bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of canonical and non-canonical cAMP Sources in CRHR2α-dependent Signaling
Authors: Armando Natalia G. , dos Santos Claro Paula A. , Fuertes Mariana , Arzt Eduardo , Silberstein Susana
Published: October 2023

Hippocampal neurons exhibit activation of both the conventional transmembrane adenylyl cyclases (tmACs) and the non-canonical soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) as sources of cyclic AMP (cAMP). These two cAMP sources play crucial roles in mediating signaling pathways downstream of CRHR1 in neuronal and neuroendocrine contexts. In this study, we investigate the involvement of both cAMP sources in the molecular mechanisms triggered by CRHR2α. Here we provide evidence demonstrating that UCN1 and UCN3 exert a neuritogenic effect on HT22-CRHR2α cells, which is solely dependent on the cAMP pool generated by sAC and PKA activity but independent of ERK1/2 activation. Through the characterization of the effectors implicated in neurite elongation, we found that CREB phosphorylation and c-Fos induction rely on PKA activity and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, underscoring the critical role of signaling pathway regulation. These findings strengthen the concept that localized cAMP microdomains actively participate in the regulation of these signaling processes.
Adipose tissue eQTL meta-analysis reveals the contribution of allelic heterogeneity to gene expression regulation and cardiometabolic traits
Authors: Brotman Sarah M. , El-Sayed Moustafa Julia S. , Guan Li , Broadaway K. Alaine , Wang Dongmeng , Jackson Anne U. , Welch Ryan , Currin Kevin W. , Tomlinson Max , Vadlamudi Swarooparani , Stringham Heather M. , Roberts Amy L. , Lakka Timo A. , Oravilahti Anniina , Silva Lilian Fernandes , Narisu Narisu , Erdos Michael R. , Yan Tingfen , Bonnycastle Lori L. , Raulerson Chelsea K. , Raza Yasrab , Yan Xinyu , Parker Stephen C.J. , Kuusisto Johanna , Pajukanta Päivi , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Collins Francis S. , Boehnke Michael , Love Michael I. , Koistinen Heikki A. , Laakso Markku , Mohlke Karen L. , Small Kerrin S. , Scott Laura J.
Published: October 2023

Complete characterization of the genetic effects on gene expression is needed to elucidate tissue biology and the etiology of complex traits. Here, we analyzed 2,344 subcutaneous adipose tissue samples and identified 34K conditionally distinct expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) signals in 18K genes. Over half of eQTL genes exhibited at least two eQTL signals. Compared to primary signals, non-primary signals had lower effect sizes, lower minor allele frequencies, and less promoter enrichment; they corresponded to genes with higher heritability and higher tolerance for loss of function. Colocalization of eQTL with conditionally distinct genome-wide association study signals for 28 cardiometabolic traits identified 3,605 eQTL signals for 1,861 genes. Inclusion of non-primary eQTL signals increased colocalized signals by 46%. Among 30 genes with ≥2 pairs of colocalized signals, 21 showed a mediating gene dosage effect on the trait. Thus, expanded eQTL identification reveals more mechanisms underlying complex traits and improves understanding of the complexity of gene expression regulation.
Dosage amplification dictates oncogenic regulation by theNKX2-1lineage factor in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Pulice John L. , Meyerson Matthew
Published: October 2023

Amplified oncogene expression is a critical and widespread driver event in cancer, yet our understanding of how amplification-mediated elevated dosage mediates oncogenic regulation is limited. Here, we find that the most significant focal amplification event in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) targets a lineage super-enhancer near theNKX2-1lineage transcription factor. TheNKX2-1super-enhancer is targeted by focal and co-amplification withNKX2-1, and activation or repression controlsNKX2-1expression. We find thatNKX2-1is a widespread dependency in LUAD cell lines, where NKX2-1 pioneers enhancer accessibility to drive a lineage addicted state in LUAD, and NKX2-1 confers persistence to EGFR inhibitors. Notably, we find that oncogenic NKX2-1 regulation requires expression above a minimum dosage threshold—NKX2-1 dosage below this threshold is insufficient for cell viability, enhancer remodeling, and TKI persistence. Our data suggest that copy-number amplification can be a gain-of-function alteration, wherein amplification elevates oncogene expression above a critical dosage required for oncogenic regulation and cancer cell survival.

Highlights

The most significant amplification event in LUAD targets a lineage super-enhancer that controls expression of theNKX2-1lineage oncogene.

