bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Massively parallel pooled screening reveals genomic determinants of nanoparticle-cell interactions
Authors: Boehnke Natalie , Straehla Joelle P. , Safford Hannah C. , Kocak Mustafa , Rees Matthew G. , Ronan Melissa , Rosenberg Danny , Adelmann Charles H. , Chivukula Raghu R. , Nabar Namita , Berger Adam G. , Lamson Nicholas G. , Cheah Jaime H. , Li Hojun , Roth Jennifer A. , Koehler Angela N. , Hammond Paula T.
Published: April 2021

To accelerate the translation of cancer nanomedicine, we hypothesize that integrated genomic screens will improve understanding of the cellular processes governing nanoparticle trafficking. We developed a massively parallel high-throughput screening method leveraging barcoded, pooled cancer cell lines annotated with multi-omic data to investigate cell association patterns across a nanoparticle library spanning a range of formulations with clinical potential. This approach identified both the materials properties and cell-intrinsic features mediating nanoparticle-cell association. Coupling the data with machine learning algorithms, we constructed genomic nanoparticle trafficking networks and identified nanoparticle-specific biomarkers, including gene expression of SLC46A3. We engineered cell lines to validate SLC46A3 as a biomarker whose expression inversely predicts liposomal nanoparticle uptake bothin vitroandin vivo.We further demonstrated the predictive capabilities extend beyond liposomal nanoparticles, regulating both uptake and transfection efficacy of solid lipid nanoparticles. Our work establishes the power of massively parallel pooled cell screens for nanoparticle delivery and enables the identification and utilization of biomarkers to rationally design nanoformulations for specific patient populations.
Latent functional connectivity underlying multiple brain states
Authors: McCormick Ethan M. , Arnemann Katelyn L. , Ito Takuya , Hanson Stephen José , Cole Michael W.
Published: April 2021

Functional connectivity (FC) studies have predominantly focused on resting state, where ongoing dynamics are thought to reflect the brain’s intrinsic network architecture, which is thought to be broadly relevant because it persists across brain states (i.e., is state-general). However, it is unknown whether resting state is the optimal state for measuring intrinsic FC. We propose that latent FC, reflecting shared connectivity patterns across many brain states, better captures state-general intrinsic FC relative to measures derived from resting state alone. We estimated latent FC independently for each connection using leave-one-task-out factor analysis in 7 highly distinct task states (24 conditions) and resting state using fMRI data from the Human Connectome Project. Compared to resting-state connectivity, latent FC improves generalization to held-out brain states, better explaining patterns of connectivity and task-evoked activation. We also found that latent connectivity improved prediction of behavior outside the scanner, indexed by the general intelligence factor (g). Our results suggest that FC patterns shared across many brain states, rather than just resting state, better reflects state-general connectivity. This affirms the notion of “intrinsic” brain network architecture as a set of connectivity properties persistent across brain states, providing an updated conceptual and mathematical framework of intrinsic connectivity as a latent factor.
Comparative analyses of gene expression in common marmoset and human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) identify factors enhancing homologous recombination efficiency in theHPRTlocus of human PSCs
Authors: Yoshimatsu Sho , Nakajima Mayutaka , Sanosaka Tsukasa , Sato Tsukika , Okano Hideyuki
Published: April 2021

A previous study assessing the efficiency of the genome editing technology CRISPR-Cas9 for knock-in gene targeting in common marmoset (marmoset;Callithrix jacchus) embryonic stem cells (ESCs) unexpectedly identified innately enhanced homologous recombination (HR) activity in marmoset ESCs (cmESCs). Here, we compared gene expression in marmoset and human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) using transcriptomic and quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses and found that five HR-related genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD51C, RAD51DandRAD51) were upregulated in marmoset cells. Four of these upregulated genes enhanced HR efficiency with CRISPR-Cas9 in human pluripotent stem cells. Thus, the present study provides a novel insight into species-specific mechanisms for the choice of DNA repair pathways.
Phenotypic heterogeneity is adaptive for microbial populations under starvation
Authors: Opalek Monika , Smug Bogna , Doebeli Michael , Wloch-Salamon Dominika
Published: April 2021

To persist in variable environments populations of microorganisms have to survive periods of starvation and be able to restart cell division in nutrient-rich conditions. Typically, starvation signals initiate a transition to a quiescent state in a fraction of individual cells, while the rest of the cells remain non-quiescent. It is widely believed that, while quiescent cells (Q) help the population to survive long starvation, the non-quiescent cells (NQ) are a side effect of imperfect transition. We analysed regrowth of starved monocultures of Q and NQ cells compared to mixed, heterogeneous cultures in simple and complex starvation environments. Our experiments, as well as mathematical modelling, demonstrate that Q monocultures benefit from better survival during long starvation, and from a shorter lag phase after resupply of rich medium. However, when the starvation period is very short, the NQ monocultures outperform Q and mixed cultures, due to their short lag phase. In addition, only NQ monocultures benefit from complex starvation environments, where nutrient recycling is possible. Our study suggests that phenotypic heterogeneity in starved populations could be a form of bet hedging, which is adaptive when environmental determinants, such as the length of the starvation period, the length of the regrowth phase, and the complexity of the starvation environment vary over time.

