bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic analysis of streptococci in samples taken from the throat cultures of children in Turkey and the presence of mef(A), mef(E), erm(B) and erm(TR) genes in patients withStreptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Balkan Çiğdem Eda , Bozkurt Hayrunisa Bekis , Öziç Cem
Published: September 2020

Objective

Failure to achieve success with penicillin treatment in some cases observed in the pediatric group and the decrease in macrolide activity have brought about the necessity of a new study aiming to differentiate bacteria at the species level in throat infections. Antibiotic resistance studies are of great importance for the treatment of bacterial infections in terms of public health and rational antibiotic use. For this purpose, we aimed to perform a species-level differentiation of streptococci isolated from the throat cultures of pediatric patients presenting to our hospital, to determine their antibiotic susceptibility, and to identify the macrolide resistance genes of mef(A), mef(E), erm(B) and erm(TR) in patients withStreptococcus pyogenes. The study included 51 samples taken from pediatric cases presenting with a sore throat as the patient group and 36 samples from children without this complaint as the control group.

Material and Method

The throat culture samples taken from 51 children presenting to the hospital with the complaint of sore throat were evaluated in the laboratory, and streptococcus was diagnosed using tests; gram staining, catalase and PYR, and the susceptibility profile was determined with the Kirby-Bauer disk-diffusion method. Bacteria were identified at the species level according to 16srRNA sequences, and possible macrolide resistance genes of mef(A), mef(E), erm(B) and erm(TR) were determined by PCR in species detected to haveS. pyogenes.

Results

Our antibiotic susceptibility results were consistent with the general results reported in Turkey. The sequence analysis of bacteria was performed according to 16srRNA sequences, andS. pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus agalactiae, andStreptococcus dysgalactiaewere isolated. In patients withS. pyogenes, the genetic determinants of macrolide resistance, mef(A), mef(E), erm(B) and erm(TR), were investigated with the PCR method using primers specific to each gene. Different levels of expression were observed in five patients. Macrolide resistance inS. pyogenes, which is reported at various percentages in the world, was found to be 9.8% in our study.

Discussion

The results of our study show that penicillin resistance genes were found in five of the patients evaluated. When the anamnesis of these patients was examined, it was determined that there were patients that frequently presented to the hospital with throat infections and experienced re-infection within a few weeks after receiving treatment. The common discourse of clinicians is that there may be an unknown resistance development. Therefore, our research should be supported by new hypotheses and studies that are open to development.
Molecular Architecture of Early Dissemination and Massive Second Wave of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus in a Major Metropolitan Area
Authors: Long S. Wesley , Olsen Randall J. , Christensen Paul A. , Bernard David W. , Davis James J. , Shukla Maulik , Nguyen Marcus , Saavedra Matthew Ojeda , Yerramilli Prasanti , Pruitt Layne , Subedi Sishir , Kuo Hung-Che , Hendrickson Heather , Eskandari Ghazaleh , Nguyen Hoang A. T. , Long J. Hunter , Kumaraswami Muthiah , Goike Jule , Boutz Daniel , Gollihar Jimmy , McLellan Jason S. , Chou Chia-Wei , Javanmardi Kamyab , Finkelstein Ilya J. , Musser James M.
Published: September 2020

We sequenced the genomes of 5,085 SARS-CoV-2 strains causing two COVID-19 disease waves in metropolitan Houston, Texas, an ethnically diverse region with seven million residents. The genomes were from viruses recovered in the earliest recognized phase of the pandemic in Houston, and an ongoing massive second wave of infections. The virus was originally introduced into Houston many times independently. Virtually all strains in the second wave have a Gly614 amino acid replacement in the spike protein, a polymorphism that has been linked to increased transmission and infectivity. Patients infected with the Gly614 variant strains had significantly higher virus loads in the nasopharynx on initial diagnosis. We found little evidence of a significant relationship between virus genotypes and altered virulence, stressing the linkage between disease severity, underlying medical conditions, and host genetics. Some regions of the spike protein - the primary target of global vaccine efforts - are replete with amino acid replacements, perhaps indicating the action of selection. We exploited the genomic data to generate defined single amino acid replacements in the receptor binding domain of spike protein that, importantly, produced decreased recognition by the neutralizing monoclonal antibody CR30022. Our study is the first analysis of the molecular architecture of SARS-CoV-2 in two infection waves in a major metropolitan region. The findings will help us to understand the origin, composition, and trajectory of future infection waves, and the potential effect of the host immune response and therapeutic maneuvers on SARS-CoV-2 evolution.

