bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression ofTaTAR2.3-1B,TaYUC9-1andTaYUC10correlates with auxin and starch content of developing wheat grains
Authors: Kabir Muhammed Rezwan , Nonhebel Heather M. , Backhouse David , Winter Gal
Published: October 2020

The role of auxin in developing grains of wheat (Triticum aestivum) is contentious with contradictory reports indicating either positive or negative effects of IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) on grain size. In addition, the contributions to the IAA pool from de novo synthesis via tryptophan, and from hydrolysis of IAA-glucose are unclear. Here we describe the first comprehensive study of tryptophan aminotransferase and indole-3-pyruvate mono-oxygenase expression during wheat grain development from 5 to 20 days after anthesis. A comparison of expression data with measurements of endogenous IAA via combined liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with heavy isotope labelled internal standards indicates that TaTAR2.3-1B, TaYUC9-A1, TaYUC9-B, TaYUC9-D1, TaYUC10-A and TaYUC10-D are primarily responsible for IAA production in developing grains. Furthermore, we show that IAA synthesis is controlled by genes expressed specifically in developing wheat grains as has already been reported in rice (Oryza sativa) and maize (Zea mays). Our results cast doubt on the proposed role ofTHOUSAND-GRAIN WEIGHTgene,TaTGW6, in promoting larger grain size via negative effects on grain IAA content. The work onTaTGW6has overlooked the contribution of the dominant IAA biosynthesis pathway. Although IAA synthesis occurs primarily in the endosperm of wheat grains, we show that theTaYUC9-1group is also strongly expressed in the embryo. Within the endosperm,TaYUC9-1expression is highest in aleurone and transfer cells, supporting data from other cereals suggesting that IAA has a key role in differentiation of these tissues.
Onset of taste bud cell renewal starts at birth and coincides with a shift in SHH function
Authors: Golden Erin J. , Larson Eric D. , Shechtman Lauren A. , Trahan G. Devon , Gaillard Dany , Fellin Timothy J. , Scott Jennifer K. , Jones Kenneth L. , Barlow Linda A.
Published: October 2020

Embryonic taste bud primordia are specified as taste placodes on the tongue surface and differentiate into the first taste receptor cells (TRCs) at birth. Throughout adult life, TRCs are continually regenerated from epithelial progenitors. Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling regulates TRC development and renewal, repressing taste fate embryonically, but promoting TRC differentiation in adults. Here we show TRC renewal initiates at birth and coincides with onset of SHHs pro-taste function. Using transcriptional profiling to explore molecular regulators of renewal, we identifiedFoxa1andFoxa2as potential SHH target genes in lingual progenitors at birth, and show SHH overexpression in vivo alters FOXA1 and FOXA2 expression relevant to taste buds. We further bioinformatically identify genes relevant to cell adhesion and cell locomotion likely regulated by FOXA1;FOXA2, and show expression of these candidates is also altered by forced SHH expression. We present a new model where SHH promotes TRC differentiation by regulating changes in epithelial cell adhesion and migration.
Intermediate Progenitor cells provide a transition between hematopoietic progenitors and their differentiated descendants
Authors: Spratford Carrie M. , Goins Lauren M. , Chi Fangtao , Girard Juliet R. , Macias Savannah N. , Ho Vivien W. , Banerjee Utpal
Published: October 2020

Genetic and genomic analysis inDrosophilasuggests that hematopoietic progenitors likely transition into terminal fates via intermediate progenitors (IPs) with some characteristics of either, but perhaps maintaining IP-specific markers. In the past, IPs have not been directly visualized and investigated due to lack of appropriate genetic tools. Here we report a split-GAL4construct,CHIZ-GAL4, that identifies IPs as cells physically juxtaposed between true progenitors and differentiating hemocytes. IPs comprise a distinct cell type with a unique cell-cycle profile and they remain multipotent for all blood cell fates. Additionally, through their dynamic control of the Notch ligand, Serrate, IPs specify the fate of direct neighbors. The Ras pathway controls the number of IP cells and promotes their transition into differentiating cells. The split-GAL4strategy is amenable for adoption in mammalian systems and would be invaluable in assigning trajectories that stem and progenitor populations follow as they develop into mature blood cells.
First ptychographic X-ray computed tomography experiment on the NanoMAX beamline
Authors: Kahnt Maik , Sala Simone , Johansson Ulf , Björling Alexander , Jiang Zhimin , Kalbfleisch Sebastian , Lenrick Filip , Pikul James H. , Thånell Karina
Published: October 2020

