bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering a Single Extracellular Vesicle Protein and RNA Assay (siEVPRA) via In Situ Fluorescence Microscopy in a UV Micropatterned Array
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Wang Xinyu , Rima Xilal Y. , Nguyen Luong T. H. , Huntoon Kristin , Ma Yifan , Walters Nicole , Kwak Kwang Joo , Yoon Min Jin , Lee Daeyong , Wang Yifan , Ha Jonghoon , Scherler Kelsey , Fallen Shannon , Lee Inyoul , Palmer Andre F. , Jiang Wen , Wang Kai , Kim Betty Y.S. , Lee L. James , Reátegui Eduardo
Published: August 2022

The physical and molecular heterogeneity of extracellular vesicles (EVs) confounds bulk biomarker characterization, thus encouraging the development of novel assays capable of profiling EVs at a single-vesicle resolution. Here, we present a single EV (siEV) protein and RNA assay (siEVPRA) to simultaneously detect proteins, messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs) in siEVs. ThesiEVPRA consists of an array of microdomains embedded on a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated glass surface produced via UV photopatterning, functionalized with antibodies to target siEV subpopulations. Fluorescently labeled antibodies and RNA-targeting molecular beacons (MBs) were used to generate signals for proteins, mRNAs, and miRNAs on siEVs detected by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM), outperforming the sensitivities of ELISA and PCR by three orders of magnitude. Using thesiEVPRA, we analyzed EVs harvested from glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines and demonstrated vesicular heterogeneity in protein, mRNA, and miRNA expression through colocalization analyses, and validated the results by bulk RNA sequencing. We further demonstrated the clinical utility of thesiEVPRA by detecting different mRNAs and miRNAs associated with GBM in patient samples. Together, these results indicate that thesiEVPRA provides an effective platform to investigate the heterogeneity of proteins and RNAs in subpopulations of EVs.
Structure-based prediction of T cell receptor:peptide-MHC interactions
Authors: Bradley Philip
Published: August 2022

The regulatory and effector functions of T cells are initiated by the binding of their cell-surface T cell receptor (TCR) to peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins on other cells. The specificity of TCR:peptide-MHC interactions thus underlies nearly all adaptive immune responses. Despite intense interest, generalizable predictive models of TCR:peptide-MHC specificity remain out of reach; two key barriers are the diversity of TCR recognition modes and the paucity of training data. Inspired by recent breakthroughs in protein structure prediction achieved by deep neural networks, we evaluated structural modeling as a potential avenue for prediction of TCR epitope specificity. We show that a specialized version of the neural network predictor AlphaFold can generate models of TCR:peptide-MHC interactions that can be used to discriminate correct from incorrect peptide epitopes with substantial accuracy. Although much work remains to be done for these predictions to have widespread practical utility, we are optimistic that deep learning-based structural modeling represents a path to generalizable prediction of TCR:peptide-MHC interaction specificity.
Birth, cell fate and behavior of progenitors at the origin of the cardiac mitral valve
Authors: Farhat Batoul , Bordeu Ignacio , Jagla Bernd , Blanc Hugo , Loulier Karine , Simons Benjamin D. , Beaurepaire Emmanuel , Livet Jean , Pucéat Michel
Published: August 2022

Congenital heart malformations often include mitral valve defects which remain largely unexplained. During embryogenesis, a restricted population of endocardial cells within the atrioventricular canal (AVC) undergoes endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) to give rise to mitral valvular cells. However, the identity, fate decisions of these progenitors as well as the distribution of their derivatives in valve leaflets remain unknown.

Here, we use scRNA-seq of genetically labeled mouse AVC endocardial cells and of micro-dissected embryonic and postnatal mitral valves to characterize the developmental road. We uncovered the genetic, cell signaling and metabolic processes underlying specification of the progenitors and how they contribute to subtypes of endothelial and interstitial embryonic and postnatal valvular cells. Using clonal genetic tracing with multicolor reporter, we describe specific modes of growth of endocardial cell-derived clones which build up in a proper manner functional valve leaflets.

Our data reveal how both genetic and metabolic specification mechanisms specifically drive the fate of a subset of endocardial cells toward valve progenitors and their distinct clonal contribution to the formation of the valve.
Culex tarsalis is a competent host of the insect-specific alphavirus Eilat virus (EILV)
Authors: Joseph Renuka E. , Urakova Nadya , Werling Kristine L. , Metz Hillery C. , Montanari Kaylee , Rasgon Jason L.
Published: August 2022

