bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition of fluctuations from Gaussian state to turbulent state
Authors: Gotoh Toshiyuki , Yang Jingyuan
Published: January 2022

Variation of the statistical properties of an incompressible velocity, passive vector and passive scalar in isotropic turbulence was studied using direct numerical simulation. The structure functions of the gradients, and the moments of the dissipation rates, began to increase at about

R
λ

∼
2

from the Gaussian state and grew rapidly at

R
λ

>
20

in the turbulent state. A contour map of the probability density functions (PDFs) indicated that PDF expansion of the gradients of the passive vector and passive scalar begins at around

R
λ

≈
4

, whereas that of the longitudinal velocity gradient PDF is more gradual. The left tails of the dissipation rate PDF were found to follow a power law with an exponent of 3/2 for the incompressible velocity and passive vector dissipation rates, and 1/2 for the scalar dissipation rate and the enstrophy; they remained constant for all Reynolds numbers, indicating the universality of the left tail. The analytical PDFs of the dissipation rates and enstrophy of the Gaussian state were obtained and found to be the Gamma distribution. It was shown that the number of terms contributing to the dissipation rates and the enstrophy determines the decay rates of the two PDFs for low to moderate amplitudes.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Scaling the turbulence edifice (part 1)’.
Antibiotics reduce bacterial load in Exaiptasia diaphana, but biofilms hinder its development as a gnotobiotic coral model
Authors: Hartman Leon M. , Blackall Linda L. , van Oppen Madeleine J. H.
Published: January 2022

Coral reefs are declining due to anthropogenic disturbances, including climate change. Therefore, improving our understanding of coral ecosystems is vital, and the influence of bacteria on coral health has attracted particular interest. However, a gnotobiotic coral model that could enhance studies of coral–bacteria interactions is absent. To address this gap, we tested the ability of treatment with seven antibiotics for 3 weeks to deplete bacteria in Exaiptasia diaphana, a sea anemone widely used as a coral model. Digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) targeting anemone Ef1-α and bacterial 16S rRNA genes was used to quantify bacterial load, which was found to decrease six-fold. However, metabarcoding of bacterial 16S rRNA genes showed that alpha and beta diversity of the anemone-associated bacterial communities increased significantly. Therefore, gnotobiotic E. diaphana with simplified, uniform bacterial communities were not generated, with biofilm formation in the culture vessels most likely impeding efforts to eliminate bacteria. Despite this outcome, our work will inform future efforts to create a much needed gnotobiotic coral model.
Streptomyces epipremni sp. nov., an endophytic actinomycete isolated from the root of Epipremnum aureum
Authors: Duangupama Thitikorn , Intaraudom Chakapong , Pittayakhajonwut Pattama , Tadtong Sarin , Thawai Chitti
Published: January 2022

An endophytic

Streptomyces

-like micro-organism, designated strain PRB2-1T was isolated from root tissue of Epipremnum aureum (Linden and André) G.S. Bunting. The typical morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, i.e. the ability to produce straight spore chains directly on aerial mycelium and the presence of ll-diaminopimelic acid in cell-wall peptidoglycan, were consistent with its assignment to the genus

Streptomyces

. 16S rRNA gene analysis showed that strain PRB2-1T is a member of the genus

Streptomyces

with the highest similarity to

Streptomyces bryophytorum

DSM 42183T (98.4 %). Moreover, the draft genome sequence of strain PRB2-1T exhibited low average nucleotide identity by blast (79.9–83.8 %) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (24.9–28.3 %) values to the reference strains, which were well below the species circumscription threshold. The DNA G+C content of genomic DNA was 73.6 mol%. Comparison of phenotypic characteristics and whole-genome sequence between strain PRB2-1T and its close relatives indicated that strain PRB2-1T could be classified as a novel species of the genus

Streptomyces

. Thus the name, Streptomyces epipremni sp. nov. is proposed for the strain. The type strain is PRB2-1T (=TBRC 7642T=NBRC 113169T).
Pseudarthrobacter albicanus sp. nov., isolated from Antarctic soil
Authors: Chen Ya , Zhang Hao , Ping Weiwei , Zhu Lin , Xin Yuhua , Zhang Jianli
Published: January 2022

A Gram-stain positive, strictly aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped strain, NJ-Z5T, was isolated from a soil sample obtained from the Antarctic Peninsula. This strain was taxonomically characterized by a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain NJ-Z5T belonged to the genus

Pseudarthrobacter

and showed the highest similarities to

Pseudarthrobacter sulfonivorans

ALLT (98.07%), followed by

Pseudarthrobacter siccitolerans

4J27T (98.00%),

Pseudarthrobacter phenanthrenivorans

Sphe3T (97.93%) and

Pseudarthrobacter psychrotolerans

YJ56T (97.82%). The strain was able to grow at 4–28 °C (optimum, 25 °C), at pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and with 0–1.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0%). It had catalase activity but no oxidase activity. The chemotaxonomic characteristics of strain NJ-Z5T, which had MK-9 (H2) as its predominant menaquinone and anteiso-C15:0 (58.5%), anteiso-C17:0 (9.9%) and iso-C16:0 (7.0%) as its major fatty acids, were consistent with classification in the genus