IMPORTANCE

There is concern about second and subsequent waves of COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus occurring in communities globally that had an initial disease wave. Metropolitan Houston, Texas, with a population of 7 million, is experiencing a massive second disease wave that began in late May 2020. To understand SARS-CoV-2 molecular population genomic architecture, evolution, and relationship between virus genotypes and patient features, we sequenced the genomes of 5,085 SARS-CoV-2 strains from these two waves. Our study provides the first molecular characterization of SARS-CoV-2 strains causing two distinct COVID-19 disease waves.
Sox2-RNA mechanisms of chromosome topological control in developing forebrain
Authors: Cajigas Ivelisse , Chakraborty Abhijit , Lynam Madison , Swyter Kelsey R , Bastidas Monique , Collens Linden , Luo Hao , Ay Ferhat , Kohtz Jhumku D.
Published: September 2020

Precise regulation of gene expression networks requires the selective targeting of DNA enhancers. The Evf2 long non-coding RNA regulates Dlx5/6 ultraconserved enhancer(UCE) interactions with long-range target genes, controlling gene expression over a 27Mb region in mouse developing forebrain. Here, we show that Evf2 long range gene repression occurs through multi-step mechanisms involving the transcription factor Sox2, a component of the Evf2 ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP). Evf2 directly interacts with Sox2, antagonizing Sox2-dependent Dlx5/6UCE activation. Evf2 regulates Sox2 binding at key sites, including the Dlx5/6eii shadow enhancer and Dlx5/6UCE interaction sites. Evf2 differentially targets RNP-associated Sox2 protein pools (PPs), redirecting Sox2-PPs to one repressed gene at the expense of the other. Co-regulation of Dlx5/6UCEintrachromosomal interactions by Evf2 and Sox2 reveals a role for Sox2 in chromosome topology. We propose that RNA organizes RNPs in a subnuclear domain, regulating both long-range UCE targeting and activity through Sox2-RNP sequestration and recruitment.
Eugenol induces potent vasorelaxation in uterine arteries from pregnant goats – A promising natural therapeutic agent for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Parija SC , Jandhyam H , Mohanty BP , Parasar P , Nayak NR
Published: September 2020

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including preeclampsia, affect about 8-13% of pregnancies and are the leading causes of pregnancy related maternal mortality worldwide. Poorly controlled high blood pressure during pregnancy increases the risk of pregnancy complications and development of future cardiovascular diseases. However, the choice for antihypertensive therapy during pregnancy has been limited due to side effects of many commonly used antihypertensive drugs and lack of other proven safe treatment options. Eugenol is a natural phenolic compound and the main component of clove oil. It is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and vasorelaxant actions. These beneficial effects of eugenol make it as an excellent therapeutic candidate for treatment of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Thus, as a first step, we compared the vasorelaxant effect of eugenol on the middle uterine arterial (MUA) rings from pregnant and nonpregnant goats. Additionally, we examined the potential involvement of the transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPV1) in mediating the actions of eugenol and compared the effects with a known TRPV1 channel agonist, capsaicin. Isometric tension was measured in MUA rings from endometrial-myometrial junctions of pregnant and nonpregnant goats precontracted with phenylephrine, using a highly sensitive isometric force transducer and an automatic organ bath. The concentration-dependent contractile response curves of eugenol were compared to capsaicin, with and without pre-incubation of the MUA rings with a selective and non-selective TRPV1 antagonists, capsazepine (CAPZ) and Ruthenium Red (RR), respectively. Capsaicin induced concentration-dependent vasorelaxation in nonpregnant PE precontracted MUA rings and the concentration-response curve shifted to the right with significantly reduced pIC50 and Rmax values in the presence of CAPZ and RR. The effects were similar in MUA rings from pregnant animals, except that there was a moderate increase in pIC50 values in the presence of RR. Similarly, eugenol induced concentration-dependent vasorelaxation in both nonpregnant and pregnant PE precontracted MUA rings and the effects were markedly antagonized by CAPZ and RR. However, compared to capsaicin, the Rmax of eugenol was increased 31.25% in nonpregnant and 97.99% in pregnant MUA rings. These results suggest that eugenol has highly potent vasorelaxant effect in MUAs and its effect is partly mediated through activation of the TRPV1 channel. Most importantly, its vasorelaxant effect is about three-fold augmented in pregnancy, suggesting its potential value as a nutraceutical agent and therapeutic candidate for treatment of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Europe as a bridgehead in the worldwide invasion history of grapevine downy mildew,Plasmopara viticola
Authors: Fontaine Michael C. , Labbé Frédéric , Dussert Yann , Delière Laurent , Richart-Cervera Sylvie , Giraud Tatiana , Delmotte François
Published: September 2020