Eilat virus (EILV) is an insect-specific alphavirus that has the potential to be developed into a tool to combat mosquito-borne pathogens. However, its mosquito host range and transmission routes are not well understood. Here we fill this gap by investigating EILV’s host competence and tissue tropism in five mosquito species: Aedes aegypti, Culex tarsalis, Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles stephensi, and Anopheles albimanus. Of the tested species, Cx. tarsalis was the most competent host for EILV. The virus was found in Cx. tarsalis ovaries, but no vertical or venereal transmission was observed. Culex tarsalis also transmitted EILV via saliva, suggesting the potential for horizontal transmission between an unknown vertebrate or invertebrate host. We found that reptile (turtle and snake) cells lines were not competent for EILV infection. We tested a potential invertebrate host (Manduca sexta caterpillars) but found they were not susceptible to EILV infection. Together, our results suggest that EILV could be developed as a tool to target pathogenic viruses that use Culex tarsalis as a vector. Our work sheds light on the infection and transmission dynamics of a poorly understood insect-specific virus and reveals it may infect a broader range of mosquito species than previously recognized.

IMPORTANCE

The recent discovery of insect-specific alphaviruses presents opportunities both to study the biology of virus host range and to develop them into tools against pathogenic arboviruses. Here we characterize the host range and transmission of Eilat virus in five mosquito species. We find that Culex tarsalis—a vector of harmful human pathogens including West Nile Virus—is a competent host of Eilat virus. However, how this virus is transmitted between mosquitoes remains unclear. We find that Eilat virus infects the tissues necessary for both vertical and horizontal transmission—a crucial step in discerning how Eilat virus maintains itself in nature.
Does intellectual capital matter to MFIs’ financial sustainability?
Authors: Githaiga Peter Nderitu , Soi Neddy , Buigut Kibet Koskei
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper examines the effect of intellectual capital (IC) on the financial sustainability of microfinance institutions (MFIs). The study is motivated by the increased calls for MFIs to be self-sustainable and the growing importance of knowledge-based assets as contributors of competitive advantage and sustained performance.

Design/methodology/approach

With a global sample of 444 MFIs and data for 2013–2018, which yielded 2,664 MFIs-year observations, this study examines the effect of IC on MFIs’ financial sustainability. The data are extracted from the MIX Market database. Value added intellectual capital coefficients are used as proxy measures of IC. Operational self-sufficiency is used to measure financial sustainability. Data are analyzed using three-panel data estimation models: the fixed effect, the random effect and the dynamic panel system generalized method of moments.

Findings

The results show that human capital efficiency and capital employed efficiency have a positive and significant effect on the financial sustainability of MFIs. However, structural capital efficiency has a significantly negative effect on financial sustainability. These results confirm the relative importance of both tangible and intangible assets as important positive contributors of financial sustainability of MFIs.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focused on the association between IC and financial sustainability of MFIs. Therefore, examining nonfinancial institution may validate the contributions of this study.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, MFIs’ managers are encouraged to leverage IC, physical and financial capital to attain financial sustainability. In particular, MFIs should invest in employees training and development. Additionally, owing to the positive relationship between physical capital and financial sustainability, there is need for policy interventions to ensure MFIs access adequate funding. The study further recommends mandatory disclosure of IC among MFIs.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to investigate the relationship between IC and the financial sustainability of MFIs using panel data and a global sample of MFIs; therefore, it lays an empirical ground for future studies.
Does social exclusion lead to a decrease in green consumption? The roles of loss of control and unwillingness to sacrifice
Authors: Wang Jing , Liu Zunli
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Unprecedented environmental crises threaten the world, and most environmental problems are closely associated with human behaviour. At the same time, social exclusion and loneliness occur widely, influencing consumers' product preferences and choices. Hence, this study aimed to explore the impact of social exclusion on green consumption and its underlying mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for an empirical study with different research designs and green consumption measures. This pilot study investigated the relationship between social exclusion and green consumption by examining the frequency of green consumption behaviours in the past. Study 1 established a causal link between these two variables by manipulating social exclusion in a controlled experiment and assessed green product preferences. Study 2 further generalised the results of the secondary data analysis from the World Values Survey (WVS).

Findings

Overall, the research study provides convergent evidence that chronically or transiently excluded consumers are less likely to implement green consumption than their counterparts who do not feel socially excluded; this effect is partially mediated by a reduced sense of control and willingness to sacrifice for society after social exclusion.

Originality/value

Based on social exclusion theory and considering the unique characteristics of green consumption, this study enriches research in the fields of social exclusion and green consumption, revealing the negative effect of social exclusion on green consumption and the dual mediators in this relationship.
The mediating roles of memorable tourism experiences and destination image in the correlation between cultural heritage rejuvenation experience quality and revisiting intention
Authors: Zhou Qiuxiang , Pu Yongjian , Su Chun
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study primarily aims to investigate the indirect and direct effects of cultural heritage rejuvenation experience quality on tourists' revisiting intention through memorable tourism experiences and destination image in the context of cultural heritage tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural equation modeling test with maximum likelihood estimation was used to test structural relationships between variables in the proposed model using the responses of 461 participants.