Importance

Non-genetic cell heterogeneity is present in glucose starved yeast populations in the form of quiescent (Q) and nonquiescent (NQ) phenotypes. There is evidence that Q cells help the population to survive long starvation. However, the role of the NQ cell type is not known, and it has been speculated that the NQ phenotype is just a side effect of imperfect transition to the Q phenotype. Here we show that, in contrast, there are ecological scenarios in which NQ cells perform better than monocultures of Q cells or naturally occuring mixed populations containing both Q and NQ. NQ cells benefit when the starvation period is very short and environmental conditions allow nutrient recycling during starvation. Our experimental and mathematical modeling results suggest a novel hypothesis: the presence of both Q and NQ phenotypes within starved yeast populations may reflect a form of bet hedging, where different phenotypes provide fitness advantages depending on environmental conditions.
Genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity inPNPT1,MYO15A,PTPRQandSLC12A2variants detected among hearing impaired assortative mating families in Southern India
Authors: Vanniya. S Paridhy , Chandru Jayasankaran , Jeffrey Justin Margret , Rabinowitz Tom , Brownstein Zippora , Krishnamoorthy Mathuravalli , Avraham Karen B. , Cheng Le , Shomron Noam , Srisailapathy C. R. Srikumari
Published: April 2021

Exome analysis was used to resolve the etiology of hearing loss (HL) in four South Indian assortative mating families. Six variants, including three novel ones, were identified in four genes:PNPT1p.Ala46Gly and p.Asn540Ser,MYO15Ap.Leu1485Pro and p.Tyr1891*,PTPRQp.Gln1336*, andSLC12A2p.Pro988Ser. Compound heterozygousPNPT1variants were associated with prelingual profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), vestibular dysfunction and unilateral progressive vision loss in one family. In the second family,MYO15Avariants in the myosin motor domain, including a novel variant, were found to be associated with prelingual profound SNHL. A novelPTPRQvariant was associated with postlingual progressive sensorineural/mixed HL and vestibular dysfunction in the third family, with mastoid bone hypopneumatization observed in one family member. In the fourth family, theSLC12A2novel variant was found to segregate with severe-to-profound HL causing DFNA78, across three generations. Our results suggest a high level of allelic, genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity of HL in these families. This study is the first to report the association ofPNPT1,PTPRQandSLC12A2variants with HL in the Indian population.
The viral vectored vaccine targeting Thymosin β10 controls tumour growth in a murine model of prostate cancer
Authors: Cappuccini Federica , Mueller Julius , Pollock Emily , Hill Adrian VS , Ternette Nicola , Redchenko Irina
Published: April 2021

Direct analysis of MHC-presented antigens by mass spectrometry has been successfully applied for the evaluation of the antigenic landscape of different human tissues and malignancies in the past. In the current study, for the first time this approach has been applied to investigate a murine prostate cancer peptidome for the development of next generation prostate cancer vaccines using the TRansgenic Adenocarcinoma of Mouse Prostate, TRAMP, model. We have performed immunopeptidomic analysis of the normal mouse prostate and mouse prostate adenocarcinoma samples and identified a number of peptides overexpressed on tumour tissue compared to the normal prostate. We selected two of these proteins previously reported to play a role in carcinogenesis, thymosin beta 4 (Thyβ4) and thymosin beta 10 (Thyβ10), expressed them in the chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAdOx1) and Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) recombinant viral vectors and evaluated these constructs as a candidate prostate cancer vaccine in a murine prostate cancer model. We have found that the vaccine encoding the Thyβ10 polypeptide tethered to the MHC class II associated invariant chain, CD74, significantly delayed outgrowth of established tumours in an ectopic TRAMP-C1 mouse model of prostate cancer. The observed tumour-protective efficacy was not associated with Thyβ10-specific cellular or antibody responses, suggesting an existence of other mechanisms underlying anti-tumour effect in this model that are yet to be elucidated.
Structure of the Bacteriophage PhiKZ non-Virion RNA Polymerase
Authors: de Martín Garrido Natàlia , Orekhova Mariia , Lai Wan Loong Yuen Ting Emilie , Litvinova Anna , Ramlaul Kailash , Artamonova Tatyana , Melnikov Alexei S. , Serdobintsev Pavel , Aylett Christopher H. S. , Yakunina Maria
Published: April 2021

