bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Impacts on Host Transcription by ROP and GRA Effectors from the Intracellular ParasiteToxoplasma gondii
Authors: Rastogi Suchita , Xue Yuan , Quake Stephen R. , Boothroyd John C.
Published: February 2020

The intracellular parasiteToxoplasma gondiiemploys a vast array of effector proteins from the rhoptry and dense granule organelles to modulate host cell biology; these effectors are known as ROPs and GRAs, respectively. To examine the individual impacts of ROPs and GRAs on host gene expression, we developed a robust, novel protocol to enrich for ultra-pure populations of a naturally occurring and reproducible population of host cells called uninfected-injected (U-I) cells, whichToxoplasmainjects with ROPs but subsequently fails to invade. We then performed single cell transcriptomic analysis at 1-3 hours post-infection on U-I cells (as well as on uninfected and infected controls) arising from infection with either wild type parasites or parasites lacking the MYR1 protein, which is required for soluble GRAs to cross the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) and reach the host cell cytosol. Based on comparisons of infected and U-I cells, the host’s earliest response to infection appears to be driven primarily by the injected ROPs, which appear to induce immune and cellular stress pathways. These ROP-dependent pro-inflammatory signatures appear to be counteracted by at least some of the MYR1-dependent GRAs and may be enhanced by the MYR-independent GRAs, (which are found embedded within the PVM). Finally, signatures detected in uninfected bystander cells from the infected monolayers suggests that MYR1-dependent paracrine effects also counteract inflammatory ROP-dependent processes.

IMPORTANCE

This work performs the first transcriptomic analysis of U-I cells, captures the earliest stage of a host cell’s interaction withToxoplasma gondii, and dissects the effects of individual classes of parasite effectors on host cell biology.
Prey refuge and morphological defense mechanisms as nonlinear triggers in an intraguild predation food web
Authors: Mendonça J. P. , Gleria Iram , Lyra M. L.
Published: February 2020

Intraguild predation (IGP) is a type of interaction in which a top predator simultaneously competes and predates an intermediate prey that shares a third prey species with the top predator. While common in nature, most theoretical population dynamics models proposed in the literature predict that this three species interaction usually leads to extinction of the intermediate prey population. Predator-induced defense as well as refuge mechanisms are widely seen in these systems and should be incorporated in IGP models to promote coexistence. With this aim, we introduce a nonlinear response to the predation of IG-predator on IG-prey modelling both prey refuge and morphological defenses. The phase diagram of species coexistence is obtained as function of the attack efficiency and the degree of nonlinearity of the defense mechanisms. Further we show how the nonlinearity affects the equilibrium populations. We unveil that there is an optimal nonlinearity at which the convergence towards the stationary coexistence regime is the fastest.
A novel assay to isolate and quantify third-stage filarial larvae emerging from individual mosquitoes
Authors: McCrea Abigail R. , Edgerton Elizabeth B. , Oliver Genevieve T. , O’Neill Fiona M. , Nolan Thomas J. , Lok James B. , Povelones Michael
Published: February 2020

Background

Mosquitoes transmit filarial nematodes to both human and animal hosts, resulting in worldwide health and economic consequences. Transmission to a vertebrate host requires that ingested microfilariae develop into infective third-stage larvae capable of emerging from the mosquito proboscis onto the skin of the host during blood feeding. Determining the number of microfilariae that successfully develop to infective third-stage larvae in the mosquito host is key to understanding parasite transmission potential and to developing new strategies to block these worms in their vector.

Methods

We developed a novel method to efficiently assess the number of infective third-stage filarial larvae that emerge from experimentally infected mosquitoes. Following infection, individual mosquitoes were placed in wells of a multi-well culture plate and warmed to 37 °C to stimulate parasite emergence.Aedes aegyptiinfected withDirofilaria immitiswere used to determine infection conditions and assay timing. The assay was also tested withBrugia malayiinfectedAe. aegypti.

Results

Approximately 30% ofAe. aegyptiinfected withD. immitisand 50% of those infected withB. malayiproduce emerging third-stage larvae. OnceD. immitisthird-stage larvae emerge at 13 days post infection, the proportion of mosquitoes producing them, and the number produced per mosquito remain stable until at least day 21. The prevalence and intensity of emerging third-stageB. malayiwere similar on days 12-14 days post infection. Increased uptake ofD. immitismicrofilariae increases the fitness cost to the mosquito but does not increase the number of emerging third-stage larvae.

Conclusions

We provide a new assay with an associated set of infection conditions that will facilitate assessment of the filarial transmission potential of mosquito vectors and promote preparation of uniformly infectious L3 for functional assays. The ability to quantify infection outcome will facilitate analyses of molecular interactions between vectors and filariae, ultimately allowing for the establishment of novel methods to block disease transmission.