Findings

The results indicated that the cultural heritage rejuvenation experience quality exerted a significant positive impact on memorable tourism experiences. Destination image and memorable tourism experiences positively correlated with tourists' revisiting intention. Destination image and memorable tourism experiences partially mediated the correlation between cultural heritage rejuvenation experience quality and revisiting intention.

Originality/value

The study shows that it is meaningful to include memorable tourism experiences and destination image in tourism destination quality–loyalty models and confirms that the cultural heritage rejuvenation experience quality should be viewed as crucial aspects of marketing strategies aimed at improving memorable tourism experiences, destination image, and revisiting intention.
Big data analytics for supply chain risk management: research opportunities at process crossroads
Authors: de Assis Santos Leonardo , Marques Leonardo
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to map current knowledge on big data analytics (BDA) for supply chain risk management (SCRM) while providing future research needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The research team systematically reviewed 53 articles published between 2015 and 2021 and further contrasted the synthesis of these articles with four in-depth interviews with BDA startups that provider solutions for SCRM.

Findings

The analysis is framed in three perspectives. First, supply chain visibility – i.e. the number of tiers in the solutions; second, BDA analytical approach – descriptive, prescriptive or predictive approaches; third, the SCRM processes from risk monitoring to risk optimization. The study underlines that the forefront of innovation lies in multi-tiered, multi-directional solutions based on prescriptive BDA to support risk response and optimization (SCRM). In addition, we show that research on these innovations is scant, thus offering an important avenue for future studies.

Originality/value

This study makes relevant contributions to the field. We offer a theoretical framework that highlights the key relationships between supply chain visibility, BDA approaches and SCRM processes. Despite being at forefront of the innovation frontier, startups are still an under-explored agent. In times of major disruptions such as COVID-19 and the emergence of a plethora of new technologies that reshape businesses dynamically, future studies should map the key role of such actors to the advancement of SCRM.
Cloud infrastructure enhancing product competitive advantage of tourism SMEs on online consumption values of tourists
Authors: Huang Hsin-Yi , Ku Edward C.S. , Chen Chun-Der
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This research aimed to examine the role of cloud infrastructure capabilities of tourism small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism supply chain, increasing the online consumption value of tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses stratified random sampling. A value model was formulated, and the study distributed 2,000 surveys; 412 valid responses were received and analyzed using the structural equation modeling approach.

Findings

The cloud-based architecture provides tourism SMEs a competitive advantage in the dynamic tourism market and the ability to develop next-generation system capabilities while providing tourism SMEs with a new application foundation to adapt to the ever-changing tourism market.

Originality/value

For tourism SEMs, the cloud allows adjusting strategies and procedures for tourism supply chain management; this agility enables tourism SMEs to anticipate changes in the travel market and respond to changing consumer demands in the tourism industry.
Why joint learning is not enough: the role of motivation and opportunity for customer responsiveness in the international supply chain partnerships
Authors: Chang Kuo-Hsiung
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Drawing on the theoretical model of ability–motivation–opportunity (AMO), the author conceptualizes joint learning as the ability, relational capital as motivation and co-production as an opportunity. The purpose of the study is to explore whether joint learning, relational capital and co-production, representing the constituents of the AMO, can enhance customer responsiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors explore three possible configurations of the AMO framework, the additive model (primary effect), the combination model (two-way interactions) and the multiplicative model (a three-way interaction). The model is empirically tested by collecting primary data from 149 manufacturers in the information technology industry from Taiwan. In addition, hierarchical regression analysis was performed to test hypotheses.

Findings

The findings indicate strong support for the additive model, suggesting that joint learning, relational capital and co-production can enhance customer responsiveness, respectively. Also, the results of this study show strong support for the multiplicative model, indicating that the relationship between joint learning and customer responsiveness is positively significant only when both relational capital and co-production are high.

Practical implications

Suppliers can use the findings from this study to develop their joint learning and understand how joint learning in a buyer–supplier relationship enhances customer responsiveness. Specifically, this study guides firms that seek to understand relational capital and co-production seem to support the effectiveness of joint learning.

Originality/value

This study suggests that although joint learning enhances the ability to engage in customer responsiveness, the suppliers need adequate motivation and opportunity to exploit this ability entirely.
The effect of social ties between the CEO and board of directors and fiscal council's members on earnings management
Authors: Ramos Fernando Maciel , Locatelli Letícia Gomes , Azevedo Graça , Costa Cristiano Machado
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Social factors can shape economic decisions. Corporate governance (CG) studies and guidelines usually neglect that the chief executive officer (CEO) and board members may be socially tied. This study investigates the effects of social ties between the CEO and board members on earnings management (EM).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors run a series of regressions using a sample of Brazilian companies listed on the Brazilian Stock Exchange [B]³ between 2011 and 2017 to assess the effect of the social ties between the CEO and board members on EM using a social ties index. The authors also employ five robustness tests to verify the consistency of results, including alternative proxies of EM and social ties and an estimation using fixed effects.