NKX2-1is a dosage dependency in most NKX2-1(+) LUAD cell lines

NKX2-1 remodels lineage enhancer accessibility to drive a lineage addicted state and confer persistence to EGFR targeted therapy

NKX2-1 oncogenic regulation requires a minimum oncogenic dosage, which dictates NKX2-1 regulation of enhancer remodeling, TKI persistence, and cancer cell viability
Unsupervised modeling of mutational landscapes of adeno-associated viruses viability
Authors: De Leonardis Matteo , Fernandez-de-Cossio-Diaz Jorge , Uguzzoni Guido , Pagnani Andrea
Published: October 2023

Adeno-associated viruses 2 (AAV2) are minute viruses renowned for their capacity to infect human cells and akin organisms. They have recently emerged as prominent candidates in the field of gene therapy, primarily attributed to their inherent non-pathogenic nature in humans and the safety associated with their manipulation. The efficacy of AAV2 as gene therapy vectors hinges on their ability to infiltrate host cells and subsequently replicate within them, a phenomenon reliant on their competence to construct a capsid capable of breaching the nucleus of the target cell. To enhance their infection potential, researchers have extensively scrutinized various combinatorial libraries by introducing mutations into the capsid, aiming to boost their effectiveness. The emergence of high-throughput experimental techniques, like Deep Mutational Scanning (DMS), has made it feasible to experimentally assess the fitness of these libraries for their intended purpose. Notably, machine learning is starting to demonstrate its potential in addressing predictions within the mutational landscape from sequence data. In this context, we introduce a biophysically-inspired model designed to predict the viability of genetic variants in DMS experiments. This model is tailored to a specific segment of the CAP region within AAV2’s capsid protein. To evaluate its effectiveness, we conduct model training with diverse datasets, each tailored to explore different aspects of the mutational landscape influenced by the selection process. Our assessment of the biophysical model centers on two primary objectives: (i) providing quantitative forecasts for the log-selectivity of variants and (ii) deploying it as a binary classifier to categorize sequences into viable and non-viable classes.
Challenges in the discovery of tumor-specific alternative splicing-derived cell-surface antigens in glioma
Authors: Nejo Takahide , Wang Lin , Leung Kevin K. , Wang Albert , Lakshmanachetty Senthilnath , Gallus Marco , Kwok Darwin W. , Hong Chibo , Chen Lee H. , Carrera Diego A. , Zhang Michael Y. , Stevers Nicholas O. , Maldonado Gabriella C. , Yamamichi Akane , Watchmaker Payal , Naik Akul , Shai Anny , Phillips Joanna J. , Chang Susan M. , Wiita Arun P. , Wells James A. , Costello Joseph F. , Diaz Aaron A. , Okada Hideho
Published: October 2023

Background

Despite advancements in cancer immunotherapy, solid tumors remain formidable challenges. In glioma, profound inter-and intra-tumoral heterogeneity of antigen landscape hampers therapeutic development. Therefore, it is critical to consider alternative sources to expand the repertoire of targetable (neo-)antigens and improve therapeutic outcomes. Accumulating evidence suggests that tumor-specific alternative splicing (AS) could be an untapped reservoir of neoantigens.

Results

In this study, we investigated tumor-specific AS events in glioma, focusing on those predicted to generate major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-presentation-independent, cell-surface neoantigens that could be targeted by antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells. We systematically analyzed bulk RNA-sequencing datasets comparing 429 tumor samples (from The Cancer Genome Atlas [TCGA]) and 9,166 normal tissue samples (from the Genotype-Tissue Expression project [GTEx]), and identified 13 AS events in 7 genes predicted to be expressed in more than 10% of the patients, includingPTPRZ1andBCAN, which were corroborated by an external RNA-sequencing dataset. Subsequently, we validated our predictions and elucidated the complexity of the isoforms using full-length transcript amplicon sequencing on patient-derived glioblastoma cells. However, analyses of the RNA-sequencing datasets of spatially mapped and longitudinally collected clinical tumor samples unveiled remarkable spatiotemporal heterogeneity of the candidate AS events. Furthermore, proteomics analysis did not reveal any peptide spectra matching the putative neoantigens.

Conclusions

Our investigation illustrated the diverse characteristics of the tumor-specific AS events and the challenges of antigen exploration due to their notable spatiotemporal heterogeneity and elusive nature at the protein levels. Redirecting future efforts toward intracellular, MHC-presented antigens could offer a more viable avenue.
Degradation of Fatty Acid Export Protein1 by Rhomboid-Like Protease11 Contributes to Cold Tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: John Annalisa , Krämer Moritz , Lehmann Martin , Kunz Hans-Henning , Aarabi Fayezeh , Alseekh Saleh , Fernie Alisdair , Sommer Frederik , Schroda Michael , Zimmer David , Mühlhaus Timo , Peisker Helga , Gutbrod Katharina , Dörmann Peter , Neunzig Jens , Philippar Katrin , Neuhaus H. Ekkehard
Published: October 2023

Plants need to adapt to different stresses to optimize growth under unfavorable conditions. The abundance of the chloroplast envelope located Fatty Acid Export Protein1 (FAX1) decreases after the onset of low temperatures. However, it was unclear how FAX1 degradation occurs and whether altered FAX1 abundance contributes to cold tolerance in plants. The rapid cold-induced increase in rhomboid-like protease11 (RBL11) transcript, the physical interaction of RBL11 with FAX1, the specific FAX1 degradation after RBL11 expression, and the absence of cold-induced FAX1 degradation inrbl11loss-of-function mutants suggest that this enzyme is responsible for FAX1 degradation. Proteomic analyses showed thatrbl11mutants have higher levels of FAX1 and other proteins involved in membrane lipid homeostasis, suggesting that RBL11 is a key element in the remodeling of membrane properties during cold. Consequently, in the cold,rbl11mutants show a shift in lipid biosynthesis towards the eukaryotic pathway, which coincides with impaired cold tolerance. To demonstrate that cold sensitivity is due to increased FAX1 levels, FAX1 overexpressors were analyzed.rbl11and FAX1 overexpressor mutants show superimposable phenotypic defects upon exposure to cold temperatures. Our results show that the cold-induced degradation of FAX1 by RBL11 is critical for Arabidopsis to survive cold and freezing periods.