Graphical Abstract
Recent and rapid anthropogenic habitat fragmentation increases extinction risk for freshwater biodiversity
Authors: Brauer Chris J. , Beheregaray Luciano B.
Published: February 2020

Anthropogenic habitat fragmentation is often implicated as driving the current global extinction crisis, particularly in freshwater ecosystems. The genetic signal of recent population isolation can however be confounded by the complex spatial arrangement of dendritic river systems. Consequently, many populations may presently be managed separately based on an incorrect assumption that they have evolved in isolation. Integrating landscape genomics data with models of connectivity that account for landscape structure, we show that the cumulative effects of multiple in-stream barriers have contributed to the recent decline of a freshwater fish from the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia. In addition, individual-based eco-evolutionary simulations further demonstrate that contemporary inferences about population isolation are consistent with the 160-year time frame since construction of in-stream barriers began in the region. Our findings suggest that the impact of very recent fragmentation may be often underestimated for freshwater biodiversity. We argue that proactive conservation measures to reconnect many riverine populations are urgently needed.
Lactobacillus curvatusStrains Specifically Show High Levels of Tolerance to Freeze-Thaw Stress
Authors: Ikai Ryunosuke , Tanabe Koichi , Shima Jun
Published: February 2020

Tolerance to freeze-thaw stress is an important characteristic in recent fermentation processes. To gain insight into the freeze-thaw tolerance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), we performed screening experiments and observed that severalLactobacillus curvatusstrains showed high freeze-tolerance even in the absence of cryoprotectants. TheseLb. curvatusstrains also showed high levels of freeze tolerance in a milk fermentation process.Lactobacillus sakei(closely related toLb. curvatus) was not revealed to be a freeze-thaw tolerant strain. These data indicate thatLb. curvatushas specific mechanisms underlying its tolerance to freeze-thaw stress.

Importance

Our findings demonstrate thatLb. curvatusstrains frequently show high levels of freeze-thaw tolerance in both culture and milk and thatLb. curvatusstrains are suitable as a model species for investigations of the molecular mechanisms underlying freeze-thaw tolerance in LAB and for applications in fermentation industries.
An Animal Model to StudyKlebsiella pneumoniaeGastro-Intestinal Colonization and Host-to-Host Transmission
Authors: Young Taylor M. , Bray Andrew S. , Nagpal Ravinder K. , Caudell David L. , Yadav Hariom , Zafar M. Ammar
Published: February 2020

An important yet poorly understood facet in the life cycle of a successful pathogen is the host-to-host transmission. Hospital-acquired infections (HAI) resulting from the transmission of drug-resistant pathogens affect hundreds of millions of patients worldwide.Klebsiella pneumoniae(Kpn), a gram-negative bacterium, is notorious for causing HAI, with many of these infections difficult to treat asKpnhas become multi-drug resistant. Epidemiological studies suggest thatKpnhost-to-host transmission requires close contact and generally occurs through the fecal-oral route. Herein, we describe a murine model that can be utilized to study mucosal (oropharynx and gastrointestinal [GI]) colonization, shedding within feces, and transmission ofKpnthrough the fecal-oral route. Using an oral route of inoculation, and fecal shedding as a marker for GI colonization, we show thatKpncan asymptomatically colonize the GI tract of immunocompetent mice, and modifies the host GI microbiota. Colonization density within the GI tract and levels of shedding in the feces differed among the clinical isolates tested. A hypervirulentKpnisolate was able to translocate from the GI tract and cause hepatic infection that mimicked the route of human infection. Expression of the capsule was required for colonization and, in turn, robust shedding. Furthermore,Kpncarrier mice were able to transmit to uninfected cohabitating mice. Lastly, treatment with antibiotics led to changes in the host microbiota and development of a transient super-shedder phenotype, which enhanced transmission efficiency. Thus, this model can be used to determine the contribution of host and bacterial factors towardsKpndissemination.
ClgR contributes to pulmonary pathology but not bacterial growth inMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection
Authors: Gautam Uma Shankar , Kaushal Deepak
Published: February 2020

Background

The Clp proteases regulator, ClgR, is encoded in theMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) genome by Rv2745c gene(clgR).ClgR is required to clear damaged proteins, thereby preventing their accumulation in the cell. It also controls the availability of key enzymes or regulators via conditional degradation mechanism of proteolytic activity in Mtb [1,2].

Methods

It has been previously reported that MtbclgRgene is induced in a sigma factor SigH-dependent manner and a deletion mutant ofclgRis susceptible to growth in a hypoxic environment. Whether hypoxia is indeed a restriction factor and ClgR is required for Mtb growth in that environment remains unelucidated. We began to address this hypothesis in the C57/BL6 mouse model of TB where Mtb infected lungs do not form granuloma and the lung environment is considerably non-hypoxic.

Results

Our results demonstrate that despite not having a deficit in growth in either murine lungs or primary macrophages, in comparison to wild type, theΔclgRmutant failed to induce pulmonary pathology.

