bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional profiling of mucus production and modification in rhesus macaque endocervical cells under hormonal regulation
Authors: Rapp Katrina , Wei Shuhao , Roberts Mackenzie , Yao Shan , Fei Suzanne S. , Gao Lina , Ray Karina , Wang Alexander , Godiah Rachelle , Han Leo 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTObjectiveEndocervical mucus production is a key regulator of fertility throughout the menstrual cycle. With cycle-dependent variability in mucus quality and quantity, cervical mucus can either facilitate or block sperm ascension into the upper female reproductive tract. This study seeks to identify genes involved in the hormonal regulation of mucus production, modification, and regulation through profiling the transcriptome of endocervical cells from the non-human primate, the Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta).DesignExperimental.SettingTranslational science laboratory.InterventionWe treated differentiated primary endocervical cultures with estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) to mimic peri-ovulatory and luteal-phase hormonal changes. Using RNA-sequencing, we identified differential expression of gene pathways and mucus producing and modifying genes in cells treated with E2 compared to hormone-free conditions and E2 compared to E2-primed cells treated with P4.Main Outcome MeasuresWe pursued differential gene expression analysis on RNA-sequenced cells. Sequence validation was done using qPCR.ResultsOur study identified 158 genes that show significant differential expression in E2-only conditions compared to hormone-free control, and 250 genes that show significant differential expression in P4-treated conditions compared to E2-only conditions. From this list, we found hormone-induced changes in transcriptional profiles for genes across several classes of mucus production, including ion channels and enzymes involved in post-translational mucin modification that have not previously been described as hormonally regulated.ConclusionOur study is the first to use anin vitroculture system to create an epithelial-cell specific transcriptome of the endocervix. As a result, our study identifies new genes and pathways that are altered by sex-steroids in cervical mucus production.
A chemo-mechanical model of endoderm movements driving elongation of the amniote hindgut
Authors: Oikonomou Panagiotis , Cirne Helena C. , Nerurkar Nandan L. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWhile mechanical and biochemical descriptions of development are each essential, integration of upstream morphogenic cues with downstream tissue mechanics remains understudied in many contexts during vertebrate morphogenesis. A posterior gradient of Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) ligands generates a contractile force gradient in the definitive endoderm, driving collective cell movements to form the hindgut. Here, we developed a two-dimensional chemo-mechanical model to investigate how mechanical properties of the endoderm and transport properties of FGF coordinately regulate this process. We began by formulating a 2-D reaction-diffusion-advection model that describes the formation of an FGF protein gradient due to posterior displacement of cells transcribing unstableFgf8mRNA during axis elongation, coupled with translation, diffusion, and degradation of FGF protein. This was used together with experimental measurements of FGF activity in the chick endoderm to inform a continuum model of definitive endoderm as an active viscous fluid that generates contractile stresses in proportion to FGF concentration. The model replicated key aspects of hindgut morphogenesis, confirms that heterogeneous - but isotropic - contraction is sufficient to generate large anisotropic cell movements, and provides new insight into how chemomechanical coupling across the mesoderm and endoderm coordinates hindgut elongation with outgrowth of the tailbud.Graphical AbstractSummary statementThis study employs a mathematical model to investigate the interplay between morphogen gradients and tissue mechanics in regulating the collective cell movements that drive hindgut morphogenesis in the chick embryo.
Multicore fiber optic imaging reveals that astrocyte calcium activity in the cerebral cortex is modulated by internal motivational state
Authors: Gau Yung-Tian A. , Hsu Eric , Cha Jaepyeong , Pak Rebecca W. , Looger Loren L. , Kang Jin U. , Bergles Dwight E. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAstrocytes are a direct target of neuromodulators and can influence neuronal activity on broad spatial and temporal scales through their close proximity to synapses. However, our knowledge about how astrocytes are functionally recruited during different animal behaviors and their diverse effects on the CNS remains limited. To enable measurement of astrocyte activity patternsin vivoduring normative behaviors, we developed a high-resolution, long working distance, multi-core fiber optic imaging platform that allows visualization of cortical astrocyte calcium transients through a cranial window in freely moving mice. Using this platform, we defined the spatiotemporal dynamics of astrocytes during diverse behaviors, ranging from circadian fluctuations to novelty exploration, showing that astrocyte activity patterns are more variable and less synchronous than apparent in head-immobilized imaging conditions. Although the activity of astrocytes in visual cortex was highly synchronized during quiescence to arousal transitions, individual astrocytes often exhibited distinct thresholds and activity patterns during explorative behaviors, in accordance with their molecular diversity, allowing temporal sequencing across the astrocyte network. Imaging astrocyte activity during self-initiated behaviors revealed that noradrenergic and cholinergic systems act synergistically to recruit astrocytes during state transitions associated with arousal and attention, which was profoundly modulated by internal state. The distinct activity patterns exhibited by astrocytes in the cerebral cortex may provide a means to vary their neuromodulatory influence in response to different behaviors and internal states.
Living cell mTORC1 inhibition reporter mTIR reveals nutrient-sensing targets of histone deacetylase inhibitor
Authors: Li Canrong , Ouyang Yingyi , Lu Chuxin , Chen Fengzhi , Yi Yuguo , Peng Shujun , Wang Yifan , Chen Xinyu , Yan Xiao , Li Shuiming , Feng Lin , Xie Xiaoduo 
Published: May 2023