Europe is the historical cradle of viticulture, but grapevines have been increasingly threatened by pathogens of American origin. The invasive oomycetePlasmopara viticolacauses downy mildew, one of the most devastating grapevine diseases worldwide. Despite major economic consequences, its invasion history remains poorly understood. Comprehensive population genetic analyses of ~2000 samples from the most important wine-producing countries revealed very low genetic diversity in invasive downy mildew populations worldwide. All the populations originated from one of five native North American lineages, the one parasitizing wild summer grape. After an initial introduction into Europe, invasive European populations served as a secondary source of introduction into vineyards worldwide, including China, South Africa and, twice independently, Australia. Invasion of Argentina probably represents a tertiary introduction from Australia. Our findings provide a striking example of a global pathogen invasion resulting from secondary dispersal of a successful invasive population. It will help designing quarantine regulations and efficient breeding for resistance against grapevine downy mildew.
Heterogeneity and ‘memory’ in stem cell populations
Authors: Stumpf Patrick S. , Arai Fumio , MacArthur Ben D.
Published: September 2020

Modern single cell experiments have revealed unexpected heterogeneity in apparently functionally ‘pure’ cell populations. However, we are still lacking a conceptual framework to understand this heterogeneity. Here, we propose that cellular memories – the ability of individual cells to record their developmental past and adapt their response to their environment accordingly – are an essential ingredient in any such theory. We illustrate this idea by considering a simple age-structured model of stem cell proliferation. Using this model we argue that heterogeneity is central to stem cell population function, and memories naturally explain why stem cell numbers increase through life, yet regenerative potency simultaneously declines.
The structure of the UDP-Glc/GlcNAc 4-epimerase from the human pathogenCampylobacter jejuni
Authors: Yun Hyun Gi , Jang Kyoung-Soon , Tanaka Shiho , Clemons William M.
Published: September 2020

Worldwide, the food-born pathogenCampylobacter jejuniis the leading bacterial source of human gastroenteritis.C. jejuniproduces a variety of diverse cell-surface carbohydrates that are essential for pathogenicity. A critical component of these oligo- and polysaccharides is the sugarN-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc). The sole source of this sugar is the epimerization of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), a reaction catalyzed by the enzyme UDP-GlcNAc 4-epimerase (Gne). This enzyme is unique among known bacterial epimerases in that it also catalyzes the equivalent reaction with the non-N-acetylated sugars. Understanding howCjGne catalyzes these various interconversions is critical to designing novel inhibitors of this enzyme. Here, to further the mechanistic understanding we present a 2.0Å structure ofCjGne with its NAD+co-factor bound. Based on novel features found in the structure we perform a variety of biochemical studies to probe the mechanism and compare these results to another bifunctional epimerase, human GalE. We further show that ebselen, previously identified for inhibition ofHsGalE, is active againstCjGne, suggesting a route for antibiotic development.
The Structures of SctK and SctD fromPseudomonas aeruginosaReveal the Interface of the Type III Secretion System Basal Body and Sorting Platform
Authors: Muthuramalingam Meenakumari , Whittier Sean K. , Lovell Scott , Battaile Kevin P. , Tachiyama Shoichi , Johnson David K. , Picking Wendy L. , Picking William D.
Published: September 2020

Many Gram-negative bacterial pathogens use type III secretion systems (T3SS) to inject effector proteins into eukaryotic cells to subvert normal cellular functions. The T3SS apparatus (injectisome) shares a common overall architecture in all systems studied thus far, comprising three major components – the cytoplasmic sorting platform, the envelope-spanning basal body and the external needle with controlling tip complex. The sorting platform consists of an ATPase (SctN) connected to “pods” (SctQ) having six-fold symmetry via radial spokes (SctL). These pods interface with the 24-fold symmetric SctD inner membrane ring (IR) via an adaptor protein (SctK). Here we report the first high-resolution structure of a SctK protein family member, PscK fromPseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as the structure of its interacting partner, the cytoplasmic domain of PscD (SctD). The cytoplasmic domain of PscD forms a forkhead-associated (FHA) fold, like that of its homologues from other T3SS. PscK, on the other hand, forms a helix-rich structure that does not resemble any known protein fold. Based on these structural findings, we present the first model for an interaction between proteins from the sorting platform and the IR. We also test the importance of the PscD residues predicted to mediate this electrostatic interaction using a two-hybrid analysis. The functional need for Arg96in vivowas then confirmed by monitoring secretion of the effector ExoU. These structures will contribute to the development of atomic-resolution models of the entire sorting platform and to our understanding of the mechanistic interface between the sorting platform and the basal body of the injectisome.

Highlights

The structures ofPseudomonas aeruginosaPscD (SctD) and PscK (SctK) were solved

The interface between the T3SS basal body and sorting platform was modeled

The crystal structure of PscK is the first for any SctK family member

PscK represents a novel protein fold

Site-directed mutagenesis supports a computational model of the PscD-PscK interface

Graphical abstract.