One sentence summary

Degradation of the inner envelope protein Fatty Acid Export1 via Rhomboid Like Protease11 represents a critical process to achieve cold and frost tolerance in Arabidopsis
Transcription-driven DNA supercoiling activates bacterial chromatin at a distance
Authors: Figueroa-Bossi Nara , Fernández-Fernández Rocío , Kerboriou Patricia , Bouloc Philippe , Casadesús Josep , Sánchez-Romero María Antonia , Bossi Lionello
Published: October 2023

In all living cells, genomic DNA is compacted through interactions with dedicated proteins and/or the formation of plectonemic coils. In bacteria, DNA compaction is achieved dynamically, coordinated with dense and constantly changing transcriptional activity. H-NS, a major bacterial nucleoid structuring protein, is of special interest due to its interplay with RNA polymerase. H-NS:DNA nucleoprotein filaments inhibit transcription initiation by RNA polymerase. However, the discovery that genes silenced by H-NS can be activated by transcription originating from neighboring regions has suggested that elongating RNA polymerases can disassemble H-NS:DNA filaments. In this study, we present evidence that transcription-induced counter-silencing does not require transcription to reach the silenced gene; rather, it exerts its effect at a distance. Counter-silencing is suppressed by introducing a DNA gyrase binding site within the intervening segment, suggesting that the long-range effect results from transcription-driven positive DNA supercoils diffusing toward the silenced gene. We propose a model wherein H-NS:DNA complexes form in vivo on negaXvely supercoiled DNA, with H-NS bridging the two arms of the plectoneme. Rotational diffusion of positive supercoils generated by neighbouring transcription will cause the H-NS-bound negatively-supercoiled plectoneme to “unroll” disrupting the H-NS bridges and releasing H-NS.
Deep multi-omic profiling reveals extensive mitochondrial remodeling driven by glycemia in early diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Granata Cesare , Thallas-Bonke Vicki , Caruana Nikeisha J. , Huynh Kevin , Qin Cheng Xue , Laskowski Adrienne , Snelson Matthew , Anthonisz Jarryd , Jap Edwina , Ramm Georg , Cooper Mark E. , Meikle Peter J. , Stroud David A. , Ritchie Rebecca H. , Coughlan Melinda T.
Published: October 2023

Changes in mitochondrial energy metabolism are thought to be central to the development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD); however, whether this response is explicitly driven by systemic glucose concentrations remains unknown. Here, we show that titrating blood glucose concentrationsin vivodirectly impacts mitochondrial morphology and bioenergetics and remodels the mitochondrial proteome in the kidney in early DKD. Mitoproteomic analysis revealed profound metabolic disturbances induced by severe hyperglycemia, including upregulation of enzymes involved in the TCA cycle and fatty acid metabolism, enhanced ketogenesis as well as dysregulation of the mitochondrial SLC25 carrier family. Untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics confirmed the enrichment of TCA cycle metabolites, an increase in triglyceride concentrations, and extensive and specific cardiolipin remodeling. Lowering blood glucose to moderate hyperglycemia stabilized all three omic landscapes, partially prevented changes in mitochondrial morphology and bioenergetics, and improved kidney injury. This study demonstrates altered substrate utilization and energy generation in the kidney early in diabetes, during moderate and severe hyperglycemia and provides new insights into kidney metabolism, which has implications for therapeutic strategies aiming at the reinvigoration of mitochondrial function and signaling in diabetes.
CST–Polymeraseα-primase solves a second telomere end-replication problem
Authors: Takai Hiroyuki , Aria Valentina , Borges Pamela , Yeeles Joseph T. P. , de Lange Titia
Published: October 2023

Telomerase adds G-rich telomeric repeats to the 3ʹ ends of telomeres1, counteracting telomere shortening caused by loss of telomeric 3ʹ overhangs during leading-strand DNA synthesis (“the end-replication problem”2). We report a second end-replication problem that originates from the incomplete duplication of the C-rich telomeric repeat strand by lagging-strand synthesis. This problem is solved by CST–Polymeraseα(Polα)-primase fill-in synthesis.In vitro,priming for lagging-strand DNA replication does not occur on the 3’ overhang and lagging-strand synthesis stops in an ∼150-nt zone more than 26 nt from the end of the template. Consistent with thein vitrodata, lagging-end telomeres of cells lacking CST–Polα-primase lost ∼50-60 nt of CCCTAA repeats per population doubling (PD). The C-strands of leading-end telomeres shortened by ∼100 nt/PD, reflecting the generation of 3’ overhangs through resection. The measured overall C-strand shortening in absence of CST–Polα-primase fill-in is consistent with the combined effects of incomplete lagging-strand synthesis and 5ʹ resection at the leading-ends. We conclude that canonical DNA replication creates two telomere end-replication problems that require telomerase to maintain the G-strand and CST–Polα-primase to maintain the C-strand.
A whole-brain analysis of functional connectivity and immediate early gene expression revealed functional network shifts after operant learning
Authors: Kasahara Kazumi , Hikishima Keigo , Nakata Mariko , Tsurugizawa Tomokazu , Higo Noriyuki , Doya Kenji
Published: October 2023

