bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scaffolding the Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Brain Using Random Noise Stimulation
Authors: Berger Itai , Dakwar-Kawar Ornella , Grossman Ephraim S. , Nahum Mor , Kadosh Roi Cohen
Published: September 2019

Various methods have been attempted to effectively ameliorate psychiatric and neurological conditions in children and adults. One of the attractive ideas is to develop interventions to create a lasting, rather than only an immediate, effect. Neurostimulation has been shown to yield long-term effect when combined with cognitive training in healthy young adults. We examined whether such approach could benefit children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood. We used a randomized double-blind active-controlled crossover study of 19 unmedicated children (aged 7–12 years old) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, who received either transcranial direct current stimulation or random noise stimulation while completing five-day executive functions training, which includes working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibition tasks. Both stimulation protocols have previously shown potential for inducing lasting benefits in adults, while transcranial direct current stimulation was examined in multiple attention deficit hyperactivity disorder studies and has been highlighted as a promising method for treating neuropsychological deficits. For our primary outcome, transcranial random noise stimulation yielded a clinical improvement as indicated by the reduced attention deficit hyperactivity disorder rating scale score from baseline, and in comparison to the changes observed in transcranial direct current stimulation. Moreover, the effect of brain stimulation one week after completion of treatment yielded further improvement, suggesting a neuroplasticity-related effect. Finally, transcranial random noise stimulation improved working memory compared to transcranial direct current stimulation, and a larger transcranial random noise stimulation effect on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder rating scale was predicted for those patients who showed the greatest improvement in working memory. Our results provide a promising direction toward a novel intervention in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which is shown to have a lasting effect via the modulating of neuroplasticity, rather than a merely immediate effect as was shown for in previous medical interventions.
New mutant mouse models clarify the role of NAIPs, phosphorylation, NLRP3, and tumors in NLRC4 inflammasome activation
Authors: Tenthorey Jeannette L. , Chavez Roberto A. , Thompson Thornton W. , Deets Katherine A. , Vance Russell E. , Rauch Isabella
Published: September 2019

The NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasome is a cytosolic sensor of bacteria that activates Caspase-1 and initiates potent downstream immune responses. Structural, biochemical, and genetic data all demonstrate that the NAIP proteins act as receptors for specific bacterial ligands, while NLRC4 is a downstream adaptor protein that multimerizes with NAIPs to form a macromolecular structure called an inflammasome. However, several aspects of NLRC4 biology remain unresolved. For example, in addition to its clear function in responding to bacteria, NLRC4 has also been proposed to initiate anti-tumor responses, though the underlying mechanism is unknown. NLRC4 has also been shown to be phosphorylated on serine 533, and this modification was suggested to be important for NLRC4 function. In the absence of S533 phosphorylation, it was further proposed that another inflammasome component, NLRP3, can induce NLRC4 activation. We generated a new Nlrc4-deficient mouse line as well as mice encoding phosphomimetic S533D and non-phosphorylatable S533A NLRC4 proteins. Using these genetic models in vivo and in vitro, we fail to observe a role for phosphorylation in NLRC4 inflammasome function. Furthermore, we find no role for NLRP3 in NLRC4 function, or for NLRC4 in a model of melanoma. These results simplify and clarify our understanding of the mechanism of NAIP/NLRC4 activation and its biological functions.
Reliability of Mismatch Negativity Event-Related Potentials in a Multisite, Traveling Subjects Study
Authors: Roach Brian J. , Carrión Ricardo E. , Hamilton Holly K. , Bachman Peter , Belger Aysenil , Duncan Erica , Johannesen Jason , Light Gregory A. , Niznikiewicz Margaret , Addington Jean , Bearden Carrie E. , Cadenhead Kristin S. , Cannon Tyrone D. , Cornblatt Barbara A. , McGlashan Thomas H. , Perkins Diana O. , Seidman Larry , Tsuang Ming , Walker Elaine F. , Woods Scott W. , Mathalon Daniel H.
Published: September 2019

Objective

Mismatch negativity (MMN) is an auditory event-related potential (ERP) used to study schizophrenia and psychosis risk. MMN reliability from a multisite, traveling subjects study was compared using different ERP referencing, averaging, and scoring techniques.

Methods

Reliability of frequency, duration, and double (frequency+duration) MMN was determined from eight traveling subjects, tested on two occasions at eight EEG laboratory sites. Deviant-specific variance components were estimated for MMN peak amplitude and latency measures using different ERP processing methods. Generalizability (G) coefficients were calculated using two-facet (site, occasion), fully-crossed models and single-facet (occasion) models within each laboratory to assess MMN reliability.

Results

G-coefficients calculated from two-facet models indicated fair (0.4<G<=0.6) duration MMN reliability at electrode Fz, but poor (G<0.4) double and frequency MMN reliability. Single-facet G-coefficients averaged across laboratory resulted in improved reliability (G>0.5). Reliability of MMN amplitude was greater than latency, and reliability with mastoid referencing significantly outperformed nose-referencing.

