bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VASCilia (Vision Analysis StereoCilia): A Napari Plugin for Deep Learning-Based 3D Analysis of Cochlear Hair Cell Stereocilia Bundles
Authors: Kassim Yasmin M. , Rosenberg David B. , Das Samprita , Huang Zhuoling , Rahman Samia , Al Shammaa Ibraheem , Salim Samer , Huang Kevin , Renero Alma , Miller Cayla , Ninoyu Yuzuru , Friedman Rick A. , Indzhykulian Artur , Manor Uri
Published: June 2024

Cochlear hair cells are essential for hearing, and their stereocilia bundles are critical for mechanotransduction. However, analyzing the 3D morphology of these bundles can be challenging due to their complex organization and the presence of other cellular structures in the tissue. To address this, we developed VASCilia (Vision Analysis StereoCilia), a Napari plugin suite that automates the analysis of 3D confocal microscopy datasets of phalloidin-stained cochlear hair cell bundles. VASCilia includes five deep learning-based models that streamline the analysis process, including: (1) Z-Focus Tracker (ZFT) for selecting relevant slices in a 3D image stack; (2) PCPAlignNet (Planar Cell Polarity Alignment Network) for automated orientation of image stacks; (3) a segmentation model for identifying and delineating stereocilia bundles; (4) a tonotopic Position Prediction tool; and (5) a classification tool for identifying hair cell subtypes. In addition, VASCilia provides automated computational tools and measurement capabilities. Using VASCilia, we found that the total actin content of stereocilia bundles (as measured by phalloidin staining) does not necessarily increase with bundle height, which is likely due to differences in stereocilia thickness and number. This novel biological finding demonstrates the power of VASCilia in facilitating detailed quantitative analysis of stereocilia. VASCilia also provides a user-friendly interface that allows researchers to easily navigate and use the tool, with the added capability to reload all their analyses for review or sharing purposes. We believe that VASCilia will be a valuable resource for researchers studying cochlear hair cell development and function, addressing a longstanding need in the hair cell research community for specialized deep learning-based tools capable of high-throughput image quantitation. We have released our code along with a manually annotated dataset that includes approximately 55 3D stacks featuring instance segmentation (https://github.com/ucsdmanorlab/Napari-VASCilia). This dataset comprises a total of 502 inner and 1,703 outer hair cell bundles annotated in 3D. As the first open-source dataset of its kind, we aim to establish a foundational resource for constructing a comprehensive atlas of cochlea hair cell images. Ultimately, this initiative will support the development of foundational models adaptable to various species, markers, and imaging scales to accelerate advances within the hearing research community.
“Modeling Diffusive Search by Non-Adaptive Sperm: Empirical and Computational Insights”
Authors: Brisard Benjamin M. , Cashwell Kylie D. , Stewart Stephanie M. , Harrison Logan M. , Charles Aidan C. , Dennis Chelsea V. , Henslee Ivie R. , Carrow Ethan L. , Belcher Heather A. , Bhowmick Debajit , Vos Paul W. , Majka Maciej , Bier Martin , Hart David M. , Schmidt Cameron A.
Published: June 2024

During fertilization, mammalian sperm undergo a winnowing selection process that reduces the candidate pool of potential fertilizers from ∼106-1011cells to 101-102cells (depending on the species). Classical sperm competition theory addresses the positive or ‘stabilizing’ selection acting on sperm phenotypes within populations of organisms but does not strictly address the developmental consequences of sperm traits among individual organisms that are under purifying selection during fertilization. It is the latter that is of utmost concern for improving assisted reproductive technologies (ART) because ‘low fitness’ sperm may be inadvertently used for fertilization during interventions that rely heavily on artificial sperm selection, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Importantly, some form of sperm selection is used in nearly all forms of ART (e.g., differential centrifugation, swim-up, or hyaluronan binding assays, etc.). To date, there is no unifying quantitative framework (i.e., theory of sperm selection) that synthesizes causal mechanisms of selection with observed natural variation in individual sperm traits. In this report, we reframe the physiological function of sperm as a collective diffusive search process and develop multi-scale computational models to explore the causal dynamics that constrain sperm ‘fitness’ during fertilization. Several experimentally useful concepts are developed, including a probabilistic measure of sperm ‘fitness’ as well as an information theoretic measure of the magnitude of sperm selection, each of which are assessed under systematic increases in microenvironmental selective pressure acting on sperm motility patterns.