Ptychographic X-ray computed tomography is a quantitative three-dimensional imaging technique offered to users of multiple synchrotron radiation sources. Its dependence on the coherent fraction of the available X-ray beam makes it perfectly suited to diffraction-limited storage rings. Although MAX IV is the first, and so far only, operating fourth-generation synchrotron light source, none of its experimental stations is currently set up to offer this technique to its users. The first ptychographic X-ray computed tomography experiment has therefore been performed on the NanoMAX beamline. From the results, information was gained about the current limitations of the experimental setup and where attention should be focused for improvement. The extracted parameters in terms of scanning speed, size of the imaged volume and achieved resolutions should provide a baseline for future users designing nano-tomography experiments on the NanoMAX beamline.
One-step synthesis of novel Cu2ZnNiO3 complex oxide nanowires with tuned band gap for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Amin Aya , El-dissouky Ali
Published: October 2020

Although alloying and nanostructuring offer a great opportunity for enhancing photoelectrochemical behavior and band gap tuning, these methods have not been investigated extensively. This article reports the synthesis of Cu2ZnNiO3 complex oxide nanowires (∼200 nm) grown on German silver alloy via a one-step optimized hydrothermal route and their utilization to split water photoelectrochemically. Surface characterizations were used to elucidate the formation mechanism of the Cu2ZnNiO3 complex oxide nanowires. The nanowires exhibited an exceptional visible light absorption extending from 400 to 1400 nm wavelengths with a tuned band gap of ∼2.88 eV calculated from the corresponding Tauc plot. In tests to split water photoelectrochemically, the nanowires generated a significant photocurrent of up to −2.5 mA cm−2 at −0.8 V versus Ag/AgCl and exhibited an exceptional photostability which exceeded 2 h under light-off conditions with no photocurrent decay. Band edge positions related to water redox potentials were estimated via Mott–Schottky and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy analysis with the density of charge carriers reaching as high as 5.15 × 1018 cm−3. Moreover, the nanowires generated ∼1100 µmol of H2 in 5 h. These photoelectrochemical results are much higher than the reported values for similar structures of copper oxide, zinc oxide and nickel oxide separately under the same conditions, which can be attributed to the advantages of Cu, Zn and Ni oxides (such as visible light absorption, photostability, and efficient charge carrier generation and transport) being combined in one single material. These promising results make German silver a robust material toward photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Lattice-translocation defects in specific crystals of the catalytic head domain of influenza neuraminidase
Authors: Li Linghui , Dai Shuliu , Gao George F. , Wang Jiawei
Published: October 2020

Neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors are one of the two major classes of antivirals available for the treatment and prevention of influenza. X-ray crystal structure determination of NA head domains and their complexes with various inhibitors are of importance for the design and optimization of anti-influenza drugs. However, the globular tetrameric properties of NA head domains may produce crystals with pathological imperfections, lattice-translocation defects, making structure determination no longer straightforward. In this report, using a crystal of the NA head domain from the Wuhan Asiatic toad influenza virus as an example, the identification and solution of this type of crystal pathology are presented. Furthermore, its underlying mechanism of formation is explored.
Crystal structures of peanut lectin in the presence of synthetic β-N- and β-S-galactosides disclose evidence for the recognition of different glycomimetic ligands
Authors: Cagnoni Alejandro J. , Primo Emiliano D. , Klinke Sebastián , Cano María E. , Giordano Walter , Mariño Karina V. , Kovensky José , Goldbaum Fernando A. , Uhrig María Laura , Otero Lisandro H.
Published: October 2020