The first reported structure for a T3SS SctK protein family member was solved for PscK fromPseudomonas aeruginosaand this allowed for modeling of the interface between this sorting platform protein and the cytoplasmic domain of PscD (a SctD protein family member). This allowed for identification of amino acid residues that may play a role in the interaction between these proteins. The interface appears to be dominated by electrostatic interactions and mutagenesis confirmed the importance of key residues in driving their interaction based on two-hybrid analysis.
Transsynaptic mapping ofDrosophilamushroom body output neurons
Authors: Scaplen Kristin M , Talay Mustafa , Fisher John D , Cohn Raphael , Sorkaç Altar , Aso Yoshinori , Barnea Gilad , Kaun Karla R
Published: September 2020

The Mushroom Body (MB) is a well-characterized associative memory structure within theDrosophilabrain. Although previous studies have analyzed MB connectivity and provided a map of inputs and outputs, a detailed map of the downstream targets is missing. Using the genetic anterograde transsynaptic tracing tool,trans-Tango, we identified divergent projections across the brain and convergent downstream targets of the MB output neurons (MBONs). Our analysis revealed at least three separate targets that receive convergent input from MBONs: other MBONs, the fan shaped body (FSB), and the lateral accessory lobe (LAL). We describe, both anatomically and functionally, a multilayer circuit in which inhibitory and excitatory MBONs converge on the same genetic subset of FSB and LAL neurons. This circuit architecture provides an opportunity for the brain to update information and integrate it with previous experience before executing appropriate behavioral responses.

Highlights

-The postsynaptic connections of the output neurons of the mushroom body, a structure that integrates environmental cues with associated valence, are mapped usingtrans-Tango.

-Mushroom body circuits are highly interconnected with several points of convergence among mushroom body output neurons (MBONs).

-The postsynaptic partners of MBONs have divergent projections across the brain and convergent projections to select target neuropils outside the mushroom body important for multimodal integration.

-Functional connectivity suggests the presence of multisynaptic pathways that have several layers of integration prior to initiation of an output response.
Eye and hand movements disrupt attentional control
Authors: Hanning Nina M. , Wollenberg Luca , Jonikaitis Donatas , Deubel Heiner
Published: September 2020

Voluntary attentional control is the ability to selectively focus on a subset of visual information in the presence of other competing stimuli. While it is well established that this capability is a marker of cognitive control that allows for flexible, goal-driven behavior, it is still an open question how robust it is. In this study we contrasted voluntary attentional control with the most frequent source of automatic, involuntary attentional orienting in daily life—shifts of attention prior to goal-directed eye and hand movements. In a multi-tasking paradigm, we asked participants to attend at a location while planning eye or hand movements elsewhere. We observed that voluntary attentional control suffered with every simultaneous action plan. Crucially, this impairment occurred even when we reduced task difficulty and memory load—factors known to interfere with attentional control. Furthermore, the performance cost was limited to voluntary attention. We observed simultaneous attention benefits at two movement targets without attentional competition between them. This demonstrates that the visual system allows for the concurrent representation of multiple attentional foci. It further reveals that voluntary attentional control is extremely fragile and dominated by automatic, premotor shifts of attention. We propose that action-driven selection disrupts voluntary attention and plays a superordinate role for visual selection.
Utilisation of laboratory test results for patient management by clinicians at two large referral hospitals in Zambia
Authors: Mwape Sabe , Daka Victor , Matafwali Scott K. , Mwape Kapambwe , Sikalima Jay , Vlahakis Pipina A. , Kalolekesha Memory C. , Chisompola Namaunga K. , Chalwe Victor
Published: September 2020

Background

Medical laboratory diagnosis is a critical component of patient management in the healthcare setup. Despite the availability of laboratory tests, clinicians may not utilise them to make clinical decisions. We investigated utilsation of laboratory tests for patient management among clinicians at Ndola Teaching Hospital (NTH) and Arthur Davison Childrens Hospital (ADCH), two large referral hospitals in the Copperbelt Province, Ndola, Zambia.

Method

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among clinicians. The study deployed self-administered questionnaires to evaluate clinician utilisation, querying and confidence in laboratory results. Additional data on demographics and possible laboratory improvements were also obtained. Data were entered in Microsoft excel and exported to SPSS version 16 for statistical analysis.

Results

Of the 80 clinicians interviewed, 96.2% (77) reported using laboratory tests and their results in patient management. 77.5% (62) of the clinicians indicated they always used laboratory results to influence their patient management decisions. Of the selected laboratory tests, clinicians were more confident in using haemoglobin test results (91.2%). There was no statistically significant association between the clinicians gender or qualification and use of test results in patient management.