Findings

After developing and computing a social ties index between the CEOs and members of the board of directors (BD) and the fiscal council (FC), the study’s findings indicate that a significant level of social ties between the CEO and BD has a negative impact on EM. However, for FC members, the authors found non-significant results.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies, the authors built a social tie index (STI) from five elements of social ties assessed in an environment with a two-tier board system. Results show that elements of social interactions and personal relationships can benefit the company, as a CEO's level of social ties with the BD reduces EM practices.
Evaluation of the pharmaceutical distribution and warehousing companies through an integrated Fermatean fuzzy entropy-WASPAS approach
Authors: Aytekin Ahmet , Görçün Ömer Faruk , Ecer Fatih , Pamucar Dragan , Karamaşa Çağlar
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Pharmaceutical supply chains (PSCs) need a well-operating and faultless logistics system to successfully store and distribute their medicines. Hospitals, health institutes, and pharmacies must maintain extra stock to respond requirements of the patients. Nevertheless, there is an inverse correlation between the level of medicine stock and logistics service level. The high stock level held by health institutions indicates that we have not sufficiently excellent logistics systems presently. As such, selecting appropriate logistics service providers (drug distributors) is crucial and strategic for PSCs. However, this is difficult for decision-makers, as highly complex situations and conflicting criteria influence such evaluation processes. So, a robust, applicable, and strong methodological frame is required to solve these decision-making problems.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this challenging issue, the authors develop and apply an integrated entropy-WASPAS methodology with Fermatean fuzzy sets for the first time in the literature. The evaluation process takes place in two stages, as in traditional multi-criteria problems. In the first stage, the importance levels of the criteria are determined by the FF-entropy method. Afterwards, the FF-WASPAS approach ranks the alternatives.

Findings

The feasibility of the proposed model is also supported by a case study where six companies are evaluated comprehensively regarding ten criteria. Herewith, total warehouse capacity, number of refrigerated vehicles, and personnel are the top three criteria that significantly influence the evaluation of pharmaceutical distribution and warehousing companies. Further, a comprehensive sensitivity analysis proves the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Practical implications

The proposed multi-attribute decision model quantitatively aids managers in selecting logistics service providers considering imprecisions in the multi-criteria decision-making process.

Originality/value

A new model has been developed to present a sound mathematical model for selecting logistics service providers consisting of Fermatean fuzzy entropy and WASPAS methods. The paper's main contribution is presenting a comprehensive and more robust model for the ex ante evaluation and ranking of providers.
Benefit synergy or “fishing in troubled waters”? Economic policy uncertainty and executive perquisite consumption
Authors: Xie Hongji , Yang Zhen , Xu Shulin
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Economic policy uncertainty (EPU) has huge impact and harm on real economy, so the economic logic and other economic effects behind this must be further studied. By constructing the “China Economic Policy Uncertainty Index” to capture the degree of EPU faced by Chinese companies, the authors empirically test whether and how EPU affects the level of executives' perquisite consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the relationship between EPU and executive perquisite consumption based on a sample of 3,185 publicly listed firms in China. To examine the relationship between EPU and executives' perquisite consumption, a mixed least squares method was used for regression. To alleviate the problem of missing variables that do not change over time and control the influence of unobservable individual heterogeneity at the firm level, the firm fixed effects model is used for regression.

Findings

The study finds that EPU is positively associated with executive perquisite consumption. This positive association is stronger for firms with smaller size, lower management shareholding and higher levels of separation of ownership and control. Effective external governance (i.e., analyst coverage, media coverage, auditor and market competition) can mitigate the relationship between EPU and executive perquisite consumption. Further analysis reveals that EPU increases executive perquisite consumption by holding more cash and decreasing firm risk taking. EPU hurts market value of firms by boosting executive perquisite consumption and tunneling.