Conclusion

We propose that ClgR is required for the pathogenesis of Mtb.
CRNKL1 is a highly selective regulator of intron-retaining HIV-1 and cellular mRNAs
Authors: Xiao Han , Wyler Emanuel , Milek Miha , Grewe Bastian , Kirchner Philipp , Ekici Arif , Villela Silva Ana Beatriz Oliveira , Jungnickl Doris , Landthaler Markus , Ensser Armin , Überla Klaus
Published: February 2020

The HIV-1 Rev protein is a nuclear export factor for unspliced and incompletely-spliced HIV-1 RNAs. Without Rev, these intron-retaining RNAs are trapped in the nucleus. A genome-wide screen identified nine proteins of the spliceosome which all enhanced expression from the HIV-1 unspliced RNA after CRISPR/Cas knock-down. Depletion of DHX38, WDR70 and four proteins of the Prp19-associated complex (ISY1, BUD31, XAB2, CRNKL1) resulted in a more than 20-fold enhancement of unspliced HIV-1 RNA levels in the cytoplasm. Targeting of CRNKL1, DHX38, and BUD31 affected nuclear export efficiencies of the HIV-1 unspliced RNA to a much larger extent than splicing. Transcriptomic analyses further revealed that CRNKL1 also suppresses cytoplasmic levels of cellular mRNAs with selectively retained introns. Thus, CRNKL1 dependent nuclear retention seems to be a novel mechanism for the regulation of cytoplasmic levels of intron-retaining cellular mRNAs that is harnessed by HIV-1 to direct its complex splicing pattern.
MiRNA-10b marks aggressive squamous cell carcinomas, and confers a cancer stem cell-like phenotype
Authors: Wimmer Monika , Zauner Roland , Ablinger Michael , Piñón-Hofbauer Josefina , Guttmann-Gruber Christina , Reisenberger Manuela , Lettner Thomas , Niklas Norbert , Proell Johannes , Sajinovic Mila , De Souza Paul , Hainzl Stefan , Kocher Thomas , Murauer Eva M. , Bauer Johann W. , Strunk Dirk , Reichelt Julia , Mellick Albert S. , Wally Verena
Published: February 2020

Background

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC) are the primary cause of premature deaths in patients suffering from the rare skin-fragility disorder recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, which is in marked contrast to the rarely metastasizing nature of these carcinomas in the general population. This remarkable difference is attributed to the frequent development of chronic wounds caused by an impaired skin integrity. However, the specific molecular and cellular changes to malignancy, and whether there are common players in different types of aggressive cSCCs, remain relatively undefined.

Methods

MiRNA expression profiling was performed across various cell types isolated from skin and cSCCs. Microarray results were confirmed by qPCR and by an optimizedin situhybridization protocol. Functional impact of overexpression of a dysregulated miRNA was assessed in migration and 3D spheroid assays. Sample-matched transcriptome data was generated to support the identification of disease relevant miRNA targets.

Results

Several miRNAs were identified as dysregulated in cSCCs as compared to controls. These included the metastasis-linked miR-10b, which was significantly upregulated in primary cell cultures and in archival biopsies. At the functional level, overexpression of miR-10b conferred the stem cell-characteristic of 3D-spheroid formation capacity to keratinocytes, and impaired their mobility. Analysis of miR-10b downstream effects identified a novel putative target of miR-10b, the actin- and tubulin cytoskeleton-associated protein DIAPH2.

Conclusion

The discovery that miR-10b confers an aspect of cancer stemness – that of enhanced tumor cell adhesion, known to facilitate metastatic colonization - provides an important avenue for future development of novel therapies targeting this metastasis-linked miRNA.
Direct label-free imaging of nanodomains in biomimetic and biological membranes by cryogenic electron microscopy
Authors: Heberle Frederick A. , Doktorova Milka , Scott Haden L. , Skinkle Allison , Waxham M. Neal , Levental Ilya
Published: February 2020

The nanoscale organization of biological membranes into structurally and compositionally distinct lateral domains is believed to be central to membrane function. The nature of this organization has remained elusive due to a lack of methods to directly probe nanoscopic membrane features. We show here that cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) can be used to directly image coexisting nanoscopic domains in synthetic and bio-derived membranes without extrinsic probes. Analyzing a series of single-component liposomes composed of synthetic lipids of varying lengths, we demonstrate that cryoEM can distinguish bilayer thickness differences as small as 0.5 Å, comparable to the resolution of small-angle scattering methods. Simulated images from computational models reveal that features in cryoEM images result from a complex interplay between the atomic distribution normal to the plane of the bilayer and imaging parameters. Simulations of phase separated bilayers were used to predict two sources of contrast between coexisting ordered and disordered phases within a single liposome, namely differences in membrane thickness and molecular density. We observe both sources of contrast in biomimetic membranes composed of saturated lipids, unsaturated lipids, and cholesterol. When extended to isolated mammalian plasma membranes, these methods reveal similar nanoscale lateral heterogeneities. The methods reported here for direct, probe-free imaging of nanodomains in unperturbed membranes open new avenues for investigation of nanoscopic membrane organization.