Carbohydrate–lectin interactions are involved in important cellular recognition processes, including viral and bacterial infections, inflammation and tumor metastasis. Hence, structural studies of lectin–synthetic glycan complexes are essential for understanding lectin-recognition processes and for the further design of promising chemotherapeutics that interfere with sugar–lectin interactions. Plant lectins are excellent models for the study of the molecular-recognition process. Among them, peanut lectin (PNA) is highly relevant in the field of glycobiology because of its specificity for β-galactosides, showing high affinity towards the Thomsen–Friedenreich antigen, a well known tumor-associated carbohydrate antigen. Given this specificity, PNA is one of the most frequently used molecular probes for the recognition of tumor cell-surface O-glycans. Thus, it has been extensively used in glycobiology for inhibition studies with a variety of β-galactoside and β-lactoside ligands. Here, crystal structures of PNA are reported in complex with six novel synthetic hydrolytically stable β-N- and β-S-galactosides. These complexes disclosed key molecular-binding interactions of the different sugars with PNA at the atomic level, revealing the roles of specific water molecules in protein–ligand recognition. Furthermore, binding-affinity studies by isothermal titration calorimetry showed dissociation-constant values in the micromolar range, as well as a positive multivalency effect in terms of affinity in the case of the divalent compounds. Taken together, this work provides a qualitative structural rationale for the upcoming synthesis of optimized glycoclusters designed for the study of lectin-mediated biological processes. The understanding of the recognition of β-N- and β-S-galactosides by PNA represents a benchmark in protein–carbohydrate interactions since they are novel synthetic ligands that do not belong to the family of O-linked glycosides.
“We Need Psychological Support”: the information needs and seeking behaviors of African refugees in the United States
Authors: Hassan Musa Dauda , Wolfram Dietmar
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the information needs and seeking behaviors of African refugees in the Midwest United States. The research also investigates the sources participants consulted and their satisfaction with their information seeking and the information found.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research study recruited 18 African refugees to participate in one or more data collection modes used in the study (questionnaire, interview, focus group). The data were analyzed using qualitative open, axial and selective coding approaches to identify themes.

Findings

The analysis of the data collected provides evidence that refugees had specific information needs centered on housing, health care, employment and education. They were not necessarily satisfied with the information they were able to find. Participants reported initially relying heavily on their caseworkers as sources of information when they first arrived in the United States until they were able to establish larger networks of contacts, which then expanded their information behaviors.

Research limitations/implications

The number of participants and regional focus of the study do not allow for generalization of the findings to all African refugees in the United States. Still, the findings shed light on how to better serve the information needs of African refugees to help them adjust to life in their new environment.

Practical implications

The findings of the study provide guidance for agencies that assist African refugees in adjusting to life in the United States.

Originality/value

This study represents one of the few investigations of the information needs and seeking behaviors of African refugees in the United States.
Understanding technology use through multimodal layers: a research review
Authors: Schnaider Karoline , Gu Limin , Rantatalo Oscar
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the use of digital technologies by teachers and students in teaching and learning from a multimodal layer perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The article reviews 64 studies on technology use. A content analysis based on the theoretical concepts of “multimodal layers” was used to synthesise previous research.

Findings

The findings indicate that the use of technology in classroom practices by teachers and students is multifaceted and that transitions exist between technologies and sign-systems and are differently related to sign-making activities and thus constitute different uses. Between layers, traces can be made that connect the use of technology to differences in sign-making activities.

Practical implications

A multimodal layer perspective on technology use is fruitful to understand what happens at the intersection of technology and human activities in school practices. Moreover, more attention to multimodal layers can inform future effective technology usage and design.

Originality/value

The review offers comprehensive insights on how previous research has studied technology using multimodal layers as an analytical lens.
The discrimination decomposition index: a new instrument to separate statistical and taste-based discrimination using first- and second-generation immigrants
Authors: Busetta Giovanni , Campolo Maria Gabriella , Panarello Demetrio
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This article deals with the impact of ethnic origin on individual employability, focussing on the first stage of the hiring process. Deeply, the authors’ goal is to fathom whether there is a preference for native job candidates over immigrants, decomposing the discrimination against minority groups into its statistical and taste-based components by means of a new approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors built up a data set by means of an ad hoc field experiment, conducted by sending equivalent fictitious CVs in response to 1000 real online job openings in Italy. The authors developed the discrimination decomposition index using first- and second-generation immigrants.

Findings

The authors’ main result is that both first- and second-generation immigrants are discriminated compared to Italians. In between the two categories, second-generation candidates are discriminated especially if their ethnicities are morphologically different from those of natives (i.e. Chinese and Moroccans). This last finding is a clear symptom of discrimination connected to taste-based reasons. On the other hand, first-generation immigrants of all nationalities but Germans are preferred for hard-work jobs.