Pseudarthrobacter

. The polar lipid profile of strain NJ-Z5T comprised phosphatidylinositol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified glycolipids and two unidentified phospholipids. The genome of strain NJ-Z5T was 4.57 Mbp with a G+C content of 67.1 mol%. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain NJ-Z5T and other species of the genus

Pseudarthrobacter

were found to be low (ANIm <86%, ANIb <80% and OrthoANIu <80 %). Furthermore, digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average amino acid identity (AAI) values between strain NJ-Z5T and the closely related species ranged from 22.7 to 24.0% and from 75.5 to 77.2%, respectively. On the basis of its differential physiological properties, chemotaxonomic characteristics and low ANI, dDDH and AAI results, strain NJ-Z5T is considered to represent a novel species within the genus

Pseudarthrobacter

, for which the name Pseudarthrobacter albicanus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NJ-Z5T (=CGMCC 1.15636T=KCTC 39722T).
Age-Induced Changes in Mu Opioid Receptor Signaling in the Midbrain Periaqueductal Gray of Male and Female Rats
Authors: Fullerton Evan F. , Karom Mary C. , Streicher John M. , Young Larry J. , Murphy Anne Z.
Published: January 2022

The analgesic effects of opioids are attenuated in aged rats. Opioids such as morphine have decreased analgesic potency (but not efficacy) in aged rodents compared to adults; however, the neural mechanisms underlying this attenuated response are not yet known. The present study investigated the impact of advanced age and biological sex on opioid signaling in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) in the presence of chronic inflammatory pain. Assays measuring mu-opioid receptor (MOR) radioligand binding, GTPγS binding, receptor phosphorylation, cAMP inhibition, and regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) protein expression were performed on vlPAG tissue from adult (2-3mos) and aged (16-18mos) male and female rats. Persistent inflammatory pain was induced by intraplantar injection of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA). Adult males exhibited the highest MOR binding potential and the highest G-protein activation (activation efficiency ratio) in comparison to aged males and females (adult and aged). No impact of advanced age or sex on MOR phosphorylation state was observed. DAMGO-induced cAMP inhibition was highest in the vlPAG of adult males compared to aged males and females (adult and aged). vlPAG levels of RGS4 and RGS9-2, critical for terminating G-protein signaling, were assessed using RNAscope. Adult rats (both males and females) exhibited lower levels of vlPAG RGS4 and RGS9-2 mRNA expression compared to aged males and females. The observed age-related reductions in vlPAG MOR binding potential, G-protein activation efficiency, and cAMP inhibition, along with the observed age-related increases in RGS4 and RGS9-2 vlPAG expression, provide potential mechanisms whereby the potency of opioids is decreased in the aged population. These results have significant implications for pain management in this population.

Highlights

Aged males and females (adult and aged) exhibit reduced vlPAG μ-opioid receptor binding potential compared to adult males.

Aged males and females (adult and aged) exhibit reduced opioid-induced vlPAG G-protein activation compared to adult males.

Aged males and females (adult and aged) exhibit reduced vlPAG MOR mediated cAMP inhibition compared to adult males.

Aged rats (males and females) exhibit increased vlPAG mRNA expression of Regulator of G-Protein Signaling (RGS) proteins RGS4 and RGS9-2 compared to adult rats (males and females), which may explain the reduced receptor signaling observed in aged animals.

These coordinate decreases in opioid receptor signaling may explain the previously reported reduced potency of opioids to produce pain relief in females and aged rats.
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) S1176 phosphorylation status governs atherosclerotic lesion formation
Authors: Nguyen Tung D. , Rahman Nur-Taz , Sessa William C. , Lee Monica Y.
Published: January 2022

Objective

We have previously demonstrated thein vivoimportance of the Akt-eNOS substrate-kinase relationship, as defective postnatal angiogenesis characteristic of global Akt1-null mice is rescued when bred to ‘gain-of-function’ eNOS S1176D mutant mice. While multiple studies support the vascular protective role of endothelial NO generation, the causal role of Akt1-dependent eNOS S1176 phosphorylation during atherosclerotic plaque formation is not yet clear.

Approach & Results

We herein bred congenic ‘loss-of-function’ eNOS S1176A and ‘gain-of-function’ eNOS S1176D mutant mice to the exacerbated atherogenic Akt1-/-; ApoE-/-double knockout mice to definitively test the importance of Akt-mediated eNOS S1176 phosphorylation during atherogenesis. We find that a single amino acid substitution at the eNOS S1176 phosphorylation site yields divergent effects on atherosclerotic plaque formation, as an eNOS phospho-mimic aspartate (D) substitution at S1176 leads to favorable lipid profiles and decreased indices of atherosclerosis, even when on a proatherogenic Akt1 global deletion background. Conversely, mice harboring an unphosphorylatable mutation to alanine (S1176A) result in increased plasma lipids, increased lesion formation and cellular apoptosis, phenocopying the physiological consequence of eNOS deletion and/or impaired enzyme function. Furthermore, gene expression analyses of whole aortas indicate a combinatorial detriment from NO deficiency and Western Diet challenge, as ‘loss-of-function’ eNOS SA mice on a Western diet present a unique expression pattern indicative of augmented T-cell activity when compared to eNOS S1176D mice.

