bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Splicing modulators elicit global translational repression by condensate-prone proteins translated from introns
Authors: Shrestha Jagat Krishna Chhipi , Schneider-Poetsch Tilman , Suzuki Takehiro , Mito Mari , Khan Khalid , Dohmae Naoshi , Iwasaki Shintaro , Yoshida Minoru
Published: November 2020

Chemical splicing modulators that bind to the spliceosome have provided an attractive venue for cancer treatment. Splicing modulators induce accumulation and subsequent translation of a subset of intron-retained mRNAs. Yet, the biological effect of proteins containing translated intron sequences remains unclear. Here we identified a number of truncated proteins generated upon treatment with the splicing modulator spliceostatin A (SSA) using genome-wide ribosome profiling and bio-orthogonal non-canonical amino-acid tagging (BONCAT) mass spectrometry. A subset of these truncated proteins has intrinsically disordered regions, forms insoluble cellular condensates, and triggers the proteotoxic stress response through JNK phosphorylation, thereby inhibiting the mTORC1 pathway. In turn, this reduces global translation. These findings indicate that creating an overburden of condensate-prone proteins derived from introns represses translation and prevents further production of harmful truncated proteins. This mechanism appears to contribute to the antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity of splicing modulators.
NK cells promote cancer immunoediting through tumor-intrinsic loss of interferon-stimulated gene expression
Authors: Wong Yung Yu , Riggan Luke , Perez-Reyes Edgar , Huerta Christopher , Moldenhauer Matt , O’Sullivan Timothy E.
Published: November 2020

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that constantly patrol host tissues against transformed cells in a process known as cancer immunosurveillance. Previous evidence in mice has demonstrated that NK cell-derived IFN-γ can promote immunoevasion by sculpting the immunogenicity of developing tumors in a process known as cancer immunoediting. This process involves the elimination of highly immunogenic “unedited” tumor cells followed by the eventual escape of less immunogenic “edited” tumor cell variants that are able to escape recognition or elimination by the immune system. Here, we show that NK cell-edited fibrosarcomas decrease the expression of 17 conserved IFN-γ-inducible genes compared to unedited tumor cells. High expression of 3 of these identified genes (Psmb8, Trim21, Parp12) in human tumor samples correlates with enhanced survival in breast cancer, melanoma, and sarcoma patients. While NK cell-edited fibrosarcomas displayed resistance to IFN-γ growth suppressionin vitro, functional knockouts of individual interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) were not required for outgrowth of unedited tumor cell linesin vitroandin vivocompared to complete loss of IFN signaling. Furthermore, knockout of IFN-γ-intrinsic signaling via deletion ofIfngrin edited B16 F10 and E0771 LMB metastatic cancer cell lines did not impact host survival following lung metastasis. Together, these results suggest that unedited tumors can be selected for decreased IFN-γ signaling to evade immune responsesin vivo, and as a consequence, tumor-extrinsic IFN signaling may be more important for potentiating durable anti-tumor responses to advanced solid tumors.
Obesity-Activated Lung Stomal Cells Promote Myeloid-Lineage Cell Accumulation and Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Hillers-Ziemer Lauren E. , Williams Abbey E. , Janquart Amanda , Grogan Caitlin , Thompson Victoria , Sanchez Adriana , Arendt Lisa M.
Published: November 2020

Obesity is correlated with increased incidence of breast cancer metastasis, however the mechanisms underlying how obesity promotes metastasis are unclear. In a diet-induced obesity mouse model, obesity enhanced lung metastases in both the presence and absence of primary mammary tumors and increased recruitment of myeloid lineage cells into the lungs. In the absence of tumors, obese mice demonstrated increased numbers of myeloid lineage cells and elevated collagen fibers within the lung stroma, reminiscent of pre-metastatic niches formed by primary tumors. Lung stromal cells isolated from obese non-tumor-bearing mice showed increased proliferation, contractility, and expression of extracellular matrix, inflammatory markers, and TGFβ1. Conditioned media from lung stromal cells from obese mice promoted myeloid lineage cell migrationin vitroin response to CSF2 expression and enhanced invasion of tumor cells. Together, these results suggest that prior to tumor formation, obesity alters the lung microenvironment, creating niches conducive for metastatic growth.
SSB facilitates fork substrate discrimination by PriA
Authors: Tan Hui Yin , Bianco Piero R.
Published: November 2020