SIGNIFICANCE

We have used cryoEM to achieve direct, probe-free imaging of lateral domains in biomimetic lipid membranes under native conditions and to characterize differences in their structures. First, measurements of membrane thickness in laterally uniform single-component membranes show that cryoEM is capable of sub-angstrom resolution of interleaflet membrane thickness. All-atom simulations are used to predict the cryo-EM appearance of submicron domains in vesicles with coexisting liquid domains and these are quantitatively validated by direct imaging of phase separated membranes. We then extend this approach to observe nanoscopic domains in isolated cellular membranes, comprising the first direct imaging of nanodomains in biomembranes.
A multi-theoretical framework to better understand the college major choice in arts and design
Authors: Sudhana Pranakusuma , Ameen Ali , Isaac Osama
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to identify career development theories that explain the intention to choose college majors in arts and design, to integrate the identified theories and to examine the relationships between determinants of the integrated model. In addition, this study attempts to identify the characteristics of the prospective arts and design students.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review resulted in a multitheoretical framework named as PERISCOPE (Personality of Holland's RIASEC in Social Cognitive and Planned Behavior Theories) to reflect the theories it consisted of. This study collected data from Year 12 students in Surabaya (n = 163) and used PLS-SEM technique to assess the measurement model and the structural model of such framework.

Findings

The results revealed that the integrated model explains 57.8 percent of the variance of the intention to pursue arts and design majors. This paper hence improves the predictive ability of an earlier model by adding a further theory. In addition, this study identified characteristics of the prospective students and concluded that students with artistic personality will have better self-efficacy, which sequentially have perception that pursuing arts and design majors will not be challenging, thus increases their intention to pursue such majors.

Originality/value

This study demonstrated that PERISCOPE framework is better in terms of predictive power in understanding the college major choice in arts and design. As a result, this study adds to the current body of knowledge in the field of college major choice, which was found to be lacking.
Vulnerability as a driver of the police response to fraud
Authors: Skidmore Michael , Goldstraw-White Janice , Gill Martin
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Frameworks for understanding victim harm and vulnerability have become central to priority-setting and resource allocation for decision-makers in the police and government in the UK. This paper aims to look at the meaning of vulnerability in the context of fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

The research took a mixed methods approach, including analysis of national crime data (n = 61,902), qualitative data collected from interviews with practitioners (n = 107) and a survey of strategic lead officers in the police (n = 32).

Findings

There was a lack of clarity across practitioners and organisations in their understanding of vulnerability and the way it informed the police response to fraud, and a lack of resources and capability for identifying it.

Research limitations/implications

The authors invite reconsideration of the approach to fraud victims which have for too long been forgotten by response and support agencies.

Practical implications

We need to standardise and agree the definition of “vulnerability”; rethink eligibility levels; and refocus police on fraud victims taking vulnerability as a meaningful criterion in deciding who to support.

Originality/value

There is very little research on vulnerability and fraud victims; this paper, based on original research, fills this gap.
A study of cybercrime victimisation and prevention: exploring the use of online crime prevention behaviours and strategies
Authors: Drew Jacqueline M.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The evolution of digital technology has changed the way in which we, as a global society, socialise and conduct business. This growth has led to an increasing reliance on technology, much more interconnectedness and in turn, an expansion of criminal opportunities, known now as “cybercrime”. This study aims to explore the experience of victimisation, perceptions of cybercrime and use of online crime prevention strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved a survey of a representative sample of the adult Australian population. The study sample was made up of 595 Australian adult participants. The study seeks to better understand how previous victimisation, perception of cybercrime prevalence and perception of harm caused by cybercrime are related to the use of online crime prevention strategies. It seeks to contribute to a body of work that has found that crime prevention education focused on increasing knowledge is limited in its effectiveness in reducing victimisation.

Findings

This study identifies key levers, in particular perceived prevalence and harm of cybercrime, as critical in the use of online crime prevention strategies by potential victims.

Research limitations/implications

As such, this study provides an important evidence base on which to develop more effective online crime prevention education and awareness campaigns to reduce cybervictimisation.

Practical implications

The practical implications include the relationship between cybervictimisation and self-protective online strategies of potential victims and the development of more effective online crime prevention programmes.

Originality/value

The research takes a different perspective from much of the previous research, seeking to better understand how attitudinal factors (perceived prevalence of cybercrime and perceived harm of cybercrime) might motivate or influence the use of online crime prevention strategies by potential victims.
The role of investment property appraisal in European real estate companies
Authors: Mäki Juha
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the connection between appraisals of investment properties and earnings properties in companies from two perspectives: what kinds of companies employ the most reputable appraisers and how appraisers produce estimations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses annual reports of European Union (EU) publicly traded real estate companies and examines the period 2007-2016.