Previous studies of operant learning have addressed neuronal activities and network changes in specific brain areas, such as the striatum, sensorimotor cortex, prefrontal/orbitofrontal cortices, and hippocampus. However, how changes in the whole-brain network are caused by cellular-level changes remains unclear. We combine resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) and whole-brain immunohistochemical analysis of early growth response 1 (EGR1), a marker of neural plasticity, to elucidate the spatiotemporal functional network changes and underlying cellular processes during operant learning. We used an 11.7 Tesla scanner and whole-brain immunohistochemical analysis of EGR1 in mice during the early and late stages of operant learning. In the operant training, mice received a reward when they pressed the left and right buttons alternately and were punished with a bright light when they made a mistake. Control mice spent the same time and received the same amount of reward in the same operant box. A group of mice (n = 22) underwent the first rsfMRI before behavioral sessions, the second after 3 days of sessions (early stage), and the third after 21 days of sessions (late stage). Another group of mice (n = 40) was subjected to histological analysis 15 min after the early or late stages of behavioral sessions. After the early stage of training, functional connectivity was increased between the limbic areas and thalamus or auditory cortex, and the correlations of the number of EGR1-immunopositive cells between the limbic area and auditory cortex were also increased. After the late stage of training, the increases in functional connectivity and correlations of EGR1-immunopositive cells primarily occurred between the motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, and striatum. The subcortical networks centered around the limbic areas that emerged in the early stage have been implicated in rewards, pleasures, and fears. The connectivity between the motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, and striatum that consolidated in the late stage have been implicated in motor learning. Our multimodal longitudinal study successfully revealed the temporal shifts of brain regions involved in behavioral learning together with the underlying cellular-level plasticity between these regions for the first time. Our study represents a first step toward establishing a new experimental paradigm that combines rsfMRI and immunohistochemistry for linking macroscopic and microscopic mechanisms of learning.
Accelerated Molecular Dynamics and AlphaFold Uncover a Missing Conformational State of Transporter Protein OxlT
Authors: Ohnuki Jun , Jaunet-Lahary Titouan , Yamashita Atsuko , Okazaki Kei-ichi
Published: October 2023

Transporter proteins change their conformation to carry their substrate across the cell membrane. The conformational dynamics are vital to understanding the transport function. We have studied the oxalate transporter (OxlT), an oxalate:formate antiporter fromOxalobacter formigenes, significant in avoiding kidney stone formation. The atomic structure of OxlT has been recently solved in the outward-open and occluded states. However, the inward-open conformation is still missing, hindering a complete understanding of the transporter. Here, we performed an accelerated molecular dynamics simulation to sample the extensive conformational space of OxlT and successfully obtained the inward-open conformation where cytoplasmic substrate formate binding was preferred over oxalate binding. We also identified critical interactions for the inward- open conformation. The results were complemented by the highly accurate structure prediction by AlphaFold2. Although AlphaFold2 solely predicted OxlT in the outward-open conformation, mutation of the identified critical residues made it partly predict the inward-open conformation, identifying possible state-shifting mutations.

TOC GRAPHICS
CXCL12drives natural variation in coronary artery anatomy across diverse populations
Authors: Rios Coronado Pamela E. , Zanetti Daniela , Zhou Jiayan , Naftaly Jeffrey A. , Prabala Pratima , Martínez Jaimes Azalia M. , Farah Elie N. , Fan Xiaochen , Kundu Soumya , Deshpande Salil S. , Evergreen Ivy , Kho Pik Fang , Hilliard Austin T. , Abramowitz Sarah , Pyarajan Saiju , Dochtermann Daniel , Program Million Veteran , Damrauer Scott M. , Chang Kyong-Mi , Levin Michael G. , Winn Virginia D. , Paşca Anca M. , Plomondon Mary E. , Waldo Stephen W. , Tsao Philip S. , Kundaje Anshul , Chi Neil C. , Clarke Shoa L. , Red-Horse Kristy , Assimes Themistocles L.
Published: October 2023

