bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass spectrometric characterisation of the circulating peptidome following oral glucose ingestion in control and gastrectomised patients
Authors: Kay Richard G. , Foreman Rachel E. , Roberts Geoff P. , Hardwick Richard , Reimann Frank , Gribble Fiona M.
Published: March 2020

Meal ingestion triggers secretion of a variety of gut and endocrine peptides, several of which are routinely measured in research studies by commercial immunoassays. We developed an LC-MS/MS based assay for parallel monitoring of multiple peptides in small volumes of human plasma, providing the benefit of analysing exact peptide sequences rather than immuno-reactivity, and potential advantages of cost and sample volumes for measuring multiple peptide hormones. The method involves acetonitrile precipitation of larger proteins, followed by solid phase extraction and nano-LC-MS/MS using an untargeted approach on an orbitrap mass spectrometer. Analysis of plasma from control subjects and patients who have undergone gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction, revealed elevated levels of a number of peptides following glucose ingestion. These included GLP-1(7-36), GLP-1(9-36), glicentin, oxyntomodulin, GIP(1-42), GIP(3-42), PYY(1-36), PYY(3-36), neurotensin, insulin and C-peptide, as well as motilin, which decreased following glucose ingestion. Results showed good correlation with those peptides measured previously by immunoassay in the same samples. The gastrectomy group had higher, but non-glucose-dependent, circulating levels of peptides from PIGR and DMBT1.

Overall, the method is fast, generic, reproducible and inexpensive, and requires only small plasma samples, making it potentially adaptable for multiplexed measurement of a variety of peptides.
A transient decrease in mitochondrial activity is required to establish the ganglion cell fate in retina adapted for high acuity vision
Authors: Brodier Laurent , Rodrigues Tania , Matter-Sadzinski Lidia , Matter Jean-Marc
Published: March 2020

Although the plan of the retina is well conserved in vertebrates, there are considerable variations in cell type diversity and number, as well as in the organization and properties of the tissue. The high ratios of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to cones in primate fovea and bird retinas favor neural circuits essential for high visual acuity and color vision. The role that cell metabolism could play in cell fate decision during embryonic development of the nervous system is still largely unknown. Here, we describe how subtle changes of mitochondrial activity along the pathway converting uncommitted progenitors into newborn RGCs increase the recruitment of RGC-fated progenitors. ATOH7, a proneural protein dedicated to the production of RGCs in vertebrates, activates transcription of the Hes5.3 gene in pre-committed progenitors. The HES5.3 protein, in turn, regulates a transient decrease in mitochondrial activity via the retinoic acid signaling pathway few hours before cell commitment. This metabolic shift lengthens the progression of the ultimate cell cycle and is a necessary step for upregulating Atoh7 and promoting RGC differentiation.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
A piRNA-lncRNA regulatory network initiates responder and trailer piRNA formation during mosquito embryonic development
Authors: Betting Valerie , Joosten Joep , Halbach Rebecca , Thaler Melissa , Miesen Pascal , Van Rij Ronald P.
Published: March 2020

PIWI-interacting (pi)RNAs are small silencing RNAs that are crucial for the defense against transposable elements in germline tissues of animals. In Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the piRNA pathway also contributes to gene regulation in somatic tissues, illustrating additional roles for piRNAs and PIWI proteins besides transposon repression. Here, we identify a highly abundant endogenous piRNA (propiR1) that associates with both Piwi4 and Piwi5. PropiR1-mediated target silencing requires base pairing in the seed region with supplemental base pairing at the piRNA 3’ end. Yet, propiR1 represses a limited set of targets, among which the lncRNA AAEL027353 (lnc027353). Slicing of lnc027353 initiates production of responder and trailer piRNAs from the cleavage fragment. Expression of propiR1 commences early during embryonic development and mediates degradation of maternally provided lnc027353. Both propiR1 and its lncRNA target are conserved in the closely related Aedes albopictus mosquito, underscoring the importance of this regulatory network for mosquito development.
trans-homolog interaction regulates the sex-biased expression of an X-linked gene
Authors: Galouzis Charalampos Chrysovalantis , Prud’homme Benjamin
Published: March 2020

Sex-biased gene expression patterns in animals are generally controlled by the somatic sex-determination hierarchies. How the different tiers of these hierarchies act on sexually dimorphic gene regulation is still poorly understood. In the developingDrosophila biarmipeswing, the X-linked geneyellowis expressed in males in a specific distal spot pattern that prefigures a corresponding adult pigmentation pattern. Thisyellowexpression pattern is controlled by thespotenhancer, but the origin ofyellowsexually dimorphic expression is unknown. Here we find that the functional interaction between homologousyellowalleles silences specifically thespotenhancer, which is therefore active in males (XY) but not in females (XX). We show that insertingyellowat homologous positions on autosomes recapitulates, in either sex, the homologous-dependent silencing of thespotenhancer. We further find that this silencing requires theyellowintron as well as the architectural protein Mod(mdg4). Finally, we show that Mod(mdg4) is also necessary for the sex-biased expression of some X-linked genes in the brain. Our results demonstrate that regulatory interactions between X-linked homologous alleles promote their sex-biased expression, independently of the canonical sex-determination hierarchy. More generally, they illustrate the biological significance of homologous chromosome pairing andtrans-homolog interactions for the sexually dimorphic regulation of X-linked genes.
Mitotic spindle assembly is controlled by the APC/C localized at the centrosome
Authors: Tischer Thomas , Yang Jing , Barford David
Published: March 2020