Conclusions

By using genetic epistasis approaches, we conclusively demonstrate that Akt-mediated eNOS S1176 phosphorylation and subsequent eNOS activation remains to be the most physiologically relevant method of NO production to promote athero-protective effects.
Distinct Inhibitory Pathways Control Velocity and Directional Tuning in the Retina
Authors: Summers Mathew T. , Feller Marla B.
Published: January 2022

The sensory periphery is responsible for detecting ethologically relevant features of the external world, using compact, predominantly feedforward circuits. Visual motion is a particularly prevalent sensory feature, the presence of which can be a signal to enact diverse behaviors ranging from gaze stabilization reflexes, to predator avoidance or prey capture. To understand how the retina constructs the distinct neural representations required for these diverse behaviors, we investigated two circuits responsible for encoding different aspects of image motion: ON and ON-OFF direction selective ganglion cells (DSGCs). Using a combination of 2-photon targeted whole cell electrophysiology, pharmacology, and conditional knockout mice, we show that distinct inhibitory pathways independently control tuning for motion velocity and motion direction in these two cell types. We further employ dynamic clamp and numerical modeling techniques to show that asymmetric inhibition provides a velocity-invariant mechanism of directional tuning, despite the strong velocity dependence of classical models of direction selectivity. We therefore demonstrate that invariant representations of motion features by inhibitory interneurons act as computational building blocks to construct distinct, behaviorally relevant signals at the earliest stages of the visual system.
Comparison of neural population dynamics in the regression subspace between continuous and categorical task parameters
Authors: Chen He , Kunimatsu Jun , Oya Tomomichi , Imaizumi Yuri , Hori Yukiko , Matsumoto Masayuki , Minamimoto Takafumi , Naya Yuji , Yamada Hiroshi
Published: January 2022

Neural population dynamics, presumably fundamental computational units in the brain, provide a key framework for understanding information processing in the sensory, cognitive, and motor functions. However, neural population dynamics is not explicitly related to the conventional analytic framework for single-neuron activity, i.e., representational models that analyze neuronal modulations associated with cognitive and motor parameters. In this study, we applied a recently developed state-space analysis to incorporate the representational models into the dynamic model in combination with these parameters. We compared neural population dynamics between continuous and categorical task parameters during two visual recognition tasks, using the datasets originally designed for a single-neuron approach. We successfully extracted neural population dynamics in the regression subspace, which represent modulation dynamics for both continuous and categorical task parameters with reasonable temporal characteristics. Furthermore, we combined the classical optimal-stimulus analysis paradigm for the single-neuron approach (i.e., stimulus identified as maximum neural responses) into the dynamic model, and found that the most prominent modulation dynamics at the lower dimension were derived from these optimal responses. Thus, our approach provides a unified framework for incorporating knowledge acquired with the single-neuron approach into the dynamic model as a standard procedure for describing neural modulation dynamics in the brain.
Evaluation of an emergency safe supply drugs and managed alcohol program in COVID-19 isolation hotel shelters for people experiencing homelessness
Authors: Brothers Thomas D. , Leaman Malcolm , Bonn Matthew , Lewer Dan , Atkinson Jacqueline , Fraser John , Gillis Amy , Gniewek Michael , Hawker Leisha , Hayman Heather , Jorna Peter , Martell David , O’Donnell Tiffany , Rivers-Bowerman Helen , Genge Leah
Published: January 2022

Background

During a COVID-19 outbreak in the congregate shelter system in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, a multidisciplinary health care team provided an emergency “safe supply” of pharmaceutical-grade medications and beverage-grade alcohol to facilitate isolation in COVID-19 hotel shelters for residents who are dependent on these substances. We aimed to evaluate (a) substances and dosages provided, and (b) effectiveness and safety of the program.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all COVID-19 isolation hotel shelter residents during May 2021. We extracted data on medication and alcohol dosages provided each day. The primary outcome was residents prematurely leaving isolation against public health orders. Adverse events included (a) overdose; (b) intoxication; and (c) diversion, selling, or sharing of medications or alcohol.