SUMMARYMammalian or mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a clinically effective therapeutic target for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, aging, and neurodegeneration, yet an efficient tool to monitor mTORC1 inhibition in living cells or tissues is still lacking. Here we devised a genetically encoded mTORC1 inhibition reporter termed mTIR that exhibits a highly contrasted fluorescence puncta pattern in response to mTORC1 inhibition. mTIR specifically senses physiological, pharmacological and genetic inhibition of mTORC1 signaling in living cells and tissues. Importantly, mTIR can be applied as an powerful tool for imaging-based visual screening of mTORC1 inhibitors. By this method, we identified histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) that selectively inhibit mTORC1 by inducing nutrient-sensing gene expression. Thus, mTIR is a unique living cell reporter efficiently detecting the inhibition of mTORC1 activity, and the HDACi Panobinostat transcriptionally target mTORC1 signaling via amino acids sensing.
Structural insights into the substrate specificity and activity of a novel mannose 2-epimerase from Runella slithyformis
Authors: Wang Hang , Sun Xiaomei , Saburi Wataru , Hashiguchi Saki , Yu Jian , Ose Toyoyuki , Mori Haruhide , Yao Min 
Published: May 2023

Mannose 2-epimerase (ME), a member of the acylglucosamine 2-epimerase (AGE) superfamily that catalyzes epimerization of D-mannose and D-glucose, has recently been characterized to have potential for D-mannose production. However, the substrate-recognition and catalytic mechanism of ME remains unknown. In this study, structures of Runella slithyformis ME (RsME) and its D254A mutant [RsME(D254A)] were determined in their apo forms and as intermediate-analog complexes [RsME–D-glucitol and RsME(D254A)–D-glucitol]. RsME possesses the (α/α)6-barrel of the AGE superfamily members but has a unique pocket-covering long loop (loopα7–α8). The RsME–D-glucitol structure showed that loopα7–α8 moves towards D-glucitol and closes the active pocket. Trp251 and Asp254 in loopα7–α8 are only conserved in MEs and interact with D-glucitol. Kinetic analyses of the mutants confirmed the importance of these residues for RsME activity. Moreover, the structures of RsME(D254A) and RsME(D254A)–D-glucitol revealed that Asp254 is vital for binding the ligand in a correct conformation and for active-pocket closure. Docking calculations and structural comparison with other 2-epimerases show that the longer loopα7–α8 in RsME causes steric hindrance upon binding to disaccharides. A detailed substrate-recognition and catalytic mechanism for monosaccharide-specific epimerization in RsME has been proposed.
Evaluating the use of videoconferencing for handover and MDT meetings within an intensive support team
Authors: Mehmet Elizabeth Megan , Lines Jason 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the use of videoconferencing when conducting multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and handover meetings within an NHS Adult Learning Disabilities Intensive Support Team (IST). The IST have been conducting MDT and handover meetings “virtually” since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, in line with government guidance. It is pertinent to evaluate the effectiveness of using videoconferencing, as the move to flexible, remote working is detailed within the NHS Long Term Plan.

Design/methodology/approach
Participants were members of the IST. A mixed methods approach using an online questionnaire collected participant’s views relating to the use of videoconferencing when conducting MDT and handover meetings, in comparison to previous face-to-face meetings. The questionnaire considered five key areas: accessibility, environment and communication, organisation, continuation of care and data protection and confidentiality. Results were collated and analysed.

Findings
Improvements were reported relating to accessibility, as the virtual format allowed for easier attendance, provided greater flexibility in attending and inviting key stakeholders. A reduced sense of team connectedness was reported, related to the virtual environment. The majority of participants reported that they wish to continue to have the option to attend meetings virtually in future.