To efficiently distribute blood flow to cardiac muscle, the coronary artery tree must follow a specific branching pattern over the heart. How this pattern arises in humans is unknown due to the limitations of studying human heart development. Here, we leveraged a natural variation of coronary artery anatomy, known as coronary dominance, in genetic association studies to identify the first known driver of human coronary developmental patterning. Coronary dominance refers to whether the right, left, or both coronary arteries branch over the posterior left ventricle, but whether this variability is heritable and how it would be genetically regulated was completely unknown. By conducting the first large-scale, multi-ancestry genome-wide association study (GWAS) of coronary dominance in 61,043 participants of the VA Million Veteran Program, we observed moderate heritability (27.7%) with ten loci reaching genome wide significance. An exceptionally strong association mapped DNA variants to a non-coding region near the chemokineCXCL12in both European and African ancestries, which overlapped with variants associated with coronary artery disease. Genomic analyses predicted these variants to impactCXCL12levels, and imaging revealed dominance to develop during fetal life coincident withCXCL12expression. ReducingCxcl12in mice to model the human genetics altered septal artery dominance patterns and caused coronary branches to develop away fromCxcl12expression domains.Cxcl12heterozygosity did not compromise overall artery coverage as seen with full deletion, but instead changed artery patterning, reminiscent of the human scenario. Together, our data supportCXCL12as a critical determinant of human coronary artery growth and patterning and lay a foundation for the utilization of developmental pathways to guide future precision ‘medical revascularization’ therapeutics.
Nanoscale imaging reveals the mechanisms of ER-to-Golgi transport via a dynamic tubular-vesicular network
Authors: Wong-Dilworth Luis , Bregu Gresy , Restel Steffen , Rodilla-Ramirez Carmen , Ebeling Svenja , Harel Shelly , Leupold Paula , Grimm Jonathan , Lavis Luke D. , Angulo-Capel Jessica , Campelo Felix , Bottanelli Francesca
Published: October 2023

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus are the first sorting stations along the secretory pathway of mammalian cells and have a crucial role in protein quality control and cellular homeostasis. While machinery components mediating ER-to-Golgi transport have been mapped, it is unclear how exchange between the two closely juxtaposed organelles is coordinated in living cells. Here, using gene editing to tag machinery components, live-cell confocal and stimulated emission depletion (STED) super-resolution microscopy, we show that ER-to-Golgi transport occurs via a dynamic network of tubules positive for the small GTPase ARF4. swCOPI machinery is tightly associated to this network and moves with tubular-vesicular structures. Strikingly, the ARF4 network appears to be continuous with the ER and ARF4 tubules remodel around static ER exit sites (ERES) defined by COPII machinery. We were further able to dissect the steps of ER-to-Golgi transport with functional trafficking assays. A wave of cargo released from the ER percolates through peripheral and Golgi-tethered ARF4 structures before filling the cis-Golgi. Perturbation via acute degradation of ARF4 shows an active regulatory role for the GTPase and COPI in anterograde transport. Our data supports a model in which anterograde ER-to-Golgi transport occurs via an ARF4 tubular-vesicular network directly connecting the ER and Golgi-associated pre-cisternae.
Kinesin family member Kif23 regulates cytokinetic division and maintains neural stem/progenitor cell pool in the developing neocortex
Authors: Naher Sharmin , Kikkawa Takako , Iemura Kenji , Miyashita Satoshi , Hoshino Mikio , Tanaka Kozo , Niwa Shinsuke , Tsai Jin-Wu , Osumi Noriko
Published: October 2023

Accurate mitotic division of neural stem cell/progenitor cells (NSPCs) is crucial for the coordinated generation of progenitors and neurons in the developing cortex. Here, we investigated the pivotal role of Kif23, an N-kinesin motor protein, in embryonic mouse NSPCs. We found that Kif23 is highly expressed in the mitotic NSPCs within the embryonic cortex of both mouse and human. Knockdown (KD) ofKif23led to precocious neurogenesis, attributed to an accelerated cell cycle exit, likely resulting from disrupted mitotic spindle orientation and impaired cytokinesis.Kif23KD induced upregulation of the γ-H2AX-p53-p21 signaling pathway, ultimately culminating in cytokinetic failure. Additionally, Kif23 depletion perturbed the apical surface structure of NSPCs and disrupted the proper localization of apical junctional proteins. Importantly, we demonstrated the successful rescue ofKif23KD-induced phenotypes by introducing wild-type humanKIF23, but not by a variant ofKIF23with a microcephaly-associated mutation. Our findings underscore the critical role of Kif23 in cortical development and provide novel insights into the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of microcephaly.

Graphical abstract
Surviving beyond expiry: a systematic literature review of zombie firms
Authors: Upadhyay Arjun Pratap , Baag Pankaj Kumar
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper reviews the literature on zombie firms to provide a holistic view by delineating their formation, impact, widespread nature, prevention and policy implications.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a systematic literature review methodology, in which 76 papers published in journals ranked on the Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC) 2022 list were reviewed. The study period was from 2000 to 2022.

Findings

Among the main findings, the widespread problems of zombie firms were evident. The authors found that consistent support, either in the form of government grants or a weak financial framework, was responsible for their formation. The suboptimal performance of factors of production, depressed job creation, low innovation and overall negative impact on economic activity are the consequences of zombification. This can be controlled by ensuring better bankruptcy codes, focused on government assistance, technology use and better due diligence by banks.

Practical implications

This review serves as a reference point for future researchers as a cohesive and holistic study presenting a full picture of the problem, so that the proposed solutions are robust and tenable.

Originality/value

This review is among the initial attempts to comprehensively study published work on zombie firms in terms of analyzing their region-specific nature, with an emphasis on definition, causes, impact and prevention.
Claiming a space in the W/writerly community to increase English Language Arts teacher agency
Authors: Goldsmith Christy
Published: October 2023

Purpose

By engaging levels ofW/writerliness, this paper aims to identify how English Language Arts teachers’ personal and professional W/writerly identities impact their performance of pedagogical agency.

