on citizens' support for SCD.
Effects of political networking capability and strategic capability on exploratory and exploitative innovation: evidence from traditional manufacturing firms in China
Authors: Wang Guanhua , Wang Yaqin , Ju Xiaowei , Rui Xueqin
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study examines the effect of political networking capability (PNC) and strategic capability on exploratory innovation/exploitative innovation through the mediation of absorptive capability (AC).

Design/methodology/approach

Using empirical survey data collected from 153 traditional manufacturing firms (TMFs) in China, the authors apply partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) combined with mediation analyses to test hypotheses.

Findings

PNC has a higher impact on exploratory innovation than exploitative innovation through AC. The authors thus provide novel empirical insights into independent variables of firms' ambidextrous innovation and their implementation mechanisms.

Research limitations/implications

The authors highlight a unique situation of China and contribute to the literature on PNC and AC. The findings demonstrate that AC plays an important role in configuring government-obtained external resources into new products, thus influencing ambidextrous innovation strategic decisions.

Practical implications

TMFs' executives should enhance PNC to obtain more resources to conduct exploratory and exploitative innovation. Government officials and policymakers should strengthen the supervision of TMFs' innovation activities and adopt effective measures to ensure that TMFs could conduct more exploratory innovation as governments expected.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights by bridging research gaps in the literature and advances the insights of how TMFs' PNC/strategic capability directly and indirectly fosters exploratory and exploitative innovation via the mediating role of AC in China.
Understanding the different types of UGC participants and social context for fashion brands: insights from social media platforms
Authors: Naeem Muhammad , Ozuem Wilson
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The study aims to look at the types of social media participants through user-generated content (UGC) and how this leads to brand engagement in a fashion retail context. In doing so, it explores the effects of social context of brand-related content on other social media users, which promotes socially influenced consumer brand engagement (SICBE) in social media settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The study postulates the existence of social realities as consistent with social constructivism, with multiple realities of social influence outlined on the basis of ontological relativism. To fulfil the proposed research objectives, research data were gathered from professional and social participants based on specific inclusion criteria, purposive sampling technique and a semi-structured interview method.

Findings

Findings highlighted various types of UGC participants with differing objectives in their use of UGC; these participant types are passive, creators, critics and collectors/consumers. The study uncovered many social context that can increase the effectiveness of UGC. The social context is explored through social trust, Fashion UGC expertise and relevance. These UGC participants and social context can foster SICBE in a fashion retail context.

Originality/value

This study proposes a holistic framework which highlighted the role of UGC participants and social context can foster SICBE in a fashion retail context.
Structure and properties of modified gypsum binder
Authors: Yakovlev G.I. , Gordina A. , Drochytka Rostislav , Buryanov A.F. , Smirnova Olga
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study is regarding the development of eco-oriented technologies for obtaining the building gypsum materials with the involvement of industrial by-products or waste.

Design/methodology/approach

The scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microanalysis and IR spectral analysis were used to study the structure of gypsum matrix. The method of comparison of modified and unmodified gypsum matrix was used. Physical modeling of gypsum matrix crystallization is used to study changes in the morphology of hydration products.

Findings

The experimental results show that the addition of technical soot into a gypsum binder leads to a change in the morphology of crystalline hydrates of calcium sulfate dihydrate. Results of the scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microanalysis and IR spectral analysis confirm the change of physical and mechanical characteristics of the gypsum binder due to the structural modification of the gypsum matrix with ultrafine carbon soot. The achieved degree of the structural modification of the gypsum matrix is compatible with the results obtained when the gypsum binder was modified with dispersions of carbon nanotubes.