Originality/value
There are no previous papers evaluating the use of videoconferencing within ISTs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study suggests that the use of videoconferencing to conduct MDT and handover meetings is effective within the IST and highlights points for consideration moving forward.
Comparing the effects of consumers' perceptions of companies' corporate social responsibility initiatives in emerging and developed markets
Authors: Curras-Perez Rafael , Alvarado-Herrera Alejandro , Vera-Martínez Jorge 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThis work proposes a framework that attempts to explain the connection between the dimensions of consumer perceived corporate social responsibility (social, environmental, economic), firm trustworthiness and firm reputation, using market level of development as a moderating factor.Design/methodology/approachMexico and Spain were selected as the emerging and developed markets; a cross-cultural study with 1173 consumers (521 from Mexico and 652 from Spain) was undertaken. In each country, participants evaluated one of two well-known companies (one making consumer products and one providing retail services). The hypotheses were tested through SEM.FindingsThe results showed that, in the emerging market, perceived environmental actions did not influence consumers' perceptions and, in the developed market, perceived social actions had no effect.Originality/valueThe study identifies two mechanisms through which consumers' perceptions of a company's CSR influence company reputation, offering evidence that the level of development of a country can have a moderating effect on how the mechanisms operate.
Exploring the relationship between employer branding and talent retention: the mediation effect of employee engagement
Authors: Chopra Avinash , Sahoo Chandan Kumar , Patel Gokulananda 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the relationship between employer branding (EB) and talent retention. The paper also analyses the mediating role of employee engagement in the association between EB and talent retention.

Design/methodology/approach
Partial least square structural equation modelling has been applied to carry out the analysis. The findings are based on the perceptions of IT professionals (n = 397) to assess the interrelationship between EB, employee engagement and talent retention.

Findings
The paper gives empirical insights on how employee engagement helps promote employer value offerings to the employee, which helps in the successful retention of employees. The results indicate that employee engagement partially mediates the association between EB and talent retention.

Practical implications
This study provides a clear direction to a diversity of practitioners working in IT firms. Building and maintaining sympathetic and emotional connections with co-workers, team leaders and higher managerial employees can help increase employee engagement. The findings can help business planners and managers focus their efforts on employer brand elements for successfully involving their workforce.

Originality/value
Authors believe this study is one of its kind to test the association between EB and talent retention mediated by the engagement level of employees. The present research study will help future academia delve into how EB can significantly impact the engagement and retention of existing employees.
How features and affordances of a metaverse portal engage users? Evidence from exergames
Authors: Zuo Meiyun , Shen Yuanyanhang 
Published: May 2023

PurposeBuilding on the “needs–affordances–features” framework, the authors explored how users are motivated by their needs to actualize the feature-enabled affordances and engage in the metaverse.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected through semi-structured and in-depth interviews with 35 participants. The authors applied thematic analysis to summarize the key features and affordances, supplemented by frequency analysis to explore the significance of the features. Sentiment analysis was employed to explicate the relationship between user affordance sentiments and engagement.FindingsThe key features of the metaverse portal components—hardware, software and content—afford user behaviors. The features of mechanics and physics engines are important for user engagement in the metaverse. The affordances are related to needs satisfaction and user engagement. Mental immersion was frequently mentioned by the participants, implying that it is significant to afford mental immersion in the metaverse.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study provide a rich understanding for practitioners in the metaverse on how to use the features to afford user behaviors and engage them. The authors identified the key elements of user engagement that can be used to guide metaverse game designers.Originality/valueThis study provides a rich and systematic understanding of features, affordances, needs satisfaction and engagement in the metaverse. Going beyond a fragmented view, the findings conclude a research framework that weaves features, affordances, needs and engagement together.
Network dynamics and action space
Authors: Gadde Lars-Erik , Håkansson Håkan 
Published: May 2023

PurposeIn today’s business settings, most firms strive to closely integrate their resources and activities with those of their business partners. However, these linkages tend to create lock-in effects when changes are needed. In such situations, firms need to generate new space for action. The purpose of this paper is twofold: analysis of potential action spaces for restructuring; and examination of how action spaces can be exploited and the consequences accompanying this implementation.Design/methodology/approachNetwork dynamics originate from changes in the network interdependencies. This paper is focused on the role of the three dual connections – actors–activities, actors–resources and activities–resources, identified as network vectors. In the framing of the study, these network vectors are combined with managerial action expressed in terms of networking and network outcome. This framework is then used for the analysis of major restructuring of the car industries in the USA and Europe at the end of the 1900s.FindingsThis study shows that the restructuring of the car industry can be explained by modifications in the three network vectors. Managerial action through changes of the vector features generated new action space contributing to the transition of the automotive network. The key to successful exploitation of action space was interaction – with individual business partners, in triadic constellations, as well as on the network level.Originality/valueThis paper presents a new view of network dynamics by relying on the three network vectors. These concepts were developed in the early 1990s. This far, however, they have been used only to a limited extent.
Tout casse, tout passe, tout lasse; et tout se remplace: resurrecting declining brands by leveraging brand-pastness
Authors: Strutton David , Schibik Aaron 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
The past is important for various known and unknown reasons. This paper aims to reveal and justify unacknowledged reasons why, when and how managers should consider leveraging the pasts of previously successful but currently declining brands to restore their more desirable historical market positions.