Bacteriophage ΦKZ is the founding member of a family of massive bacterial viruses. It is considered to have therapeutic potential as its host,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is an opportunistic, intrinsically antibiotic resistant, pathogen that kills tens of thousands worldwide each year. ΦKZ is an incredibly interesting virus, expressing many systems the host already possesses. On infection, it forms a “nucleus”, erecting a barrier around its massive genome to exclude host restriction endonucleases and CRISPR-Cas systems. ΦKZ infection is independent of the host transcriptional apparatus. It expresses two different multi-subunit RNA polymerases (RNAPs): the virion RNAP (vRNAP) is injected with the viral DNA during infection to transcribe early genes, including those encoding the non-virion RNAP (nvRNAP), which transcribes all further genes. ΦKZ nvRNAP is formed by four polypeptides thought to represent homologues of the eubacterial β/β′ subunits, and a fifth with unclear homology, but essential for transcription. We have resolved the structure of ΦKZ nvRNAP to 3.3 Å, shedding light on its assembly, homology, and the biological role of the fifth subunit: it is an embedded, integral member of the complex, with structural homology and a biochemical role implying that it has evolved from an ancestral homologue to σ-factor.
Capturing structural changes of the S1 to S2 transition of photosystem II using time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography
Authors: Li Hongjie , Nakajima Yoshiki , Nomura Takashi , Sugahara Michihiro , Yonekura Shinichiro , Chan Siu Kit , Nakane Takanori , Yamane Takahiro , Umena Yasufumi , Suzuki Mamoru , Masuda Tetsuya , Motomura Taiki , Naitow Hisashi , Matsuura Yoshinori , Kimura Tetsunari , Tono Kensuke , Owada Shigeki , Joti Yasumasa , Tanaka Rie , Nango Eriko , Akita Fusamichi , Kubo Minoru , Iwata So , Shen Jian-Ren , Suga Michihiro
Published: April 2021

Photosystem II (PSII) catalyzes light-induced water oxidation through an S
i
-state cycle, leading to the generation of di-oxygen, protons and electrons. Pump–probe time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (TR-SFX) has been used to capture structural dynamics of light-sensitive proteins. In this approach, it is crucial to avoid light contamination in the samples when analyzing a particular reaction intermediate. Here, a method for determining a condition that avoids light contamination of the PSII microcrystals while minimizing sample consumption in TR-SFX is described. By swapping the pump and probe pulses with a very short delay between them, the structural changes that occur during the S1-to-S2 transition were examined and a boundary of the excitation region was accurately determined. With the sample flow rate and concomitant illumination conditions determined, the S2-state structure of PSII could be analyzed at room temperature, revealing the structural changes that occur during the S1-to-S2 transition at ambient temperature. Though the structure of the manganese cluster was similar to previous studies, the behaviors of the water molecules in the two channels (O1 and O4 channels) were found to be different. By comparing with the previous studies performed at low temperature or with a different delay time, the possible channels for water inlet and structural changes important for the water-splitting reaction were revealed.
Aircraft control with the use of model reference adaptive control
Authors: Kopecki Grzegorz Henryk
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Indirect (fly-by-wire) control systems for general aviation aircraft and unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAV) control systems enable the decoupling of control surfaces. This method of aircraft control is different from classical approach. The purpose of the article is to show the aircraft can be controlled even if the control control surfaces are blocked.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept discussed here relies on model reference adaptive control. The approach presented requires modifications of aircraft linearized model. In this paper, an example of roll angle control is shown.

Findings

During simulations the system worked properly with control surfaces partially blocked, if the blockage appeared close to neutral position. Exemplary simulations are shown in the text.

Practical implications

The solution presented was implemented on a UAV autopilot. Hardware in the loop simulations were performed, which shows the potential of practical usage.

Originality/value

Aircraft control, as discussed in this paper, gives the possibility of aircraft control and stable flight before a fault is detected, which increases the safety level.
Preservation of rare documentary sources in private libraries and religious institutions
Authors: Lone Mohammad Ishaq , Wahid Abdul , Shakoor Abdul
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The study is an endeavour to find out the preservation status of rare documents in Srinagar. The rare documents, here, mean the manuscripts and rare books, journals, reports, magazines, archival documents, etc. These resources are available in private libraries of individuals and religious institutions in Srinagar. This study aims to find these private libraries of individuals/families and religious institutions, which are unknown to the scholarly world and observe the preservation status of rare documents. The main focus is to document their present preservation status to give an opportunity to the stakeholders, particularly the government organizations, to take appropriate action before they are lost forever.

Design/methodology/approach

Before conducting the survey, the investigator interviewed 114 persons including literary persons, faith leaders, librarians, faculty members from various prominent institutions in Srinagar to get leads regarding the persons/families and religious institutions in possession of rare documents. The investigator gathered data through two different schedules and later analyzed the same in this study after carrying out a pilot study to make necessary changes to the schedules compiled for the study. The investigator visited personally each family/individual and religious institution to gather the data for months together.