PriA is a member of the SuperFamily 2 helicase family. Its rolein vivois to reload the primosome onto stalled replication forks resulting in the restart of the previously stalled DNA replication process. SSB is known to play key roles in mediating activities at replication forks and it is known to bind to PriA. To gain mechanistic insight into the PriA-SSB interaction, a coupled spectrophotometric assay was utilized to characterize the ATPase activity of PriAin vitroin the presence of fork substrates. The results demonstrate that SSB enhances the ability of PriA to discriminate between fork substrates 140-fold. This is due to a significant increase in the catalytic efficiency of the helicase induced by DNA-bound SSB. This interaction is species-specific as bacteriophage gene 32 protein cannot substitute for theE.coliprotein. SSB, while enhancing the activity of PriA on its preferred fork, both decreases the affinity of the helicase for other forks and decreases catalytic efficiency. Central to the stimulation afforded by SSB is the unique ability of PriA to bind with high affinity to the 3’-OH placed at the end of the nascent leading strand at the fork. When both the 3’-OH and SSB are present, the maximum effect is observed. This ensures that PriA will only load onto the correct fork, in the right orientation, thereby ensuring that replication restart is directed to only the template lagging strand.
The OCT2 Transporter Regulates Dopamine D1 Receptor Signaling at the Golgi Apparatus
Authors: Puri Natasha M. , Romano Giovanna R. , Lin Ting-Yu , Mai Quynh N. , Irannejad Roshanak
Published: November 2020

Dopamine is the main catecholamine in the brain and the kidney, where it controls a number of physiological functions such as locomotion, cognition, emotion, endocrine regulation and renal function. As a membrane impermeant hormone and neurotransmitter, dopamine is thought to signal by binding and activating dopamine receptors, members of the G protein couple receptor (GPCR) family, only on the plasma membrane. Here, using novel nanobody-based biosensors, we demonstrate for the first time that the dopamine D1 receptor (D1DR), the primary mediator of dopaminergic signaling in the brain and kidney, not only functions on the plasma membrane but becomes activated at the Golgi apparatus in the presence of its ligand. We present evidence that activation of the Golgi pool of D1DR is dependent on Organic Cation Transporter 2 (OCT2), a dopamine transporter, providing an explanation for how the membrane impermeant dopamine accesses subcellular pools of D1DR. We further demonstrate that dopamine activates Golgi-D1DR in the striatal medium spiny neurons (MSN) and this activity depends on OCT2 function. We also introduce a new approach to selectively interrogate compartmentalized D1DR signaling by inhibiting Gαs coupling, using a nanobody-based chemical recruitment system. Using this strategy, we show that Golgi-localized D1DRs regulate cAMP production and mediate local protein kinase A activation. Together, our data suggest that spatially compartmentalized signaling hubs are previously unappreciated regulatory aspects of D1DR signaling. Our data also provide further evidence for the role of transporters in regulating subcellular GPCR activity.
Demogenomic modeling of the timing and the processes of early European farmers differentiation
Authors: Marchi Nina , Winkelbach Laura , Schulz Ilektra , Brami Maxime , Hofmanová Zuzana , Blöcher Jens , Reyna-Blanco Carlos S. , Diekmann Yoan , Thiéry Alexandre , Kapopoulou Adamandia , Link Vivian , Piuz Valérie , Kreutzer Susanne , Figarska Sylwia M. , Ganiatsou Elissavet , Pukaj Albert , Struck Travis J. , Gutenkunst Ryan N. , Karul Necmi , Gerritsen Fokke , Pechtl Joachim , Peters Joris , Zeeb-Lanz Andrea , Lenneis Eva , Teschler-Nicola Maria , Triantaphyllou Sevasti , Stefanović Sofija , Papageorgopoulou Christina , Wegmann Daniel , Burger Joachim , Excoffier Laurent
Published: November 2020

The precise genetic origins of the first Neolithic farming populations, as well as the processes and the timing of their differentiation, remain largely unknown. Based on demogenomic modeling of high-quality ancient genomes, we show that the early farmers of Anatolia and Europe emerged from a multiphase mixing of a Near Eastern population with a strongly bottlenecked Western hunter-gatherer population after the Last Glacial Maximum. Moreover, the population branch leading to the first farmers of Europe and Anatolia is characterized by a 2,500-year period of extreme genetic drift during its westward range expansion. Based on these findings, we derive a spatially explicit model of the population history of Southwest Asia and Europe during the late Pleistocene and early Holocene.

One-Sentence Summary:

Early European farmers emerged from multiple post LGM mixtures and experienced extreme drift during their westward expansion.
Sensory-based quantification of male colour patterns in Trinidadian guppies reveals nonparallel phenotypic evolution across an ecological transition in multivariate trait space
Authors: Yong Lengxob , Croft Darren P. , Troscianko Jolyon , Ramnarine Indar , Wilson Alastair
Published: November 2020