Practical implications

In an environment with high EPU, the board of directors should reduce managers' compensation performance sensitivity to ease the agency conflict caused by uncertainty. Firms should improve their governance mechanisms and standard and pay attention to their environmental changes. Policymakers should pay attention to maintaining the continuity and predictability of policies, stabilizing the economic policy expectations of market entities and avoiding frequent changes in policies that can harm economic and firm value. The regulatory authorities should actively guide listed companies to increase active information disclosure during periods of high policy uncertainty.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the research on corporate governance by showing how EPU influences executives' behaviors. The authors advance relative studies by showing that this uncertainty embedded in a firm's external environments influences executive perquisite consumption. This study also contributes to the literature on how internal and external governances influence corporate behavior during uncertainty. These findings extend this line of research by suggesting that effective external governance is an attribute that can alleviate the effect of uncertainty on managers' opportunistic behaviors.
Developing a leadership potential model for the new era of work and organizations
Authors: Groves Kevin S. , Feyerherm Ann E.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Unprecedented transformations to the nature of work and organizations are compelling leadership and organization development scholars and practitioners to reexamine the relevance and utility existing models of leadership potential. While there exist several published leadership potential models, the range and intensity of environmental forces fundamentally changing the nature of work and organizations demands a revision of leadership potential. The purpose of this study is to develop a leadership potential model that reflects the current and emerging nature of work and leadership challenges while also providing organizations a practical tool for talent review processes, succession planning and leadership development practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This article presents a field study consisting of semistructured interviews with 45 leaders engaged in a highly complex, volatile and uncertain industry: US healthcare.

Findings

Our results illustrate a dynamic two-dimensional model of leadership potential that comprises both cognitive (analytical aptitude and learning agility) and behavioral (people savvy and leadership capability) competencies operating across micro- and macro-levels of influence.

Practical implications

The article concludes with a series of recommendations for how leadership and organization development professionals, executive teams and boards may utilize the model for leader assessment and selection practices, talent review and succession planning and talent development initiatives.

Originality/value

The proposed model of leadership potential offers several advancements to the field's existing theoretical frameworks. The proposed model highlights the criticality of competencies aligned with the changing nature of work, including collaboration skills, divergent thinking, environmental scanning and evaluating data in ambiguous contexts. The model diverges from the existing theory by establishing leader drive as a motivation to serve others and initiate sustainable changes in business operations.
Effect of nascent entrepreneurs' training on their stress: the role of gender and participants' interaction
Authors: St-Jean Etienne , Tremblay Maripier , Barès Franck , Simionato Monica
Published: August 2022

Purpose

A career in entrepreneurship is stressful, especially during the start-up phase. Training programs for these nascent entrepreneurs are designed to improve entrepreneurial competencies and, more generally to generate learnings. Although learning outcomes can reduce stress, the conditions under which this can happen are not fully understood. The study looks particularly at the effect of learning, interaction with other participants and gender.

Design/methodology/approach

A six-month three-wave longitudinal study of 120 nascent entrepreneurs has been conducted to investigate the before-and-after effects of training on stress reduction. The training is specially designed to develop competencies, share knowledge about business creation and support the development of the project, not to reduce per se stress.

Findings

The training has no direct effect on stress levels. However, results indicate that interacting with others has a positive moderating effect on training as stress reduction, just as gender has. Specifically, women reduce their stress through training while men see theirs increasing. The authors conclude that breaking isolation through training is a relevant way to reduce entrepreneurial stress for nascent entrepreneurs.

Research limitations/implications

Training programs offer different ways to deliver the learning content (online, in cohorts, in the continuous entrance, etc.). The findings of this study suggest ensuring that the participants will have opportunities to interact with others as it reduces the stress on nascent entrepreneurs. Nevertheless, the authors cannot demonstrate that this has a long-term effect as our timeframe is limited to six months.

Originality/value

This research investigates the stress-reduction effect of training, which is not a common outcome studied related to training. This highlights the importance of looking at other more distal outcomes as nascent entrepreneurs may seek other peripheral outcomes from training, like seeking a sense of belonging or wanting to break isolation.
What news sparks interest on YouTube? A study of news content uploaded by India's top five Hindi news networks
Authors: Deori Maya , Kumar Vinit , Verma Manoj Kumar
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The consumption of news from social media is the new trend, still news channels are the authentic source to transmit relevant news to audiences. Social media has gradually left an impact on the audience but the news channels have upgraded and providing various news services online on social media websites. The present study aims to study the type of news videos uploaded by the top five Hindi TV news channels on their YouTube channels with an aim to see which type of videos spark interest for YouTube viewers.

Design/methodology/approach

By applying the techniques of content analysis, sentiment analysis and text mining the study aims to measure the average sentiments, top words and the trend of selected popular terms in the comments on uploaded news videos by the top five Hindi news channels over a period of one year.

Findings

Results of the study indicate that the news channels are uploading more news videos about crime and investigation, politics, health and protests while uploading fewer news videos covering travel, science and technology, and religion. While the viewers of the participating news channels are more interested in giving their thoughts or opinions in the form of comments on news videos concerning crime, politics, protests and health or that these videos inspire conversation on YouTube.

Research limitations/implications

The findings might be of interest to content managers of news channels to understand the interest of their audience.