Findings

An arduous job was carried out in which around 111 individuals/families and religious institutions were found to be having such rare resources. However, the data gathered reveals a dismal picture of private libraries and religious institutions, in possession of rare documents, as almost all caretakers/ families are devoid of any knowledge regarding the maintenance of these important sources of knowledge. Further, the traditional methods of preservation are still in vogue in some private libraries. These traditional methods have opened new areas of research while at the same time can prove detrimental to the collection if they are useless.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its kind in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir i.e. Srinagar. The study gives an idea of preservation status of manuscripts and rare documents including books, magazines, journals, archival documents, etc. so that the same are taken care of for posterity. The study is an eye-opener for the policymakers, conservators, archivists and others interested in historical documents. The study will help in furthering the research process as it needs to be ascertained whether the traditional methods of preservation are fruitful. In short, the study is quite helpful in understanding the nature of collection in Srinagar so that appropriate steps are taken by all particularly the Government in J&K. The paper will surely help in the policy formulation in the future.
Exploring and extending the synergy concept – a study of three acquisitions
Authors: Holtström Johan , Anderson Helén
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study aims to contribute with an extended framework on synergy realisation in acquisitions. The study conceptualises synergy realisation after acquisitions, in interaction with other companies in a business network and that synergy can be the result of both intended and not intended actions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a company involved in acquisitions, being both the acquirer and the acquired. The data for analysis were collected through semi-structured interviews with managers involved in the described acquisition processes. The semi-structured interviews were guided by overarching themes to cover relevant areas of the described acquisitions.

Findings

This study develops a framework in which synergy is used as a concept in business networks. The framework offers a more dynamic perspective on acquisition processes and extends the view of acquisition performance beyond more financial and company internal aspects of acquisition processes. Further, the findings show that related companies such as customers and suppliers, play important roles in synergy realisation.

Practical implications

From a managerial perspective, the study shows the importance of understanding the underlying forces of integration processes.

Originality/value

The concept of synergy used in this study not only includes the companies integrated in an acquisition but also their business networks. Including the integrated companies and their business networks provides a more dynamic perspective from which to plan and realise synergy.
Rural women characteristics and sustainable entrepreneurial intention: a road to economic growth in Bangladesh
Authors: Polas Mohammad Rashed Hasan , Raju Valliappan , Muhibbullah Md , Tabash Mosab I.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study aims to provide a better understanding of the individual-level factors that affect rural women’s sustainable entrepreneurial intention in starting and running a business in Bangladesh and contributing to national economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from a sample of 297 rural Bangladeshi women were analysed using a quantitative approach with Smart PLS 3.0 (SEM) and SPSS V25. This was to explore the direct influence of perceived capability, social perception and individual competencies on women’s intention to become sustainable entrepreneurs. The indirect consequences of these three variables on perceived opportunity were also evaluated.

Findings

The studies confirmed a positive and significant association between perceived capability and social perception with the intention to become a sustainable entrepreneur. There is no conventional connection between women’s individual competencies and their intention to become an entrepreneur. Moreover, the data confirmed that perceived opportunity mediates the relationship between perceived capability and individual competencies with the intention to become an entrepreneur. However, no mediation role of perceived opportunity in the relationship between social perception and intention was found.

Originality/value

This study is one of very few to explore through empirical analysis the relationship between women’s individual characteristics and their intention to become sustainable entrepreneurs and to investigate whether rural women are motivated to become empowered to contribute to economic development through sustainable entrepreneurial intention.
An AHP analysis of scientometrically derived factors of entrepreneurial intentions of women and constructing a conceptual research framework
Authors: Patra Bhairab Chandra , Lenka Usha
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the entrepreneurial intentions (EI) of women to better understand the cognition process of women which will help to identify the reason for their inadequate participation in the field of entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows the method of a traditional literature survey followed by scientometric analysis to identify the primary factors to the EI of women. The factors obtained from the literature review were provided to the nominal group, and the process of nominal group technique (NGT) was carried out to frame a research framework. The factors were then ranked based on their significance using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), taking into consideration the review of experts.

Findings

Among the primary factors, personal factors were found to be the most influential factors and weighted 54%. Self-efficacy was found to be the most prominent secondary variable and had a global weight of 22.14%.

Research limitations/implications

The research outcome has implications for policymaking bodies, investors, academicians and potential women entrepreneurs. Future researchers can apply exploratory research methods and confirmatory research methods to test the research framework.

Originality/value

Very few researchers have used the technique of scientometric analysis for the review of literature on EI of women, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no earlier researcher has attempted to use the technique of NGT or AHP after scientometric analysis.
Jamaican micro/small entrepreneurs: a comparative assessment of their motivations and problems
Authors: Bowen Mauvalyn Manzia
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the motivations and challenges faced by three groups of micro and small entrepreneurs in Jamaica, as well as factors that might contribute to their success. Success was operationally defined in the study as profit.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from a survey of 192 micro and small entrepreneurs in the urban informal sector of Jamaica were used in the study. The design tracked a descriptive survey approach with multivariate analysis. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data with some open-ended flexible questions. The structured questionnaires with Likert-type items were used to increase the reliability and the validity of the responses obtained. The open-ended questions were used to gain a better understanding of the background and experience of the respondents and to allow for diverse reactions.