Author Summary

Fertilization in mammals requires many orders of magnitude more sperm than eggs to be fertilized. This study models collective sperm movement as a diffusive search process, combining experiments and simulations to explore how heterogeneity in motility patterns and microenvironmental complexity shape fertilization success. We introduce simple metrics to quantify sperm fitness and the magnitude of selection pressure imposed by the microenvironment, revealing that sperm phenotype distributions interact with environmental constraints to determine the range of sperm traits that ultimately support successful egg contact. These insights improve our understanding of sperm population dynamics and offer practical tools for optimizing assisted reproductive technologies in clinical and agricultural settings.
Targeted delivery of flagellin by nebulization offers optimized respiratory immunity and defense against pneumococcal pneumonia
Authors: Baldry Mara , Costa Charlotte , Zeroual Yasmine , Cayet Delphine , Pardessus Jeoffrey , Soulard Daphnée , Wallet Frédéric , Beury Delphine , Hot David , MacLoughlin Ronan , Heuzé-Vourc’h Nathalie , Sirard Jean-Claude , Carnoy Christophe
Published: June 2024

Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to combat pneumonia caused byStreptococcus pneumoniaestrains resistant to standard-of-care antibiotics. Previous studies have shown that targeted stimulation of lung innate immune defenses through intranasal administration of the Toll-like receptor 5 agonist flagellin, improves the treatment of pneumonia when combined with antibiotics. To promote translation to the clinic application, this study assessed the direct delivery of flagellin to the airways through nebulization using a vibrating mesh nebulizer in mice. Intranasal delivery achieved approximately 40% lung deposition of the administered flagellin dose, whereas nebulization yielded less than 1%. Despite these differences, nebulized flagellin induced a transient activation of lung innate immunity characterized by cytokine/chemokine production and neutrophil infiltration into airways analogous to intranasal administration. Furthermore, inhalation by nebulization resulted in an accelerated resolution of systemic pro-inflammatory responses. Lastly, adjunct therapy combining nebulized flagellin and amoxicillin proved effective against antibiotic-resistant pneumococcal pneumonia in mice. We posit that flagellin aerosol therapy represents a safe and promising approach to address bacterial pneumonia within the context of antimicrobial resistance.
Genotype-environment-driven dysbiosis in the skin microbiome of ichthyosis
Authors: Zhou Wei , Ring Nan , Caldwell Ryan , Milstone Leonard , Oh Julia
Published: June 2024

Monogenic skin disorders such as ichthyosis introduce multiple sources of disturbance to the skin, including the direct biochemical consequences of the genotype, the phenotypic changes in skin physiology, and an altered skin microbiome. The association between changes in the skin microbiome and the disease's genotypic and phenotypic effects are of both ecological and clinical interest but are historically obscured by 1) the limited resolution of metagenomic profiles, and 2) additional sources of variation such as age and topical/oral treatments. Here we characterize the skin microbiome from seven ichthyosis genotypes, at species, strain, and metabolic pathway levels. Critically, we assess the association between these microbiome features and the ichthyosis genotype and phenotype while adjusting for contextual host covariables. We show that the ichthyosis genotype, especially that caused by mutations in TGM1, and the ichthyosis phenotype, particularly transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and personal covariables, such as topical emollients and oral retinoids, collectively, and sometimes antagonistically, influence the species community, strain population, and metabolic potential of the skin microbiome.
A lever hypothesis for Synaptotagmin-1 action in neurotransmiter release
Authors: Jaczynska Klaudia , Esser Victoria , Xu Junjie , Sari Levent , Lin Milo M. , Rosenmund Christian , Rizo Josep
Published: June 2024

Neurotransmiter release is triggered in microseconds by Ca2+-binding to the Synaptotagmin-1 C2domains and by SNARE complexes that form four-helix bundles between synaptic vesicles and plasma membranes, but the coupling mechanism between Ca2+-sensing and membrane fusion is unknown. Release requires extension of SNARE helices into juxtamembrane linkers that precede transmembrane regions (linker zippering) and binding of the Synaptotagmin-1 C2B domain to SNARE complexes through a ‘primary interface’ comprising two regions (I and II). The Synaptotagmin-1 Ca2+-binding loops were believed to accelerate membrane fusion by inducing membrane curvature, perturbing lipid bilayers or helping bridge the membranes, but SNARE complex binding orients the Ca2+-binding loops away from the fusion site, hindering these putative activities. Molecular dynamics simulations now suggest that Synaptotagmin-1 C2domains near the site of fusion hinder SNARE action, providing an explanation for this paradox and arguing against previous models of Sytnaptotagmin-1 action. NMR experiments reveal that binding of C2B domain arginines to SNARE acidic residues at region II remains after disruption of region I. These results and fluorescence resonance energy transfer assays, together with previous data, suggest that Ca2+causes reorientation of the C2B domain on the membrane and dissociation from the SNAREs at region I but not region II. Based on these results and molecular modeling, we propose that Synaptotagmin-1 acts as a lever that pulls the SNARE complex when Ca2+causes reorientation of the C2B domain, facilitating linker zippering and fast membrane fusion. This hypothesis is supported by the electrophysiological data described in the accompanying paper.