Conclusion

Our findings show that despite the majority querying laboratory results, most of the clinicians use laboratory results for patient management. There is need for interactions between the laboratory and clinical area to assure clinician confidence in laboratory results.
Structure and mechanism of human dual oxidase 1 complex
Authors: Wu Jing-Xiang , Liu Rui , Song Kangcheng , Chen Lei
Published: September 2020

Dual oxidases (DUOXs) produce hydrogen peroxide by transferring electrons from intracellular NADPH to extracellular oxygen. They are involved in many crucial biological processes and human diseases, especially in thyroid diseases. DUOXs are protein complexes co-assembled from the catalytic DUOX subunits and the auxiliary DUOXA subunits and their activities are regulated by intracellular calcium concentrations. Here, we report the cryo-EM structures of human DUOX1-DUOXA1 complex in both high-calcium and low-calcium states. These structures reveal the DUOX1 complex is a symmetric 2:2 hetero-tetramer stabilized by extensive inter-subunit interactions. Substrate NADPH and cofactor FAD are sandwiched between transmembrane domain and the cytosolic dehydrogenase domain of DUOX. In the presence of calcium ions, intracellular EF-hand modules enhance the catalytic activity of DUOX by stabilizing the dehydrogenase domain in a position that is optimal for electron transfer.
Analyzer-free linear dichroic ptychography
Authors: Chang Huibin , Marcus Matthew A. , Marchesini Stefano
Published: September 2020

Linear dichroism is an important tool to characterize the transmission matrix and determine the crystal or orbital orientation in a material. In order to achieve high-resolution mapping of transmission properties, the linear-dichroism scattering model in ptychographic imaging is introduced, and an efficient two-stage reconstruction algorithm is developed. Using the proposed algorithm on a uniaxial material, the dichroic transmission matrix can be recovered without an analyzer by using ptychography measurements with as few as three different polarization angles, with the help of an empty region to remove phase ambiguities.
XtalCAMP: a comprehensive program for the analysis and visualization of scanning Laue X-ray micro-/nanodiffraction data
Authors: Li Yao , Chen Kai , Dang Xiaofeng , Zhang Fengying , Tamura Nobumichi , Ku Ching-Shun , Kang Huijun , Wenk Hans-Rudolf
Published: September 2020

XtalCAMP is a software package based on the MATLAB platform, which is suitable for, but not limited to, the analysis and visualization of scanning Laue X-ray micro-/nanodiffraction data. The main objective of the software is to provide complementary functionalities to the Laue indexing software packages used at several synchrotron beamlines. The graphical user interfaces allow the easy analysis of characteristic microstructure features, including real-time intensity mapping for a quick examination of phase, grain and defect distribution, 2D color-coded mapping of microstructural properties from the output of other Laue indexing software, crystal orientation visualization, grain boundary characterization based on orientation/misorientation calculation, principal strain/stress analysis, and strain ellipsoid representation, as well as a series of additional toolkits. As an example, XtalCAMP is applied to the microstructural investigation of a solution-heat-treated Ni-based superalloy manufactured using a laser 3D-printing technique, and a deformed natural quartzite from Val Bregaglia in the Central Alps.
Density-based clustering of crystal (mis)orientations and the orix Python library
Authors: Johnstone Duncan N. , Martineau Ben H. , Crout Phillip , Midgley Paul A. , Eggeman Alexander S.
Published: September 2020

Crystal orientation mapping experiments typically measure orientations that are similar within grains and misorientations that are similar along grain boundaries. Such (mis)orientation data cluster in (mis)orientation space, and clusters are more pronounced if preferred orientations or special orientation relationships are present. Here, cluster analysis of (mis)orientation data is described and demonstrated using distance metrics incorporating crystal symmetry and the density-based clustering algorithm DBSCAN. Frequently measured (mis)orientations are identified as corresponding to similarly (mis)oriented grains or grain boundaries, which are visualized both spatially and in three-dimensional (mis)orientation spaces. An example is presented identifying deformation twinning modes in titanium, highlighting a key application of the clustering approach in identifying crystallographic orientation relationships and similarly oriented grains resulting from specific transformation pathways. A new open-source Python library, orix, that enabled this work is also reported.
On the Hirshfeld surface for copper(II) atoms in different coordination environments
Authors: Pinto Camila B. , Dos Santos Leonardo H. R. , Rodrigues Bernardo L.
Published: September 2020