Findings

Results showed that entrepreneurs are motivated by opportunities to create a job for themselves, to increase their income, to be their own boss and control their own destiny, to gain personal security, to acquire personal wealth and build equity for their retirement. Factors that are perceived critical for their success include working hard, displaying good customer service skills, increase in sales, attracting new customers and selling quality goods and services at competitive prices. Major business problems were identified as weak economy, low sales volume, lack of adequate capital, poor infrastructure, crime and violence and too much competition.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this research may lack generalizability because of the research approach, design and methodology.

Practical implications

Implications for policymakers, practice of entrepreneurship in Jamaica as well as information for the academic and research institutions are presented in the paper.

Originality/value

There are numerous management and economic issues that may be addressed by local and regional initiatives through this study. The government, other policy makers, profit and not-profit organizations may therefore need to look more closely at entrepreneurial education and training, advertising and promotion expertise, technology and other infrastructural development to better assist micro and small entrepreneurs. Additionally, leveraging the local academic, scientific and research base through the creation of technology transfer offices will be critical to entrepreneurial success.
Perceived vulnerability to COVID-19, dispositional optimism and intention to adopt preventive health behaviour: an experiment with anti-smoking advertising
Authors: Kapoor Payal S. , Singhal Vanshita
Published: April 2021

Purpose

High dispositional optimism is often associated with people engaging in behaviour that has adverse effects on their health such as smoking. This study aims to investigate people’s intention to adopt preventive health behaviour by observing the effectiveness of anti-smoking ads during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies have been carried out, first with a UK sample and second with the US sample. The studies examined the effectiveness of anti-smoking ad (appeal: high fear vs low fear), smoking behaviour elicited perception of vulnerability to COVID-19 and dispositional optimism on lowering people’s urge to smoke.

Findings

The study findings revealed a high fear appeal ad is more effective in lowering people’s urge to smoke. However, this association is significantly mediated by perception of vulnerability to COVID-19. Further, high dispositional optimism was found to moderate the effect of the anti-smoking ad on the perception of vulnerability to COVID-19, although a comparatively smaller effect was observed for the UK sample. Finally, high dispositional optimism significantly moderated the mediation of vulnerability to COVID-19 on lower urge to smoke only for the US sample.

Originality/value

The study highlights a need for a greater collaborative effort by the public, government, firms in the business of nicotine replacement solutions, socially responsible cigarette and tobacco manufacturing firms and health agencies that may lead to increased preventive health behaviour during the ongoing pandemic.
Developing an electrochemical immunosensor for early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Al-Shami Abdulrahman , Oweis Rami Joseph , Al-Fandi Mohamed Ghazi
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to report on the development of a novel electrochemical amperometric immunosensor to diagnose early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by detecting the Midkine (MDK) biomarker.

Design/methodology/approach

Anti-Midkine antibodies were immobilized covalently through carbodiimides chemistry on carbon screen-printed electrodes modified with carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The development process was characterized using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedimetric spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Differential pulse voltammetry was used to investigate the immunosensor performance in detecting MDK antigen within the concentration range of 1 pg/ml to 100 ng/ml.

Findings

MDK immunosensor exhibited high sensitivity and linearity with a detection limit of 0.8 pg/ml and a correlation coefficient of 0.99. The biosensor also demonstrated high selectivity, stability and reproducibility.

Originality/value

The developed MDK immunosensor could be a promising tool to diagnose HCC and reduce the number of related deaths.
Contextual and task performance: role of employee engagement and organizational culture in hospitality industry
Authors: Bhardwaj Bhawana , Kalia Namrita
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Extensive work related to examining predictors and determinants of employee engagement and job performance have been conducted in past studies. A dearth of studies relating organizational culture and employee engagement with contextual and task performance in the hospitality industry necessitated the present study. This study aims to examine variability in the task and contextual performance owing to employee engagement and organizational culture.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has been conducted in four districts of Himachal Pradesh using a multistage sampling technique. A total of 360 hotel employees were involved in collecting their responses through a structured questionnaire.

Findings

The results of multiple regression showed that vigor, dedication and absorption variables of employee engagement contribute toward contextual performance. Vigor and absorption affect the task performance of employees. In the case of contextual performance vigor shows maximum contribution followed by absorption and dedication whereas for task performance, the maximum contribution is exhibited by absorption followed by vigor. Organizational culture sub-variables of experimentation, autonomy and trust came out to be major predictors, which help to improve contextual and task performance of employees.