Results

Over 25 days, 77 isolation hotel residents were assessed (mean age 42 ± 14 years; 24% women). Sixty-two (81%) residents were provided medications, alcohol, or cigarettes. Seventeen residents (22%) received opioid agonist treatment medications (methadone, buprenorphine, or slow-release oral morphine) and 27 (35%) received hydromorphone tablets. Thirty-one (40%) residents received stimulant tablets with methylphenidate (27; 35%), dextroamphetamine (8; 10%), or lisdexamfetamine (2; 3%). Six residents (8%) received benzodiazepines. Forty-two (55%) residents received alcohol, including 41 (53%) with strong beer, three (3%) with wine, and one (1%) with hard liquor. Over 14 days in isolation, mean daily dosages increased of hydromorphone (45 ± 32 to 57 ± 42mg), methylphenidate (51 ± 28 to 77 ± 37mg), dextroamphetamine (33 ± 16 to 46 ± 13mg), and alcohol (12.3 ± 7.6 to 13.0 ± 6.9 standard drinks). Six residents (8%) left isolation prematurely, but four of those residents returned. Over 1,059 person-days in isolation, there were zero overdoses. Documented concerns regarding intoxication occurred six times (0.005 events/person-day) and medication diversion or sharing three times (0.003 events/person-day).

Conclusions

An emergency safe supply and managed alcohol program, paired with housing, was associated with low rates of adverse events and high rates of successful completion of the 14-day isolation period in COVID-19 isolation hotel shelters. This supports the effectiveness and safety of emergency safe supply prescribing and managed alcohol in this setting.
Imaging cerebral arteries tortuosity and velocities by transcranial Doppler ultrasound is a reliable assessment of brain aneurysm in mouse models
Authors: Lebas Héloïse , Boutigny Alexandre , Maupu Clémence , Salfati Jonas , Orset Cyrille , Mazighi Mikael , Bonnin Philippe , Boulaftali Yacine
Published: January 2022

Background and Purpose

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are common vascular abnormalities of the brain with a prevalence of 3.2% in the general population. In the past few decades, several pathophysiological processes leading to IA rupture were identified, including irregular IA shape, an altered hemodynamic stress within the IA and vessel wall inflammation. The use of preclinical models of IA and imaging tools are paramount to better understand the underlying disease mechanisms. Therefore, there is a need for imaging methods to monitor intracranial aneurysm formation.

Methods

We used two established mouse models of IA and we analyzed the progression of the IA by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), transcranial Doppler (TCD), and histological studies.

Results

In both models of IA, we observed by TCD a significant decrease of the blood velocities and wall shear stress of the internal carotid arteries (ICA). We also observed the formation of tortuous arteries in both models which were correlated with the presence of an aneurysm as confirmed by MRI and histological analysis. A high grade of tortuosity has been associated with a significant decrease of the mean blood flow velocities and a greater artery dilation.

Conclusions

TCD is robust and easy imaging method to evaluate the progression of IA. The decrease of the blood flow velocities and the tortuosity can be used as reliable readout for IA detection.
The minimizer Jaccard estimator is biased and inconsistent*
Authors: Belbasi Mahdi , Blanca Antonio , Harris Robert S. , Koslicki David , Medvedev Paul
Published: January 2022

Motivation

Sketching is now widely used in bioinformatics to reduce data size and increase data processing speed. Sketching approaches entice with improved scalability but also carry the danger of decreased accuracy and added bias. In this paper, we investigate the minimizer sketch and its use to estimate the Jaccard similarity between two sequences.

Results

We show that the minimizer Jaccard estimator is biased and inconsistent, which means that the expected difference (i.e., the bias) between the estimator and the true value is not zero, even in the limit as the lengths of the sequences grow. We derive an analytical formula for the bias as a function of how the shared k-mers are laid out along the sequences. We show both theoretically and empirically that there are families of sequences where the bias can be substantial (e.g. the true Jaccard can be more than double the estimate). Finally, we demonstrate that this bias affects the accuracy of the widely used mashmap read mapping tool.

Availability

Scripts to reproduce our experiments are available on GitHub [26].

Contact

pzm11@psu.edu
Asymmetric Pendrin Homodimer Reveals its Molecular Mechanism as Anion Exchanger
Authors: Liu Qianying , Zhang Xiang , Huang Hui , Chen Yuxin , Wang Fang , Hao Aihua , Zhan Wuqiang , Mao Qiyu , Hu Yuxia , Han Lin , Sun Yifang , Zhang Meng , Liu Zhimin , Li Genglin , Zhang Weijia , Shu Yilai , Sun Lei , Chen Zhenguo
Published: January 2022

Pendrin SLC26A4 is an anion exchanger expressed in apical membranes of selected epithelia. Pendrin ablation causes Pendred syndrome, a genetic disorder disease associated with sensorineural hearing loss, hypothyroid goiter, and reduced blood pressure. However, its molecular structure has remained unknown limiting our understanding. Here, we determined the structures of mouse pendrin with symmetric and characteristically asymmetric homodimer conformations by cryo-electron microscopy. The asymmetric homodimer consists of an inward-facing protomer and an intermediate-state protomer, representing the coincident uptake and secretion process, and exhibits the unique state of pendrin as an electroneutral exchanger. This previously unrevealed conformation, together with other conformations we captured, provides an inverted alternate-access mechanism for anion exchange. Furthermore, our structural and functional data disclosed the properties of anion exchange cleft and interpreted the important pathogenetic mutations. These investigations shed light on the pendrin exchange mechanism and extend our structure-guided understanding of pathogenetic mutations.