Copper(II) chemistry has always attracted interest owing to its rich coordination geometry. On the one hand, the variety of geometries that the copper(II) atom can adopt makes it a versatile metal with high applicability. On the other hand, the difficulties in controlling the copper(II) geometry may hinder its use in the design of molecules. To evaluate the use of Hirshfeld surfaces for obtaining information related to coordination geometry in copper(II) compounds, the behaviour of the surfaces generated for the copper(II) centres in different coordination environments is analysed. Structural details of four compounds were retrieved from the Cambridge Structural Database and analysed along with the crystal structure of a new compound, namely chloro-bis(1,10-phenanthroline)copper(II) 2-carboxy-4-nitrobenzoate 4-nitrophthalic acid dihydrate {[CuCl(C12H8N2)2]+(C8H4NO6)−·C8H5NO6·2H2O}, here described. The obtained Hirshfeld surfaces behave differently according to the coordination environment, presenting different shapes and shape-related parameters. Furthermore, the curvature properties and fingerprint plots can be useful for evaluating the differences that might occur in the coordination environment.
X-ray diffraction reveals the amount of strain and homogeneity of extremely bent single nanowires
Authors: Davtyan Arman , Kriegner Dominik , Holý Václav , AlHassan Ali , Lewis Ryan B. , McDermott Spencer , Geelhaar Lutz , Bahrami Danial , Anjum Taseer , Ren Zhe , Richter Carsten , Novikov Dmitri , Müller Julian , Butz Benjamin , Pietsch Ullrich
Published: September 2020

Core–shell nanowires (NWs) with asymmetric shells allow for strain engineering of NW properties because of the bending resulting from the lattice mismatch between core and shell material. The bending of NWs can be readily observed by electron microscopy. Using X-ray diffraction analysis with a micro- and nano-focused beam, the bending radii found by the microscopic investigations are confirmed and the strain in the NW core is analyzed. For that purpose, a kinematical diffraction theory for highly bent crystals is developed. The homogeneity of the bending and strain is studied along the growth axis of the NWs, and it is found that the lower parts, i.e. close to the substrate/wire interface, are bent less than the parts further up. Extreme bending radii down to ∼3 µm resulting in strain variation of ∼2.5% in the NW core are found.
Service supply chain: from bibliometric analysis to content analysis, current research trends and future research directions
Authors: Nagariya Ramji , Kumar Divesh , Kumar Ishwar
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to carry out the systematic literature review, bibliometric analysis and content analysis of extant literature of service supply chain (SSC).

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic literature review (SLR) technique was used for identifying the research papers. In the first step after reading titles, abstracts and keywords and, full-length articles wherever required, papers not related to SSC were removed. In second steps papers were read more critically and papers not related to SSC were removed. Finally on 502 papers bibliometric and content analysis was further carried out. Content analysis was based on the clusters formed by bibliographic coupling. Further, content analysis of the recent articles revealed the current research trends and research gaps.

Findings

This paper identified the six existing research diversifications in SSC as (1) logistics SSC, (2) model, framework and conceptual papers, (3) third-party logistics service providers, (4) articles from various perspective, (5) measurement of quality and performance on services and (6) impact of adoption of technology, cooperation and branding on logistics service providers. Further, six future research directions are also provided.

Practical implications

This research provides a clear view of the progression of publication, research diversification, research themes of six identified clusters, sub-themes of clusters and content analysis of each cluster. Content analysis of recent articles reveals the current research trend and future research directions.

Originality/value

This is a first of its kind of study which presents the diversification of research areas within SSC, bibliometric analysis, content analysis and provides actionable future research direction.
Access and its contribution to achieving trust and satisfaction in inter-ethnic relationships
Authors: Zeqiri Mensur
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study seeks to provide further testing of access in the context of government – community relations within the political context of the Republic of North Macedonia. The study analyses relationship cultivation strategy of access and explains how it contributes to achieving trust and relationship satisfaction in government–community relations. This paper also provides insights into the importance of access to achieving positive government–community relations based on mutual trust and satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

For this research, a qualitative inquiry was conducted, and qualitative in-depth interviewing was used as the main research method. In total, 39 interviews were conducted: 12 interviews with Macedonian civil servants, eight interviews with Albanian civil servants and 19 interviews with Albanians.

Findings

The findings of this study showed citizens not to have enough access to government and its institutions. Besides, the results showed access to be crucial to building positive government–community relations based on mutual trust and satisfaction. In particular, discrimination and social distance were crucial in building trust between government and citizens.

Originality/value

The study provided evidence on the importance and contribution of the cultivation strategy of access to government-community relationships in general and to the relational outcomes of trust and satisfaction in particular. The findings supported the initial assumptions that access constitutes an important factor in predicting the government–community relationship quality.
Entrepreneurial ecosystem and social entrepreneurship: case studies of community-based craft from Kutch, India
Authors: Pathak Santana , Mukherjee Sujata
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore social entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) in the craft sector in the state of Gujarat, India. With liberalization, India witnessed the growth of social entrepreneurship and is considered one of the pioneering countries in social innovation. The objective of the research was to answer the research question: what role do various stakeholder groups play in creating and promoting craft sector social EEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a qualitative case study approach of methodological triangulation combining analysing documents, a participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Two case studies – one of the Ajrakh craft cluster from Ajrakhpur and the other of Kala Cotton from Aadeshar, Bhuj are studied to explore the symbiotic linkages of social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Kutch district of Gujarat, India. A total of 24 in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders of the EE.