Parallel evolution, in which independent populations evolve along similar phenotypic trajectories, offers insights into the repeatability of adaptive evolution. Here, we revisit a classic example of parallelism, that of repeated evolution of brighter males in the Trinidadian guppy. In guppies, colonisation of low predation habitats is associated with emergence of ‘more colourful’ phenotypes since predator-induced viability selection for crypsis weakens while sexual selection by female preference for conspicuity remains strong. Our study differs from previous investigations in three respects. First, we adopt a multivariate phenotyping approach to characterise parallelism in multi-trait space. Second, we use ecologically-relevant colour traits defined by the visual systems of the two selective agents (i.e. guppy, predatory cichlid). Third, we estimate population genetic structure to test for adaptive (parallel) evolution against a model of neutral phenotypyc divergence. We find strong phenotypic differentiation that is inconsistent with a neutral model, but only limited support for the predicted pattern of greater conspicuity at low predation. Effects of predation regime on each trait were in the expected direction, but weak, largely non-significant, and explained little among-population variation. In multi-trait space, phenotypic trajectories of lineages colonising low from high predation regimes were not parallel. Our results are consistent with reduced predation risk facilitating adaptive differentiation by female choice, but suggest that this proceeds in (effectively) independent directions of multi-trait space across lineages. Pool-sequencing data also revealed SNPs showing greater differentiation than expected under neutrality and/or associations with known colour genes in other species, presenting opportunities for future genetic study.
Quench me if you can: Alpha-2-macroglobulin trypsin complexes enable serum biomarker analysis by MALDI mass spectrometry
Authors: Taraskin Aleksandr S. , Semenov Konstantin K. , Protasov Aleksandr V. , Lozhkov Alexey A. , Tyulin Alexandr A. , Shaldzhyan Aram A. , Ramsay Edward S. , Mirgorodskaya Olga A. , Klotchenko Sergey A. , Zabrodskaya Yana A.
Published: November 2020

One of the main functions of alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) in human blood serum is the binding of all classes of protease. It is known that trypsin, after such interaction, possesses modified proteolytic activity. Trypsin first hydrolyzes two bonds in A2M’s ‘bait region’, and the peptide705VGFYESDVMGR715is released from A2M. In this work, specifics of the A2M-trypsin interaction were used to determine A2M concentration directly in human blood serum using MALDI mass-spectrometry. Following exogenous addition of trypsin to human blood serumin vitro, the concentration of the VGFYESDVMGR peptide was measured, using its isotopically-labeled analogue (18O), and A2M concentration was calculated. The optimized mass spectrometric approach was verified using a standard method for A2M concentration determination (ELISA) and the relevant statistical analysis methods. It was also shown that trypsin’s modified proteolytic activity in the presence of serum A2M can be used to analyze other serum proteins, including potential biomarkers of pathological processes. Thus, this work describes a promising approach to serum biomarker analysis that can be technically extended in several useful directions.
HomogeneouslyN-glycosylated proteins derived from the GlycoDelete HEK293 cell line enable diffraction-quality crystallogenesis
Authors: Kozak Sandra , Bloch Yehudi , De Munck Steven , Mikula Aleksandra , Bento Isabel , Savvides Savvas N. , Meijers Rob
Published: November 2020

Structural studies of glycoproteins and their complexes provide critical insights into their roles in normal physiology and disease. Most glycoproteins contain N-linked glycosylation, a key post-translation modification that critically affects protein folding and stability and the binding kinetics underlying protein interactions. However, N-linked glycosylation is often an impediment to yielding homogeneous protein preparations for structure determination by X-ray crystallography or other methods. In particular, obtaining diffraction-quality crystals of such proteins and their complexes often requires modification of both the type of glycosylation patterns and their extent. Here, we demonstrate the benefits of producing target glycoproteins in the GlycoDelete human embryonic kidney 293 cell line that has been engineered to produce N-glycans as short glycan stumps comprisingN-acetylglucosamine, galactose and sialic acid. Protein fragments of human Down syndrome cell-adhesion molecule and colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor were obtained from the GlycoDelete cell line for crystallization. The ensuing reduction in the extent and complexity ofN-glycosylation in both protein molecules compared with alternative glycoengineering approaches enabled their productive deployment in structural studies by X-ray crystallography. Furthermore, a third successful implementation of the GlycoDelete technology focusing on murine IL-12B is shown to lead toN-glycosylation featuring an immature glycan in diffraction-quality crystals. It is proposed that the GlycoDelete cell line could serve as a valuable go-to option for the production of homogeneous glycoproteins and their complexes for structural studies by X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy.
Crystallographic binding studies of rat peroxisomal multifunctional enzyme type 1 with 3-ketodecanoyl-CoA: capturing active and inactive states of its hydratase and dehydrogenase catalytic sites
Authors: Sridhar Shruthi , Schmitz Werner , Hiltunen J. Kalervo , Venkatesan Rajaram , Bergmann Ulrich , Kiema Tiila-Riikka , Wierenga Rikkert K.
Published: November 2020