Originality/value

The authors develop the discrimination decomposition index to measure the proportion of the two kinds of discrimination (statistical and taste-based) over the total one and apply a probit model to test the statistical significance of the difference in treatment between the three groups of natives, first-generation and second-generation immigrants.
A review on textual analysis of corporate disclosure according to the evolution of different automated methods
Authors: Chakraborty Bijitaswa , Bhattacharjee Titas
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give a comprehensive review and synthesis of automated textual analysis of corporate disclosure to show how the accuracy of disclosure tone has been incremented with the evolution of developed automated methods that have been used to calculate tone in prior studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study have conducted the survey on “automated textual analysis of corporate disclosure and its impact” by searching at Google Scholar and Scopus research database after the year 2000 to prepare the list of papers. After classifying the prior literature into a dictionary-based and machine learning-based approach, this study have again sub-classified those papers according to two other dimensions, namely, information sources of disclosure and the impact of tone on the market.

Findings

This study found literature on how value relevance of tone is varied with the use of different automated methods and using different information sources. This study also found literature on the impact of such tone on market. These are contributing to help investor’s decision-making and earnings and returns prediction by researchers. The literature survey shows that the research gap lies in the development of methodologies toward the calculation of tone more accurately. This study also mention how different information sources and methodologies can influence the change in disclosure tone for the same firm, which, in turn, may change market performance. The research gap also lies in finding the determinants of disclosure tone with large scale data.

Originality/value

After reviewing some papers based on automated textual analysis of corporate disclosure, this study shows how the accuracy of the result is incrementing according to the evolution of automated methodology. Apart from the methodological research gaps, this study also identify some other research gaps related to determinants (corporate governance, firm-level, macroeconomic factors, etc.) and transparency or credibility of disclosure which could stimulate new research agendas in the areas of automated textual analysis of corporate disclosure.
The German health care Innovation Fund – An incentive for innovations to promote the integration of health care
Authors: Berghöfer Anne , Göckler Denes G. , Sydow Jörg , Auschra Carolin , Wessel Lauri , Gersch Martin
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Many health systems face challenges such as rising costs and lacking quality, both of which can be addressed by improving the integration of different health care sectors and professions. The purpose of this viewpoint is to present the German health care Innovation Fund (IF) initiated by the Federal Government to support the development and diffusion of integrated health care.

Design/methodology/approach

This article describes the design and rationale of the IF in detail and provides first insights into its limitations, acceptance and implementation by relevant stakeholders.

Findings

In its first period, the IF offered € 1.2 billion as start-up funding for model implementation and evaluation over a period of four years (2016–2019). This period was recently extended to a second round until 2024, offering € 200 million a year as from 2020. The IF is triggering the support of relevant insurers for the development of new integrated care models. In addition, strict evaluation requirements have led to a large number of health service research projects which assess structural and process improvements and thus enable evidence-based policy decisions.

Originality/value

This article is the first of its kind to present the German IF to the international readership. The IF is a political initiative through which to foster innovations and promote integrated health care.
Buy Muslim-made first – does halal consciousness affect Muslims’ intention to purchase?
Authors: Hassan Siti Hasnah , Mat Saad Norizan , Masron Tajul Ariffin , Ali Siti Insyirah
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Buy Muslim’s First campaign started with the primary aim of urging the Muslim community to be more vigilant about halal or Shariah-compliant products, leading to a number of halal-related issues, triggered by the exploitation or misuse of the halal logo in Malaysia. The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of the purchase intention for Muslim-made products by applying the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Halal consciousness was integrated as a moderating influence on the purchase intention of Muslim-made products.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was performed through a self-administered questionnaire which was distributed through convenience sampling method. Therefore, a useful sample comprising 152 Malay Muslim participants aged over 18 was collected. For hypothesis testing, hierarchical multiple regression analysis was implemented.

Findings

It was found that the participants’ attitudes towards the purchase of Muslim-made products and their perceived behavioural control significantly influenced their purchase intention, but the subjective norm did not impact this intention. Furthermore, halal consciousness moderated the relationships among all the independent and dependent variables. Halal consciousness moderated the relationship between participants’ attitudes towards Muslim-made products and their perceived behavioural control towards the purchase intention; however, this moderation did not occur through the subjective norm and the purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

As the findings of this study were limited to the Muslim population in Malaysia, it might be difficult to generalize for other nations that have no similarities with the Malaysian Muslim culture.

Practical implications

The findings of this study may support Muslims to implement more effective marketing strategies that attract the target customers to purchase Muslim-made products. Effective promotion may attract potential customers as well.