Design/methodology/approach

In this narrative inquiry, the author draws on theories of writing identity and agency to analyze how four mid-career English teachers’ personal beliefs around writing intersect with their professional practice. Data sources include interviews, journal entries and classroom observations.

Findings

Nuanced differences in teachers’ W/writerly identities produce more substantial differences in their pedagogy, especially impacting their performance of agency to (re)define successful writing outcomes and to balance process and product in their writing instruction.

Practical implications

This paper presents one method to expand preservice and in-service English Language Arts (ELA) practitioners’ approaches to teaching writing even alongside limitations of their teaching context by (1) emphasizing their ownership over their own writing in university methods courses; (2) leading teachers on an exploration of W/writerly identities; and (3) investigating ways teachers can transfer their personal and professional learning to students via their own pedagogical agency.

Originality/value

The study extends the work of scholars in the National Writing Project, suggesting that nuanced exploration of ELA teachers’ W/writerly identities in preservice and in-service settings could increase their sense of agency to work against and within cultures of standardization.
How the single-family residence housing market capitalizes green property upgraded features: evidence from city of Austin
Authors: Jiao Junfeng , Wu Xiaohan , Chen Yefu , Farahi Arya
Published: October 2023

Purpose

By comparing regression models, this study aims to analyze the added home value of green sustainability features and green efficiency characteristics, rather than green certifications, in the city of Austin.

Design/methodology/approach

The adoption of home green energy efficiency upgrades has emerged as a new trend in the real estate industry, offering several benefits to builders and home buyers. These include tax reductions, health improvements and energy savings. Previous studies have shown that energy-certified single-family homes command a premium in the marketplace. However, the literature is limited in its analysis of the effects of green upgrades and certification on different types of single-family homes. To address this gap, this research collected data from 21,292 multiple listing services (MLS) closed home-selling listings in Austin, Texas, over a period of 35 months.

Findings

The analysis results showed that green efficiency features could generally increase single-family housing prices by 11.9%, whereas green sustainability upgrades can potentially bring a 11.7% higher selling price. Although green housing certification did not have significant effects on most housing groups, it did increase closing prices by 13.2% for single-family residences sold at the medium price range, which is higher than the impacts from simply listing the green features on MLS.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the body of knowledge by examining the market value of broadly defined energy efficiency and sustainability features in the residential housing market. The findings can help policymakers, brokerage firms, home builders and owners adjust their policies and strategies related to single-family home sales and mortgage approvals. The research also highlights the potential benefits of capitalizing on green housing features other than certifications.
A bibliometric analysis of organizational creativity research
Authors: Balkan Akan Betül
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the publication structure of academic research on organizational creativity between 1975 and 2022.

Design/methodology/approach

Bibliographic data on organizational creativity are extracted from the Scopus database and then analyzed through VOSviewer and R Statistical Software.

Findings

This paper analyzes 416 publications on organizational creativity from 1975 to 2022. Accordingly, the study identifies the most productive countries, universities, authors, journals and prolific organizational creativity publications. Also, the study uses VOSviewer and R Statistical Software Bibliometrix Package to visualize the mapping based on co-citation, bibliographic coupling and co-occurrence of keywords.

Originality/value

The study’s main contribution is that it provides an overview of the trends and trajectories of organizational creativity, which may help researchers and practitioners comprehend the trends and future research directions.
The reassuring effect of firms' technological innovations on workers' job insecurity
Authors: Caselli Mauro , Fracasso Andrea , Marcolin Arianna , Scicchitano Sergio
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This work analyses how the adoption of technological innovations correlates with workers' perceived levels of job insecurity, and what factors moderate such relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study makes use of the 2018 wave of the Participation, Labour, Unemployment Survey (PLUS) from Inapp. The richness of the survey and the representativeness of the underlying sample (including 13,837 employed workers) allow employing various empirical specifications where it is possible to control and moderate for many socio-demographic features of the worker, including her occupation and industry of employment, thereby accounting for various potential confounding factors.

Findings

The results of this ordered logit estimations show that workers' perception of job insecurity is affected by many subjective, firm-related and even macroeconomic factors. This study demonstrates that the adoption of technological innovations by companies is associated with lower levels of job insecurity perceived by their workers. In fact, the adoption of technological innovations by a company is perceived by surviving workers (those who remain in the same firm even after the introduction of such innovations) as a signal of the firm's health and its commitment to preserving the activity. Individual- and occupation-specific moderating factors play a limited role.

Originality/value

This study estimates how perceived job insecurity relates to the technological innovations adopted by the firms in which the interviewees are employed rather than analyzing their general concerns about job insecurity. In addition, this study identifies different types of innovations, such as product and process innovation, automation and other types of innovations.
My supervisor distresses me! Examining three-way interaction in the hospitality setting
Authors: Khan Mukaram Ali , Shoukat Muhammad Haroon , Tan Chai Ching , Selem Kareem M.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper examines the moderated-moderation model of reciprocity belief and fear of negative evaluation between supervisors' abusive reactions and subordinates' distress.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors obtained 412 valid responses from Egyptian hotel employees and analyzed them using PROCESS model 3.