The peroxisomal multifunctional enzyme type 1 (MFE1) catalyzes two successive reactions in the β-oxidation cycle: the 2E-enoyl-CoA hydratase (ECH) and NAD+-dependent 3S-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HAD) reactions. MFE1 is a monomeric enzyme that has five domains. The N-terminal part (domains A and B) adopts the crotonase fold and the C-terminal part (domains C, D and E) adopts the HAD fold. A new crystal form of MFE1 has captured a conformation in which both active sites are noncompetent. This structure, at 1.7 Å resolution, shows the importance of the interactions between Phe272 in domain B (the linker helix; helix H10 of the crotonase fold) and the beginning of loop 2 (of the crotonase fold) in stabilizing the competent ECH active-site geometry. In addition, protein crystallographic binding studies using optimized crystal-treatment protocols have captured a structure with both the 3-ketodecanoyl-CoA product and NAD+bound in the HAD active site, showing the interactions between 3-ketodecanoyl-CoA and residues of the C, D and E domains. Structural comparisons show the importance of domain movements, in particular of the C domain with respect to the D/E domains and of the A domain with respect to the HAD part. These comparisons suggest that the N-terminal part of the linker helix, which interacts tightly with domains A and E, functions as a hinge region for movement of the A domain with respect to the HAD part.
Study of unsteady separated fluid flows using a multi-block lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Ezzatneshan Eslam
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Numerical simulations are performed for studying the vorticity dynamics of a dipole colliding with the wall in a bounded flow and the wake structure and separated flow properties past a circular cylinder at the values of Reynolds numbers.

Design/methodology/approach

The near wake statistics of separated fluid flows are investigated by using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) in a two-dimensional framework. A multi-block technique is applied to accurately resolve the flow characteristics by the grid refinement near the wall and preserve the stability of the numerical solution at relatively high Reynolds numbers.

Findings

The results show that the rolling-up of the boundary layer occurs due to the shear-layer instabilities near the surface which causes a boundary layer detachment from the wall and consequently leads to the formation of small-scale vortices. These shear-layer vortices shed at higher frequencies than the large-scale Strouhal vortices which result in small-scale high-frequency fluctuations in the velocity field in the very near wake. The present study also demonstrates that the efficiency of the multi-block LBM used for predicting the statistical features of flow problems is comparable with the solvers based on the Navier-Stokes equations.

Practical implications

Studying the separated flow characteristics in aerospace applications.

Originality/value

Applying a multi-block lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) for simulation of separated fluid flows at high-Reynolds numbers. Studying of the near wake statistics of unsteady separated fluid flows using the multi-block LBM. Comparison of flow characteristics obtained based on the LBM with those of reported based on the Navier-Stokes equations.
Teaching and discussing mental health among university students: a pilot arts-based study
Authors: Atayero Sarah , Dunton Kate , Mattock Sasha , Gore Amanda , Douglas Sarah , Leman Patrick , Zunszain Patricia
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Interdisciplinary approaches to health education are becoming increasingly common. Here, the authors describe an arts-based approach designed by academics and artists to both supplement the study of mental illness and support the individual mental health of undergraduate and postgraduate university students, by raising the visibility of mental illness in an innovative way.

Design/methodology/approach

Through workshops, university students were guided in a sensory and physical way to discuss psychological health and vulnerability. This was followed by the creation of physical representations of mental distress through art pieces.

Findings

Students were able to design their own art pieces and discuss mental health issues in an open and creative way. Students reported that the arts-based initiative was beneficial to their practice as future professionals and provided a holistic learning experience. At the same time, artists were able to generate powerful images which facilitated further discussions within the faculty.

Practical implications

This project provides an innovative model for workshops which could be employed to raise the visibility of common mental health disorders among university students while providing a safe space to discuss and support wellbeing. Additionally, variations could be implemented to enhance the teaching of affective disorders within a university curriculum.

Originality/value

This paper presents the results of collaboration between academics and artists, who together generated an innovative way to both support students' mental health and provide an alternative way to supplement experiential learning about common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Internationalization initiatives of Taiwan's higher education: a stepping stone to regional talent circulation or reproduction of unbalanced mobility scheme?
Authors: Lin Arianna Fang-Yu
Published: November 2020

Purpose

As an emerging market of international education, Asian countries ambitiously launched internationalization initiatives and strategies to attract international talent. Since the 1990s, Taiwan's government has implemented various internationalization policies. Partly affected by the political forces of neighboring China, Taiwan's government launched the New Southbound Policy (NSP) as the main regional strategy in 2016. One of the aims of this strategy was to promote mutual talent mobility between Taiwan and New Southbound Policy countries (NSPC). The purpose of this study is to explore how the NSP influences the student mobility scheme in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted the qualitative document analysis to investigate and compare the major Asian countries' internationalization focus and summarize Taiwan's internationalization development process and policy priorities. Moreover, a qualitative approach was adopted in order to collect data from 2005 to 2018 to examine Taiwan's student mobility scheme under the policy change.

Findings

Under the influence of the NSP after 2016, the student mobility scheme between Taiwan and NSPC could be categorized into five categories in accordance with the mobility rate. Although the nation-driven policy was considered powerful, the unbalanced flow between Taiwan and NSPC became severe.

Research limitations/implications

The study lacked statistics on the degree level of outbound Taiwanese students going to NSPC. It could not compare the student mobility scheme between Taiwan and NSPC by degree level.