Conclusions

EEG preprocessing methods have a significant impact on the reliability of MMN amplitude. Within site MMN reliability can be excellent, consistent with prior single site studies.

Significance

With standardized data collection and ERP processing, MMN can be reliably obtained in multisite studies, providing larger samples sizes within rare patient groups.
Microscale physiological events on the human cortical surface
Authors: Paulk Angelique C. , Yang Jimmy C. , Cleary Daniel R. , Soper Daniel J. , Halgren Milan , O’Donnell Alexandra R. , Lee Sang Heon , Ganji Mehran , Ro Yun Goo , Oh Hongseok , Hossain Lorraine , Lee Jihwan , Tchoe Youngbin , Rogers Nicholas , Kiliç Kivilcim , Ryu Sang Baek , Lee Seung Woo , Hermiz John , Gilja Vikash , Ulbert István , Fabó Daniel , Devinsky Orrin , Madsen Joseph R. , Schomer Donald L. , Eskandar Emad N. , Lee Jong Woo , Maus Douglas , Devor Anna , Fried Shelley I. , Jones Pamela S. , Nahed Brian V. , Ben-Haim Sharona , Bick Sarah K. , Richardson Robert Mark , Raslan Ahmed M. T. , Siler Dominic A. , Cahill Daniel P. , Williams Ziv M. , Cosgrove G. Rees , Dayeh Shadi A. , Cash Sydney S.
Published: September 2019

Despite ongoing advancements in our understanding of the local single-cellular and network-level activity of neuronal populations in the human brain, extraordinarily little is known about their ‘intermediate’ microscale local circuit dynamics. Here, we utilized ultrahigh density microelectrode arrays and a rare opportunity to perform intracranial recordings across multiple cortical areas in human participants to discover three distinct classes of cortical activity that are not locked to ongoing natural brain rhythmic activity. The first included fast waveforms similar to extracellular single unit activity. The other two types were discrete events with slower waveform dynamics and were found preferentially in upper layers of the grey matter. They were also observed in rodents, non-human primates, and semi-chronic recordings in humans via laminar and Utah array microelectrodes. The rates of all three events were selectively modulated by auditory and electrical stimuli, pharmacological manipulation, and cold saline application and had small causal co-occurrences. These results suggest that with the proper combination of high resolution microelectrodes and analytic techniques it is possible to capture neuronal dynamics that lay between somatic action potentials and aggregate population activity and that understanding these intermediate microscale dynamics may reveal important details of the full circuit behavior in human cognition.
A unifying framework for synaptic organization on cortical dendrites
Authors: Kirchner Jan H. , Gjorgjieva Julijana
Published: September 2019

Dendritic synaptic inputs are organized into functional clusters with remarkable subcellular precision at the micron level. This organization emerges during early postnatal development through patterned spontaneous activity and manifests both locally where nearby synapses are significantly correlated, and globally with distance to the soma. We propose a biophysically motivated synaptic plasticity model to dissect the mechanistic origins of this organization during development, and elucidate synaptic clustering of different stimulus features in the adult. Our model captures local clustering of orientation in ferret vs. receptive field overlap in mouse visual cortex based on the cortical magnification of visual space. Including a back-propagating action potential explains branch clustering heterogeneity in the ferret, and produces a global retinotopy gradient from soma to dendrite in the mouse. Therefore, our framework suggests that sub-cellular precision in connectivity can already be established in development, and unifies different aspects of synaptic organization across species and scales.
The Sle1 Cell Wall Amidase Controls Daughter Cell Splitting, Cell Size, and β-Lactam Resistance in Community Acquired Methicillin ResistantStaphylococcus aureusUSA300
Authors: Thalsø-Madsen Ida , Torrubia Fernando Ruiz , Xu Lijuan , Petersen Andreas , Jensen Camilla , Frees Dorte
Published: September 2019

Most clinically relevant methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) strains have become resistant to β-lactams antibiotics through horizontal acquisition of themecAgene encoding PBP2a, a peptidoglycan transpeptidase with low affinity for β-lactams. The level of resistance conferred bymecAis, however, strain dependent and the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain poorly understood. We here show that β-lactam resistance correlates to expression of the Sle1 cell wall amidase in the fast spreading and highly virulent community-acquired MRSA USA300 clone. Sle1 is a substrate of the ClpXP protease, and while the high Sle1 levels in cells lacking ClpXP activity confer β-lactam hyper-resistance, USA300 cells lacking Sle1 are as sensitive to β-lactams as cells lackingmecA. This finding prompted us to assess the cellular roles of Sle1 in more detail, and we demonstrate that high Sle1 levels accelerate the onset of daughter cells splitting and decrease cell size. Vice versa, oxacillin decreases the Sle1 level, and imposes a cell-separation defect that is antagonized by high Sle1 levels, suggesting that high Sle1 levels increase tolerance to oxacillin by promoting cell separation. In contrast, increased oxacillin sensitivity ofsle1cells appears linked to a synthetical lethal effect on septum synthesis. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Sle1 is a key factor in resistance to β-lactam antibiotics in the JE2 USA300 model strain, and that PBP2a is required for expression of Sle1 in JE2 cells exposed to oxacillin.