Originality/value

The morphology of the crystalline hydrates of the gypsum matrix with the addition of 0.04%, 0.06% and 1% of the carbon soot is characterized by the transition of the classical needle-like structure of gypsum dihydrate to the lamellar structure of increased density. One can observe the formation of intergrowths around ultrafine carbon soot particles. The studied carbon additive can improve strength characteristics of the gypsum matrix.
Corporate governance and extent of corporate sustainability practice: the role of investor activism
Authors: Gold Nusirat Ojuolape , Taib Fauziah Md.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Following the unceasing pressure on companies to adopt sustainable business practices to mitigate climate effect, this study aims to examine corporate governance (CG) attributes and role of activist investors in influencing extensive sustainability practice for firms in the developed and emerging climes.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a panel ordered probit regression analysis for 368 companies over 2016 to 2019, the study examined CG attributes that drive extensive corporate sustainability practice. The study addressed endogeneity bias using STATA Extended panel ordered probit regression model with endogenous covariates.

Findings

The result showed CG attributes is critical for firms, and activist investors play a critical role in driving extensive sustainability practice. Findings further reveal the extent of adoption is relatively low in the emerging climes but showed sign of improvement over the years examined.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused mainly on larger firms operating in different sectors globally. Hence, findings cannot be generalized for small sized entities.

Practical implications

The study provides an insightful explanation regarding the extensive sustainability practices and the vital role assumed by activist investors.

Social implications

The increasing number of companies responding to Carbon Disclosure Project and consequent improvement in scores indicates a corporate commitment to ensuring a sustainable future.

Originality/value

This research offers significant insights to the extent discussion on attributes of CG critical for sustainability practice. The findings ascertain useful tools to aid the continued adoption of sound sustainability practices around the globe.
Investigating the moderating effect of humble leadership behaviour on motivational factors and knowledge-sharing intentions: evidence from Jordanian public organisations
Authors: Al Hawamdeh Nayel , AL-edenat Malek
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the moderating effect of humble leadership on the relationship between different intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors and employee’s knowledge-sharing intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Responses of 236 employees in public organisations in the country of Jordan were collected via the completion of an online survey. The study data was analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

This study found that humble leadership support positively moderated the effect of intrinsic motivational factors (i.e. self-efficacy and enjoyment) on KS intention, while such leadership does not moderate the relationship between extrinsic motivational factors (i.e. rewards and reciprocity) and KS intention.

Originality/value

This study increases the understating of the conditions under which employees’ knowledge-share by exploring the moderating effect of humble leadership behaviour on motivational factors and KS intention in public organisations, particularly in the context of a developing country.
Damming river shapes distinct patterns and processes of planktonic bacterial and microeukaryotic communities
Authors: Lu Lunhui , Tang Qiong , Li Hang , Li Zhe
Published: January 2022

Planktonic bacterial and microeukaryotic communities play important roles in biogeochemical cycles, but their biogeographic patterns and community assembly processes in large damming rivers still remain unclear. In this study, 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA coding genes were used for sample sequencing analysis of planktonic bacterial and microeukaryotic communities in the upper Yangtze River. The upper Yangtze River was divided into dam‐affected zones and river zones based on the influence of dams. The results showed that there were significant differences in the bacterial and microeukaryotic communities between the two zones and that dams significantly reduced the α‐diversity of the bacterial communities. Co‐occurrence network analysis indicated that networks in the river zone were denser than those in the dam‐affected zone. The relationships among species in bacterial networks were more complex than those in microeukaryotic networks. Dispersal limitation and ecological drift were the main processes influencing planktonic bacterial and microeukaryotic communities in the dam‐affected zone respectively, whereas the role of deterministic processes increased in the river zone. Anthropogenic activities and hydraulic conditions affected suspended sediment and controlled microbial diversity in the river zone. These results suggest that dams impact planktonic bacteria more strongly than planktonic microeukaryotes, indicating that the distribution patterns and processes of the bacterial and microeukaryotic communities in large rivers are significantly different.
Characterization of the juvenile koala gut microbiome across wild populations
Authors: Blyton Michaela D. J. , Soo Rochelle M. , Hugenholtz Philip , Moore Ben D.
Published: January 2022