The control of protein abundance is a fundamental regulatory mechanism during mitosis. The anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) is the main protein ubiquitin ligase responsible for the temporal regulation of mitotic progression. It has long been speculated that the APC/C might fulfil other functions including assembly of the mitotic spindle. Here, we show that the APC/C localizes to centrosomes, the organizers of the eukaryotic microtubule cytoskeleton, specifically during mitosis. The APC/C is recruited to spindle poles by the centrosomal protein Cep152, and we identified Cep152 as both a novel APC/C interaction partner, and as an APC/C substrate. Importantly, this revealed a mitotic function of Cep152 that is reciprocally regulated by the APC/C. A destruction-defective mutant of Cep152 showed that the timely regulation of Cep152 levels at the centrosome controls spindle assembly and chromosome segregation. The APC/C-mediated degradation of Cep152 at the centrosome releases Cep57 from an inhibitory complex to enable its interaction with pericentrin, a critical step in promoting microtubule nucleation. Thus, our study extends the function of the APC/C from being a regulator of mitosis to also acting as a positive governor of spindle assembly. The APC/C thereby integrates control of these two important processes in a temporal manner.
Cortico-motor control dynamics orchestrates visual sampling
Authors: Tomassini Alice , Maris Eric , Hilt Pauline , Fadiga Luciano , D’Ausilio Alessandro
Published: March 2020

Movements overtly sample sensory information, making sensory analysis an active-sensing process. In this study, we show that visual information sampling is not just locked to the (overt) movement dynamics, but it is structured by the internal (covert) dynamics of cortico-motor control. We asked human participants to perform an isometric motor task – based on proprioceptive feedback – while detecting unrelated near-threshold visual stimuli. The motor output (Force) shows zero-lag coherence with brain activity (recorded via electroencephalography) in the beta-band, as previously reported. In contrast, cortical rhythms in the alpha-band systematically forerun the motor output by 200ms. Importantly, visual detection is facilitated when cortico-motor alpha (not beta) synchronization is enhanced immediately before stimulus onset, namely at the optimal phase relationship for sensorimotor communication. These findings demonstrate an automatic gating of visual inputs by the ongoing motor control processes, providing evidence of an internal and alpha-cycling visuomotor loop.
Whole Genome Sequencing ofPlasmodium vivaxIsolates Reveals Frequent Sequence and Structural Polymorphisms in Erythrocyte Binding Genes
Authors: Ford Anthony , Kepple Daniel , Abagero Beka Raya , Connors Jordan , Pearson Richard , Auburn Sarah , Getachew Sisay , Ford Colby , Gunalan Karthigayan , Miller Louis H. , Janies Daniel A. , Rayner Julian C. , Yan Guiyun , Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Lo Eugenia
Published: March 2020

Plasmodium vivaxmalaria is much less common in Africa than the rest of the world because the parasite relies primarily on the Duffy antigen/chemokine receptor (DARC) to invade human erythrocytes, and the majority of Africans are Duffy negative. Recently, there has been a dramatic increase in the reporting ofP. vivaxcases in Africa, with a high number of them being in Duffy negative individuals, potentially indicatingP. vivaxhas evolved an alternative invasion mechanism that can overcome Duffy negativity. Here, we analyzed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and copy number variation (CNV) in Whole Genome Sequence (WGS) data from 44P. vivaxsamples isolated from symptomatic malaria patients in southwestern Ethiopia, where both Duffy positive and Duffy negative individuals are found. A total of 236,351 SNPs were detected, of which 21.9% was nonsynonymous and 78.1% was synonymous mutations. The largest number of SNPs were detected on chromosomes 9 (33,478 SNPs; 14% of total) and 10 (28,133 SNPs; 11.9%). There were particularly high levels of polymorphism in erythrocyte binding gene candidates including reticulocyte binding protein 2c (RBP2c), merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1), and merozoite surface protein 3 (MSP3.5,MSP3.85 andMSP3.9). Thirteen genes related to immunogenicity and erythrocyte binding function were detected with significant signals of positive selection. Variation in gene copy number was also concentrated in genes involved in host-parasite interactions, including the expansion of the Duffy binding protein gene (PvDBP) on chromosome 6 and severalPIRgenes. Based on the phylogeny constructed from the whole genome sequences, the expansion of these genes was an independent process among theP. vivaxlineages in Ethiopia. We further inferred transmission patterns ofP. vivaxinfections among study sites and showed various levels of gene flow at a small geographical scale. The genomic features ofP. vivaxprovided baseline data for future comparison with those in Duffy-negative individuals, and allowed us to develop a panel of informative Single Nucleotide Polymorphic markers diagnostic at a micro-geographical scale.
Eigenvector alignment: assessing functional network changes in amnestic mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Clark Ruaridh , Nikolova Niia , McGeown William J. , Macdonald Malcolm
Published: March 2020