Findings

The contribution of this study lies in establishing that some indicators and features of real estate companies affect the choice of appraiser and also in illustrating differences in the results of property valuations. In short, smaller companies with weaker performance are less willing to use external valuation, and external appraisers produce more conservative estimations for investment properties.

Practical implications

The research produces beneficial information for investors and other stakeholders interested in the real estate industry.

Originality/value

This is the first novel study to examine the link between appraisals of investment properties and earnings properties in companies in detail.
Understanding consumer motivation to share IoT products data
Authors: Bhatnagar Sushant , Kumra Rajeev
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Almost every study undertaken by academicians or practitioners on the Internet of Things (IoT) has mainly highlighted the privacy concerns and information security issues with the IoT products. On the contrary, this paper aims to explore the motivators that could encourage customers of an IoT product to share their IoT product’s data with a third-party aggregator system to facilitate computer-generated product reviews which are defined as electronic Word of Thing (eWOT) in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment was conducted with customized e-commerce prototypes of eWOT. Structural equation modeling analysis was conducted to test the measurement model by using confirmatory factor analysis and thereafter a structural model to test the relationships amongst the latent variables.

Findings

This paper found that five consumer motivators (personal innovativeness, enjoyment of helping, anticipated extrinsic rewards, moral obligations and venting negative feelings) contribute to eWOT intention.

Practical implications

This research advances the understanding of human interaction with computer-generated product reviews and opens up avenues for future studies in online consumer behavior in the IoT context.

Originality/value

This paper presents motivators for eWOT intention to share IoT product data. This is done through a novel concept of an experimental IoT-based prototype, namely, eWOT. These eWOT reviews can be generated from the IoT products data by applying analytics and using natural language generation. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no other study has been conducted on this subject.
Uncovering the potential of urban culture for creative placemaking
Authors: Zuma Banoyi , Rooijackers Margo
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The authors provide a personal insight into how they see the potential of urban culture as a vehicle for creative placemaking. The purpose of this study is to highlight the opportunities for the tourism industry to embrace this global youth culture now that one of its pillars, breakdance, is on the brink of becoming an Olympic discipline in 2024, thus nudging this youth culture from underground to mainstream.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors interviewed two Dutch pioneers in the field of urban culture: Tyrone van der Meer, founder of The Notorious IBE (IBE), an international breaking event, and Angelo Martinus, founder of the urban scene in Eindhoven and initiator of EMOVES, an urban culture and sports event.

Findings

The authors illustrate the added value of urban culture to creative placemaking by addressing the initiatives of previously mentioned Dutch pioneers. Their urban culture events on Dutch soil, yearly attract thousands of participants and visitors from the urban scene, covering over 40 nationalities, to the South of The Netherlands.

Originality/value

This study provides a glimpse into a global youth culture that is primarily invisible to the tourism industry and a foresight in how the tourism industry and other stakeholders (e.g. policy makers, city marketeers, tourism managers and event organisers) can pick up on this evolving trend. The study is meant as a wake-up call.
Multimodal transportation via TSR for effective Northern logistics
Authors: Kim Gi-Su , Lee Sung-Woo , Seo Young-Joon , Kim A-Rom
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the factors that experts consider important for the effective operation of multimodal transport using the Trans-Siberian Railway (TSR) in the Russian Far East and to also establish operational strategies that enable Korean logistics companies to use TSR efficiently for multimodal transportation.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 65 questionnaires were distributed to predominantly Korean logistics companies/shippers with experience in TSR and 19 replies were received. The majority of the respondents are senior executives with at least 10 years of work experience. To identify the factors and present strategies, this study applied the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities -fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) method, which is based on complex multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) that facilitates decision-makers in considering an operational strategy by calculating the importance of input factors.

Findings

Results from the FAHP indicate that the Strengths is the main factor affecting TSR multimodal transport decisions, followed by the Threats, Opportunities and Weakness factors. In terms of rank, reduction of transportation distance and time are determined as the most crucial factor from the perspective of Korean logistics companies, followed by the northern logistics development plan, the Russian Government's willingness to the development plan, political instability and possible linkages with the Korean ports.

Originality/value

Through a hybrid MCDM analysis of Korean logistics companies, three operational strategies were proposed: foreign direct and small investments in the Russian Far East, Korean logistics companies implementing a cold-chain logistics service in the fishery industry and a government-led “Block Train Integration System” to secure the minimum threshold volume of cargo for small and medium-sized companies.
Hello Brand, let’s take a selfie
Authors: Uzunboylu Naziyet , Melanthiou Yioula , Papasolomou Ioanna
Published: February 2020

Purpose

It has been suggested that brands and products often assume a role in selfies (Ham, 2014) where the expression of brands and products provokes consumer emotions that bring about greater engagement (Tsai and Men, 2013) and contributes to the interactivity with the brands. This study aims to understand how the selfie phenomenon could mobilize the interactivity between brands and target audiences, in a way that could be used as a marketing tool by companies.