Importance

The bacteriumStaphylococcus aureusis a major cause of human disease, and the global spread ofS. aureusresistant to β-lactam antibiotics (MRSA) has made treatment increasingly difficult. β-lactams interfere with cross-linking of the bacterial cell wall, however, the killing mechanism of this important class of antibiotics is still not fully understood. Here we provide novel insight into this topic by showing that β-lactam resistance is controlled by the Sle1 cell wall amidase in the fast spreading and highly virulent MRSA USA300 clone. We show that Sle1 high levels accelerate the onset of daughter cells splitting and decrease cell size. Vice versa, oxacillin decreases the Sle1 level, and imposes a cell-separation defect that is antagonized Sle1. The key finding that resistance to β-lactams correlates positively to expression of Sle1 indicates that, inS. aureus,the detrimental effects of β-lactam antibiotics are linked to inhibition of daughter cells splitting.
PHENOTYPIC AND GENETIC CORRELATION BETWEEN SLEEP, BEHAVIOR, AND MACROSCALE CORTICAL GREY MATTER
Authors: Tahmasian Masoud , Samea Fateme , Khazaie Habibolah , Zarei Mojtaba , Kharabian Shahrzad , Hoffstaedter Felix , Camilleri Julia A. , Kochunov Peter , Yeo B.T. Thomas , Eickhoff Simon B. , Valk Sofie L.
Published: September 2019

Humans need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Sleep habits are heritable, associated with brain function and structure, and intrinsically related to well-being, mental and physical health. This raises the question whether associations between sleep, mental and physical health can be attributed to a shared macroscale neurobiology.

Combining neuroimaging and behavioral genetic approaches in two independent large-scale datasets (n=1887) we demonstrate phenotypic and genetic correspondence between sleep, intelligence, and BMI. Sleep was associated with local thickness variation in frontal, temporal, and occipital cortices. Using a comprehensive multivariate approach, we identified two robust latent components highlighting the interdigitation of sleep, intelligence, BMI, and depression and their shared relation to regions in unimodal and heteromodal association cortices. Latent relationships were heritable and driven by shared additive genetic factors. These observations provide a system-level perspective on the interrelation of sleep, mental, and physical conditions, anchored in grey-matter neuroanatomy.
An integrative model finds comparable contributions to drug resistance from poor drug adherence and adapting bacteria
Authors: Mathews Roshan P. , Prakash Meher K.
Published: September 2019

Antibiotic resistance is a compound effect of several factors in the infection to healing cycle, from molecular factors such as mutation rate of bacteria to habitual behaviors such as adherence to a prescribed drug. Usually each of these factors is modeled separately from biochemistry, evolutionary biology or population health perspectives. To develop an understanding for the drug resistance at a population level, which is of high global significance, it is important to weigh all these factors in an integrated model. We develop RASAID, a model for resistance considering bacterial adaptation, infection spread, population adherence, immunity, and drug dosage. We apply the model to antibiotic resistance in the spread of resistant strains of Streptococcus Pneumoniae (Sp) in a finite community. We analyze the contributions from several factors to resistance, with a goal towards asking how important is the pursuit of newer drug developments relative to improving the awareness about the good practices in drug usage.
Lesions of canine prostate underwent laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and microwave ablation: Lesions’ shapes and clinical significances
Authors: Ruiqing Liu , Lianzhong Zhang , Shaobo Duan , Huicun Cao , Guangshao Cao , Zhiyang Chang , Ye Zhang , Yaqiong Li , Yuejin Wu , Luwen Liu
Published: September 2019

Objective

To explore the shapes and clinical significances of the lesions of canine prostate underwent laser ablation (LA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and microwave ablation (MWA).

Methods

Here, 6 male Beagle dogs were randomly assigned to LA, RFA, and MWA groups, respectively. The ablations were conducted with the doses commonly applied in clinical practice (LA: 3 W/1200 J; RFA and MWA: 30 W/120 s) for one region in the left and right lobes of the prostate, which totally resulted in 12 lesions. An energy transmitter was inserted via the perineum under the guidance of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and the ablation process was observed dynamically. After ablation, the efficacy was assessed by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), and transverse diameter (TRD), anteroposterior diameter (APD), and longitudinal diameter (TRD) were measured. Then, the volume (V) was calculated according to the following formulae, V = 1/6 × π × (MLD × APD × LD), and ratio (R) R =[(MLD + APD)/2 × LD], which was used to show the shape of the lesion (The closer R is to 1, the more spherical it is).