Eigenvector alignment, introduced herein to investigate human brain functional networks, is adapted from methods developed to detect influential nodes and communities in networked systems. It is used to identify differences in the brain networks of subjects with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) and healthy controls (HC). Well-established methods exist for analysing connectivity networks composed of brain regions, including the widespread use of centrality metrics such as eigenvector centrality. However, these metrics provide only limited information on the relationship between regions, with this understanding often sought by comparing the strength of pairwise functional connectivity. Our holistic approach, eigenvector alignment, considers the impact of all functional connectivity changes before assessing the strength of the functional relationship, i.e. alignment, between any two regions. This is achieved by comparing the placement of regions in a Euclidean space defined by the network’s dominant eigenvectors. Eigenvector alignment recognises the strength of bilateral connectivity in cortical areas of healthy control subjects, but also reveals degradation of this commissural system in those with AD. Surprisingly little structural change is detected for key regions in the Default Mode Network, despite significant declines in the functional connectivity of these regions. In contrast, regions in the auditory cortex display significant alignment changes that begin in aMCI and are the most prominent structural changes for those with AD. Alignment differences between aMCI and AD subjects are detected, including notable changes to the hippocampal regions. These findings suggest eigenvector alignment can play a complementary role, alongside established network analytic approaches, to capture how the brain’s functional networks develop and adapt when challenged by disease processes such as AD.
Shifts in evolutionary balance of microbial phenotypes under environmental changes
Authors: Kleshnina M. , McKerral J. C. , González-Tokman C. , Filar J. A. , Mitchell J.G.
Published: March 2020

Environmental conditions shape entire communities by driving microbial interactions. These interactions then find their reflection in the evolutionary outcome of microbial competition. In static, homogeneous environments a robust, or evolutionary stable, outcome in microbial communities is reachable, if it exists. However, introducing heterogeneity and time-dependence in microbial ecology leads to stochastic evolutionary outcomes determined by specific environmental changes. We utilise evolutionary game theory to provide insight into phenotypic competition in dynamic environments. We capture these effects in a perturbed evolutionary game describing microbial interactions at a phenotypic level. We show that under regular periodic environmental fluctuations a stable state that preserves dominant phenotypes is reached. However, rapid environmental shifts, especially in a cyclic interactions, can lead to critical shifts in the evolutionary balance among phenotypes. Our analysis suggests that an understanding of the robustness of the systems current state is necessary to understand when system will shift to the new equilibrium. This can be done by understanding the systems overall margin of safety, that is, what level of perturbations it can take before its equilibrium changes. In particular, the extent to which an environmental shift affects the system’s behaviour.
Nkx2-5 defines distinct scaffold and recruitment phases during formation of the cardiac Purkinje fiber network
Authors: Choquet Caroline , Kelly Robert G. , Miquerol Lucile
Published: March 2020

The ventricular conduction system coordinates heartbeats by rapid propagation of electrical activity through the Purkinje fiber (PF) network. PFs share common progenitors with contractile cardiomyocytes, yet the mechanisms of segregation and network morphogenesis are poorly understood. In this study, we apply genetic fate mapping and temporal clonal analysis to identify cardiomyocytes committed to the PF lineage as early as E7.5. We find that a polyclonal PF network emerges by progressive recruitment of conductive precursors to this scaffold from a pool of bipotent progenitors. At late fetal stages, the segregation of conductive cells increases during a phase of rapid recruitment to build the definitive PF network through a non-cell autonomous mechanism. We also show that PF differentiation is impaired in Nkx2-5 haploinsufficient embryos leading to failure to extend the scaffold. In particular, late fetal recruitment fails, resulting in PF hypoplasia and persistence of bipotent progenitors. Our results identify how transcription factor dosage regulates cell fate divergence during distinct phases of PF network morphogenesis.
“The Heidelberg Five” Personality Dimensions: Genome-wide Associations, Polygenic Risk for Neuroticism, and Psychopathology 20 Years after Assessment
Authors: Heilbronner Urs , Papiol Sergi , Budde Monika , Andlauer Till F. M. , Strohmaier Jana , Streit Fabian , Frank Josef , Degenhardt Franziska , Heilmann-Heimbach Stefanie , Witt Stephanie , Forstner Andreas J. , Loerbroks Adrian , Amelang Manfred , Stürmer Til , Müller-Myhsok Bertram , Nöthen Markus M. , Rietschel Marcella , Schulze Thomas G.
Published: March 2020