Design/methodology/approach

A netnographic research methodology was used for the current study because it is a method specifically designed to study online communities (Kozinets, 2010). The experiences of brand selfie postings on Instagram were studied by analyzing users’ selfies to predict brand usage. A purposive sample of Instagram users was chosen, and from these, a total of 74 brand selfies were analyzed.

Findings

This study provided an understanding of consumer behavior and marketing practices in the social marketplace through a detailed exploration of the data using visual and textual analysis. The main finding of this study is that consumers both consume and produce brand meanings in digital platforms; hence, companies should view them not only as passive receivers of messages, but also potential generators and co-creators of brand messages.

Research limitations/implications

An important limitation of this study is that it only examines a small number of cases, and conclusions can only be limited to the specific sample chosen. A future research endeavor could of course be carried out to include a larger sample audience for investigating the effect of brand selfies and the potential purchase decisions of peers following exposure. Theoretically, this study provided further insight into the selfie phenomenon and specifically as a marketing tool and not just a new social trend.

Originality/value

The growing trend in the selfie phenomenon along with social networking sites (hereinafter SNSs) have attracted the attention of both users and marketing experts in terms of consumer–brand relationship (Zhu and Chen, 2015). In line with this current trend, many studies have attempted to understand the influential impact of the selfie phenomenon through SNSs. Studies on the motivation of selfie postings (Pounders et al., 2016) and selfie-posting behavior on SNSs (Kim et al., 2016) have been carried out; however, how brand selfies posted on SNSs appeal to non-users and how they interact with them remain unclear. Consequently, the intention of the current study is to provide some insight in this area.
Developing corporate communications: insights from the Italian scenario
Authors: Palazzo Maria , Foroudi Pantea , Kitchen Philip J. , Siano Alfonso
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Based on the managerial perceptions from large firms, this paper aims to explore the emergence, growth and importance of corporate communications and how it is evolving and creating competitive advantage for Italian firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach is deployed, comprising in-depth interviews with senior managers from Italian corporations from a broad spectrum of industries, including: energy, telecommunications, automotive, transport, retail chain, appliances, technology and engineering, private shipping, government-owned holdings, marketing consultancy and construction.

Findings

The paper offers insight into corporate communications (corpcoms) practices in the sampled companies. The paper shows that corpcoms involves a complex range of activities leading to performance – managed and implemented under CEO direction.

Practical implications

Corpcoms is perceived as a strategic concept with effective application relative to managing corporate image and reputation. The findings offer insights for communication professionals who deal with corpcoms, branding and marketing communications.

Originality/value

Corpcoms can be viewed via the lens of social actors’ perspectives, i.e. via practitioners – including brand managers and senior executives, as they possess practical knowledge of business practice in specific contextual business settings and have the managerial ability and remit to design, implement and evaluate integrated corpcoms.
A tale of two coffees? Analysing interaction and futures market efficiency
Authors: Holmes Mark J. , Otero Jesús
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the informational efficiency of Arabica (other milds) and Robusta coffee futures markets in terms of predicting future coffee spot prices.

Design/methodology/approach

Futures market efficiency is associated with the existence of a long-run equilibrium relationship between spot and future prices such that coffee futures prices are unbiased predictors of future spot prices. This study applies unit root testing to daily data for futures-spot price differentials. A range of maturities for futures contracts are considered, and the study also uses a recursive approach to consider time variation in futures market efficiency.

Findings

The other milds and Robusta futures prices tend to be unbiased predictors for their own respective spot prices. The paper further finds that other milds and Robusta futures prices are unbiased predictors of the respective Robusta and other milds spot prices. Recursive estimation suggests that the futures market efficiency associated with these cross cases has increased, though with no clear link to the implementation of the 2007 International Coffee Agreement.

Originality/value

The paper draws new insights into futures market efficiency by examining the two key types of coffee and analyses the potential interactions between them. Hitherto, no attention has been paid to futures contracts of the Robusta variety. The employment of unit root testing of spot futures coffee price differentials can be viewed as more stringent than an approach based on non-cointegration testing.
The impact of tourists’ perceptions on halal tourism destination: a structural model analysis
Authors: Rahman Mahfuzur , Moghavvemi Sedigheh , Thirumoorthi Thinaranjeney , Rahman Muhammad Khalilur
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Though halal-related services have been discussed in tourism services literature, exploratory study in this area is not enough, particularly in non-Muslim tourists’ perspectives. This study aims to investigate the impact of non-Muslim tourists’ perceptions of halal products or services on their loyalty of intention for halal tourism destination.

Design/methodology/approach

Structured questionnaires are used for collecting data from non-Muslim tourists. SmartPLS is used in this study for data analysis.