Results

The shapes and sizes of the lesions underwent the three techniques varied under the clinically commonly used doses. The R values, reflecting the changes in shapes of lesions, were 0.89±0.02, 0.72±0.01, and 0.65±0.03 for RFA, MWA, and LA, respectively, which were significantly different (P =0.027). The volumes of the lesions underwent the three ablation techniques significantly varied as well (P=0.001), which were 2.17±0.10, 1.51±0.20, and 0.79±0.07 ml for MWA, LA, and RFA, respectively. Conclusion: The above-mentioned three techniques could be used for ablation of prostate cancer using the clinically commonly used doses. The shapes of the lesions underwent the three ablation techniques varied evidently, with the lesions received RFA and LA were more spherical and oval, respectively, while the shapes of lesions underwent MWA were between spherical and oval. The lesions received MWA and RFA had the largest and smallest sizes, respectively, while sizes of lesions underwent LA were in the middle. These findings may assist physicians to select an appropriate therapeutic method for treatment of prostate disease.
Adrenergic C1 neurons are part of the circuitry that recruits active expiration in response to hypoxia
Authors: Malheiros-Lima Milene R. , Silva Josiane N. , Souza Felipe C. , Takakura Ana C. , Moreira Thiago S.
Published: September 2019

Breathing results from the interaction of two distinct oscillators: the preBötzinger Complex (preBötC) driving inspiration and the lateral parafacial region (pFRG) driving active expiration. The pFRG is silent during resting and become rhythmically active during high metabolic demand such as hypoxia. Catecholaminergic C1 cells are activated by hypoxia, which is a strong stimulus for active expiration. We hypothesized that the C1 cells and pFRG may constitute functionally distinct but interacting populations in order to contributes to control expiratory activity during hypoxia. We found that: a) C1 neurons are activated by hypoxia and project to pFRG region; b) active expiration elicited by hypoxia was blunted after blockade of ionotropic glutamatergic antagonist at the level of pFRG and c) selective depletion of C1 neurons eliminated the active expiration elicited by hypoxia. The results suggest that C1 cells may regulate the respiratory cycle including the active expiration under hypoxic condition.
TPM3.1 association with actin stress fibers is required for lens epithelial to mesenchymal transition
Authors: Parreno Justin , Amadeo Michael B. , Kwon Elizabeth H. , Fowler Velia M.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cause of anterior and posterior subcapsular cataracts. Central to EMT is the formation of actin stress fibers. Targeting specific, stress fiber associated tropomyosin in epithelial cells may be a means to prevent stress fiber formation and repress lens EMT.

Methods

We identified Tpm isoforms in mouse immortalized lens epithelial cells and isolated whole lenses by semi-quantitative PCR followed Sanger sequencing. We focused on the role of one particular tropomyosin isoform, Tpm3.1, in EMT. To stimulate EMT, we cultured cells or native lenses in TGFβ2. To test the function of Tpm3.1, we exposed cells or whole lenses to a Tpm3.1-specific chemical inhibitor, TR100, as well as investigated lenses from Tpm3.1 knockout mice. We examined stress fiber formation by confocal microscopy and assessed EMT progression by αsma mRNA (qPCR) and protein (WES immunoassay) analysis.

Results

Lens epithelial cells express eight tropomyosin isoforms. Cell culture studies showed that TGFβ2 treatment results in an upregulation of Tpm3.1, which associates with actin in stress fibers. TR100 prevents stress fiber formation and reduces αsma in TGFβ2 treated cells. We confirmed the role of Tpm3.1 in lens epithelial cells in the native lens ex vivo. Culture of whole lenses in the presence of TGFβ2 results in stress fiber formation at the basal regions of epithelial cells. Knockout of Tpm3.1 or treatment of lenses with TR100 prevents basal stress fiber formation and reduces epithelial αsma levels.

Conclusion

Targeting specific stress fiber associated tropomyosin isoform, Tpm3.1, is a means to represses lens EMT.
Dynamic actin crosslinking governs the cytoplasm’s transition to fluid-like behavior
Authors: Chaubet Loïc , Chaudhary Abdullah R. , Heris Hossein K. , Ehrlicher Allen J. , Hendricks Adam G.
Published: September 2019

Cells precisely control their mechanical properties to organize and differentiate into tissues. The architecture and connectivity of cytoskeletal filaments changes in response to mechanical and biochemical cues, allowing the cell to rapidly tune its mechanics from highly-crosslinked, elastic networks to weakly-crosslinked viscous networks. While the role of actin crosslinking in controlling actin network mechanics is well-characterized in purified actin networks, its mechanical role in the cytoplasm of living cells remains unknown. Here, we probe the frequency-dependent intracellular viscoelastic properties of living cells using multifrequency excitation and in situ optical trap calibration. At long timescales in the intracellular environment, we observe that the cytoskeleton becomes fluid-like. The mechanics are well-captured by a model in which actin filaments are dynamically connected by a single dominant crosslinker. A disease-causing point mutation (K255E) of the actin crosslinker α-actinin 4 (ACTN4) causes its binding kinetics to be insensitive to tension. Under normal conditions, the viscoelastic properties of wild type (WT) and K255E+/- cells are similar. However, when tension is reduced through myosin II inhibition, WT cells relax 3x faster to the fluid-like regime while K255E+/- cells are not affected. These results indicate that dynamic actin crosslinking enables the cytoplasm to flow at long timescales.
Neutrophils mediate the capture of peritoneal contaminants by fat-associated lymphoid clusters of the omentum
Authors: Jackson-Jones Lucy H. , Smith Peter , Magalhaes Marlène S. , Portman Jordan R. , Mylonas Katie J. , Nixon Mark , Henderson Beth E.P. , Dobie Ross , Henderson Neil C. , Mole Damian J. , Bénézech Cécile
Published: September 2019