Practical implications

The study suggests that psychological ownership, along with trust toward top management can create an enriched work culture, which influenced both the contextual and task performance of employees. The findings of the study can be practically used by government and private organizations for improving workforce performance in the hospitality industry. Future research can be conducted based on the findings of the study.

Originality/value

The study provides insight on how and to what extent cultural and employee engagement variables can affect employee’s contextual and task performance. The present study adds value to the existing literature and investigates the role of culture and employee engagement in enhancing task and contextual job performance. Managers and policymakers can use the findings of the study to improve organizational culture, employee engagement and performance of the employees in the hospitality sector. The study opens avenues for future studies.
Host population dynamics in the face of an evolving pathogen
Authors: Hochachka Wesley M. , Dobson Andrew P. , Hawley Dana M. , Dhondt André A.
Published: April 2021

Interactions between hosts and pathogens are dynamic at both ecological and evolutionary levels. In the resultant ‘eco‐evolutionary dynamics’ ecological and evolutionary processes affect each other. For example, the house finchHaemorhous mexicanusand its recently emerged pathogen, the bacteriumMycoplasma gallisepticum, form a system in which evidence suggests that changes in bacterial virulence through time enhance levels of host immunity in ways that drive the evolution of virulence in an arms race.

We use data from two associated citizen science projects in order to determine whether this arms race has had any detectable effect at the population level in the north‐eastern United States.

We used data from two citizen science projects, based on observations of birds at bird feeders, which provide information on the long‐term changes in sizes of aggregations of house finches (host population density), and the probabilities that these house finches have observable disease (disease prevalence).

The initial emergence ofM. gallisepticumcaused a rapid halving of house finch densities; this was then followed by house finch populations remaining stable or slowly declining. Disease prevalence also decreased sharply after the initial emergence and has remained low, although with fluctuations through time. Surprisingly, while initially higher local disease prevalence was found at sites with higher local densities of finches, this relationship has reversed over time.

The ability of a vertebrate host species, with a generation time of at least 1 year, to maintain stable populations in the face of evolved higher virulence of a bacterium, with generation times measurable in minutes, suggests that genetic changes in the host are insufficient to explain the observed population‐level patterns. We suggest that acquired immunity plays an important role in the observed interaction between house finches andM. gallisepticum.
Development of quaternary nanocomposites made up of cassava starch, cocoa butter, lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion, and brewery spent grain fibers
Authors: Mendes Juliana Farinassi , Norcino Laís Bruno , Martins Heloísa Helena , Manrich Anny , Otoni Caio Gomide , Carvalho Elisângela Elena Nunes , Piccolli Roberta Hilsdorf , Oliveira Juliano Elvis , Pinheiro Ana Carla Marques , Mattoso Luiz Henrique Capparelli
Published: April 2021

We report on production of novel quaternary nanocomposite films based on thermoplastic starch (TPS, 8% w/v) derived from cassava, cocoa butter, (CB, 30% wt.%), and lemongrass essential oil (LEO, 1:1) nanoemulsions reinforced with different concentrations of brewery spent grain (BSG, 5 or 10 wt.%) fibers, by continuous casting. The chemical composition, the morphological, thermal, mechanical properties, film barrier, biodegradability in the vegetable compound, in addition to the application in chocolates, have been widely studied. The addition of CB, LEO, and BSG caused relevant changes in the starch‐based films, such as increased extensibility (from 2.4‐BSG5 to 9.4%‐BSG10) and improved barrier to moisture (2.9 and 2.4 g.mm.kPa−1.h−1.m−2). Contrastingly, the thermal stability of the starch film was slightly decreased. The biodegradability of the herein developed quaternary nanocomposite films was the same as that of TPS films, eliminating concerns on the supplementation with active ingredients that are expected to have some biocidal effect. Despite checking antimicrobial activity only by contact under the biocomposites, chocolates packed with the films were well accepted by consumers, especially the samples of white chocolate stored in the BSG5 biocomposite. Overall, this new approach towards quaternary active, biodegradable films produced in a pilot‐scale lamination unit was successful in either improving or at least maintaining the essential properties of TPS‐based films for food packaging applications, while providing them with unique features and functionalities.

Practical Application

This contribution relates to new approach toward quaternary films produced in a pilot‐scale lamination unit. It relates to sustainability as it is both biodegradable and based on plant biomass, as well as produced via a clean, through high‐yield process. The four components of the edible films we developed provide it with good in properties performance, as both a passive barrier (i.e. purely physical), and active, related to the sensory attributes of food, essential to be applied in food packaging. The valorization of a BSG also adds to the relevance of our contribution within the circular bioeconomy framework.
Sex‐based differences in fecal short‐chain fatty acid and gut microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome patients
Authors: Sun Qing Hua , Liu Zuo Jing , Zhang Lu , Wei Hui , Song Li Jin , Zhu Shi Wei , He Mei Bo , Duan Li Ping
Published: April 2021

Objective

To explore alterations in fecal short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) and gut microbiota in patients with diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel disease (IBS‐D) and their relationships with clinical manifestations.