Findings

The three-way interaction findings proved that when employees have high reciprocity beliefs and low fear of negative evaluations, the abusive supervision-psychological distress relationship is dampened.

Practical implications

Organizations have the opportunity to implement human resource development (HRD) strategies focused on cultivating reduced apprehension toward negative evaluation and fostering a robust sense of positive reciprocity. To achieve this, HRD and HRM initiatives can encompass elements such as bolstering organizational and coworker support, promoting cultural assimilation and redefining work practices.

Originality/value

This paper adopts a comprehensive approach that recognizes the intricate interrelationships within the workplace by identifying subtle dynamics of abusive supervision and its impacts. It also explores the complex nature of such relationships rather than taking a purely causal perspective.
Effect of technological parameters on the process of copper deposition on chemically and chemical-galvanically nickel-plated fibers
Authors: Doshibekova Aizhan , Jurinskaya Indira , Tashpulatov Salikh , Zhilisbayeva Raushan , Sarttarova Lazzat , Akbarov Rustam , Kalmakhanova Marzhan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to study the possibility of electroplating copper coatings on chemically and chemical-galvanically nickel-plated acrylic fibers, to be further processed into yarn, fabrics, knitwear and nonwoven materials.

Design/methodology/approach

Electrically conductive fibers with different copper contents have been obtained, and the effect of electrolyte pH, its composition, current strength at the first and second cathodes, as well as the metallization time on the electrophysical, physical and mechanical properties of copper-containing fibers, has been studied.

Findings

The studies have shown that with an increase in the copper content, the electrical conductivity, the uniformity of the coating and the uniformity of the electrophysical properties (for chemical-galvanically nickel-plated fiber) increase. In the case of copper plating of chemically nickel-plated fiber, the coefficient of variation in electrical resistance increases with increasing plating time, even though the copper content increases, and the coefficient of variation in copper content and electrical resistance decreases. The physical and mechanical properties of copper-containing fibers differ slightly from the original (subjected to copper plating) and industrial Nitron fibers. With copper plating, the strength of the fiber practically does not decrease, and the elongation decreases somewhat, compared with the mass-produced Nitron fiber.

Originality/value

The physical and mechanical properties of copper-containing fibers are quite high, which makes it possible to be successfully further processed into yarn, fabrics, knitwear and nonwoven materials.
The New Tokenomics of Crowdfunding
Authors: Alexander Carol , Dakos Michael
Published: October 2023

Whether proxied by the amount raised or the probability that this amount exceeds the soft cap, the factors driving the fundraising success of token offerings have changed considerably over the past 4 years. Possible factors include target market capitalization for the token, genuine signals of the venture's public credibility, price and momentum of ether, domicile of the venture and distribution of the token. There is a large previous literature on this topic, rooted in the entrepreneurial finance and crowdfunding literature, with numerous hypotheses based on signalling theory in its broadest sense. But due to substantial differences in samples, which end before 2020, the results are not only mixed but out of date. We have built the largest and most complete dataset on token offerings, spanning 2017 and 2022. The determinants of the amount raised were robust to different subsamples until the market virtually disappeared during the Covid pandemic. But it resumed in early 2021 and within 12 months had reached an all‐time high in terms of number if not market capitalization of new offerings. During this period the market changed completely, with success now depending mostly on the type of token offering and the choice of launchpad platform.
Swarm electrification at scale: An innovative partnership model for sustainable energy development in Bangladesh
Authors: Dumitrescu Raluca , Groh Sebastian , Tetteh Nathan , Islam Salma , Ahmed Sohel
Published: October 2023

In 2021, Bangladesh reached 97% nation‐wide electricity access. With over 4.1 million solar home systems (SHS) installed by 60 Partner Organisations (POs) providing renewable electricity to more than 22 million rural people, SHS and microfinance have been instrumental in bridging and achieving the country's universal access goal. However, a huge gap remains in achieving the country's 100% use of renewable energy by 2050, with only 3.1% of current electricity generation accounted for by renewables. While at centralised level, governmental institutions are struggling to move past the legacy mandate of grid extension to an energy transformation paradigm at decentralised levels, rural Bangladeshi villages are already leading this transformation. Today, 100 solar peer‐to‐peer microgrids, built following the swarm electrification pathway, allow end‐users to run appliances, charge vehicles, and to trade renewable electricity for income. In this paper, we describe the organisational model of the partnership between Grameen Shakti, Bangladesh's largest PO, and climate‐tech start‐up ME SOLshare, the swarm electrification implementer. We assess, using data from the peer‐to‐peer grids, their socio‐economic and environmental impact, and their contribution to the SDG 2030 Agenda. Finally, we give an outlook towards the potential of achieving sustainable energy development through a scale‐up of the swarm electrification approach, including under a scenario of 100% national grid electrification.
Is the fetus fit for labor? Introducing fast‐and‐frugal trees (FFTrees) to simplify triage of women for STAN monitoring: An interobserver agreement comparison with traditional classification
Authors: Pereira Susana , Bakker Petra , Zaima Ahmed , Ghi Tullio , Kessler Jörg , Timonen Susanna , Vayssière Christoph , Löser Katrin , Holmberg Kaisa , Jacquemyn Yves , Chandraharan Edwin , Wertheim David , Olofsson Per
Published: October 2023

Introduction

It is a shortcoming of traditional cardiotocography (CTG) classification table formats that CTG traces are frequently classified differently by different users, resulting in poor interobserver agreements. A fast‐and‐frugal tree (FFTree) flow chart may help provide better concordance because it is straightforward and has clearly structured binary questions with understandable “yes” or “no” responses. The initial triage to determine whether a fetus is suitable for labor when utilizing fetal ECG ST analysis (STAN) is very important, since a fetus with restricted capacity to respond to hypoxic stress may not generate STAN events and therefore may become falsely negative. This study aimed to compare physiology‐focused FFTree CTG interpretation with FIGO classification for assessing the suitability for STAN monitoring.