The omentum is a visceral adipose tissue rich in fat-associated lymphoid clusters (FALCs), which collects peritoneal contaminants and provides a first layer of immunological defence within the abdomen. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial analysis of omental stromal cells, we reveal that the surface of FALCs are covered with specialised mesothelial cells, which we name FALC cover cells. We demonstrate that CXCL1 is expressed by FALC cover cells and that CXCL1 is critical for the retention and accumulation of neutrophils within FALCs during peritonitis. We show that protein arginine deiminase 4 mediates the formation of dense neutrophil aggregates, which are required for the neutralisation of particles present in the peritoneal cavity. Finally, we provide confirmatory evidence in humans with acute appendicitis, that the omentum is also a site of neutrophil recruitment and bacterial capture, and is thus an important component of the immunological defence against the propagation of peritoneal contaminants.
In silico stress fibre content affects peak strain in cytoplasm and nucleus but not in the membrane for uniaxial substrate stretch
Authors: Abdalrahman Tamer , Davies Neil H. , Franz Thomas
Published: September 2019

Existing in silico models for single cell mechanics feature limited representations of cytoskeletal structures that contribute substantially to the mechanics of a cell. We propose a micromechanical hierarchical approach to capture the mechanical contribution of actin stress fibres. For a cell-specific fibroblast geometry with membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus, the Mori-Tanaka homogenization method was employed to describe cytoplasmic inhomogeneities and constitutive contribution of actin stress fibres. The homogenization was implemented in a finite element model of the fibroblast attached to a substrate through focal adhesions. Strain in cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus due to uniaxial substrate stretch was assessed for different stress fibre volume fractions and different elastic modulus of the substrate. A considerable decrease of the peak strain with increasing stress fibre content was observed in cytoplasm and nucleus but not the membrane, whereas the peak strain in cytoplasm, nucleus and membrane increased for increasing elastic modulus of the substrate.
Checkpoint regulation of nuclear Tos4 defines S phase arrest in fission yeast
Authors: Kim Seong M. , Tripathi Vishnu P. , Shen Kuo-Fang , Forsburg Susan L.
Published: September 2019

From yeast to humans, the cell cycle is tightly controlled by regulatory networks that regulate cell proliferation and can be monitored by dynamic visual markers in living cells. We have observed S phase progression by monitoring nuclear accumulation of the FHA-containing DNA binding protein Tos4, which is expressed in the G1/S phase transition. We use Tos4 localization to distinguish three classes of DNA replication mutants: those that arrest with an apparent 1C DNA content and accumulate Tos4 at the restrictive temperature; those that arrest with an apparent 2C DNA content, that do not accumulate Tos4; and those that proceed into mitosis despite a 1C DNA content, again without Tos4 accumulation. Our data indicate that Tos4 localization in these conditions is responsive to checkpoint kinases, with activation of the Cds1 checkpoint kinase promoting Tos4 retention in the nucleus, and activation of the Chk1 damage checkpoint promoting its turnover. Tos4 localization therefore allows us to monitor checkpoint-dependent activation that responds to replication failure in early versus late S phase.
Loss of Nance-Horan Syndrome b (nhsb) prevents expansion growth of retinal progenitor cells by selective up-regulation of Δ113p53
Authors: Vorster Paul J. , Ojumu John , Dickinson Amanda J. G. , Walsh Gregory S.
Published: September 2019

The regulation of cell cycle progression and differentiation in retinal progenitor cells is a fundamental feature controlling organ size of the eye in vertebrates. Nance-Horan Syndrome (NHS) is a rare X-linked disorder caused by mutations in the NHS gene. Dysmorphic features of NHS include severe congenital cataracts, micropthalmia, facial dysmorphisms, and visual impairment. In this study we report an evolutionarily conserved role for NHS in vertebrate retinogenesis. Loss of function of nhs leads to small eye size in both zebrafish and Xenopus tropicalis, marked by reduced proliferation but not cell death. Transcriptome analysis of nhs morphant zebrafish eyes revealed a marked upregulation in Δ113p53, an isoform of p53, concomitant with a selective upregulation of p53 responsive genes that inhibit cell cycle progression but not apoptosis. Our data supports a model where Nhs is a negative regulator of Δ113p53 expression and exerts its function through regulation of the p53 pathway to promote expansive growth of retinal progenitor cells prior to differentiation.
The proton pump inhibitor omeprazole does not promote Clostridioides difficile colonization in a murine model
Authors: Tomkovich Sarah , Lesniak Nicholas A. , Li Yuan , Bishop Lucas , Fitzgerald Madison J. , Schloss Patrick D.
Published: September 2019