Significance statement

Neurotransmiter release requires SNARE complexes that fuse synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane and the Ca2+-sensor synaptotagmin-1, which was thought to facilitate membrane fusion directly through its Ca2+-binding loops. However, binding of Synaptotagmin-1 to SNARE complexes orients these loops away from the fusion site. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we show that placing Synaptotagmin-1 at the fusion site hinders the action of SNARE complexes. Spectroscopic studies show that Ca2+binding to Synaptotagmin-1 can change its interactions with SNARE complexes and, together with molecular modeling, suggest that Synaptotagmin-1 acts as a lever, pulling SNARE complexes and thus facilitating their action on the membranes to induce fusion. Functional studies described in the accompanying paper support this hypothesis.
Abo1 ATPase facilitates the dissociation of FACT from chromatin
Authors: Jang Juwon , Kang Yujin , Zofall Martin , Cho Carol , Grewal Shiv , Lee Ja Yil , Song Ji-Joon
Published: June 2024

The histone chaperone FACT is a heterodimeric complex consisting of Spt16 and Pob3, crucial for preserving nucleosome integrity during transcription and DNA replication. Loss of FACT leads to cryptic transcription and heterochromatin defects. FACT was shown to interact with Abo1, an AAA+ family histone chaperone involved in nucleosome dynamics. Depletion of Abo1 causes FACT to stall at transcription start sites (TSS) and mimics FACT mutants, indicating a functional association between Abo1 and FACT. However, the precise role of Abo1 in FACT function remains poorly understood. Here, we reveal that Abo1 directly interacts with FACT and facilitates the dissociation of FACT from chromatin. Specifically, the N-terminal region of Abo1 utilizes its FACT interacting (FIN) helix to bind to the N-terminal domain (NTD) of Spt16. In addition, using single-molecule fluorescence imaging, we discovered that Abo1 facilitates the ATP-dependent dissociation of FACT from nucleosomes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the interaction between Abo1 and FACT is essential for maintaining heterochromatin in fission yeast. In summary, our findings suggest that Abo1 regulates FACT turnover in an ATP-dependent manner, proposing a model of histone chaperone recycling driven by inter-chaperone interactions.
Reversing Pdgfrβ Signaling Restores Metabolically Active Beige Adipocytes by Alleviating ILC2 Suppression in Aged and Obese Mice
Authors: Benvie Abigail M. , Berry Daniel C.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor Beta (Pdgfrβ) suppresses the formation of cold temperature-induced beige adipocytes in aged mammals. We aimed to determine if deleting Pdgfrβ in aged mice could rejuvenate metabolically active beige adipocytes by activating group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2), and whether this effect could counteract diet-induced obesity-associated beige fat decline.

Methods

We employed Pdgfrβ gain-of-function and loss-of-function mouse models targeting beige adipocyte progenitor cells (APCs). Our approach included cold exposure, metabolic cage analysis, and age and diet-induced obesity models to examine beige fat development and metabolic function under varied Pdgfrβ activity.

Results

Acute cold exposure alone enhanced metabolic benefits in aged mice, irrespective of beige fat generation. However, Pdgfrβ deletion in aged mice reestablished the formation of metabolically functional beige adipocytes, enhancing metabolism. Conversely, constitutive Pdgfrβ activation in young mice stymied beige fat development. Mechanistically, Pdgfrβ deletion upregulated IL-33, promoting ILC2 recruitment and activation, whereas Pdgfrβ activation reduced IL-33 levels and suppressed ILC2 activity. Notably, diet-induced obesity markedly increased Pdgfrβ expression and Stat1 signaling, which inhibited IL-33 induction and ILC2 activation. Genetic deletion of Pdgfrβ restored beige fat formation in obese mice, improving whole-body metabolism.

Conclusion

This study reveals that cold temperature exposure alone can trigger metabolic activation in aged mammals. However, reversing Pdgfrβ signaling in aged and obese mice not only restores beige fat formation but also renews metabolic function and enhances the immunological environment of white adipose tissue (WAT). These findings highlight Pdgfrβ as a crucial target for therapeutic strategies aimed at combating age- and obesity-related metabolic decline.
Homogeneous large field-of-view and compact iSCAT-TIRF setup for dynamic single molecule measurements
Authors: De Angelis Giovanni , Abramo Jacopo , Miasnikova Mariia , Taubert Marcel , Eggeling Christian , Reina Francesco
Published: June 2024

Interferometric Scattering Microscopy (iSCAT) enables prolonged and high frame rate Single Particle Tracking (SPT) for single molecule dynamics studies. Typically, iSCAT setups employ scanning illumination schemes to achieve uniform sample illumination. However, this implementation limits the field of view (FoV) and maximum sampling rate, while increasing hardware requirements and setup size. We demonstrate the realization of a large (60µm x 60µm) uniformly illuminated FoV through a passive refractive optical element in the iSCAT illumination path. This scanning-free iSCAT microscopy setup is further combined with an objective based Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRF) channel for a complementary fluorescence readout, a focus-lock system, and a tailored control platform via the open-source ImSwitch software, and has a compact footprint. As a proof-of-principle, we highlight the performance of the setup through the acquisition of iSCAT images with a uniform contrast and a ≤10 nm localization precision throughout the whole FoV. The performance is further demonstrated through dynamic iSCAT SPT and imaging Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy of lipid diffusion in a model membrane system. Our iSCAT setup thus depicts an accurate and improved way of recording fast molecular dynamics in life sciences.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of dimethyl(phenyl)phosphine sulfide
Authors: Risken Robin , Kuzu Yasin Mehmet , Schmidt Annika , Strohmann Carsten
Published: June 2024