Findings

The results find that banning non-halal services and implementing halal food product services are significantly related to trip experience and trip value. General halal services are positively related to trip value, whereas trip experience is not associated with it. In addition, trip experience and trip value have a significant impact on satisfaction. The results also find that tourists’ loyalty intention is attributed to satisfaction of non-Muslim tourists. `

Originality/value

The study reveals new insight into halal tourism in the perspective of non-Muslim tourists’ halal products or service toward their future travel to halal destination. The contribution of this study is important for tourism operators, managers and marketers of destination tourism with a direct/indirect leadership to improve the tourism destination for non-Muslim tourists’ perceptions.
Ecological strategies begin at germination: Traits, plasticity and survival in the first 4 days of plant life
Authors: Larson Julie E. , Anacker Brian L. , Wanous Sara , Funk Jennifer L.
Published: February 2020

We commonly use trait variation to characterize plant function within and among species and understand how vegetation responds to the environment. Seedling emergence is an especially vulnerable window affecting population and community dynamics, yet trait‐based frameworks often bypass this earliest stage of plant life. Here we assess whether traits vary in ecologically meaningful ways when seedlings are just days old. How do shared evolutionary history and environmental conditions shape trait expression, and can traits explain which seedlings endure drought?

We measured seedling traits in the first 4 days of life for 16 annual plant species under two water treatments, exploring trait trade‐offs, species‐level plasticity and the ability of traits to predict duration of survival under drought.

Nearly half of traits showed the imprint of evolutionary history (i.e. significant phylogenetic signal), often reflecting differences between grasses and forbs, two groups separated by a deep evolutionary split. Water availability altered trait expression in most cases, though species‐level plastic responses also reflected evolutionary history.

On average, new seedlings exhibited substantial trait variation structured as multiple trade‐offs like those found in mature plants. Some species invested in thick roots and shoots, whereas others invested in more efficient tissues. Separately, some invested in tougher roots and others in deeper roots. We also observed trade‐offs related to growth rates (fast or slow) and biomass allocation (above‐ or below‐ground). Drought survival time was correlated most strongly with seed mass, root construction and allocation traits, and phylogeny (grasses vs. forbs).

Synthesis. Our results show that seed and seedling trait variation among annual species is substantial, and that a few attributes could capture major dimensions of ecological strategies during emergence. With seedling survival times ranging twofold among annuals (from 7.5 to 14.5 days), these strategies could mitigate recruitment responses to more frequent or longer dry spells. Multivariate trait and plasticity strategies should be further explored in studies designed to assess trait‐fitness linkages during recruitment.

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Dynamic Inefficiency and Spatial Spillovers in Dutch Dairy Farming
Authors: Skevas Ioannis , Oude Lansink Alfons
Published: February 2020

This article examines the presence of spatial spillovers in farms’ dynamic technical inefficiency scores using Data Envelopment Analysis and a second‐stage spatial truncated bootstrap regression model. Dynamic inefficiency is measured in terms of variable input contraction and gross investment expansion, while the second‐stage model allows an individual’s dynamic inefficiency to be influenced by both own and neighbours’ characteristics. The empirical application focuses on the panel data of specialised Dutch dairy farms observed over the period 2009–2016 and for which exact geographical coordinates of latitude and longitude are available. The results confirm the existence of spatial spillovers in farmers’ dynamic technical inefficiency levels. Although changes in neighbours’ subsidies do not significantly influence an individual’s inefficiency, an increase in neighbours’ age reduces an individual’s performance, while an increase in neighbours’ levels of intensification improves an individual’s dynamic efficiency.
Nm23‐H1 inhibits lung cancer bone‐specific metastasis by upregulating miR‐660‐5p targeted SMARCA5
Authors: Ai Cheng , Ma Guangzhi , Deng Yunfu , Zheng Qiangqiang , Gen Yingcai , Li Wen , Li Yang , Zu Lingling , Zhou Qinghua
Published: February 2020

Background

Nm23‐H1 gene has been found to be an inhibitor of tumor metastasis in lung cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in tumor metastasis through multiple signaling pathways. This study explored whether the nm23‐H1 gene could inhibit invasion and metastasis of lung cancer cells by regulating miRNA‐660‐5p targets.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and western blots were used to measure the expression of nm23‐H1 and miR‐660‐5p of various human lung cancer cell lines. Cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), wound‐healing and transwell assay were carried out to assess cell proliferation, migration and invasion of each cell line. Xenograft were applied to determine in vivo effects of miR‐660‐5p among nude mice. Luciferase assay and western blot were performed to determine the target gene of miR‐660‐5p.

Results

We found that high expression of nm23‐H1 correlated with decreased miRNA‐660‐5p expression. Inhibiting miR‐660‐5p suppressed lung cancer cells progression significantly in vitro, whereas overexpression of miR‐660‐5p facilitated tumor growth and bone metastasis in vivo. In addition, as the potential target gene of miR‐660‐5p, SMARCA5 overexpression in vitro suppressed tumor progression and osteolytic metastasis associated RANKL signaling, which is congruent with the effect of nm23‐H1 on the lung cancer cells.