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use has been associated with microbiota alterations and susceptibility to Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs) in humans. We assessed how PPI treatment alters the fecal microbiota and whether treatment promotes CDIs in a mouse model. Mice receiving a PPI treatment were gavaged with 40 mg/kg of omeprazole during a 7-day pretreatment phase, the day of C. difficile challenge, and the following 9 days. We found that mice treated with omeprazole were not colonized by C. difficile. When omeprazole treatment was combined with a single clindamycin treatment, one cage of mice remained resistant to C. difficile colonization, while the other cage was colonized. Treating mice with only clindamycin followed by challenge resulted in C. difficile colonization. 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis revealed that omeprazole had minimal impact on the structure of the murine microbiota throughout the 16 days of omeprazole exposure. These results suggest omeprazole treatment alone is not sufficient to disrupt microbiota resistance to C. difficile infection in mice that are normally resistant in the absence of antibiotic treatment.
Planarians recruit piRNAs for mRNA turnover in adult stem cells
Authors: Kim Iana V. , Duncan Elizabeth M. , Ross Eric J. , Gorbovytska Vladyslava , Nowotarski Stephanie H. , Elliott Sarah A. , Sánchez Alvarado Alejandro , Kuhn Claus-D.
Published: September 2019

PIWI proteins utilize small RNAs called piRNAs to silence transposable elements, thereby protecting germline integrity. In planarian flatworms, PIWI proteins are essential for regeneration, which requires adult stem cells termed neoblasts. Here, we characterize planarian piRNAs and examine the roles of PIWI proteins in neoblast biology. We find that the planarian PIWI proteins SMEDWI-2 and SMEDWI-3 cooperate to degrade active transposons via the ping-pong cycle. Unexpectedly, we discover that SMEDWI-3 plays an additional role in planarian mRNA surveillance. While SMEDWI-3 degrades numerous neoblast mRNAs in a homotypic ping-pong cycle, it is also guided to another subset of neoblast mRNAs by antisense piRNAs and binds these without degrading them. Mechanistically, the distinct activities of SMEDWI-3 are primarily dictated by the degree of complementarity between target mRNAs and antisense piRNAs. Thus, PIWI proteins enable planarians to repurpose piRNAs for potentially critical roles in neoblast mRNA turnover.
LTR retroelement expansion of the human cancer transcriptome and immunopeptidome revealed by de novo transcript assembly
Authors: Attig Jan , Young George R. , Hosie Louise , Perkins David , Encheva-Yokoya Vesela , Stoye Jonathan P. , Snijders Ambrosius P. , Ternette Nicola , Kassiotis George
Published: September 2019

Dysregulated endogenous retroelements (EREs) are increasingly implicated in the initiation, progression, and immune surveillance of human cancer. However, incomplete knowledge of ERE activity limits mechanistic studies. By using pan-cancer de novo transcript assembly, we uncover the extent and complexity of ERE transcription. The current assembly doubled the number of previously annotated transcripts overlapping with long-terminal repeat (LTR) elements, several thousand of which were expressed specifically in one or a few related cancer types. Exemplified in melanoma, LTR-overlapping transcripts were highly predictable, disease prognostic, and closely linked with molecularly defined subtypes. They further showed the potential to affect disease-relevant genes, as well as produce novel cancer-specific antigenic peptides. This extended view of LTR elements provides the framework for functional validation of affected genes and targets for cancer immunotherapy.
Customer loyalty in the fast food restaurants of Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Mohammed Belal
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing the satisfaction of customer and customer loyalty in the fast food restaurant industry. A theoretical model, including hypotheses, has been proposed in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were assembled using convenient sampling method. The hypothesized model was verified with the data from 204 respondents. Principal component analysis and structural equation modeling approach were applied to analyze data.

Findings

The results (significant at p<0.01 and p<0.05) exhibited that food quality, price and service quality were positively linked to customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction was positively associated with customer loyalty. The empirical results found a contrary association between the location and environment of restaurant and customer satisfaction.

Practical implications

The managers and owners of fast food restaurants may use the results of this study to confirm customer satisfaction and loyalty of the customer. With loyal customer groups, their businesses can be sustained and gradually grown up.

Originality/value

This study will provide guidelines for the management of fast food restaurants to formulate their business strategies in the competitive market. It will give a signal to the managers to stay focused on customer relationship management as the ultimate goal of the business.
Vertical price transmission in the Nigerian cowpea market
Authors: Wu Wenchao , Chien Hsiaoping , Sakurai Takeshi , Muranaka Satoru
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the asymmetry of vertical price transmission (i.e. from the wholesale to the retail market) in the Nigerian cowpea market and identify its causes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed 19 markets in Kano and Ibadan from 2012 to 2015. The autoregressive distributed lag model and asymmetric error correction model were adopted to test the asymmetry of vertical price transmission.