In this study we compared the faecal microbiomes of wild joey koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) to those of adults, including their mothers, to establish whether gut microbiome maturation and inheritance in the wild is comparable to that seen in captivity. Our findings suggest that joey koala microbiomes slowly shift towards an adult assemblage between 6 and 12 months of age, as the microbiomes of 9‐month‐old joeys were more similar to those of adults than those of 7‐month‐olds, but still distinct. At the phylum level, differences between joeys and adults were broadly consistent with those in captivity, with Firmicutes increasing in relative abundance over the joeys' development and Proteobacteria decreasing. Of the fibre‐degrading genes that increased in abundance over the development of captive joeys, those involved in hemicellulose and cellulose degradation, but not pectin degradation, were also generally found in higher abundance in adult wild koalas compared to 7‐month‐olds. Greater maternal inheritance of the faecal microbiome was seen in wild than in captive koalas, presumably due to the more solitary nature of wild koalas. This strong maternal inheritance of the gut microbiome could contribute to the development of localized differences in microbiome composition, population health and diet through spatial clustering of relatives.
Seeds of Corruption? The Contingent Role of Ties to Politicians and Foreign Subsidiary Relations with Government‐Sponsored Financial Institutions
Authors: White George O. , Chintakananda Asda , Rajwani Tazeeb
Published: January 2022

In drawing from transaction cost economics and social network theories, this study examines the influence of corruption as a determinant of foreign subsidiary formal contracting practices with government‐sponsored financial institutions. We hypothesize that lower corruption distance (between parent home and host countries) and higher perceived corruption (in host country) are positively related, and mutually reinforcing, when considering a foreign subsidiary's propensity to formally contract with government‐sponsored financial institutions. We also suggest that these relationships strengthen with the intensification of political ties to government officials who can offer preferential political services via contractual agreements, changing the nature of market transactions in favour of a foreign subsidiary. We found support for our hypotheses using data from a sample of over 350 subsidiaries located in the Philippines and Thailand.
Efficacy and safety of linaclotide in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation: Chinese sub‐cohort analysis of a phase III, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Peng Li Hua , Fang Jing Yuan , Dai Ning , Shen Xi Zhong , Yang You Lin , Sun Jing , Yang Yun Sheng
Published: January 2022

Objective

To conduct a sub‐cohort analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of linaclotide in Chinese patients with constipation‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS‐C) using data from a completed trial (NCT01880424).

Methods

In this phase III, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, IBS‐C patients were randomized to receive linaclotide (290 μg/d) or placebo for 12 weeks. Efficacy was assessed with two co‐primary responder end‐points (12‐wk abdominal pain/discomfort: ≥30% reduction in either score with neither deteriorating from baseline for ≥6 wks; 12‐wk IBS degree of relief: score ≤2 for ≥ 6 wks), seven secondary endpoints and several additional end‐points.

Results

In total, 659 Chinese IBS‐C patients received linaclotide (n = 327) or placebo (n = 332). The 12‐week abdominal pain/discomfort end‐point was met in 62.1% and 53.3% of the linaclotide‐treated and placebo‐treated patients, respectively (odds ratio [OR] 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05‐1.96, P = 0.023); the 12‐week IBS degree of relief end‐point was achieved in 32.7% and 16.9% of the patients treated with linaclotide and placebo, respectively (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.66‐3.47, P < 0.001). The linaclotide‐treated patients had a shorter time to the first spontaneous bowel movement than the placebo‐treated patients (23.6 h vs 43.7 h, P < 0.001). Linaclotide produced significantly greater improvement than placebo in all secondary end‐points from the first 2 weeks (all P < 0.001). Diarrhea was reported in 8.3% of linaclotide‐treated patients and 1.2% of placebo‐treated patients.

Conclusion

Linaclotide (290 μg/d) was efficacious and well‐tolerated in Chinese IBS‐C patients with a rapid onset of effect.