The HeiDE study (‘‘Heidelberger Langzeitstudie zu Risikofaktoren und Diagnose chronischer Erkrankungen’’) is a longitudinal population-based study that started in the 1990s and, at baseline, assessed an array of health-related personality questionnaires in 5 133 individuals. Five latent personality dimensions (The Heidelberg Five) were identified and interpreted as Emotional Lability (ELAB), Lack of Behavioral Control (LBCN), Type A Behavior (TYAB), Locus of Control over Disease (LOCC), and Psychoticism (PSYC). A subset of participants (n=3 268; after quality control) were genotyped on whole-genome arrays at follow-up. To further characterize The Heidelberg Five, we analyzed genomic underpinnings, their relations to the genetic basis of the Big Five trait Neuroticism, and longitudinal associations with lifetime psychiatric symptoms. SNP-based heritability was significant for ELAB (34%) and LBCN (29%). Five separate genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using factor scores on personality dimensions as phenotypes were conducted, only the phenotype PSYC yielded a genome-wide significant finding (p<5×10−8, top SNP rs138223660). Gene-based analyses identified significant findings for ELAB (Integrin Subunit Beta 5), TYAB (Coiled-coil Domain Containing 83), and PSYC (Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1 Group H Member 4). Polygenic risk scores for Neuroticism, phenotypically related to ELAB, were associated with ELAB, but not with the remaining Heidelberg Five. Longitudinally, all personality dimensions were related to depressive symptoms at follow-up, with ELAB, LBCN, and PSYC also associated with lifetime anxiety symptoms. These results highlight the clinical importance of health-related personality traits, and identify LBCN as a heritable “executive function” personality trait.
A generative algorithm for de novo design of proteins with diverse pocket structures
Authors: Basanta Benjamin , Bick Matthew J , Bera Asim K , Norn Christoffer , Chow Cameron M , Carter Lauren P , Goreshnick Inna , Dimaio Frank , Baker David
Published: March 2020

To create new enzymes and biosensors from scratch, precise control over the structure of small molecule binding sites is of paramount importance, but systematically designing arbitrary protein pocket shapes and sizes remains an outstanding challenge. Using the NTF2-like structural superfamily as a model system, we developed a generative algorithm for creating a virtually unlimited number of de novo proteins supporting diverse pocket structures. The generative algorithm was tested and refined through feedback from two rounds of large scale experimental testing, involving in total, the assembly of synthetic genes encoding 7896 generated designs and assessment of their stability on the yeast cell surface, detailed biophysical characterization of 64 designs, and crystal structures of 5 designs. The refined algorithm generates proteins that remain folded at high temperatures and exhibit more pocket diversity than naturally occurring NTF2-like proteins. We expect this approach to transform the design of small molecule sensors and enzymes by enabling the creation of binding and active site geometries much more optimal for specific design challenges than is accessible by repurposing the limited number of naturally occurring NTF2-like proteins.
Genetic Interplay Between Transcription Factor Pou4f1/Brn3a and Neurotrophin Receptor Ret In Retinal Ganglion Cell Type Specification
Authors: Muzyka Vladimir Vladimirovich , Badea Tudor Constantin
Published: March 2020

While the transcriptional code governing retinal ganglion cell (RGC) type specification begins to be understood, its interplay with neurotrophic signaling is largely unexplored. Using sparse random recombination, we show that mosaic gene dosage manipulation of the transcription factor Brn3a/Pou4f1 in neurotrophic receptor Ret heterozygote RGCs results in altered cell fate decisions and/or morphological dendritic defects. Specific RGC types are lost if Brn3a is ablated during embryogenesis and only mildly affected by postnatal Brn3a ablation. Sparse but not complete Brn3a heterozygosity combined with complete Ret heterozygosity has striking effects on RGC type distribution. Brn3a only mildly modulates Ret transcription, while Ret knockouts exhibit normal Brn3a and Brn3b expression. However, Brn3a loss of function significantly affects distribution of Ret co-receptors GFRα1-3, and neurotrophin receptors TrkA and TrkC in RGCs. Based on these observations, we propose that Brn3a and Ret converge onto developmental pathways that control RGC type specification, potentially through a competitive mechanism requiring signaling from the surrounding tissue.
Epigenetic regulation of Neuregulin-1 tunes white adipose stem cell differentiation
Authors: Cordero Alyssa D. , Callihan Evan C. , Said Rana , Alowais Yasir , Paffhausen Emily S. , Bracht John R.
Published: March 2020

Expansion of subcutaneous adipose tissue by differentiation of new adipocytes has been linked to improvements in metabolic health. However, an expandability limit has been observed wherein new adipocytes cannot be produced, the existing adipocytes become enlarged (hypertrophic) and lipids spill over into ectopic sites. Inappropriate ectopic storage of these surplus lipids in liver, muscle, and visceral depots has been linked with metabolic dysfunction. Here we show that Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) serves as a regulator of adipogenic differentiation in subcutaneous primary human stem cells. We further demonstrate that DNA methylation modulates NRG1 expression in these cells, and a 3-day exposure of stem cells to a recombinant NRG1 peptide fragment is sufficient to reprogram adipogenic cellular differentiation to higher levels. These results define a novel molecular adipogenic rheostat with potential implications for the expansion of adipose tissuein vivo.
Comprehensive analysis of indels in whole-genome microsatellite regions and microsatellite instability across 21 cancer types
Authors: Fujimoto Akihiro , Fujita Masashi , Hasegawa Takanori , Wong Jing Hao , Maejima Kazuhiro , Oku-Sasaki Aya , Nakano Kaoru , Shiraishi Yuichi , Miyano Satoru , Yamamoto Go , Akagi Kiwamu , Imoto Seiya , Nakagawa Hidewaki
Published: March 2020