Findings

Results suggest that price transmission in Kano is symmetric, but it is asymmetric in Ibadan. This distinction is caused by the differences in the market structure (in terms of competition level, inventory period and transaction cost) of these cities.

Originality/value

This is the first study to empirically investigate the vertical price transmission in two Nigerian cowpea markets. It is also the first to reveal the role of the market structure in price transmission through a comparison of two markets. The findings provide policy implications and will help create a more efficient food market in Nigeria.
Critical success factors for TQM implementation among manufacturing SMEs
Authors: Georgiev Svetoslav , Ohtaki Seiichi
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address a perennial question regarding the importance of soft total quality management (TQM) as part of the TQM implementation process – a topic that has been significantly understudied. Specifically, the authors address previous calls in the literature for stressing the soft aspects of TQM and for drawing a critical success factor (CSF) list that is formulated on the basis of empirical research instead of theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a comparative qualitative case study of three manufacturing SMEs combining empirical data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a large variety of stakeholders – from top managers to shop-floor workers, site visits and observations.

Findings

The study identifies 12 soft CSFs, and while most of these factors have been well-documented in the literature (e.g. top management involvement and leadership), the authors show evidence for the existence of other soft constructs that have not been considered or have been given little importance previously (i.e. middle management involvement and support, reward and recognition, CSR focus).

Research limitations/implications

The study fills two major gaps in the (T)QM literature. First, it enriches the understanding of TQM implementation among Japanese SMEs. Second, it addresses the importance of soft TQM as part of the TQM implementation process.

Practical implications

This paper provides company owners and managers with valuable knowledge that may assist their organisations in the pursuit of business excellence including higher product quality and employee satisfaction.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first (international) study to investigate TQM implementation within the context of Japanese SMEs.
The conceptual difference really matters
Authors: Alipour Ali
Published: September 2019

Purpose

In spite of the common label, uncertainty avoidance (UA) across Hofstede and GLOBE models has been found to be negatively correlated and capture distinct concepts. Nevertheless, the empirical research focusing on the impact of UA on a variety of constructs has strongly neglected this conceptual difference, assuming them equivalent constructs and using one as an alternative for the other, or merely applying one for reasons other than conceptual relevance. Challenging this taken-for-granted assumption, the purpose of this paper is to show that their conceptual difference matters by showing that their causal impact on a given construct is not consistent given their conceptual difference.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses are tested using hierarchical linear modeling analyses on firms from Compustat Global Database across 44 countries within the time span of 1990–2017.

Findings

The findings show that the causal effects of Hofstede UA index (UAI) and GLOBE UA society practices on the risk-taking behavior of firms are not consistent. Unlike Hofstede UAI, GLOBE UA (society practices) does not reduce the risk-taking behavior of firms.

Originality/value

This study is valuable in that it raises awareness on the conceptual differences between UA dimensions across Hofstede vs GLOBE and challenges one of the taken-for-granted assumptions in the empirical literature that the two are equivalent by empirically showing that their impacts on a given construct (i.e. the risk-taking behavior of firms) are not consistent.
Corporate responsibility for employees and service innovation performance in manufacturing transformation
Authors: Li Lan , Li Gang , Chan Shui F.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine, within a context of manufacturing transformation, whether corporate responsibility for employees (CRE) promotes the service innovation performance (SIP) of the firm; whether this effect is mediated by employee innovative behavior (EIB), and how two control mechanisms (process-control (PC) and outcome-control mechanism) moderate the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on social exchange and control mechanism theory, this paper establishes a conceptual model and adopts a hierarchical regression analysis to examine the model with a sample of 110 manufacturing firms from China.

Findings

The study finds that CRE positively affects SIP. EIB mediates such effect. Output-control weakens the effect of CRE on EIB, and PC does not impact on the relationship.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that, facing tremendous pressure in manufacturing transformation, firms must be cautious in treating their employees. Given that EIB is crucial to improving the SIP, and in turn to meet the ever upgrading customer demands, firms ought to actively take responsibilities to protect employees’ interests, and cautiously adopt control mechanisms. Thus employees could be motivated to involve in service innovation actively. This effect not only benefits employees with a sustainable career but also help the firm survive in this tough transformation period.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first (if any) research that examining the impact of CRE on SIP and EIB. The findings are an extension of the existing research, and show the explanation potential of corporate social responsibility on EIB and SIP in a difficult time such as manufacturing transformation.
Developing engineering students’ willingness and ability to perform creative tasks
Authors: Pettersen Inger Beate , Åmo Bjørn Willy , van der Lingen Elma , Håvåg Voldsund Kari , Johnstad Bragelien Judit
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore creativity and how it changes over time among engineering students in practice-based entrepreneurship in higher education. This change was examined in students over a one-semester course in entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship courses that use creativity tools for practice-based learning are expected to develop creativity as a learning outcome. This study discusses the extent to which some learning outcomes are more easily developed than others.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a longitudinal design by applying a pre- and post-test survey. The student population consists of engineering students enrolled in an entrepreneurship course with practice-based learning involving creativity tools. The course includes team-based idea generation and business model development. To measure actual changes in students’ creativity, two measures were used to reflect different aspects.