One-Sentence Summary

Cryo-EM asymmetric Pendrin homodimer cracks its exchange mechanism and guides our understanding for pathogenetic mutations.
3D multi-color far-red single-molecule localization microscopy with probability-based fluorophore classification
Authors: Siemons Marijn E. , Jurriens Daphne , Smith Carlas S. , Kapitein Lukas C.
Published: January 2022

Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy remains limited in its ability for robust and simple multi-color imaging. Whereas the fluorophore Alexa647 is widely used due to its brightness and excellent blinking dynamics, other excellent blinking fluorophores, such as CF660 and CF680, spectrally overlap. Here we present Probability-based Fluorophore Classification, a method to perform multi-color SMLM with Alexa647, CF660 and CF680 that uses statistical decision theory for optimal classification. The emission is split in a short and long wavelength channel to enable classification and localization without a major loss in localization precision. Each emitter is classified using a Generalized Maximum Likelihood Ratio Test using the photon statistics of both channels. This easy-to-adopt approach does not require nanometer channel registration, is able to classify fluorophores with tunable low false positive rates (<0.5%) and optimal true positive rates and outperforms traditional ratiometric spectral de-mixing and Salvaged Fluorescence. We demonstrate its applicability on a variety of samples and targets.
Vexitoxins: a novel class of conotoxin-like venom peptides from predatory gastropods of the genus Vexillum
Authors: Kuznetsova Ksenia G. , Zvonareva Sofia S. , Ziganshin Rustam , Mekhova Elena S. , Dgebuadze Polina , Yen Dinh T.H. , Nguyen Thanh H.T. , Moshkovskii Sergei A. , Fedosov Alexander E.
Published: January 2022

Venoms of predatory marine cone snails (the family Conidae, order Neogastropoda) are intensely studied because of the broad range of biomedical applications of the neuropeptides that they contain, conotoxins. Meanwhile anatomy in some other neogastropod lineages strongly suggests that they have evolved similar venoms independently of cone snails, nevertheless their venom composition remains unstudied. Here we focus on the most diversified of these lineages, the genus Vexillum (the family Costellariidae). We have generated comprehensive multi-specimen, multi-tissue RNA-Seq data sets for three Vexillum species, and supported our findings in two species by proteomic profiling. We show that venoms of Vexillum are dominated by highly diversified short cysteine-rich peptides that in many aspects are very similar to conotoxins. Vexitoxins possess the same precursor organization, display overlapping cysteine frameworks and share several common post-translational modifications with conotoxins. Some vexitoxins show detectable sequence similarity to conotoxins, and are predicted to adopt similar domain conformations, including a pharmacologically relevant inhibitory cysteine-know motif (ICK). The tubular gL of Vexillum is a notably more recent evolutionary novelty than the conoidean venom gland. Thus, we hypothesize lower divergence between the toxin genes, and their ‘somatic’ counterparts compared to that in conotoxins, and we find support for this hypothesis in the molecular evolution of the vexitoxin cluster V027. We use this example to discuss how future studies on vexitoxins can inform origin and evolution of conotoxins, and how they may help addressing standing questions in venom evolution.
Real-world monitoring of BNT162b2 vaccine-induced SARS-CoV-2 B and T cell immunity in naive healthcare workers: a prospective single center study
Authors: Calcoen Bas , Callebaut Kim , Vandenbulcke Aline , Callewaert Nico , Bossuyt Xavier , Van Weyenbergh Johan , Maes Piet , Imbrechts Maya , Vercruysse Thomas , Thibaut Hendrik Jan , Zapf Dorinja , Dieckmann Kersten , Vanhoorelbeke Karen , Geukens Nick , De Meyer Simon , Maes Wim
Published: January 2022

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To prevent the massive COVID-19 burden, several vaccination campaigns were initiated. We performed a single center observational trial to evaluate adaptive immunity in naive healthcare workers upon BNT162b2 vaccination.

Methods

Serological analysis was performed through conventional immunoassays. Antibody functionality was analyzed via in vitro neutralization assays. Circulating receptor-binding domain (RBD) specific B cells were assessed via flowcytometry. The induction of SARS-CoV-2 specific T cells was investigated through interferon-γ release assay combined with flowcytometric profiling of activated CD4 and CD8 T cells.

Results

Three months after vaccination, all but one of the subjects (N = 31) displayed vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies. In 10 out of 31 subjects, circulating RBD specific B cells were found of which the rate showed moderate correlation to serological parameters. Specific interferon-γ release was present in all subjects and correlated with the significant upregulation of CD69 on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and CD40L on CD4+ T cells. Interestingly, no relation was found between B and T cell parameters. In addition, one symptomatic breakthrough infection with the SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant of concern was reported.