The title compound, C8H11PS, which melts below room temperature, was crystallized at low temperature. The P—S bond length is 1.9623 (5) Å and the major contributors to the Hirshfeld surface are H...H (58.1%), S...H/H...S (13.4%) and C...H/H...C contacts (11.7%).
Synthesis, structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl pentanoate
Authors: Bationo Valentin , Kambo Konan René , Sombié Charles Bavouma , Semdé Rasmané , Francotte Pierre , Djandé Abdoulaye
Published: June 2024

In the title compound, C14H14O4, the dihedral angle between the coumarin ring system (r.m.s deviation = 0.016 Å) and the pentanoate ring is 36.26 (8)°. A short intramolecular C—H...O contact of 2.40 Å is observed. Hirshfeld surface analysis reveals that 46.1% of the intermolecular interactions are from H...H contacts, 28.6% are from H...O/O...H contacts and 14.7% are from H...C/C...H.
Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal properties of catena-poly[[bis(4-methylpyridine)nickel(II)]-di-μ-thiocyanato], which shows an alternating all-trans and cis–cis–trans-coordination of the NiS2Np
2Nt
2 octahedra (p = 4-methylpyridine, t = thiocyanate)
Authors: Näther Christian , Mangelsen Sebastian
Published: June 2024

The title compound, [Ni(NCS)2(C6H7N)2]
n
, was prepared by the reaction of Ni(NCS)2 with 4-methylpyridine in water. Its asymmetric unit consists of two crystallographically independent NiII cations, of which one is located on a twofold rotational axis whereas the second occupies a center of inversion, two independent thiocyanate anions and two independent 4-methylpyridine coligands in general positions. Each NiII cation is octahedrally coordinated by two 4-methylpyridine coligands as well as two N- and two S-bonded thiocyanate anions. One of the cations shows an all-trans, the other a cis–cis–trans configuration. The metal centers are linked by pairs of μ-1,3-bridging thiocyanate anions into [101] chains. X-ray powder diffraction shows that a pure crystalline phase has been obtained and thermogravimetry coupled to differential thermoanalysis reveals that the title compound loses half of the 4-methylpyridine coligands and transforms into Ni(NCS)2(C6H7N). Nearly pure samples of this compound can be obtained by thermal annealing and a Rietveld refinement demonstrated that it is isotypic to its recently reported Cd analog [Neumann et al., (2020). CrystEngComm.
22, 184–194] In its crystal structure, the metal cations are linked by one μ-1,3(N,S)- and one μ-1,3,3(N,S,S)-bridging thiocyanate anion into single chains that condense via the μ-1,3,3(N,S,S)-bridging anionic ligands into double chains.
Production of ceramic bricks using nickel slags as contribution to decarbonization
Authors: Gurieva Victoria , Ilyina Anastasia , Klyuev Sergey , Saidumov Magomed , Khezhev Tolya , Nedoseko Igor , Fediuk Roman , Shamanov Vitaly , Yazyev Batyr
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The study suggests that the high concentration of mining and metallurgical enterprises on the territory of the Russian Ural region determines the need to consider industrial waste, including nickel slag, as a possible raw material for the production of ceramic bricks. The article describes the properties of clays and nickel slag obtained at metallurgical enterprises in the Orenburg region and the features of their use as components in the composition of ceramic bricks.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this purpose, such tasks as determining the technological parameters of production, conducting the X-ray phase and microstructural analysis of the obtained samples were solved.

Findings

Compositions of ceramic mass using clay from the Khalilovsky deposit (Orenburg region) with the addition of nickel slag (20 and 40% by weight) have been developed, and their physical and mechanical properties (compressive strength, bending strength, water absorption and density) have been determined. With the help of modern research methods involving high-tech equipment, the microstructure is considered and the phase composition of the finished samples is determined. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that the composition of the selected clay and nickel slag in the obtained rational composition ensures the production of ceramic bricks of grades M175 and M200.

Originality/value

This is the first study on the use of nickel slag for the production of ceramic bricks. The results relate primarily to Russian feedstocks, but a methodology is presented that can be applied to other countries as well as to other silica-containing feedstocks.
Corporate governance and firm risk-taking: empirical evidence from India
Authors: Tiwari Reshma Kumari , Jha Ratish Kumar
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of corporate governance (CG) on firm risk-taking in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study is based on a panel data set of 100 non-financial Indian firms randomly selected from the top 500 firms listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange. The study uses two market-based measures to capture firm risk-taking – total risk and idiosyncratic risk. Generalised method of moments model is applied to examine the relationship between CG and firm risk-taking. Additionally, the fixed-effects model is applied to check the robustness of the results.