Originality/value

The study's distinctiveness resides in the approach utilised to collect data and analyse the results in order to better understand the online behaviour of news channel audiences.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-01-2022-0007
Birds and insects respond differently to combinations of semi‐natural features in farm landscapes
Authors: Hall Mark A. , Nimmo Dale G. , Bennett Andrew F.
Published: August 2022

Semi‐natural features among farmland have a key role in maintaining wildlife in rural landscapes. Practical conservation requires knowledge of which combinations of features are of greatest value and whether this differs among faunal groups. We used a ‘landscape’ approach to investigate the relative importance to birds and insects (bees, flies, wasps) of combinations of three wooded features typical of farmland in south‐eastern Australia: scattered trees, wooded roadsides and wooded streamside vegetation.

We selected 44 landscapes (1 km diameter) representing four combinations: (a) landscapes with all three features present, (b) landscapes lacking scattered trees, (c) lacking wooded roadsides and (d) lacking wooded streamsides. We surveyed birds and selected insects, and compared mean alpha (α, site), beta (β, between site) and gamma (γ, landscape) diversity for each taxon between landscape types; and gamma (γ) diversity of bird species displaying breeding activity.

Mean α‐diversity of birds was reduced in landscapes lacking wooded roadsides or streams, relative to those with all three wooded features; while species differentiation (β‐diversity) increased in these landscapes. Loss of streamside vegetation had the greatest landscape‐scale impact, reducing γ‐diversity by ~33% for all land‐birds and ~50% for woodland birds. Bird breeding activity declined by ~50% in landscapes lacking wooded streamsides. In contrast, insects showed little response, except bees for which mean α‐diversity was greater in more open landscapes lacking scattered trees or wooded roadsides, compared with those containing all wooded features. This did not lead to differences in landscape‐level (γ) diversity.

Synthesis and applications. Birds and insects respond differently to combinations of semi‐natural features in rural landscapes, highlighting the need to better meet the requirements of multiple faunal groups in nature conservation activities. Wooded features, especially streamside vegetation, are critical for maintaining diversity and breeding activity of woodland birds. Given a general lack of knowledge of the insect fauna in some regions and varied results here, a prudent approach is to foster a diverse farmland mosaic comprising semi‐natural habitats together with floristically rich, modified features that provide temporally dynamic resources. These combined landscape features are important for faunal conservation, while also supporting farm productivity and ecosystem services.
Elite recruitment in US finance: How university prestige is used to secure top executive positions
Authors: Bühlmann Felix , Schoenberger François , Ajdacic Lena , Foureault Fabien
Published: August 2022

Status attainment theories assert that individuals are recruited based on the length and functional background of their training. Elite theories assume that top managers often deviate from these socially acceptable mechanisms of status attainment to entrench their advantage. In this study, focusing on the US financial sector, we investigate whether educational institution prestige—rather than the subject or length of education—increasingly influences appointments to top executive positions. We analyze 1987 US top executive managers affiliated with 147 firms from both financial and non‐financial sectors in 2005 and 2018. Our study demonstrates that alumni of prestigious universities have a strikingly higher likelihood of attaining a top executive role in finance than in non‐finance. Within finance it is no longer investment banking, but private equity, that contains the highest proportion of elite university graduates. Our findings suggest that notwithstanding the major power shifts between finance and non‐finance—and also within the finance sector—elite groups still dominate the most symbolically valued education, and as a result, top managerial positions.
Functional characterization of sex pheromone receptors in Spodoptera frugiperda, S. exigua, and S. litura moths
Authors: Zhang Sai , Liu Fang , Yang Bin , Liu Yang , Wang Gui‐Rong
Published: August 2022

Moths possess an extremely sensitive and diverse sex pheromone processing system, in which pheromone receptors (PRs) are essential to ensure communication between mating partners. Functional properties of some PRs are conserved among species, which is important for reproduction. However, functional differentiation has occurred in some homologous PR genes, which may drive species divergence. Here, using genome analysis, 17 PR genes were identified from Spodoptera frugiperda, S. exigua, and S. litura, which belong to 6 homologous groups (odorant receptor [OR]6, 11, 13, 16, 56, and 62); of which 6 PR genes (OR6, OR11, OR13, OR16, OR56, and OR62) were identified in S. frugiperda and S. exigua, and 5 PR genes were identified in S. litura, excluding OR62. Using heterologous expression in Xenopus oocytes, we characterized the functions of PR orthologs including OR6, OR56, and OR62, which have not been clarified in previous studies. OR6 orthologs were specifically tuned to (Z,E)‐9,12‐tetradecadienyl acetate (Z9,E12‐14:OAc), and OR62 orthologs were robustly tuned to Z7‐12:OAc in S. frugiperda and S. exigua. The optimal ligand for OR56 was Z7‐12:OAc in S. frugiperda, but responses were minimal in S. exigua and S. litura. In addition, SfruOR6 was male antennae‐specific, whereas SfruOR56 and SfruOR62 were male antennae‐biased. Our study further clarified the functional properties of PRs in 3 Spodoptera moth species, providing a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of intraspecific communication and interspecific isolation in Spodoptera.
Effect of nutritional supplementation on mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Cui Luke , Gong Rong
Published: August 2022

Background

Malnutrition is a common clinical problem in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and is a predictor of mortality. This work analyzes the effect of nutritional supplementation for PD patients on all‐cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)‐related deaths by meta‐analysis.