Microsatellites are repeats of 1- to 6-bp units, and approximately 10 million microsatellites have been identified across the human genome. Microsatellites are vulnerable to DNA mismatch errors and have thus been used to detect cancers with mismatch repair deficiency. To reveal the mutational landscape of microsatellite repeat regions at the genome level, we analyzed approximately 20.1 billion microsatellites in 2717 whole genomes of pan-cancer samples across 21 tissue types. First, we developed a new insertion and deletion caller (MIMcall) that takes into consideration the error patterns of different types of microsatellites. Among the 2717 pan-cancer samples, our analysis identified 31 samples, including colorectal, uterus, and stomach cancers, with a higher proportion of mutated microsatellite (≥0.03), which we defined as microsatellite instability (MSI) cancers of genome-wide level. Next, we found 20 highly mutated microsatellites that can be used to detect MSI cancers with high sensitivity. Third, we found that replication timing and DNA shape were significantly associated with mutation rates of microsatellites. Last, analysis of mutations in mismatch repair genes showed that somatic SNVs and short indels had larger functional impacts than germline mutations and structural variations. Our analysis provides a comprehensive picture of mutations in the microsatellite regions and reveals possible causes of mutations, as well as provides a useful marker set for MSI detection.
OCB-E among Chinese employees of different contract types
Authors: Ren Shuang , Tang Guiyao , Kim Andrea
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Drawing on a motivational model of proactive behavior, this study theorizes that employment status, reflective moral attentiveness (RMA), and organization-based self-esteem (OBSE) constitute the can-do, reason-to, and energized-to motivational states, which interact to induce organizational citizenship behavior toward the environment (OCB-E).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted random coefficient modeling (RCM) analysis with a multisource, time-lagged data set collected from 235 employees in Chinese firms.

Findings

This RCM analysis found that more OCB-E resulted from standard employees with higher levels of RMA and OBSE.

Originality/value

The value of this research lies in understanding of the antecedents of green behavior at the individual level by identifying specific motivational states and highlighting the coexistence of motivational states in predicting OCB-E. These findings provide new insight into the theory of developing and managing green OCB performers in today's workplace characterized by workforce mixing.
Emotional and social competence in the aestheticization of labor in the restaurant industry
Authors: Genc Volkan , Akoglan Kozak Meryem
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance regarding the satisfaction of customer needs in the competitive restaurant industry. Restaurants have seen a transformation in employees’ labor, changing from primarily physical and mental to emotional and aesthetic dimensions. In this study, the effect of managers’ emotional and social competence (ESC) on the aesthetic labor of service and kitchen employees has been investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data was collected from employees and managers of a restaurant chain. Structural equation modeling was the main analytical tool used to assess the results.

Findings

The findings indicated that managers’ ESC affected the aesthetic labor of their service (aesthetic traits (AT), aesthetic requirements and service encounters) and kitchen (AT, aesthetic creativity and aesthetic harmony ) employees. Achievement orientation and adaptability were among the dimensions of emotional competence that contributed the most to aesthetic labor. The most significant elements of social competence were inspiring leadership and conflict management.

Practical implications

The study suggests that managers can improve the aesthetic performance of their employees by using their ESC.

Originality/value

This is the first study of this kind to include kitchen employees while considering the effects of restaurant managers’ ESC on aesthetic labor. The findings indicate the importance of the ESC of managers in improving the aesthetic labor of employees.
Criticality assessment of the barriers to Lean Construction
Authors: Mano Aline Patricia , Gouvea da Costa Sergio E. , Pinheiro de Lima Edson
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study seeks to identify the critical barriers for the deployment of Lean Construction (LC).

Design/methodology/approach

In order to identify the barriers of Lean Construction, a systematic review of the scientific literature was carried out, in addition to analysis of the content of papers presented at a major Lean Construction conference. After the barriers were identified, a Lawshe study was conducted with experts in Lean Construction to verify the criticality of each of the barriers encountered.

Findings

This study identified 83 potential pre-deployment barriers in the literature, of which eight were considered critical by the experts. The results of Lawshe study pointed that critical barriers refer to leadership characteristics, cultural aspects and structural aspects.

Research limitations/implications

Variations in the assessment of the criticality of the barriers may occur from one country to another due to regional differences in the construction sector.

Practical implications

The implications of this study are recognizing and identifying the characteristics of an organization that can hinder Lean Construction allows these issues to be resolved before beginning the Lean journey.