Findings

The study reveals a significant negative impact of CG index, CEO duality, multiple directorships, promoter ownership and institutional ownership on firm risk-taking. Whereas board size, board independence, board gender diversity and the number of board meetings do not significantly impact firm risk-taking.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive view of how various CG attributes shape firm risk-taking in India. It examines eight CG variables: board size, board independence, board gender diversity, CEO duality, multiple directorships, number of board meetings, promoter ownership and institutional ownership. Furthermore, the study incorporates idiosyncratic risk as an additional measure of firm risk-taking, largely overlooked in the Indian context. Moreover, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the impact of CG index on firm risk-taking in India.
Multi-scale wear mechanism of material surface and hinge interface based on TC4 alloy in space environment
Authors: Wang Dian , Huang Chuanjin , Hu Ning , Wei Qiang
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the influence of low earth orbit space environment on the wear mechanism of TC4 alloy material and crank rocker mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, friction experiments were carried out on TC4 alloy friction discs and crank rocker mechanisms, both before and after exposure to atomic oxygen and proton irradiation. Nanoindentation, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to systematically characterize alterations in mechanical properties, surface phase, and chemical composition.

Findings

The results show that the wear mechanism of TC4 alloy friction disc is mainly adhesive wear in vacuum environment, while the wear mechanism of crank rocker mechanism includes not only adhesive wear but also abrasive wear. Atomic oxygen exposure leads to the formation of more oxides on the surface of TC4 alloy, which form abrasive particles during the friction process. Proton irradiation will lead to a decrease in fatigue performance and an increase in hardness on the surface of TC4 alloy, thus causing fatigue wear on the surface of TC4 alloy, and more furrows appear on the crank rocker mechanism after proton irradiation. In the three environments, the characteristics of abrasive wear of the crank rocker mechanism are more obvious than those of the TC4 alloy friction disc.

Originality/value

These results highlight the importance of understanding the subtle effects of atomic oxygen and proton irradiation on the wear behavior of TC4 alloy and provide some insights for optimizing its performance in space applications.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2024-0051/
Designing waqf-based financing model for livestock project: empirical evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Sukmana Raditya , Ratnasari Ririn Tri , Majid Rifaldi , Mohd Shafiai Muhammad Hakimi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to propose a productive waqf-based financing model for the livestock sector by optimizing idle waqf land owned by Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) for livestock breeding and fattening projects. Most pesantrens are established on waqf land and are located in rural areas with great potential for implementing waqf-based livestock projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a critical review on the models of waqf-based empowerment and financing for the livestock, agriculture or agribusiness sectors. Then, a proposed model was designed focused on livestock sector by using waqf land owned by pesantren. To strengthen the proposed model, the authors held a focus group discussion (FGD) by inviting regulators, academics, practitioners/consultants in animal husbandry, waqf, pesantren and economic empowerment.

Findings

Pesantren as nazhir of waqf land can cooperate with baitul maal wat tamwil (BMT) acting as nazhir of cash waqf to form a breeders’ cooperative as the vehicle to carry out the process of producing and fattening cattle. The project is performed under a mudharaba, musharakah or ijara contract, which is supervised by pesantren and BMT.

Research limitations/implications

This research is based on the Indonesian context due to it is influenced by country-specific conditions. Even so, some of the findings in this study can still be adopted by waqf asset managers in other Muslim countries, which also have potential in terms of the number of pesantren and waqf assets.

Social implications

The proposed model can improve the quality of life of the poor in remote areas by fulfilling the demand for beef consumption accompanied by sustainable economic empowerment.

Originality/value

This research focuses on solving the problem of meeting basic needs for beef by optimizing productive waqf in the livestock sector by involving the role of pesantren, which still needs to be discovered in the literature on the use of waqf land.
Facilities management competencies in developing and developed regions: comparative study on Sri Lanka and Hong Kong
Authors: Peiris Sanduni , Sridarran Pournima , De Silva Nayanthara , Jayakodi Shashini , Lai Joseph H.K. , Rathnayake Uthpala , Dissanayake Piumi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Facilities management (FM), which is crucial for the operation and sustainability of buildings and infrastructure across the world, covers a wide range of competencies that may vary across regions. Focusing on Sri Lanka and Hong Kong, this study aims to reveal and compare the importance and current competency levels of FM competencies in these regions, based on which appropriate education and training can be formulated to enhance the growth of their FM sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

After an extensive literature review, 12 FM competency attributes (CAs) were identified. A questionnaire survey in Sri Lanka and Hong Kong solicited the industry practitioners’ perceived importance and current levels of the CAs. The survey responses, 126 from Sri Lanka and 148 from Hong Kong, were analysed by a modified Importance-Competency Analysis matrix, followed using the Mann−Whitney U test to identify any differences in the responses between the two regions.

Findings

Between Sri Lanka and Hong Kong, significant differences were found to exist in the importance and current competency levels of over half of the CAs. Among the CAs requiring priority attention, “operation and maintenance” and “leadership” are the top two in Sri Lanka while the top two in Hong Kong are “technology” and “leadership”.