Originality/value

The research looked at the initiatives Asian countries have developed in order to raise higher education internationalization and regional status, which shed light on the national/regional approaches under the global change.
Do Gen Zs feel happy about their first job? A cultural values perspective from the hospitality and tourism industry
Authors: Tang Juan , Tosun Cevat , Baum Tom
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To address Generation Z’s role in the emerging workforce, this paper aims to examine Chinese Generation Z’s subjective well-being (SWB) during their internship in the hospitality and tourism industry through the lens of Chinese cultural values. It explores the extent to which Gen Zs identify with Chinese cultural values and the influences of Chinese cultural values on intern students’ SWB which, in turn, predicts their future job intentions in this industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a normative model to contextualize the multi-dimensional interactions between Chinese cultural values, intern students’ SWB, and their future job intentions in the hospitality and tourism industry. A survey as the main data collection method was used with 400 respondents in Macau, China in testing hypotheses and analyzing the direct and indirect effects of these interactions.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights into the way that Generation Z’s SWB is influenced by Chinese cultural values. Findings show that Chinese intern students’ average SWB in the workplace was above average. It also suggests that two cultural dimensions can be identified as playing a significant and salient role in shaping their SWB in the workplace as well as their future job intentions, namely, attitudes toward work and job-related face values. However, no significant relationships with the other three dimensions of CCVs were found to influence their SWB or future job intentions, namely, attitudes toward people, moral discipline and status and relationship.

Research limitations/implications

This research results may lack generalizability because the respondents chosen in Macau cannot be fully representative of Chinese Generation Z. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to widen the respondent base. Furthermore, cultural influences are tempered by many macro-contextual factors. Although this study focuses on unpacking Generation Z’s mental status from the level of national culture, other factors such as organizational considerations warrant future academic attention.

Originality/value

This paper addresses a research gap by identifying the influences of cultural values on the SWB of intern students which, in turn, affects their future job intentions in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Perceived robotic server qualities and functions explaining customer loyalty in the theme park context
Authors: Milman Ady , Tasci Asli , Zhang Tingting(Christina)
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore theme park visitors’ attitudes toward interacting with robots and investigated the qualities and functions of robotic servers and their influence on customers’ loyalty. A structural equation modeling approach was used to identify the complex relationships among variables in the entire network.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey randomly assigned respondents to four different robotic server scenarios with robots that look like humans, animals, cartoon characters and anime features. The influence of robot types was investigated by manipulating robot type with four different pictures; however, the data were analyzed with a structural equation modeling model to identify the complex relationships rather than one-way analysis of variance to identify influences of robot types on different variables in separate analyzes.

Findings

The data collected from the 385 experienced theme park visitors revealed that perception of robots with human orientation and safety qualities had the strongest effect on the perceived robotic functionality, while emotions and co-creation qualities hardly had any effect on the perceived functionality, which included utilitarian rather than experiential functions such as excitement. Human orientation qualities, regardless of the specific robotic design, had a significant impact on perceived robotic functionality. The study also revealed a strong positive influence of perceived robotic functionality on customer loyalty.

Originality/value

The debate of whether or not to introduce and blend the growing robotic technology into the theme park experience is in its infancy. The study contributes to the theory of how robotics qualities and functions can augment customer loyalty.
Does remittance protect the household from catastrophic health expenditure in India
Authors: Das Milan , Kumar Kaushalendra , Khan Junaid
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the dynamic nature of the catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) on remittances receiving households between 2005 and 2012 in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted Xu’s (2005) definition of catastrophic health-care expenditure. And also used binary logistic regression to examine the effects of remittances being received on CHE in households across India. The data were drawn from the two rounds of the India Human Development Survey conducted by the University of Maryland, the USA, and the National Council of Applied Economic Research, New Delhi, India.

Findings

The results show that the percentage of households received remittances, and that the amount of remittances received has substantially increased during 2005 and 2012, though variation is evident by socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the household. Apparently, the variation (percentage of households received remittances) is more pronounced for factors such as household size, number of 60+ elderly, sectors and by regions. Household’s catastrophic health spending and remittances being received show a statistically significant association. Households which received remittances during both the time showed the lowest likelihood (AOR:0.82; p-value < 0.10; 95% CI:0.64–1.03) to experience catastrophic health spending.

Originality/value

The paper identified the research gap to examine the occurrence of catastrophic health spending by remittances receiving status of the household using a novel panel data set.
Mobile word of mouth (m-WOM): analysing its negative impact on webrooming in omnichannel retailing
Authors: Flavián Carlos , Gurrea Raquel , Orús Carlos
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to analyse the influence of mobile word of mouth (m-WOM), received at the physical store, which “challenges” the consumer's preferences in a webrooming experience. The impacts of the social relationship between the sender and the receiver of the m-WOM and product category (electronics versus fashion accessories) are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

An online experiment was carried out which manipulated the presence and type of challenging m-WOM, and product category, in a 3 × 2 between-subjects factorial design. The participants were 204 consumers recruited through a market research agency. Their perceptions about the helpfulness of the m-WOM, and their product preferences and choices, were analysed.