Findings

The study concludes that the role of like-minded individuals/social entrepreneurs, social enterprises, design networks and educational institutions is vital towards revival and sustainability of craft as economic commodities geared for scalability. Furthermore, the engagement of the systemic condition agents such as various local and national level institutions, the communities play an important role to revitalize, redeem and commercialize craft infrastructure based on active engagement, innovation and services.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study how traditional craft-based enterprises can be enabled, revived, grown and sustained.
An RBC model with non-Ricardian households: lessons for Bulgaria (1999–2018)
Authors: Vasilev Aleksandar
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The authors introduce non-Ricardian (“hand-to-mouth”) myopic agents into an otherwise standard real-business-cycle (RBC) setup augmented with a detailed government sector. The authors investigate the quantitative importance of the presence of nonoptimizing households for cyclical fluctuations in Bulgaria.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors calibrate the RBC model to Bulgarian data for the period following the introduction of the currency board arrangement (1999–2018).

Findings

The authors find that the inclusion of such non-Ricardian households improves model performance along several dimensions and generally provides a better match vis-a-vis data, as compared to the standard model populated with Ricardian agents only.

Originality/value

This is a novel finding in the macroeconomic studies on Bulgaria using modern quantitative methods.
Consumers’ persuasion in online food delivery systems
Authors: Gunden Nefike , Morosan Cristian , DeFranco Agnes L.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aims to develop and validate a conceptual model that explains consumers’ persuasion by the information available on online food delivery systems (OFDS). The study validated consumers’ price savings orientation as an antecedent of two types of browsing behaviors (utilitarian and hedonic). Browsing and social influences were examined as predictors of persuasion.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was conducted to determine constructs that constituted the best conceptual model for this study. To test the model, an online instrument was developed, and data were collected with the help of a global marketing panel company from 333 consumers who have used OFDS. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to test the hypotheses of the model.

Findings

The study found that consumers’ price savings orientation strongly influenced both types of browsing. However, while utilitarian browsing did not influence consumers’ persuasion, hedonic browsing and social influence were strong predictors of persuasion.

Research limitations/implications

Given the uniqueness of the study that stems from its task-technology context and the type of product being purchased, this study advances the literature in hospitality information technology, especially in the relatively neglected foodservice information technology area. The study also provides implications for both restaurants and OFDS as critical stakeholders in this important area.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine consumers’ persuasion in a food-service online retail context. This study is also the first to examine both types of browsing as distinct constructs in hospitality and to explain their differential role in persuasion.
From culture to behaviour: donor orientation and organisational identification
Authors: Martín-Santana Josefa D. , Cabrera-Suárez María Katiuska , Déniz-Déniz María de la Cruz
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate whether cultural market orientation (MO) of blood transfusion centres and services (BTCS) results in behaviours aimed at offering a suitable service-experience to blood donors and if the relationship between cultural and behavioural MO is partially mediated by BTCS staff members’ organisational identification (OI). Also, it analyses whether certain employee characteristics, particularly their status of medical or non-medical staff, may affect their perceptions about MO (cultural and behavioural), OI and the relationship between these variables.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted with senior management staff and chiefs of Spanish BTCS, as well as blood collection staff – physicians, nurses and promoters – (147 participants).

Findings

Spanish BTCS has a strong belief in the importance of donors as key stakeholders in the donation system, although cultural MO does not turn into behaviours with the same strength. The results also show that there is a direct effect between cultural and behavioural MO, as well as a mediator effect of OI in this relationship.

Research limitations/implications

This study demonstrates that OI is a relevant internal marketing construct with a high potential explanatory power of customer orientation.

Practical implications

This study offers a validated tool to assess and monitor BTCS’ donor orientation and recommends that BTCS’ design effective marketing intelligence systems.

Social implications

This research contributes to social welfare by helping to explain how the organisational culture of BTCS and their employees’ perceptions and behaviours might help to enhance donor orientation, which would guarantee continual blood collection. This might be useful in the context of negative evolution of blood donation levels in many countries.

Originality/value

This research puts the focus on the role of the BTCS’s employees to understand the process by which a donor orientation culture would translate into market-oriented behaviours aimed to reach blood donor satisfaction, to guarantee a constant, growing blood donor pool. In this translation process, the organisational climate seems to play a fundamental role through one of its main variables, i.e. organisational identification.
Analysing human activity development through (work)spaces in a human-centered design project for commercial airline pilots
Authors: Quillerou Edwige , Boulnois Sébastien
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper conducts a co-design framework, thanks to different kinds of interviews with expert pilots in different space contexts for each stage of the technical development of the system.