Design/methodology/approach
This conceptual paper combines marketing and branding theory with historical branding examples, anecdotes and inductive inferences to develop and justify brand-pastness as a theoretically-grounded and managerially-actionable repositioning concept that could be applied to resurrect declining brands.

Findings
The emergent historically-grounded brand-pastness framework generates innovative insights that could be applied in the future. These insights explain when, why and how brand managers could apply brand-pastness to resurrect declining brands. The framework also facilitates the development of a brand-pastness-based research agenda. The agenda is driven by questions structured to address the nature, scope and potential applications of brand-pastness as a new concept and useful repositioning tool.

Research limitations/implications
This paper’s recommendations are limited by their conceptual and inductive origins. However, a research agenda is developed to guide and structure future empirical investigations of the branding antecedents to and consequences of a prospective brand-pastness construct.

Originality/value
This paper introduces, conceptualizes and justifies the potential value of a historically-grounded concept called brand-pastness. The concept may prove beneficial when marketing managers use brand-pastness to reposition and resurrect declining brands by re-instilling targeted consumers’ historical perceptions of brands’ past superiority.
Youth participation in environmental sustainability: insights from the Lisbon participatory budget
Authors: Falanga Roberto 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThis article poses the question on whether and how youth participation in environmental sustainability makes a difference within participatory budgets (PBs). This is a question worth asking because PBs have pursued, from the very beginning, goals of social sustainability through the inclusion of social groups that struggle to make their voices heard, as in the case of the youth. As young people show an increasing capacity to self-organise around environmental issues, a knowledge gap emerges as to the contribution that youth can give to environmental sustainability within PBs.Design/methodology/approachThe 2021 edition of the Lisbon PB (2021PB) has been analysed through desk research – document analysis using the city council's website as the main source of information, and fieldwork – an organisation of one two-day workshop with 20 young students through a partnership between the local authority and the Institute of Social Sciences at the University of Lisbon. Methods were applied to retrieve findings on youth participation in environmental sustainability in the 2021PB.FindingsThe youth show a relative increase of participation in the 2021PB and emerge as a key target group in funded proposals. Convergence with student proposals suggest shared awareness on the role of youth in the pursuit of social sustainability. The success of health-related proposals confirms ownership of (young) citizens over the concept of environmental sustainability, which further relies on the various scopes of funded proposals at both city and neighbourhood levels. In the workshop, students did not stick to specific themes and struggled to connect present criticalities and future imaginaries.Research limitations/implicationsFocus on one case study necessarily limits the generalisation of findings. Nevertheless, the 2021PB illuminates pathways of research on youth participation in environmental sustainability through participatory budgeting that are worth clearing in the future, such as the role of digital participation, dynamics induced by extreme events as the COVID-19 pandemic and PBs' capacity to intercept environmental activism.Practical implicationsDecision-makers and practitioners can take advantage of findings to acknowledge the potential of youth participation in PBs to reframe the take of environmental sustainability.Social implicationsThe article provides new inputs for future developments in the operationalisation of social and environmental sustainability through participatory budgeting.Originality/valueThis article examines original data retrieved from the 2021PB. Data analysis is backed by the literature review of key democratic challenges in social and environmental sustainability within participatory budgeting.
Identifying Industry 4.0 technologies enablers for knowledge management – a scoping review
Authors: Lista Rossetti Ana Paula , Luz Tortorella Guilherme , Bouzon Marina , Gao Shang , Chan Toong Khuan 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThis paper aims at identifying the main contributions of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies to the enhancement of knowledge management (KM).Design/methodology/approachA scoping review based on two stages was carried out. In the first stage, a numerical and descriptive analysis was conducted. In the second stage, the latent content of those papers was explored through a qualitative analysis, in which papers were assessed regarding the outcome of the implementation of ten I4.0 technologies on 14 KM abilities and 6 KM processes.FindingsSix technologies (e.g. Internet of Things (IoT), big data, cloud computing, simulation, visualisation and industrial robot) were claimed to have a significant contribution on KM, especially for creation, organisation, dissemination and application processes. Overall, results indicated that technologies can significantly contribute to KM, although the extent of such contribution varies across technologies, learning levels, KM processes and abilities.Originality/valueExisting studies in I4.0 fall short in exploring how embodied knowledge is articulated in practice, especially regarding opportunities to use new technological alternatives in favour of knowledge and learning development. This study complements the existing literature on I4.0 by identifying which technologies can contribute to KM. Also, a framework was proposed to examine the contribution of I4.0 technologies to KM at individual, team, and organisational levels.