Conclusion

Three months post vaccination, both humoral and cellular immune responses are detectable in all but one participant. No correlation was found between the magnitude of both B and T cell responses.
Generic principles of space compartmentalization in protocell patterns
Authors: Gires Pierre-Yves , Thampi Mithun , Krauss Sebastian W. , Weiss Matthias
Published: January 2022

Self-organization of cells into higher-order structures is key for multicellular organisms, e.g. during embryonic epithelium formation via repetitive replication of template-like founder cells. Yet, very similar spatial arrangements of cell-like compartments (’protocells’) are also seen in cell extracts in the absence of template structures and genetic material. Here we show that protocell patterns are highly organized, featuring a spatial arrangement and coarsening like two-dimensional foams but without signatures of disordered hyperuniformity. These features even remain unaffected when enforcing smaller protocells by stabilizing microtubule filaments. Comparing our data to generic models, we conclude that protocell patterns emerge by simultanous formation of randomly placed seeds that grow at a uniform rate until fusion of adjacent protocells drives coarsening. The strong similarity of our observations to the recently reported organization of epithelial monolayers suggests common generic principles for space allocation in living matter.
Hospital accreditation systems and salience of organisational tensions
Authors: Robbins Geraldine , Sweeney Breda , Vega Miguel
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study examines how an externally imposed management control system (MCS) – hospital accreditation – influences the salience of organisational tensions and consequently attitudes of management towards the system.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected using a case study of a large public hospital in Spain. In-depth interviews were conducted with 27 senior and middle managers across different functions. Relying on the organisational dualities classification in the literature, tensions are unpacked and analysed.

Findings

Evidence is presented of how hospital accreditation increases the salience of organisational tensions arising from exposition of the organisational dualities of learning, performing, organising and belonging. Salient tensions were evident in the ambivalent attitudes of management towards the hospital accreditation system.

Practical implications

The role of mandatory external control systems in exposing ambivalence and tensions will be of interest to organisational managers.

Originality/value

The study extends the management control literature by identifying an active role for an external MCS (accreditation) in increasing the salience of organisational tensions and triggering ambivalence. Contrary to the prior literature, the embedding of both poles of an organisational duality into the MCS is not a necessary precondition for increased tension salience. The range of attitudes towards MCSs beyond those specified in the previous literature (positive/negative/neutral) is extended to include ambivalence.
What drives SMEs to adopt e-commerce? The joint role of testosterone and absorptive capacity
Authors: Gu Jiafeng
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the relationship between chief executive officers' (CEOs') prenatal testosterone exposure, absorptive capacity and e-commerce adoption by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a study of 1,519 SMEs led by a male CEO in China, the impact of entrepreneur's digital ratio on e-commerce adoption is empirically analyzed through a multivariate logistic model.

Findings

The results show that the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), a reverse measurement of prenatal testosterone exposure, is negatively correlated with the adoption of e-commerce by SMEs. This evidence suggests that CEOs with high prenatal testosterone exposure have a higher probability of adopting e-commerce. In addition, this research indicates a positive correlation between absorptive capacity, which is defined by market innovation, process innovation and marketing innovation, and the adoption of e-commerce by SMEs.

Originality/value

This research can contribute to the discussion by providing new insights into the antecedents of the adoption of e-commerce in SMEs.
Repair limit policy of aircraft component based on extended uncertain random renewal reward process
Authors: Zhang Chunxiao , Li Xinwang , Liu Xiaona , Li Qiang , Bai Yizhou
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on an optimizing maintenance policy with repair limit time for a new type of aircraft component, in which the lifetime is assumed to be an uncertain variable due to no historical operation data, and the repair time is a random variable that can be described by the experimental data.

Design/methodology/approach

To describe this repair limit time policy over an infinite time horizon, an extended uncertain random renewal reward theorem is firstly proposed based on chance theory, involves uncertain random interarrival times and stochastic rewards. Accordingly, the uncertain random programming model, which minimized the expected maintenance cost rate, is formulated to find the optimal repair limit time.

Findings

A numerical example with sensitivity analysis is provided to illustrate the utility of the proposed policy. It provides a useful reference and guidance for aircraft optimization. For maintainers, it plays an important guiding role in engineering practice.

Originality/value

The proposed uncertain random renewal reward process proved useful for the optimization of maintenance strategy with maintenance limited time for a new type of aircraft components, which provides scientific support for aircraft maintenance decision-making for civil aviation enterprises.
How workplace fun promotes informal learning among team members: a cross-level study of the relationship between workplace fun, team climate, workplace friendship, and informal learning
Authors: Lee Amber Yun-Ping , Chang Po-Chien , Chang Heng-Yu
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose is to examine the cross-level relationship between workplace fun and informal learning with workplace friendship as a mediator and team climate as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a two-wave survey procedure, data were collected from 251 employees working across 45 teams of a leading heat transfer manufacturer in Asia. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to test our hypothesized cross-level moderated mediation model.