Material and methods

A retrospective study of 36 CTG traces with a high proportion of adverse outcomes (17/36) selected from a European multicenter study database. Eight experienced European obstetricians evaluated the initial 40 minutes of the CTG recordings and judged whether STAN was a suitable fetal surveillance method and whether intervention was indicated. The experts rated the CTGs using the FFTree and FIGO classifications at least 6 weeks apart. Interobserver agreements were calculated using proportions of agreement and Fleiss’ kappa (κ).

Results

The proportions of agreement for “not suitable for STAN” were for FIGO 47% (95% confidence interval [CI] 42%–52%) and for FFTree 60% (95% CI 56–64), ie a significant difference; the corresponding figures for “yes, suitable” were 74% (95% CI 71–77) and 70% (95% CI 67–74). For “intervention needed” the figures were 52% (95% CI 47–56) vs 58% (95% CI 54–62) and for “expectant management” 74% (95% CI 71–77) vs 72% (95% CI 69–75). Fleiss’ κ agreement on “suitability for STAN” was 0.50 (95% CI 0.44–0.56) for the FIGO classification and 0.57 (95% CI 0.51–0.63) for the FFTree classification; the corresponding figures for “intervention or expectancy” were 0.53 (95% CI 0.47–0.59) and 0.57 (95% CI 0.51–0.63).

Conclusions

The proportion of agreement among expert obstetricians using the FFTree physiological approach was significantly higher compared with the traditional FIGO classification system in rejecting cases not suitable for STAN monitoring. That might be of importance to avoid false negative STAN recordings. Other agreement figures were similar. It remains to be shown whether the FFTree simplicity will benefit less experienced users and how it will work in real‐world clinical scenarios.
Editorial: Can liver fat quantification stratify cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Song Sherlot Juan , Yip Terry Cheuk‐Fung , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Liu Ken
Published: October 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Kuo et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17637 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17742
Reference curves of motor function outcomes in young steroid‐naïve males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Hoskens Jasmine , Schiava Marianela , Goemans Nathalie , Feys Hilde , McDermott Michael P. , Martens William B. , Mayhew Anna , Griggs Robert C. , Klingels Katrijn , Guglieri Michela
Published: October 2023

Aim

To investigate functional motor performance in a large cohort of young steroid‐naïve males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and typically developing males, and to develop specific reference curves for both groups. Also, to describe associations between anthropometric values and functional motor outcomes.

Method

Cross‐sectional data of 196 steroid‐naïve males with DMD aged 4 to 8 years and 497 typically developing males aged 2 years 6 months to 8 years were included. Both groups were evaluated with the time to rise from the floor test, 10‐metre walk/run test, 6‐minute walk test, and North Star Ambulatory Assessment. Reference curves with centiles 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 90%, and 95% were estimated using quantile regression.

Results

Males with DMD scored significantly worse on all functional motor outcomes than age‐matched typically developing males (p < 0.001): 89% to 95% of the males with DMD scored below the 5th centile of the typically developing males. No or weak correlations exist between anthropometric values and functional motor outcomes.

Interpretation

The estimated reference curves can support consultation with families of young males with DMD and can support the evaluation of treatment for reaching motor skills and functional motor outcomes compared with typically developing males.
Non‐steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Solis‐Herrera Carolina , Triplitt Curtis
Published: October 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major health challenge associated with a disproportionately high burden of end‐stage renal disease, cardiovascular disease and death. This review summarizes the rationale, clinical evidence and practical implementation for non‐steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (nsMRAs), a drug class now approved and recommended for patients with T2D and CKD at risk of cardiorenal disease progression. Three nsMRAs (finerenone, esaxerenone and apararenone) have been evaluated but finerenone is currently the only approved nsMRA for this indication. Two large‐scale, placebo‐controlled, Phase 3 studies evaluated finerenone added to a maximally tolerated dose of an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker. Over >2 years of treatment, finerenone was associated with a significant reduction in composite endpoints of renal and cardiovascular outcomes versus placebo. Esaxerenone or apararenone have both shown significant improvements in albuminuria versus placebo. In general, nsMRAs were well tolerated. Hyperkalaemia was the most notable treatment‐related adverse event and could generally be managed through serum potassium monitoring and dose adjustments. The nsMRAs are now an important component of recommended treatment for CKD associated with T2D, providing a significant reduction in the risk of cardiorenal progression beyond what can be achieved with glucose and blood pressure control.