Originality/value

This article is the first of its kind to assess the criticality of barriers to Lean Construction using a quantitative technique. Knowledge of this set of barriers provides both practical and theoretical readers with an increased chance of success in the deployment of an LC project.
Competitive environment and bank development
Authors: Seguí Alcaraz Antoni
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Right up to the moment, the financial sector has been considered a clean and a neutral sector, as far as social and environmental impact concerns. The purpose of this paper is to determine the attitude of Spanish credit institutions to the sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

Delphi methodology was used to test the viability and validity of the questionnaire and to choose the best systematic way of communication. The research to understand society and environment focussed on investments was conducted using a survey completed by 57 Spanish credit institutions. Various types of statistical analyses were performed to assess the questionnaire.

Findings

The higher the entities’ investment is in environmental projects, the more sensitive they will be about social responsibilities issues. However, the higher the percentage invested in funding to communities or dejected regions and in cultural projects.

Research limitations/implications

To know, measure and evaluate the activities of a credit institution in the environment, it is necessary to define indicators for the policies, procedures and management practices adequate for the sector.

Practical implications

Credit Spanish Institutions sector organizations are responding positively to sustainable development and, in the process, enhancing stakeholder value.

Social implications

In various practices of credit institutions, implementing a preventive environmental approach or undertaking initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibilities – along with the possibility to allocate funds for certain projects – environmental conditions are also considered.

Originality/value

To develop good environmental practices in credit institutions, they apply the principles of sustainability and identify and quantify the environmental risk in the normal internal process of risk assessment.
Anti-money laundering law and policy as a double edged sword
Authors: Mugarura Norman
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Regulators have a duty to enforce anti-money laundering (AML) and countering financing of terrorism regulation. However, in doing so, they should not to be overzealous especially in carrying out investigations into suspicious money laundering transactions. This does not mean that oversight agencies should not carry out the required investigations with due diligence. This study aims to propose that banks cannot be allowed to operate in a lawless environment; however, there is a need ensure that businesses are able to operate with minimal regulatory interference.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from primary and secondary sources such as Uganda’s Anti-Money laundering Act 2013 (amended 2017), Patriot Act 2001, Proceeds of Crime Act 2000 International legal instruments, case law, books, websites, journal papers, policy documents and scholarly debates and evaluated to foster the objectives of the paper accordingly. The paper has also been enriched by empirical experiences of countries in Europe, Africa and within countries on money-laundering regulation and its intricacies. There was a wealth of online data sources and in print, which were reviewed and internalised to foster the objectives for writing the book.

Findings

Regulation of businesses against money laundering and financing of terrorism imposes a heavy cost burden on poorer countries and should be funded by developed economies for some countries to easily operate desired International AML standards. It also needs to be noted that banks cannot be allowed to operate in a lawless business environment, which makes money laundering an international and national security issue.

Originality/value

The thesis of this paper was drawn from the author’s presentation to security agencies in Kampala in August 2019. In his presentation, the author opined that investigations into money-laundering offences should be triggered when a financial institution forms suspicions of potential money-laundering offences to have been committed. Some of the questions he sought to answer during the presentation was whether sharing information on “accountable persons or the regulated sector” in Uganda’s AML 2013 with newspapers before investigations are concluded does not amount to tipping off presumed money-laundering culprits? How should investigations be conducted?
Bricks, mortar, and proptech
Authors: Saiz Albert
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Digital and information technologies (IT) are becoming silently pervasive in old-fashioned real estate markets. This paper focuses on three important avenues for the diffusion of IT in commercial real estate: online brokerage and sales, the commoditization of space and Fintech in mortgage and equity funding. We describe the main new markets and products created by this IT revolution. The focus is on the pioneering US market, with some attention devoted to the specific firms and institutions taking these innovations into the mainstream. We also carefully analyze the economic underpinnings from which the new technologies can expect to generate cash flows, thus becoming viable—or not. Finally, we discuss their likely impact on established players in the commercial real estate arena.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the author chooses to focus on three separate arenas where the IT revolution—sometimes referred to as Proptech, as applied to real estate—is having discernible impacts: sales and brokerage, space commoditization and online finance platforms. The author invites the reader to think seriously about the economic fundamentals that may—or may not—sustain new business models in Proptech. Real estate economists and investors alike need to be critical of new business models, especially when they are being aggressively marketed by their promoters. Trying to avoid any hype, the author provides thoughts about the likely impact of the innovations on their markets, guided by economic and finance theory, and previous experience.

Findings

The author evaluates the evolution of commercial real estate brokerage. While innovations will, no doubt, have an impact on the ways in which we buy and lease commercial properties, the lessons from the housing market should make us skeptical about the possibility of the new technologies dramatically facilitating disintermediation in this market. In fact, new oligopolies seem to be emerging with regard to market data provision.

Practical implications

Proptech will change some aspects of the real estate industry, but not others!