Methods

A study about nutritional interventions for PD patients on all‐cause or CVD‐related mortality is included.

Results

Eight studies were included. The results showed that nutritional intervention can reduce all‐cause mortality in PD patients (HR, 0.71; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.64–0.79; p < 0.01). In CVD‐related mortality, the results also showed that nutritional interventions significantly reduce CVD‐related mortality (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.64–0.87; p < 0.01). In exploratory analysis, vitamin D, folic acid, and high‐plant‐protein ratio intake have relative advantages.

Conclusion

Appropriate nutritional supplementation to PD patients can effectively reduce all‐cause and CVD‐ related mortality in clinical practice, especially for vitamin D, folic acid, sodium supplements, and a high proportion of plant protein.
Cilostazol treatment for preventing adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary atherosclerosis: Long‐term follow‐up of the ESCAPE study
Authors: Sohn Minji , Chun Eun Ju , Lim Soo
Published: August 2022

Background

Previously, in the ESCAPE study, a randomized controlled trial, we found that 12 months of cilostazol administration significantly decreased coronary artery stenosis and the noncalcified plaque component compared with aspirin. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the effect of cilostazol treatment on cardiovascular events up to 7 years after the end of the original study.

Methods

After the end of the ESCAPE study with patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and mild to moderate coronary artery stenosis, we decided to extend the ESCAPE study to investigate the long‐term effect of cilostazol and aspirin, named the ESCAPE‐extension study. The study participants had been investigated for cardiovascular events for up to 7 years, bringing the total follow‐up time to a median of 5.2 years (interquartile range 3.6‐6.7 years). Adverse events were also investigated.

Results

Among 100 participants from the original study, 88 were included in this extension study. Cilostazol treatment reduced the incidence of cardiovascular events in the patients with T2DM when compared with aspirin for a 5.2‐year median follow‐up (hazard ratio 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07‐0.83). The cardiovascular benefit of cilostazol therapy was maintained along with age, sex, systolic blood pressure, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and coronary artery calcium score. No serious adverse events in the cilostazol group were noted in the follow‐up period.

Conclusions

In this ESCAPE‐extension study, cilostazol treatment proved its efficacy in reducing cardiovascular events compared with aspirin in diabetic patients with subclinical coronary artery disease, suggesting the beneficial role of cilostazol in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Comparison of destructive and nondestructiveDNAextraction methods for the metabarcoding of arthropod bulk samples
Authors: Kirse Ameli , Bourlat Sarah J. , Langen Kathrin , Zapke Björn , Zizka Vera M. A.
Published: August 2022

DNA metabarcoding is routinely used for biodiversity assessment, in particular targeting highly diverse groups for which limited taxonomic expertise is available. Various protocols are currently in use, although standardization is key to its application in large‐scale monitoring. DNA metabarcoding of arthropod bulk samples can be conducted either destructively from sample tissue, or nondestructively from sample fixative or lysis buffer. Nondestructive methods are highly desirable for the preservation of sample integrity but have yet to be experimentally evaluated in detail. Here, we compare diversity estimates from 14 size‐sorted Malaise trap samples processed consecutively with three nondestructive approaches (one using fixative ethanol and two using lysis buffers) and one destructive approach (using homogenized tissue). Extraction from commercial lysis buffer yielded comparable species richness and high overlap in species composition to the ground tissue extracts. A significantly divergent community was detected from preservative ethanol‐based DNA extraction. No consistent trend in species richness was found with increasing incubation time in lysis buffer. These results indicate that nondestructive DNA extraction from incubation in lysis buffer could provide a comparable alternative to destructive approaches with the added advantage of preserving the specimens for postmetabarcoding taxonomic work but at a higher cost per sample.
Efficacy of disinfection procedures performed prior to regenerative endodontic therapy: An integrative review
Authors: da Silva Magalhães Ketillyn , Kuerten Gil Ana Clara , Goulart Taynara Santos , Schuldt Daniela Peressoni Vieira , Coelho Beatriz Serrato , Figueiredo Daniela de Rossi , Garcia Lucas da Fonseca Roberti , de Almeida Josiane
Published: August 2022