Findings

Receiving in-store m-WOM was perceived as helpful by webroomers and affected their preferences and choices. For electronics online reviews posted by anonymous customers were more influential than friends' opinions, whereas the opposite was the case with fashion accessories. The trustworthiness and expertise of the m-WOM source may explain the effects of m-WOM.

Practical implications

m-WOM entails challenges and opportunities for retailers in the omnichannel era. The findings suggest that allowing customers to access m-WOM may be beneficial; however, retailers must consider the type of m-WOM that may be most suitable for their businesses. Recommendations for referral and review sites are also offered.

Originality/value

This study examines the impact of challenging m-WOM on shopping experiences, combining online, mobile and physical channels. The results revealed the importance of the information source and product category in the determination of consumers' perceptions of helpfulness, preferences and choice.
Towards a sustainable campus: working together to achieve the green campus flag on the UDC peripheral campus of Ferrol
Authors: Ares-Pernas Ana , Carvajal Carmen Coronado , Gomis Rodríguez Alfonso , Fernández Ibáñez María Isabel , Díaz Casás Vicente , Zaragoza Fernández María Sonia , Bouza Fernández María Sonia , Santos Pita Manuela del Pilar , García Allut Antonio Domingo , Comesaña Pérez María Pilar , Caínzos López María Jesús , Feal Cabezón Belén , Torres Miño Araceli
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present and describe the main actions carried out in six different faculties and common areas such as cultural and research centres and administrative buildings in the Ferrol campus at the University of A Coruña to achieve the second green flag on a Galician University.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study describing the steps for implementing a green campus programme in a medium-size, young university campus integrated into a small city. An Environmental Campus Committee was created to assess the main factors that affect environmental footprint, discuss sustainability initiatives and develop a guide to action regarding different goals related to sustainable transport options, energy, water conservation and waste reduction. The actions included several fields such as education, circular economy and healthy life and involved the on and off-campus community.

Findings

The programme achieved a decrease in water consumption and electrical energy. An important change in educational values and behaviours regarding sustainability was observed in and out of the campus community. The measurements adopted mainly in waste management, mobility and education led the Ferrol campus to achieve a green campus flag on November 2019.

Originality/value

This experiment can serve as a guide to establish the Green Campus philosophy in other similar university campuses.
HIV‐1 tracing method of systemic viremia in vivo using an artificially mutated virus pool
Authors: Soper Andrew , Koyanagi Yoshio , Sato Kei
Published: November 2020

The appearance of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) plasma viremia is associated with progression to symptomatic disease and CD4+ T cell depletion. To locate the source of systemic viremia, this study employed a novel method to trace HIV‐1 infection in vivo. We created JRCSFξnef, a pool of infectious HIV‐1 (strain JR‐CSF) with highly mutated nef gene regions by random mutagenesis PCR and infected this mutated virus pool into both Jurkat‐CCR5 cells and hematopoietic stem cell‐transplanted humanized mice. Infection resulted in systemic plasma viremia in humanized mice and viral RNA sequencing helped us to identify multiple lymphoid organs such as spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow but not peripheral blood cells as the source of systemic viremia. Our data suggest that this method could be useful for the tracing of viral trafficking in vivo.
Microbial detection and identification methods: Bench top assays to omics approaches
Authors: Ferone Mariateresa , Gowen Aoife , Fanning Séamus , Scannell Amalia G. M.
Published: November 2020

Rapid detection of foodborne pathogens, spoilage microbes, and other biological contaminants in complex food matrices is essential to maintain food quality and ensure consumer safety. Traditional methods involve culturing microbes using a range of nonselective and selective enrichment methods, followed by biochemical confirmation among others. The time‐to‐detection is a key limitation when testing foods, particularly those with short shelf lives, such as fresh meat, fish, dairy products, and vegetables. Some recent detection methods developed include the use of spectroscopic techniques, such as matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight along with hyperspectral imaging protocols.This review presents a comprehensive overview comparing insights into the principles, characteristics, and applications of newer and emerging techniques methods applied to the detection and identification of microbes in food matrices, to more traditional benchtop approaches. The content has been developed to provide specialist scientists a broad view of bacterial identification methods available in terms of their benefits and limitations, which may be useful in the development of future experimental design. The case is also made for incorporating some of these emerging methods into the mainstream, for example, underutilized potential of spectroscopic techniques and hyperspectral imaging.
Opportunities for plant‐derived enhancers for iron, zinc, and calcium bioavailability: A review
Authors: Zhang Yianna Y. , Stockmann Regine , Ng Ken , Ajlouni Said
Published: November 2020