Methods

We recruited 162 patients with IBS‐D and 66 healthy controls (HC). Their manifestations and psychological status were evaluated using the IBS severity scoring system and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Colorectal visceral sensitivity was evaluated using a barostat. Systemic inflammation was evaluated using plasma cytokine levels. Fecal SCFA were quantified using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, and fecal microbiota communities were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results

More men presented with IBS‐D than women in our patient cohort. Patients with IBS‐D had more severe manifestations, higher HADS score, and a higher rate of previous infectious enteritis than HC. Notably, female patients had significantly higher HADS scores than male patients. Male patients had significantly higher levels of plasma interleukin (IL)‐12, fecal propionate and colorectal visceral sensitivity than male HC, while no differences were observed between female patients and female HC. Fecal acetate, butyrate and valerate correlated with the initial visceral sensory threshold, stressors, and IL‐10 and IL‐12 levels. The propionate‐producing Prevotella 9 genus was significantly increased in male patients and positively correlated with fecal propionate.

Conclusion

Distinct sex‐based differences in clinical manifestations, fecal SCFA and microbiota richness are found in Chinese patients with IBS‐D, which may be used to diagnose dysbiosis in these patients.
Neural ordinary differential equations for ecological and evolutionary time‐series analysis
Authors: Bonnaffé Willem , Sheldon Ben C. , Coulson Tim
Published: April 2021

Inferring the functional shape of ecological and evolutionary processes from time‐series data can be challenging because processes are often not describable with simple equations. The dynamical coupling between variables in time series further complicates the identification of equations through model selection as the inference of a given process is contingent on the accurate depiction of all other processes.

We present a novel method, neural ordinary differential equations (NODEs), for learning ecological and evolutionary processes from time‐series data by modelling dynamical systems as ordinary differential equations and dynamical functions with artificial neural networks (ANNs). Upon successful training, the ANNs converge to functional shapes that best describe the biological processes underlying the dynamics observed, in a way that is robust to mathematical misspecifications of the dynamical model.

We demonstrate NODEs in a population dynamic context and show how they can be used to infer ecological interactions, dynamical causation and equilibrium points. We tested NODEs by analysing well‐understood hare and lynx time‐series data, which revealed that prey–predator oscillations were mainly driven by the interspecific interaction, as well as intraspecific densitydependence, and characterised by a single equilibrium point at the centre of the oscillation.

Our approach is applicable to any system that can be modelled with differential equations, and particularly suitable for linking ecological, evolutionary and environmental dynamics where parametric approaches are too challenging to implement, opening new avenues for theoretical and empirical investigations.
Comments of the AFAANZ Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee on Proposed International Standard on Auditing 600 (ED 600)
Authors: Coram Paul J. , Harding Noel , Hay David C. , Khan Jahanzeb , Prasad Ashna
Published: April 2021

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) issued for public comment Proposed International Standard on Auditing 600 (Revised) ‘Special Considerations – Audits of Group Financial Statements (Including the Work of Component Auditors) (ED 600). The Australian Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (AUASB) and New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (NZAuASB) also called for comments. The Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee of AFAANZ prepared a submission, based on the findings reported in extant research, responding to a number of the questions asked by the IAASB (and AUASB/NZAuASB). This commentary presents the formal submission made to the IAASB (and AUASB/NZAuASB).
The RAP study, report 3: Discoloration of the macular region in patients with macular neovascularization type 3
Authors: Haj Najeeb Bilal , Deak Gabor G. , Schmidt‐Erfurth Ursula , Gerendas Bianca S.
Published: April 2021

Background/Aims

To explore whether the existence and pattern of distribution of macular haemorrhage or exudate can be valuable diagnostic markers for macular neovascularization type 3 (MNV3) in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration.

Methods

Eighty‐three eyes of 83 consecutive treatment naïve patients with stage 3 MNV3 were enrolled. The diagnosis was based on fluorescein angiography (FA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Subretinal and intraretinal haemorrhage and dense exudates were evaluated on colour fundus photography. Fluorescein angiography (FA) images and OCT scans were used to identify the axial location of the haemorrhage. 83 patients with MNV1 and 83 with MNV2 were included as two control groups.