The aim of this integrative review was to identify whether the disinfection procedures performed prior to regenerative endodontic treatment were effective on biofilm removal from the root canals. The research was based on PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (Lilacs) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases. Four articles were selected; one of the studies was in vivo and the others ex vivo. Different disinfection procedures were studied, characterised mainly by the use of intracanal medication, highlighting the double antibiotic paste, triple antibiotic paste and calcium hydroxide paste. Disinfection ability was evaluated against Enterococcus faecalis and multispecies biofilms by using the fluorescence technique and colony forming unit counting, for 7 to 21 days. Double antibiotic paste and triple antibiotic paste demonstrated excellent antibiofilm activity, unlike CH paste that showed limited disinfection, even when associated with different antimicrobial agents. Triple antibiotic paste was the most effective medication against biofilm.
Regulatory role of melatonin on epidermal growth factor receptor, Type I collagen α1 chain, and caveolin 1 in granulosa cells of sheep antral follicles
Authors: Wang Wenjuan , Lv Jianshu , Duan Hongwei , Ding Ziqiang , Zeng Jianlin , Lv Chen , Hu Junjie , Zhang Yong , Zhao Xingxu
Published: August 2022

We investigated the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Type I collagen α1 chain (COL1A1), and caveolin 1 (CAV1) during follicular development and examined the regulatory role of melatonin (MLT) on EGFR, COL1A1, and CAV1 in sheep antral ovaries. The expression was detected in granulosa and theca cells by immunohistochemistry. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to examine the expression levels of EGFR, COL1A1, and CAV1 in small (≤2 mm), medium (2–5 mm), and large (≥5 mm) follicles. The mRNA and protein levels of EGFR, COL1A1, and CAV1 were found to be the highest in large follicles. Furthermore, cultured granulosa cells were treated with MLT (10−7–10−11 M), luzindole (nonselective MT1 and MT2 receptor antagonist, 10−7 M), and 4‐phenyl‐2‐propanamide tetraldehyde (4P‐PDOT, MT2 selective antagonist, 10−7 M) to detect the regulatory role of MLT on EGFR, COL1A1, and CAV1. Results indicated COL1A1 and CAV1 were at least partially regulated by MLT through MT1 and MT2 pathways, whereas EGFR was not. This study provided a reference for further studies on MLT regulatory role on EGFR, COL1A1, and CAV1 during sheep follicular development and elucidated the physiological mechanism of MLT regulator production.
Does donor conception violate human dignity?
Authors: Schuman Olivia
Published: August 2022

The moral acceptability of anonymous gamete donation remains contested. Although the view that the value of parent–child relationships should not depend on genetic ties is “nearly axiomatic” among philosophers and bioethicists, one well‐known dissenter remains: David Velleman. I argue that most rebuttals to Velleman have simply talked past him because they have failed to understand his fundamental point—that donor conception is a violation of human dignity and as such is wrong even if it does not harm individuals. I challenge Velleman on his own terms by endorsing his metaphysical picture before showing that donor conception is not necessarily a violation of human dignity. I show this by arguing that gamete donation is held to a double standard of self‐knowledge. I develop an account of the self that recognizes that certain kinds of challenges to one's flourishing can contribute to an individual's strength and self‐knowledge. I defend my view against objections that genetic knowledge is categorically different from other ways of knowing oneself and I show that donor conception can respect human dignity as long as it meets certain conditions.
A conceptual framework to predict social information use based on food ephemerality and individual resource requirements
Authors: Kohles Jenna E. , O'Mara M. Teague , Dechmann Dina K. N.
Published: August 2022

Environmental variability poses a range of challenges to foraging animals trying to meet their energetic needs. Where food patches are unpredictable but shareable, animals can use social information to locate patches more efficiently or reliably. However, resource unpredictability can be heterogeneous and complex. The behavioural strategies animals employ to exploit such resources also vary, particularly if, when, and where animals use available social information. We reviewed the literature on social information use by foraging animals and developed a novel framework that integrates four elements – (1) food resource persistence; (2) the relative value of social information use; (3) behavioural context (opportunistic or coordinated); and (4) location of social information use – to predict and characterize four strategies of social information use – (1) local enhancement; (2) group facilitation; (3) following; and (4) recruitment. We validated our framework by systematically reviewing the growing empirical literature on social foraging in bats, an ideal model taxon because they exhibit extreme diversity in ecological niche and experience low predation risk while foraging but function at high energy expenditures, which selects for efficient foraging behaviours. Our framework's predictions agreed with the observed natural behaviour of bats and identified key knowledge gaps for future studies. Recent advancements in technology, methods, and analysis will facilitate additional studies in bats and other taxa to further test the framework and our conception of the ecological and evolutionary forces driving social information use. Understanding the links between food distribution, social information use, and foraging behaviour will help elucidate social interactions, group structure, and the evolution of sociality for species across the animal kingdom.