Findings

The results show that students’ ability to perform creative tasks increased, while students’ willingness to engage in and their enjoyment of creative tasks decreased as a result of the course. Non-significant differences in changes were found between the two measures, but a difference was found in how the two measures changed during the course. In line with the research question, the results suggest that education may influence ability to a greater extent than willingness.

Originality/value

The research used two different creativity measures to explore the extent to which engineering students experienced a change in creativity over a one-semester entrepreneurship course. In this way, the research contributes to the discussion on what could be learnt and by what means.
Enhancing the wearablity and accessibility of illuminated POF garment
Authors: Bai Vera Ziqian , Tan Jeanne , Chen Amy , Ge Lan
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an illuminated polymeric optical fibre (POF) garment – the LUMI jacket – with accessibility and wearability improvements. This paper demonstrates how wearable technology can be seamlessly integrated into daily life.

Design/methodology/approach

An interdisciplinary approach involving design and technological techniques was adopted. Both garment design approaches and textile technologies were used to optimise the performance of a POF jacket. A group of tactile sensors was developed to create an easy-to-access interactive function. A POF fabric sample and garment were washed and examined to prove that a POF garment could be made part of a domestic laundry routine.

Findings

As a result, an illuminated POF garment – the LUMI jacket with textile-based switches – was created. Compared with current POF garments, the LUMI jacket’s wearability and accessibility were highly improved.

Originality/value

This project explored an unobstructive POF-illuminated garment to address the functional and wearable barriers to adoption. The interaction between wearer and garment is accessible. Electronics and textile touch sensors were seamlessly integrated into garment. Washability of POF garment was proved. This research explores how e-textiles can fit into everyday life.
A study on dynamic capabilities view of doctoral students’ research productivity
Authors: Muneeb Dilnaz , Tehseen Shehnaz , Saeed Kausar
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of dynamic capabilities (DC) along with operational capabilities such as network orientation, academics, social networking and perceived supervisory support (PSS), on the research productivity of doctoral students in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an online quantitative survey from participants recruited via snowball and quota sampling. The conceptual model was developed and tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

DC, network orientation and academic and social networking are shown to have a positive influence on the productivity levels of doctoral students in Malaysia and the UAE. However, the influence was found to be stronger in the Malaysian sample than in the UAE sample. The impact of PSS was not seen to be statistically significant in either sample.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that attention needs to be paid to strengthening doctoral students’ DC in terms of research skills and competencies, as well as enhancing operational capabilities to improve students’ research capabilities.

Originality/value

Drawing on strategic management approaches and socialisation theory, this study is assumed to be the first that considers doctoral students’ research productivity in the context of DC.
Marketing in emerging markets: a review, theoretical synthesis and extension
Authors: Paul Justin
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of theoretical models and studies dealing with the international marketing strategies in emerging markets and provides recommendations for future research based on the review.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of literature on the topic was conducted and a new model is developed as a theoretical extension on the basis of insights from prior research.

Findings

Organizations need to take into account several characteristics of consumers and markets in advance as part of their business plan to select appropriate emerging markets, and decide best possible entry modes.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, there is no comprehensive review article on this subject, which provides directions for future research. The authors fill this gap in the literature and suggest strategies with regard to market selection, entry modes, market adaptation, customer relationship development with a new four-dimensional model.
Drivers of sustainability reporting quality: financial institution perspective
Authors: Chang Weng Foong , Amran Azlan , Iranmanesh Mohammad , Foroughi Behzad
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study aims to explain how institutional, cultural and corporate factors affect the sustainability reporting quality (SRQ) of financial institutions and to test the moderating effect of equator principles (EP).

Design/methodology/approach

The annual reports of 100 financial institutions were examined for the year 2016 using content analysis. The multiple regression technique was used to test the proposed relationships.

Findings

The results show that the quality of sustainability reports is higher among financial institutions in developed countries. Furthermore, institutions that practice Islamic values and those that integrate corporate social responsibility values into their mission and vision have higher levels of SRQ. Privately owned institutions also have higher quality of sustainability reporting in comparison to government-owned ones. Adopting the EP has a greater effect on the SRQ of non-Islamic financial institutions in comparison to Islamic ones.

Practical implications

The results of the study will be useful in enabling managers of financial institutions to become knowledgeable about the factors that lead to higher SRQ. The findings also have implications for policymakers’ development of sustainability reporting regulations and for the development of effective enforcement of regulations.

Originality/value

These outcomes contribute to the literature on SRQ exploring the importance of institutional, cultural and corporate factors on the extent of SRQ and testing the moderating effect of EP.