Results

In the MNV3 group, 62 (75%) eyes had intraretinal haemorrhage and 52 (63%) had dense exudates. 73 (88%) eyes had intraretinal haemorrhage and/or dense exudates. 41 (49%) had both pathologies. The intraretinal haemorrhage was flame shaped over the lesion and punctate or semi‐punctate further away from it and directed to the fovea. No subretinal haemorrhage was noticed. In the MNV1 and MNV2 groups, 11 (13%) and 24 (29%) eyes had subretinal haemorrhage or dense exudates, respectively. No intraretinal haemorrhage was seen in the two control groups. The prevalence of exudates and haemorrhage (irrespective of its location) was greater in MNV3 than in MNV1 or 2 (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The existence and pattern of distribution of intraretinal haemorrhage is pathognomonic of MNV3. It makes (alone or with dense exudates) the diagnose MNV3 possible using fundoscopy or colour fundus photo and without further diagnostic expenditure.
Randomised, phase I pharmacokinetic study of adalimumab biosimilar CT‐P17 (40 mg/0.4 mL) by autoinjector and prefilled syringe in healthy subjects
Authors: Davidson Antonia , Brimhall Darin , Kay Jonathan , Keystone Edward , Lee Sang Joon , Kim Sung Hyun , Bae Yun Ju , Choi Eun Jin , Furst Daniel E.
Published: April 2021

Aims

To evaluate pharmacokinetic equivalence and preliminary safety of the adalimumab biosimilar CT‐P17 administered via autoinjector (CT‐P17 AI) or prefilled syringe (CT‐P17 PFS) in healthy subjects.

Methods

This phase I, open‐label study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04295356) randomised subjects (1:1) to receive a single 40‐mg (100 mg/mL) dose of CT‐P17 AI or CT‐P17 PFS. Primary endpoint was pharmacokinetic equivalence of CT‐P17 AI to CT‐P17 PFS for: area under the concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC0–inf); area under the concentration–time curve from time zero to the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0–last); maximum serum concentration (Cmax). Equivalence was determined if the 90% confidence interval for the geometric least‐squares mean ratio was within the 80–125% equivalence margin. Additional pharmacokinetic endpoints, safety and immunogenicity were evaluated.

Results

Of 193 subjects who were randomised (98 CT‐P17 AI; 95 CT‐P17 PFS), 180 received study drug. Pharmacokinetic equivalence was demonstrated: 90% confidence intervals were within the 80–125% equivalence margin (AUC0–inf: 93.98–114.29; AUC0–last: 91.09–121.86; Cmax: 94.08–111.90). Mean serum CT‐P17 concentrations, secondary pharmacokinetic parameters and numbers of subjects with antidrug antibodies (ADAs) or neutralising ADAs were comparable between groups. AUC0–inf, AUC0–last and Cmax were numerically lower for ADA‐positive than for ADA‐negative subjects (both groups); pharmacokinetic equivalence was also demonstrated among ADA‐positive subjects. CT‐P17 AI and CT‐P17 PFS were well tolerated, with comparable overall safety profiles.

Conclusions

CT‐P17 AI and CT‐P17 PFS were pharmacokinetically equivalent. Overall safety and immunogenicity were comparable between the 2 delivery devices.
Contracts, pay and performance in the sport of kings: Evidence from horse racing
Authors: Butler David , Butler Robert , Simmons Robert
Published: April 2021

A considerable body of evidence shows that performance‐related pay schemes can raise worker productivity with much of this increase due to worker sorting. However, variations in the power of performance‐related pay contracts are rarely observed. The thoroughbred horse racing industry offers such an opportunity. Contrary to earlier research, we find no evidence of worker shirking when the power of incentive contracts is reduced through jockeys switching from complete performance‐related pay schemes into a salaried (retainer) contract. Moreover, salary contracts result in legacy effects with superior performance continuing for elite jockeys even after their salary agreements have expired. We argue this is due to a reduction in monitoring costs.
Transgenic rabbit models for cardiac disease research
Authors: Hornyik Tibor , Rieder Marina , Castiglione Alessandro , Major Peter , Baczko Istvan , Brunner Michael , Koren Gideon , Odening Katja E.
Published: April 2021

To study the pathophysiology of human cardiac diseases and to develop novel treatment strategies, complex interactions of cardiac cells on cellular, tissue and on level of the whole heart need to be considered. As in vitro cell‐based models do not depict the complexity of the human heart, animal models are used to obtain insights that can be translated to human diseases. Mice are the most commonly used animals in cardiac research. However, differences in electrophysiological and mechanical cardiac function and a different composition of electrical and contractile proteins limit the transferability of the knowledge gained. Moreover, the small heart size and fast heart rate are major disadvantages. In contrast to rodents, electrophysiological, mechanical and structural cardiac characteristics of rabbits resemble the human heart more closely, making them particularly suitable as an animal model for cardiac disease research. In this review, various methodological approaches for the generation of transgenic rabbits for cardiac disease research, such as pronuclear microinjection, the sleeping beauty transposon system and novel genome‐editing methods (ZFN and CRISPR/Cas9)will be discussed. In the second section, we will introduce the different currently available transgenic rabbit models for monogenic cardiac diseases (such as long QT syndrome, short‐QT syndrome and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) in detail, especially in regard to their utility to increase the understanding of pathophysiological disease mechanisms and novel treatment options.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Preclinical Models for Cardiovascular disease research (BJP 75th Anniversary). To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.5/issuetoc