Findings

Out of the three forms of workplace fun, only two – manager support for fun and coworker socializing – supported our hypotheses. Therefore, not all types of workplace fun are equal and one of the key factors through which fun influences informal learning is by maintaining harmonious interpersonal interactions and high relationship quality in teams.

Originality/value

Based on social interdependence theory, this study uncovers the cross-level mechanism of how workplace fun affects informal learning. The findings extend existing research on workplace fun by focusing on not only individual factors but also interpersonal and contextual elements. The findings also provide practical implications for managers to understand the possible impact of workplace fun on employees' informal learning.
Let's fight the infodemic: the third-person effect process of misinformation during public health emergencies
Authors: Chen Liang , Fu Lunrui
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Drawing on the third-person effect (TPE) theory and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as a theoretical framework, the current study aims to explore the cognitive mechanisms behind how third-person perception (TPP) of misinformation about public health emergencies affects intention to engage in corrective actions via attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 1,063 participants in China were recruited via a professional survey company (Sojump) to complete an online national survey during the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in China. Structural equation modeling using Mplus 7.0 was used to address the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal that attention to online information about public health emergencies significantly predicted TPP. In addition, TPP positively influenced attitude and perceived behavioral control, which, in turn, positively encouraged individuals to take corrective actions to debunk online misinformation. However, TPP did not significantly influence subjective norms. A potential explanation is provided in the discussion section.

Research limitations/implications

The research extends the TPE theory by providing empirical evidence for corrective actions and uncovers the underlying cognitive mechanism behind the TPE by exploring key variables of the TPB as mediating constructs. These are all significant theoretical contributions to the TPE and offer practical contributions to combating online misinformation.

Originality/value

The research extends the TPE theory by providing empirical evidence for a novel behavioral outcome (i.e. corrective actions in response to misinformation) and uncovers the cognitive mechanism underlying the TPE by exploring key variables of the TPB as mediating constructs. These are all significant theoretical contributions to the TPE and offer practical contributions to combating online misinformation.
Total reward system, job satisfaction and employee productivity on company financial performance: evidence from Indonesian Generation Z workers
Authors: Tarigan Josua , Cahya Jordan , Valentine Albert , Hatane Saarce , Jie Ferry
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The study of monetary and non-monetary rewards from the human resource management (HRM) perspective has rarely been analyzed so far. There has been extensive study on HRM, yet only a few studies explicitly discuss the correlation between the adoption of a total reward system (TRS) and employee-related outcomes. This paper aims to analyze this important issue to provide inputs for organizations to design compensation strategies that will impact on company’s financial performance with employee productivity and job satisfaction as mediating variables specifically for Generation Z.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted on 40 companies operating in the service sector in Indonesia. The authors captured the overall TRS result on three outcome variables (i.e. job satisfaction, employee productivity and financial performance). Furthermore, the authors examine the impact of TRS (base pay, training and development and positive work environment) on Generation Z workers. Structural equation modeling analysis was conducted on 40 Indonesian, service industry, listed firms with an average of 6 representatives per firm.

Findings

The results validate that the adoption of a TRS exerts a positive influence on the aforementioned outcomes. However, the interesting fact about the finding is that Generation Z cannot be easily satisfied with only monetary incentives; their preference has shifted from monetary concerns to self-capability.

Practical implications

The empirical result suggests that TRS serves as a tool in encouraging employees and boosting productivity. Accordingly, firms should incorporate TRS practices to enhance job satisfaction and productivity, as well as sustain the relationship with stakeholders. Subsequently, management should also be concerned with maintaining good employee productivity to improve a company’s financial performance by supervising and monitoring company operations, as well as ensuring the fulfillment of the stakeholder’s interests.

Originality/value

This paper provides original insights into the complex relationship between TRS and the aforementioned outcomes, such as job satisfaction, employee productivity and financial performance.
Are extracurricular activities stress busters to enhance students’ well-being and academic performance? Evidence from a natural experiment
Authors: Mukesh Hasirumane Venkatesh , Acharya Vrinda , Pillai Rajasekharan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The stress-coping model is extensively studied in the academic context. Past studies have primarily focused on different coping strategies adopted by students to overcome academic stress. However, an important question, how to equip students to cope with stress, was ignored. Drawing on stress-coping theory and the extracurricular activity (ECA) literature, the current study investigates the intervention of ECA participation on students’ coping, academic performance, and well-being in a natural setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a “cross-sectional post-test only quasi-experimental design” using a natural experimental setting.

Findings

The findings indicate that participation in ECA has a significant influence on academic outcomes. Different types of ECA participation influence well-being, whereas time spent on ECA positively affects academic performance. Further, the findings also indicate that involvement in ECA moderates the relationship between academic stress and coping.

Practical implications

The study results have practical implications for designing interventional ECA to enhance students’ academic outcomes and well-being.