Originality/value

This study yielded insightful results on the importance of FM competencies and the current competency levels in a developing region and a developed region, which are useful for the development of FM education and research.
Shrinking the 13D disclosure window will benefit non-activist investors
Authors: Polk Ryan Christopher , Buchheit Steve , Riley Mark E. , Stone Mary S.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the Securities and Exchange Commission’s final rule in Modernization of Beneficial Ownership Reporting, which reduced the time for significant public company shareholders to file Schedule 13D (effective February 5, 2024). The authors corroborate prior results under the historic 10-day maximum reporting regime and provide updated academic analysis regarding how the five-day deadline between the “triggering” event, accumulating 5% of the outstanding shares and public disclosure of that event will affect abnormal returns.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical archival study uses publicly available data.

Findings

The analyses show that changing from a 10-day to a 5-day Schedule 13 disclosure window will reduce activist investors’ opportunity to profit by legally delaying the filing of Schedule 13D. These excess returns for delay exist regardless of the profitability or size of the target firm or the shareholder’s disclosed reason for filing. The authors conclude that accelerating the timing of the disclosure window is an improvement that is in the best interest of the general investing public.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the only academic study of Schedule 13D filings to include the postpandemic period. As such, the authors establish an updated “baseline projection” for expectations regarding how the Modernization final rule will impact activist investors and stock returns under a five-day reporting regime. In addition, the authors measure and test abnormal returns after considering differences between “triggering” events and filing dates of Schedule 13Ds in the sample rather than grouping all filings. This approach allows the authors to account for the time difference between the triggering event and the filing date.
Unravelling tourism destination's competitiveness using big data analytics: a comparative analysis
Authors: Penpece Demirer Dilek , Büyükeke Ahmet
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The competitiveness of destinations is crucial for tourism. In this context, the study aims to uncover customer satisfaction, experiences, feelings, and thoughts by conducting a comparative analysis of social media comments from various competitive tourism destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

Big data research was conducted to answer the research questions. The data was collected on a social media platform focusing on three destinations in the Mediterranean region. Three methods were employed to analyse the data: sentiment analysis, topic modelling, and named-entity recognition.

Findings

This study addressed traveller satisfaction levels. It identified the topics concerning each destination, examined the emotions expressed by travellers about these topics, explored the potential impact on future behaviour, and investigated the features of the destinations and satisfaction levels about these features. It also identified the prominent food and beverage names in destinations and explored tourists’ preferences regarding these foods and beverages.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study relate to the sample. The data used in this study was solely obtained from a single social media platform and focused on English-only comments. Further research that includes different social media platforms for hotel categories and considers reviews in local languages could capture a broader range of customer opinions and experiences.

Practical implications

Policymakers can gain insight into a destination’s position in the competitive landscape. This study has numerous implications for policymakers in the relevant destinations and managers in the design and implementation of services.

Social implications

The findings of this study can have broader societal implications if considered and implemented by decision-makers and tourism businesses in the context of competitiveness.

Originality/value

The study’s originality lies in integrating multiple disciplines and comparing tourism destinations using big data. This study improves the understanding of competitiveness in three specific Mediterranean destinations. Previous research has focused on different contexts in these Mediterranean destinations. Therefore, the study fills this gap by focusing simultaneously on all three destinations in the context of competitiveness.
Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate ameliorates lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute thymus involution in mice via AMPK/Sirt1 pathway
Authors: Su Qing , Yang Shu‐Ping , Guo Jun‐Ping , Rong Yi‐Ren , Sun Yun , Chai Yu‐Rong
Published: June 2024

The thymus, a site to culture the naïve T lymphocytes, is susceptible to atrophy or involution due to aging, inflammation, and oxidation. Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) has been proven to possess anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor activity. Here, we investigate the effects of EGCG on thymic involution induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin derived from Gram‐negative bacteria. The methodology included an in vivo experiment on female Kunming mice exposed to LPS and EGCG. Morphological assessment of thymic involution, immunohistochemical detection, and thymocyte subsets analysis by flow cytometry were further carried out to evaluate the potential role of EGCG on the thymus. As a result, we found that EGCG alleviated LPS‐induced thymic atrophy, increased mitochondrial membrane potential and superoxide dismutase levels, and decreased malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species levels. In addition, EGCG pre‐supplement restored the ratio of thymocyte subsets, the expression of autoimmune regulator, sex‐determining region Y‐box 2, and Nanog homebox, and reduced the number of senescent cells and collagen fiber deposition. Western blotting results indicated that EGCG treatment elevated LPS‐induced decrease in pAMPK, Sirt1 protein expression. Collectively, EGCG relieved thymus architecture and function damaged by LPS via regulation of AMPK/Sirt1 signaling pathway. Our findings may provide a new strategy on protection of thymus from involution caused by LPS by using EGCG. And EGCG might be considered as a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of thymic involution.
An integrated bioinformatics analysis reveals IRF8 as a critical biomarker for immune infiltration in atherosclerosis advance
Authors: Zhou Donglai , Yu Tao , Zhang Zhi , Li Guanhua , Li Yaomin
Published: June 2024