Originality/value

As change pervades the property industry, only a relatively few research pieces are illustrating or—more importantly—providing insights about the likely economic and financial impacts of IT penetration. Similarly, only a few papers have so far addressed the economic viability of the alternative business models of tech startups targeting real estate markets and transactions.
Functional replacement of isoprenoid pathways in Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Orsi Enrico , Beekwilder Jules , van Gelder Dewi , van Houwelingen Adèle , Eggink Gerrit , Kengen Servé W.M. , Weusthuis Ruud A.
Published: March 2020

Advances in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering have proven the potential of introducing metabolic by‐passes within cell factories. These pathways can provide a more efficient alternative to endogenous counterparts due to their insensitivity to host's regulatory mechanisms. In this work, we replaced the endogenous essential 2‐C‐methyl‐D‐erythritol 4‐phosphate (MEP) pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis in the industrially relevant bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides by an orthogonal metabolic route. The native 2‐C‐methyl‐D‐erythritol 4‐phosphate (MEP) pathway was successfully replaced by a heterologous mevalonate (MVA) pathway from a related bacterium. The functional replacement was confirmed by analysis of the reporter molecule amorpha‐4,11‐diene after cultivation with [4‐13C]glucose. The engineered R. sphaeroides strain relying exclusively on the MVA pathway was completely functional in conditions for sesquiterpene production and, upon increased expression of the MVA enzymes, it reached even higher sesquiterpene yields than the control strain coexpressing both MEP and MVA modules. This work represents an example where substitution of an essential biochemical pathway by an alternative, heterologous pathway leads to enhanced biosynthetic performance.
Antenatal vaccine uptake: A cross‐sectional study investigating factors influencing women’s choices in pregnancy
Authors: Moir Drew , Gunter Konrad , Lynch Lee‐Anne , Vogrin Sara , Said Joanne
Published: March 2020

Background

Seasonal influenza and pertussis cause significant morbidity and mortality among expectant mothers and infants. Vaccination during the antenatal period is an important public health intervention, minimising rates of maternal, neonatal and infant infection.

Aims

The primary aim of this project was to establish the rates of antenatal vaccine uptake. Secondly, the study aimed to determine socio‐demographic factors significant to vaccine uptake. Thirdly, the project aimed to produce a thematic analysis of the factors affecting vaccination uptake during pregnancy.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional observational study was conducted among women attending a large maternity hospital, in the western suburbs of Melbourne, for perinatal care. Data were collected via self‐completed questionnaires after delivery. Data from the questionnaires were entered into an electronic database, and STATA was used to undertake correlation analysis.

Results

Over a 12‐month period 1678 women completed questionnaires and 1305 were eligible for further analysis. The uptake of influenza vaccine was 48.3%, pertussis vaccine uptake was higher, at 82.9%. Uptake of influenza and pertussis vaccines strongly correlated with recommendations from healthcare providers (odds ratios 29.7 and 63.8 respectively). Maternal country of birth, age and parity were significant predictors of vaccine uptake. In thematic analysis, healthcare provider recommendation and the perceived risk of the disease were factors resulting in vaccination.

Conclusion

This study determined the rate of antenatal vaccine uptake and significant socio‐demographic determinants affecting uptake at a large maternity hospital in metropolitan Melbourne. Ensuring healthcare providers recommend vaccination is likely to improve coverage.
Effects of inoculants on the fermentation characteristics and in vitro digestibility of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) silage on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chen Liangyin , Li Ping , Gou Wenlong , You Minghong , Cheng Qiming , Bai Shiqie , Cai Yimin
Published: March 2020

To effectively use local available grass resources to cover the winter feed shortage on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau, direct‐cut and wilted reed canary grass (RCG) silages were prepared by using a rolled‐bale system, and their ensiling characteristics and in vitro digestibility were studied. Silages were treated without (control) or with inoculants including LP (Lactobacillus plantarum), LPLB (L. plantarum, L. buchneri), and LPLBc (L. plantarum, L. buchneri, and cellulase), and were stored at ambient temperature (5.7–14.6°C) for 90 days. Compared with control, the inoculated silages increased (p < .05) lactic acid and acetic acid contents, and reduced (p < .05) final pH value and ammonia‐N ratio of total N. The highest WSC content (41.2 g/kg DM) occurred for LPLB‐inoculated silage, whereas LPLBc‐treated silage displayed the lowest contents of NDF (522.9 g/kg DM) and ADF (275.5 g/kg DM). In addition, LPLBc‐inoculated silage had the highest in vitro gas production (51.0 ml/g DM), in vitro DM digestibility (619.3 g/kg DM), and metabolic energy (9.6 kJ/kg DM). These results confirmed that treatments with inoculants at ensiling could improve silage fermentation and in vitro digestibility of RCG, and this could be a potential winter feed for animals on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau.
The thesis of “doux commerce” and the social licence to operate framework
Authors: Borg Emma
Published: March 2020