Understanding of the mechanism of interactions between dietary elements, their salts, and complexing/binding ligands is vital to manage both deficiency and toxicity associated with essential element bioavailability. Numerous mineral ligands are found in both animal and plant foods and are known to exert bioactivity via element chelation resulting in modulation of antioxidant capacity or micobiome metabolism among other physiological outcomes. However, little is explored in the context of dietary mineral ligands and element bioavailability enhancement, particularly with respect to ligands from plant‐derived food sources. This review highlights a novel perspective to consider various plant macro/micronutrients as prospective bioavailability enhancing ligands of three essential elements (Fe, Zn, and Ca). We also delineate the molecular mechanisms of the ligand‐binding interactions underlying mineral bioaccessibility at the luminal level. We conclude that despite current understandings of some of the structure–activity relationships associated with strong mineral–ligand binding, the physiological links between ligands as element carriers and uptake at targeted sites throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract still require more research. The binding behavior of potential ligands in the human diet should be further elucidated and validated using pharmacokinetic approaches and GI models.
Chitosan and postharvest decay of fresh fruit: Meta‐analysis of disease control and antimicrobial and eliciting activities
Authors: Rajestary Razieh , Landi Lucia , Romanazzi Gianfranco
Published: November 2020

Consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of regular consumption of fresh fruit in their diet. Since fresh fruit are highly sensitive to postharvest decay, several investigations focused on the study natural compounds alternative to synthetic fungicides, to extend their shelf life. A long list of studies reported the effectiveness of the natural biopolymer chitosan in control of postharvest diseases of fresh fruit. However, these findings remain controversial, with many mixed claims in the literature. In this work, we used random‐effects meta‐analysis to investigate the effects of 1% chitosan on (a) postharvest decay incidence; (b) mycelium growth of fungal pathogens Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium spp., Colletotrichum spp. and Alternaria spp.; and (c) phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase, chitinase and β‐1,3‐glucanase activities. Chitosan significantly reduced postharvest disease incidence (mean difference [MD], −30.22; p < 0.00001) and in vitro mycelium growth (MD, −54.32; p  < 0.00001). For host defense responses, there were significantly increased activities of β‐1,3‐glucanase (MD, 115.06; p = 0.003) and chitinase (MD, 75.95; p < 0.0002). This systematic review contributes to confirm the multiple mechanisms of mechanisms of action of chitosan, which has unique properties in the natural compound panorama. Chitosan thus represents a model plant protection biopolymer for sustainable control of postharvest decay of fresh fruit.
Cell‐envelope proteinases from lactic acid bacteria: Biochemical features and biotechnological applications
Authors: Ji Dawei , Ma Jingying , Xu Min , Agyei Dominic
Published: November 2020

Proteins displayed on the cell surface of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) perform diverse and important biochemical roles. Among these, the cell‐envelope proteinases (CEPs) are one of the most widely studied and most exploited for biotechnological applications. CEPs are important players in the proteolytic system of LAB, because they are required by LAB to degrade proteins in the growth media into peptides and/or amino acids required for the nitrogen nutrition of LAB. The most important area of application of CEPs is therefore in protein hydrolysis, especially in dairy products. Also, the physical location of CEPs (i.e., being cell‐envelope anchored) allows for relatively easy downstream processing (e.g., extraction) of CEPs. This review describes the biochemical features and organization of CEPs and how this fits them for the purpose of protein hydrolysis. It begins with a focus on the genetic organization and expression of CEPs. The catalytic behavior and cleavage specificities of CEPs from various LAB are also discussed. Following this, the extraction and purification of most CEPs reported to date is described. The industrial applications of CEPs in food technology, health promotion, as well as in the growing area of water purification are discussed. Techniques for improving the production and catalytic efficiency of CEPs are also given an important place in this review.
An assessment of the reliability of cut surface characteristics to distinguish between hand‐powered reciprocating saw blades in cases of experimental dismemberment
Authors: Martlin Britny , Rando Carolyn
Published: November 2020

Criminal dismemberment is most commonly committed with a variety of hand‐powered saws. These saws leave characteristic marks upon the bone that can assist in the identification of the weapon utilized. The current study provides frequencies of presentation of ten cut surface characteristics and examines intra‐ and interindividual variation between three hand‐powered reciprocating saws. Pig radii were used as a proxy for human remains. 42 cut surfaces were created with three hand‐powered reciprocating saws by the same researcher. Cut surface characteristics were assessed macroscopically, microscopically and with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), as well as photographed with Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI). Cut surface polish is the only characteristic that demonstrates consistently significant difference between saws. Five characteristics demonstrate some variation between blades: entrance shaving, breakaway spurs, breakaway notches, pull‐out striae, and tooth hop. Four characteristics demonstrate no difference between blades: cut surface striation shape, cut surface striation regularity, harmonics, and exit chipping. Tooth hop is the most reliable characteristic for differentiating between blades in this study, while pull‐out striae demonstrates high intra‐individual variability and a low frequency of presentation making it unreliable for differentiating between saw blades. Cut surface striations, exit chipping, and breakaway spurs occurred with the highest frequencies and were reliable for determining direction of blade progress and blade stroke, but were not reliable for differentiating between saw blades. Harmonics were absent. Further research is necessary to create large databases of known saw mark examples with known intra‐ and interindividual variability rates and error rates.
Convergence‐improved congruent matching cells (CMC) method for firing pin impression comparison
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhu Jialing , Hong Rongjing , Wang Hua , Sun Fuzhong , Malik Anup
Published: November 2020