Atherosclerosis, a lipid‐driven chronic inflammatory disorder, is a significant global health concern associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, imposing a substantial societal burden. The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis and identify potential therapeutic targets. We conducted an integrated bioinformatics analysis using data from peripheral blood mononuclear cell and TISSUE databases obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus, to identify key genes associated with the progression of atherosclerosis. Here, IRF8 was found to be a key gene in atherosclerosis patients. Silencing IRF8 with small interfering RNA reduced inflammation in endothelial cells. This suggests IRF8 is a crucial biomarker for immune infiltration in atherosclerosis advance.
Floral scents of the protogynous aroid Spathiphyllum cannifolium: Investigating the chemistry and timing of emission at female and male phases
Authors: Pinto Carlos Eduardo , Sousa Bruna Rafaely Fernandes da Silva , Navarro Daniela Maria do Amaral Ferraz , Ayasse Manfred , Machado Isabel Cristina , Milet‐Pinheiro Paulo
Published: June 2024

Spathiphyllum is a Neotropical aroid genus whose inflorescences are composed of protogynous bisexual flowers that emit strong perfumes. These scents serve as both attractants and rewards for male euglossine pollinators. We investigated the inflorescence scent of S. cannifolium, asking whether inflorescence at female and male phases differ in scent traits. For this, we collected scent samples from inflorescence at the two phases using dynamic headspace methods and analyzed them by a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC‐MS). The inflorescence scent of S. cannifolium consisted of 26 compounds, with benzyl acetate as major component (ca. 80% of the scent bouquet). We found no quantitative or qualitative differences between scents of inflorescences at female and male phases, nor in the emission time. However, when considering the timing of scent emission among individuals, we observed two general plant groups. Some individuals emitted more scent at 06:00, while others emitted more scent at 09:00, independent of the sexual phase. The similarity of floral scents between the sexes might promote floral constancy by male euglossine pollinators and consequently alternate pollinator flow between inflorescences at female and male phases. The occurrence of the two general patterns of scent emission can be interpreted as a way to ensure the pollination service. Since plants emit scents in the morning, even outside the peak emission period, this would enable these plants to attract pollinators that are active at different times than the peak emission of floral scents. This way, it would ensure the flow of pollen, even if it occurs at a low frequency.
Amphioxus (Branchiostoma lanceolatum) in the North Adriatic Sea: ecological observations and spawning behavior
Authors: GUARNERI Irene , BOZZO Matteo , PEREZ CRIADO Natalia , SERAFINI Emanuele , MANFÈ Giorgia , TAGLIAPIETRA Davide , FIORIN Riccardo , SCAPIN Luca , POVERO Paolo , BELLITTO Deianira , FERRANDO Sara , AMAROLI Andrea , CASTELLANO Laura , PESTARINO Mario , SCHUBERT Michael , CANDIANI Simona
Published: June 2024

The European amphioxus (Branchiostoma lanceolatum) is a member of the chordate subphylum Cephalochordata, and, as such, a key model organism for providing insights into the origin and evolution of vertebrates. Despite its significance and global distribution, detailed characterizations of natural populations of cephalochordates are still very limited. This study investigates the abundance, habitat, and spawning behavior of amphioxus in the North Adriatic Sea. Across 32 sampled sites, adult amphioxus were consistently present, reaching densities exceeding 300 individuals m−2. DNA barcoding confirmed the species as B. lanceolatum, and environmental analyses revealed an amphioxus preference for slightly gravelly sand with low silt content and a correlation between amphioxus density and the presence of specific macroinvertebrate taxa. Remarkably, the amphioxus population was breeding in early spring and possibly late fall, in contrast to the typical late spring/early summer spawning season described for other populations of European amphioxus. Amphioxus adults kept in captivity maintained the spawning seasonality of their place of origin, suggesting the possibility of extending the overall spawning season of European amphioxus in laboratory settings by exploiting populations from diverse geographic origins. This study thus expands our understanding of B. lanceolatum ecology and reproduction in the Mediterranean Sea, emphasizing the role of the North Adriatic Sea as a substantial reservoir.
Exploring the immune landscape and drug prediction of an M2 tumor‐associated macrophage‐related gene signature in EGFR‐negative lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Yajie , Zhang Yaozhong , Duan Xiaoyang , Hou Ran , Wang Qi , Shi Jian
Published: June 2024

Background

Improving immunotherapy efficacy for EGFR‐negative lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients remains a critical challenge, and the therapeutic effect of immunotherapy is largely determined by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are the top‐ranked immune infiltrating cells in the TME, and M2‐TAMs exert potent roles in tumor promotion and chemotherapy resistance. An M2‐TAM‐based prognostic signature was constructed by integrative analysis of single‐cell RNA‐seq (scRNA‐seq) and bulk RNA‐seq data to reveal the immune landscape and select drugs in EGFR‐negative LUAD.

Methods

M2‐TAM‐based biomarkers were obtained from the intersection of bulk RNA‐seq data and scRNA‐seq data. After consensus clustering of EGFR‐negative LUAD into different clusters based on M2‐TAM‐based genes, we compared the prognosis, clinical features, estimate scores, immune infiltration, and checkpoint genes among the clusters. Next, we combined univariate Cox and LASSO regression analyses to establish an M2‐TAM‐based prognostic signature.