The “doux commerce” thesis holds that commerce acts as a civilising force, contributing to the advancement and well‐being of societies by inculcating certain core moral values in individuals (such as honesty, tolerance, and fair‐dealing). This idea has a venerable history. However, I suggest that it faces a particular challenge in the current era in light of examples of systemic misbehaviour by global companies. This paper explores the nature of this challenge, taking the events around the financial crisis of 2007–2008 as a case study, and suggests that if we are to preserve the idea that commerce contributes to the common good then greater mechanisms of constraint on the worst excesses of business behaviour will be needed. In particular, I argue that we must recognise the need for all firms to have a social purpose and suggest that the “social licence to operate” framework, familiar from the mining and extraction sectors, could be used to provide crucial leverage on the behaviour of multinational firms.
Pathological calcification in osteoarthritis: an outcome or a disease initiator?
Authors: Yan Jian‐fei , Qin Wen‐pin , Xiao Bo‐cheng , Wan Qian‐qian , Tay Franklin R. , Niu Li‐na , Jiao Kai
Published: March 2020

In the progression of osteoarthritis, pathological calcification in the affected joint is an important feature. The role of these crystallites in the pathogenesis and progression of osteoarthritis is controversial; it remains unclear whether they act as a disease initiator or are present as a result of joint damage. Recent studies reported that the molecular mechanisms regulating physiological calcification of skeletal tissues are similar to those regulating pathological or ectopic calcification of soft tissues. Pathological calcification takes place when the equilibrium is disrupted. Calcium phosphate crystallites are identified in most affected joints and the presence of these crystallites is closely correlated with the extent of joint destruction. These observations suggest that pathological calcification is most likely to be a disease initiator instead of an outcome of osteoarthritis progression. Inhibiting pathological crystallite deposition within joint tissues therefore represents a potential therapeutic target in the management of osteoarthritis.
Composite neonatal morbidity indicators using hospital discharge data: A systematic review
Authors: Lebreton Elodie , Crenn‐Hébert Catherine , Menguy Claudie , Howell Elizabeth A. , Gould Jeffrey B. , Dechartres Agnès , Zeitlin Jennifer
Published: March 2020

Background

Neonatal morbidity is associated with lifelong impairments, but the absence of a consensual definition and the need for large data sets limit research.

Objectives

To inform initiatives to define standard outcomes for research, we reviewed composite neonatal morbidity indicators derived from routine hospital discharge data.

Data sources

PubMed (updated on October 12, 2018). The search algorithm was based on three components: “morbidity,” “neonatal,” and “hospital discharge data.”

Study selection and data extraction

Studies investigating neonatal morbidity using a composite indicator based on hospital discharge data were included. Indicators defined for specific conditions (eg congenital anomalies, maternal addictions) were excluded. The target population, objectives, component morbidities, diagnosis and procedure codes, validation methods, and prevalence of morbidity were extracted.

Synthesis

For each study, we assessed construct validity by describing the methods used to select the indicator components and evaluated whether the authors assessed internal and external validity. We also calculated confidence intervals for the prevalence of the morbidity composite.

Results

Seventeen studies fulfilled inclusion criteria. Indicators targeted all (n = 4), low‐/moderate‐risk (n = 9), and very preterm (VPT, n = 4) infants. Components were similar for VPT infants, but domains and diagnosis codes within domains varied widely for all and low‐/moderate‐risk infants. Component selection was described for 8/17 indicators and some form of validation reported for 12/17. Neonatal morbidity prevalence ranged from 4.6% to 9.0% of all infants, 0.4% to 8.0% of low‐/moderate‐risk infants, and 17.8% to 61.0% of VPT infants.

Conclusions

Multiple neonatal morbidity indicators based on hospital discharge data have been used for research, but their heterogeneity limits comparisons between studies. Standard neonatal outcome measures are needed for benchmarking and synthesis of research results.
Effects of metal quantity and quality to the removal of zinc and copper by two common green microalgae (Chlorophyceae) species
Authors: Novák Zoltán , Harangi Sándor , Baranyai Edina , Gonda Sándor , B‐Béres Viktória , Bácsi István
Published: March 2020

Appearance of metals as pollutants in the environment is an increasing global problem. Microalgae as subjects of biological remediation methods may provide a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly alternative to the removal of metals during wastewater treatment. Despite the high number of data in the topic, there is still little information on how the type and the concentration of the metal affect the process of removal. In this study, correlations among the algal species, quality and quantity of metals and characteristics of metal removal mechanism were investigated at lower metal concentrations (0.2–5.0 mg L−1) during zinc and copper removal of the green algae Desmodesmus communis and Monoraphidium pusillum. Analyses of the results proved that there is a statistically significant interaction (P < 0.05) between algal species and quality and concentration of the metals, that is, they have a significant effect on the mode and extent of removal. Both metals were mainly extracellularly bound, but at concentrations of 0.2–1.4 mg L−1, intracellular proportion could exceed the extracellular adsorption. Although there were differences between the two algae, generally copper appeared in a higher intracellular proportion than zinc in the whole studied concentration range. Overall, the quality and initial concentration of the metal is decisive for the way of removal, the knowledge of which is useful for planning post treatment retention times or post treatment processes of the used biomass during wastewater treatment.