Conclusion

Nm23‐H1 inhibits tumor progression and bone‐specific metastasis of lung cancer by regulating miR‐660‐5p/SMARCA5/RANKL axis, which indicates the related genes may serve as potential targets for the treatment of human lung cancer.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

High expression of nm23‐H1 correlated with decreased miRNA‐660‐5p expression. Further, downregulation of miR‐660‐5p significantly suppressed the tumor progression and bone‐specific metastasis of lung cancer cells.

What this study adds

This is the first study to show an inverse association between nm23‐H1 and miR‐660‐5p, and confirm that nm23‐H1 inhibits tumor progression and bone‐specific metastasis of lung cancer by regulating miR‐660‐5p/SMARCA5/RANKL axis.
Characterisation of a novel Emaravirus identified in mosaic‐diseased Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula)
Authors: von Bargen Susanne , Al Kubrusli Rim , Gaskin Thomas , Fürl Stephanie , Hüttner Florian , Blystad Dag‐Ragnar , Karlin David G. , Jalkanen Risto , Büttner Carmen
Published: February 2020

Since Emaraviruses have been discovered in 2007 several new species were detected in a range of host plants. Five genome segments of a novel Emaravirus from mosaic‐diseased Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula) have been completely determined. The monocistronic, segmented ssRNA genome of the virus shows a genome organisation typical for Emaraviruses encoding the viral RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP, 268.2 kDa) on RNA1 (7.1 kb), a glycoprotein precursor (GPP, 73.5 kDa) on RNA2 (2.3 kb), the viral nucleocapsid protein (N, 35.6 kDa) on RNA3 (1.6 kb), and a putative movement protein (MP, 41.0 kDa) on RNA4 (1.6 kb). The fifth identified genome segment (RNA5, 1.3 kb) encodes a protein of unknown function (P28, 28.1 kDa). We discovered that it is distantly related to proteins encoded by Emaraviruses, such as P4 of European mountain ash ringspot‐associated virus. All proteins from this group contain a central hydrophobic region with a conserved secondary structure and a hydrophobic amino acid stretch, bordered by two highly conserved positions, thus clearly representing a new group of homologues of Emaraviruses. The virus identified in Eurasian aspen is closely associated with observed leaf symptoms, such as mottle, yellow blotching, variegation and chloroses along veins. All five viral RNAs were regularly detectable by RT‐PCR in mosaic‐diseased P. tremula in Norway, Finland and Sweden (Fennoscandia). Observed symptoms and testing of mosaic‐diseased Eurasian aspen by virus‐specific RT‐PCR targeting RNA3 and RNA4 confirmed a wide geographic distribution of the virus in Fennoscandia. We could demonstrate that the mosaic‐disease is graft‐transmissible and confirmed that the virus is the causal agent by detection in symptomatic, graft‐inoculated seedlings used as rootstocks as well as in the virus‐infected scions used for graft‐inoculation. Owing to these characteristics, the virus represents a novel species within the genus Emaravirus and was tentatively denominated aspen mosaic‐associated virus.
OPRM1 Moderates Daily Associations of Naltrexone Adherence With Alcohol Consumption: Preliminary Evidence From a Mobile Health Trial
Authors: Hendershot Christian S. , Dermody Sarah S. , Wardell Jeffrey D. , Zaso Michelle J. , Kennedy James L. , Stoner Susan A.
Published: February 2020

Background

Initial evidence that OPRM1 genotype moderates the clinical response to naltrexone has not been replicated in prospective clinical trials. However, the use of traditional statistical analyses and clinical endpoints might limit sensitivity for studying pharmacogenetic associations, whereas the use of intensive daily assessments and person‐centered analytic methods might increase sensitivity. This study leveraged person‐centered analyses and daily measures of alcohol use, craving, and medication adherence to investigate OPRM1 as a moderator of changes in clinical outcomes during naltrexone treatment.

Methods

Treatment‐seeking participants with alcohol use disorder (n = 58; Mage = 38 years; 71% male) provided daily cell phone reports of craving and consumption while taking naltrexone as part of a mobile health trial. Daily medication adherence was measured remotely using electronic pill cap recordings. Multilevel modeling and multilevel structural equation modeling analyses evaluated the hypotheses that OPRM1 genotype would moderate prospective reductions in daily alcohol use and craving, and would also moderate within‐person associations of daily adherence with same‐day craving and consumption.

Results

OPRM1 genotype moderated the association of daily adherence with reduced same‐day consumption (p = 0.007) and craving (p = 0.06), with these associations being stronger for participants with the 118G variant. OPRM1 genotype did not moderate changes in craving and consumption over time.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that high‐density assessments and person‐centered analytic approaches, including modeling within‐person variation in medication adherence, could be advantageous for pharmacogenetic studies.