Originality/value

The study indicates the effectiveness of ECA participation in dealing with academic stress and the development of constructive coping strategies. Hence, the authors advise the academic administrators to integrate ECA in the academic setting.
Survival strategies of SMEs amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: application of SEM and fsQCA
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Sabbir , AbdelFattah Fadi AbdelMuniem , Bag Surajit , Gani Mohammad Osman
Published: January 2022

Purpose

As a global pandemic, the COVID-19 crisis has profoundly affected the development of local firms, threatening the survival of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This study aims to present an integrated framework by investigating the impact of strategic tools (i.e. firms’ capability of business agility, marketing operational efficiency, optimisation of innovation capability [OIC], managing employees’ satisfaction and rethinking customers’ experience) on the survival strategies of SMEs amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study used data from managers of SMEs and conducted an asymmetrical analysis (i.e. structural equation modelling [SEM]) to investigate the factors influencing the survival strategies of SMEs amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also applied an asymmetrical approach (i.e. fuzzy sets qualitative comparative analysis-fsQCA) to explore the causal recipes and analysis of the necessary conditions to identify the factors required to achieve the expected outcome.

Findings

Results from SEM support all hypotheses. Results from fsQCA with the same data set show that firms’ business agility and OIC are necessary conditions for SMEs’ survival strategies. The result from fsQCA also reveals multiple sufficient conditions to succeed SMEs’ survival strategies amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Practical implications

Findings prescribe how SMEs adapt to this vulnerable business condition by applying the strategic tools and recipes suggested for survival.

Originality/value

This research applied an innovative analysis to reveal necessary and sufficient conditions that conventional methods such as SEM have limited power. This pioneering research in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic is considered novel in terms of the prescriptive strategic recipes offered to SMEs to adapt to and survive in the crisis caused by COVID-19.
Emotional intelligence and materialism: the mediating effect of subjective well-being
Authors: Rūtelionė Aušra , Šeinauskienė Beata , Nikou Shahrokh , Lekavičienė Rosita , Antinienė Dalia
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the nature of the relationship between emotional intelligence and materialism by exploring how subjective well-being mediates this link.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from surveying 1,000 Lithuanians within random sampling, and structural equation modelling (SEM) techniques using SmartPLS were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results show that emotional intelligence not only has a negative indirect effect on materialism but also a positive impact on both dimensions of subjective well-being (satisfaction with life and affect balance). In addition, the findings indicate that both satisfaction with life and affect balance predict a decrease in materialism. Finally, the SEM analyzes show that the path between emotional intelligence and materialism is partially mediated by both satisfaction with life and affect balance.

Social implications

The results of this study expand the understanding to what extent and how emotional intelligence is able to assist in adjusting materialistic attitudes, which have become more prevalent with the respective growth of consumerism and consumer culture worldwide. In the light of unsustainable consumption patterns threatening the survival of humankind and nature, the opportunities that could reverse this trend are presented for marketers and policy makers. This study gives insight into the potential pathways for diminishing consumer materialism, which is considered detrimental to subjective well-being and mental health.

Originality/value

The relationship between emotional intelligence and subjective well-being has been well documented, as has the link between materialism and subjective well-being. However, the simultaneous examination of the relationship between emotional intelligence, subjective well-being and materialism is lacking. The current study adds to the understanding of materialism not only by examining the effect of under-researched antecedent such as emotional intelligence but also by explaining the underlying mechanism of subjective well-being by which emotional intelligence connects to materialism.
Designing a multi-division model of national innovation capability promotion based on social network analysis
Authors: Torabandeh Mohammad Ali , Dorri Behrouz , Rabieh Masood , Motameni Ali Reza
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to design a national innovation capability appraisal model. This would indicate Iran’s competitiveness situation among regional countries and suggest factors influencing Iran’s performance promotion.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology included four sections: bibliometric analysis to discover intellectual evolution of innovation capability and related concepts; construction of a multi-division structure of national innovation capability according to the clusters extracted from bibliometric results, and experts’ opinions; creating dynamic network data envelope analysis (DEA) according to designed structure, and analysis of Iran’s performance among regional countries; identification and prioritization of the factors extracted from experts’ opinions that improve Iran’s performance in created network using Fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method.

Findings

The contemporary bibliometric analysis by its extracted clusters proved the necessity of a multi-division for measuring national innovation capability performance that each division and indicators of each step were designed according to clusters concepts. In designed structure, dynamic network DEA results revealed the weakness of Iran’s performance in the third division in the transformation of patents and high-tech imports to high-tech and creative exports, which led to proposing improving factors by getting experts’ opinions to enhance Iran’s performance in this division by prioritizing them.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations of this research was that the indicators used in three phases of national innovation capability in DEA were extracted only from the World Intellectual Property Organization database. Another limitation was the number of experts in focus group sessions because due to the difficulty of gathering them in one session, the researchers lost the participation of some of these recognized experts. Also, the research concentration was on the improvement of the third phase of national innovation capability, in which Iran’s performance was weak.

Originality/value

Creating a relationship between the divisions of dynamic network DEA, as a national innovation capability appraisal model, and the concepts of clusters extracted from reviewing the intellectual structure and evolution of innovation capability and related concepts.