A firing pin impression is usually concave in shape with a small textured area, which makes it difficult to perform automated algorithm‐based comparison. The congruent matching cells (CMC) method was invented for accurate breech face impression comparison, in which a reference impression is divided into correlation cells. Each cell is registered to a cell‐sized area of the comparison impression that has maximum similarity in surface topography. Four parameters are used to quantify the congruent matching pattern of the registration position and orientation. This paper aims to further develop the cell‐division‐matching method based on a convergence feature and to develop practical convergence‐improved algorithms for firing pin impression comparison. The convergence feature refers to the tendency of the x‐y registration positions of correlated cell pairs to converge at the correct registration angle when comparing same‐source samples at different orientations. The areal Gaussian filter is employed to extract high‐frequency micro‐features; the least‐squares matching method is used to improve each cross‐correlation precision and reach convergence in the registration positions of correlated cell pairs; and a density‐based clustering algorithm is introduced to collect the registration positions of dense cell pairs relative to a virtual common center and to remove outliers. Improvements are achieved in the reliability and accuracy of the number of congruent matching cell pairs (CMCs) collected, which represents the quantification of the degree of pairwise impression similarity. Experiments in this report used 40 firing pin impression samples on cartridge cases fired from 10 pistols. The results included no false identifications or false exclusions.
Drugs in bone: Detectability of substances of toxicological interest in different states of preservation
Authors: Franceschetti Lorenzo , Di Candia Domenico , Giordano Gaia , Carabelli Irene , Vignali Giulia , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: November 2020

In forensic contexts of advanced decomposition, when conventional matrices are no longer available for toxicological analyses, finding alternative matrices is necessary. The skeleton, which is fundamental for anthropologists and geneticists, could be useful also for toxicological purposes. The present study aims to examine what kind of information toxicological analysis performed on bones (the cranium and the ribs) in different states of preservation could provide to the forensic practitioner. Thirty cadavers with known pharmacological history, subjected to forensic autopsy at the Institute of Legal Medicine of Milan, were selected. Rib and cranium samples were collected from each body and separated into two parts in order to create two different states of preservation: One was cleaned from soft tissues and analyzed as a well‐preserved bone sample; the other was submitted to a long maceration process, simulating complete skeletonization. All specimens were then processed with accelerated solvent extraction and the eluates analyzed using Q‐Exactive™ Orbitrap™ Mass Spectrometer. The analysis of blood and skeletal matrices showed positive results for the tested substances in 63% of cases, mainly benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and drug abuse. Significant Pearson correlations were observed between non‐macerated vs. macerated bone samples: r = 0.79 for rib samples, r = 0.61 for cranium samples, and r = 0.69 for all bone samples. As a consequence, the positive results confirm the potential of the bone tissue as an alternative matrix in forensic toxicology, even in cases of extremely decomposed bodies. This study also highlighted important elements for reconstructing the biological profile in cases of forensic anthropological concern.
COVID‐19 risk in elective surgery during a second wave: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Myles Paul S. , Wallace Sophie , Story David A. , Brown Wendy , Cheng Allen C. , Forbes Andrew , Sidiropoulos Sofia , Davidson Andrew , Tan Niki , Jeffreys Andrew , Hodgson Russell , Scott David A. , Radnor Jade
Published: November 2020

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has greatly affected access to elective surgery, largely because of concerns for patients and healthcare workers. A return to normal surgery workflow depends on the prevalence and transmission of coronavirus in elective surgical patients. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of active SARS‐coronavirus‐2 infection during a second wave among patients admitted to hospital for elective surgery in Victoria.

Methods

Prospective cohort study across eight hospitals in Victoria during July–August 2020 was conducted enrolling adults and children admitted to hospital for elective surgery or interventional procedure requiring general anaesthesia. Study outcomes included a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for SARS‐CoV‐2 in the preoperative period (primary outcome), and for those with a negative test preoperatively, the incidence of a positive PCR test for SARS‐CoV‐2 in the post‐operative period.

Results

We enrolled 4965 elective adult and paediatric surgical patients from 15 July to 31 August 2020. Four patients screened negative on questionnaire but had a positive PCR test for coronavirus, resulting in a Bayesian estimated prevalence of 0.12% (95% probability interval 0–0.26%). There were no reports of healthcare worker infections linked to elective surgery during and up to 2 weeks after the study period.

Conclusion

The prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in asymptomatic elective surgical patients during a second wave was approximately 1 in 833. Given the very low likelihood of coronavirus transmission, and with existing current hospital capacity, recommencement of elective surgery should be considered. A coronavirus screening checklist should be mandated for surgical patients.