Results

CCL20, HLA‐DMA, HLA‐DRB5, KLF4, and TMSB4X were verified as prognostic M2‐like TAM‐related genes by univariate Cox and LASSO regression analyses. IPS and TMB analyses revealed that the high‐risk group responded better to common immunotherapy.

Conclusion

The study shows the potential of the M2‐like TAM‐related gene signature in EGFR‐negative LUAD, explores the immune landscape based on M2‐like TAM‐related genes, and predict immunotherapy response of patients with EGFR‐negative LUAD, providing a new insight for individualized treatment.
Optimal approach for diagnosing peripheral lung nodules by combining electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy and radial probe endobronchial ultrasound
Authors: Lee Bora , Hwang Hee Sang , Jang Se Jin , Oh Sang Young , Kim Mi Young , Choi Chang‐Min , Ji Wonjun
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) and radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (RP‐EBUS) are essential bronchoscopic procedures for diagnosing peripheral lung lesions. Despite their individual advantages, the optimal circumstances for their combination remain uncertain.

Methods

This single‐center retrospective study enrolled 473 patients with 529 pulmonary nodules who underwent ENB and/or RP‐EBUS biopsies between December 2021 and December 2022. Diagnostic yield was calculated using strict, intermediate, and liberal definitions. In the strict definition, only malignant and specific benign lesions were deemed diagnostic at the time of the index procedure. The intermediate and liberal definitions included additional results from the follow‐up period.

Results

The diagnostic yield of the strict definition was not statistically different among the three groups (ENB/Combination/RP‐EBUS 63.8%/64.2%/62.6%, p = 0.944). However, the diagnostic yield was superior in the ENB + RP‐EBUS group for nodules with a bronchus type II or III and a solid part <20 mm (odds ratio 1.96, 95% confidence interval 1.09–3.53, p = 0.02). In terms of complications, bleeding was significantly higher in the ENB + RP‐EBUS group (ENB/Combination/RP‐EBUS 3.7% /6.2/0.6%, p = 0.002), but no major adverse event was observed.

Conclusion

The combination of ENB and RP‐EBUS enhanced the diagnostic yield for nodules with bronchus type II or III and solid part <20 mm, despite a slightly elevated risk of bleeding. Careful patient selection based on nodule characteristics is important to benefit from this combined approach.
Advancements in guided surgical endodontics: A scoping review of case report and case series and research implications
Authors: La Rosa Giusy Rita Maria , Peditto Matteo , Venticinque Andrea , Marcianò Antonia , Bianchi Alberto , Pedullà Eugenio
Published: June 2024

This scoping review examined current case series and reports on guided surgical endodontic applications in order to provide a critical platform for future research. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews guidelines were followed. A search on PubMed and Scopus yielded 611 articles, with 17 case reports and 1 series meeting inclusion criteria. Overall, guided surgery addressed anatomical complexities, with 15 articles employing static protocols and 3 dynamic. Results showed minimal iatrogenic errors and reduced chair time, with no postoperative issues reported. Within the cases described, guided endodontic surgery exhibited satisfactory results in management of anatomical complex cases. Cost‐effectiveness, the need for adequate follow‐up, procedure's reproducibility and accuracy, and objective measurement of the reduction in operative times and iatrogenic errors are some of the limitations in the current reports that need to be considered for planning of future experimental and cohort studies.
Exploring Nonlinear Linkage between Corporate Financialization and Innovative Efficiency: Identification and Governance of Excessive Financialization*
Authors: Xu Shan
Published: June 2024

This paper investigates the underlying causes of the nonlinear link between financial asset holdings and innovative efficiency. It identifies an inverted U‐shaped pattern linking corporate financialization to innovation, with financing restrictions, agency costs, and business risk serving as some of the relationship's partial mediating factors. By categorizing financial assets into short‐term monetary and long‐term nonmonetary types, it reveals heterogeneous effects on innovative efficiency, suggesting that the impact is not solely crowding out or a pulling effect but varies based on asset type and proportion. Additionally, it argues for continual adjustment of proper corporate financialization levels based on firm‐specific factors and changing external conditions. Notably, excessive financialization appears less prevalent among Chinese firms, with internal governance and external environmental enhancements recommended to optimize financialization for innovation.
Citizen labor
Authors: Hasan Nafis Aziz
Published: June 2024

In the last two decades, India's system of agricultural land management has been transitioning from paper to digital records. In effecting this shift, engineers and bureaucrats in the city of Bangalore, India's “Silicon Valley,” have tacitly and invisibly shifted the responsibility for maintaining data from the state to individuals. Moreover, the new digital databases of land records have fragmented offices and dispersed data across new sites and actors. Under these transformed conditions, people can access services only through what I call citizen labor. That is, when digitization is applied to land and property—which are quintessential sites for the making and unmaking of citizenship—people are interpellated into laboring on their own data. This shows that the digitization of government extracts a form of labor, one whose benefits accrue to groups and organizations beyond the laboring individual. As a result, people have an increasingly degraded experience of substantive citizenship.