Design/methodology/approach

To speak about the question of “spaces” and especially spaces in the design process, this paper is focussed on the transdisciplinary design research for commercial airline pilots. This design research combined a “Human-Centred Design” approach (Boy, 2015) with an occupational psychology, including a “Clinic of Activity” perspective (Kloëtzer et al., 2016). It integrates experts within the research process to design a new technological tool for indicating weather conditions in flight (Boulnois, 2018).

Findings

This study explains how the crossed self-confrontation interview under special space conditions allows dialogue to take place between the designers and the pilots for imagining the future workplace by using an emergent workspace.

Practical implications

The physical, psychological and social “space” conditions were worked on throughout the design process – including during the work analysis and design testing phases – and were revisited.

Originality/value

In this way, the occupational psychologist organised the framework for dialogue about the present situation and future workspaces, to anticipate changes in work organisation, enhance inter-professional collaboration and, finally, increase health and safety benefits for pilots, and potentially other workers, at the same time.
Investigation of the effect of hedonic shopping value on discounted product purchasing
Authors: Çavuşoğlu Sinan , Demirağ Bülent , Durmaz Yakup
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the effects of hedonic shopping value on discounted product purchasing intention.

Design Methodology Approach

The population of the research consists of consumers who have wanted to benefit from “Magnificent Friday” campaigns or similar campaigns of big shopping malls in Gaziantep between the November 15, 2019 and the December 31, 2019. Out of non-probability sampling methods, convenience sampling method was used in this research. Sample number was determined as 425. To test the hypotheses, Smart partial least squares 3 statistics program was used, and the evaluation of the hypotheses was conducted by using the bootstrapping technique.

Findings

Analyses show that innovation (β = 0.150, p < 0.001), entertainment (β = 0.192, p < 0.001), praise from others (β = 0.234, p < 0.001), escaping reality (β = 0.274, p < 0.001) and social interaction (β = 0.183, p < 0.001) dimensions of hedonic shopping value positively affect discounted product purchasing intention. Accordingly, H1, H2, H3, H4 and H5 were accepted.

Research Limitations Implications

Because the research has time, cost, accessibility and control limitations, the whole population was not reached. The research was only carried out on the data collected from 425 consumers in Gaziantep who benefited from or want to benefit from Magnificent Friday campaign or similar campaigns.

Practical Implications

During discount season when shopping activities are more intense, consumers tend to focus more on the entertainment value and suitability. Because consumers see these seasons as seasons to buy gifts, their interests in and purchasing intention toward products and shops increase. During discount seasons such as Magnificent Friday or New Year’s, businesses may take advantage of consumers who have a tendency for hedonic shopping.

Originality Value

This research studied the effect of hedonic shopping value on purchasing intention and contributed to the literature in this aspect. There have been no studies in national literature hat studied hedonic shopping with such an extent, and there have also been no studies focusing on Magnificent Friday campaigns. For this reason, this research is original in these aspects and thought to contribute to the literature.
Inhibition of JC polyomavirus infectivity by the retrograde transport inhibitor Retro‐2.1
Authors: Treasure Tashania , Nelson Christian D. S.
Published: September 2020

JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) is a common human pathogen that results in a chronic asymptomatic infection in healthy adults. Under conditions of immunosuppression, JCPyV spreads to the central nervous system and can cause the fatal demyelinating disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a disease for which there are no vaccines or antiviral therapies. Retro‐2 is a previously identified small molecule inhibitor that was originally shown to block retrograde transport of toxins such as ricin toxin from endosomes to the Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and Retro‐2.1 is a chemical analog of Retro‐2 that has been shown to inhibit ricin intoxication of cells at low nanomolar concentrations. Retro‐2 has previously been shown to prevent retrograde transport of JCPyV virions to the ER, but the effect of Retro‐2.1 on JCPyV infectivity is unknown. Here it is shown that Retro‐2.1 inhibits JCPyV with an EC50 of 3.9 μM. This molecule inhibits JCPyV infection at dosages that are not toxic to human tissue culture cells. Retro‐2.1 was also tested against two other polyomaviruses, the human BK polyomavirus and simian virus 40, and was also shown to inhibit infection at similar concentrations. Viral uncoating studies demonstrate that Retro‐2.1 inhibits BKPyV infectivity in a manner similar to Retro‐2. These studies demonstrate that improved analogs of Retro‐2 can inhibit infection at lower dosages than Retro‐2 and further optimization of these compounds may lead to effective treatment options for those suffering from JCPyV infection and PML.