Originality/value

The halal consciousness among Muslim consumers is important for the moderation and prediction of consumers’ intention to purchase Muslim-made products.
Surprisingly stable: an experiment on willingness to bear uncertainty in individuals with and without entrepreneurial intentions
Authors: Zichella Giulio
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Entrepreneurs are often considered to be more willing to bear and manage uncertainty than non-entrepreneurs. However, the available empirical evidence regarding this topic is limited and mixed. By adopting an experimental design, the paper’s purpose is to shed light on a causal mechanism behind decision making under uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper outlines the performance of a quasi-laboratory experiment that investigates whether a lack of predictive information affects individuals with entrepreneurial intentions in their likelihood to choose uncertainty vis-à-vis certainty. Drawing on prospect theory, it is argued that individuals with entrepreneurial intentions are less sensitive than individuals without entrepreneurial intentions due to a framing effect that occurs when information about probabilities is manipulated. In particular, it is argued that individuals with entrepreneurial intentions are more likely than their comparable counterparts to choose consistently among monetary opportunities that share everything in common but information about probabilities of success.

Findings

This study finds support for the argument, as individuals with entrepreneurial intentions have preferences pertaining to uncertainty that are more stable compared to those of individuals without such intentions. The results hold after controlling for a number of alternative explanations, including status quo bias, prior gain effect and degree of risk effect.

Originality/value

The paper tackles a fundamental issue in entrepreneurship—namely behavior under uncertainty—by adopting a novel approach. In particular, an experimental design is used to test for causality between availability of information and choices involving monetary rewards. Results have implications for the understanding of factors that guide entrepreneurial choices under uncertainty and, ultimately, entrepreneurial action.
“Are you crewed up with that bird from the uni?” the complexities of conducting ethnographic research in policing
Authors: Cox Claudia Emeline
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide some initial reflections on the complexities and challenges faced when conducting observations with police officers working in response and neighbourhood policing roles from the perspective of a young, female, researcher.

Design/methodology/approach

The research consisted of 200 hours spent with operational police officers in a medium sized UK police force, predominantly in 3 cities, to explore the realities of frontline policing and policy implementation. This paper offers a reflexive account of conducting the research, as opposed to a discussion of the findings which align to the original research aim.

Findings

Conducting this fieldwork highlighted a number of complexities arising as a result of conducting ethnographic research in policing. This paper is concerned with the constructing of a researcher identity and navigating moral dilemmas based on the culture and use of language observed.

Originality/value

Whilst this will be of interest to those engaged with similar policing research, such findings are also likely to apply to those conducting ethnography where there is conflict between their insider/outsider status, the potential for internalised moral debates and women conducting research in male-dominated settings.
Drivers and consequences of customer participation into value co-creation: a field experiment
Authors: Guzel Mevludiye , Sezen Bülent , Alniacik Umit
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze value co-creation (VCC) in new product development from consumer’s perspective. It offers a holistic approach to consumers’ VCC behavior with its before (drivers) and after (consequences) stages.

Design/methodology/approach

Three consecutive studies are carried out to test the hypotheses examining the antecedents and results of co-creation behavior, as well as the behavior itself in a new headphones design context. The experimental data have been collected from 934 university students within a period of six months.

Findings

Findings suggest that extraversion and openness to experience increase consumers’ willingness to participate in VCC. Celebrity endorsers and product category involvement also affect this tendency. When consumers display co-creation behavior, they intend to purchase the product to be co-created. However, they are especially keen to buy this co-created product when their contributions are embodied in it.

Originality/value

Previous studies focus on intentions, lacking a detailed analysis of actual VCC behavior. By shedding light on co-creation behavior with its before and after stages, this paper contributes to co-creation literature with a field experiment. Consumers’ co-creation behavior has been observed in the context of new product development, which is mostly occupied by business to business research. Therefore, the results also add to research on new product development in business to consumer contexts.
Implementing an integrated maintenance management system for monitoring production lines: a case study for biscuit industry
Authors: Amrani Mokhtar Ali , Alhomdi Mansour , Aswaidy M Badiea , Ghaleb Atef M. , Al-Qubati Mohyeddine , Shameeri Mutahar
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study provides a unique integrated diagnosis system to investigate the causes of low productivity, profitability, machinery health conditions and wear severity of medium-size biscuit industry assets in Taiz, Yemen.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation is based on an integrating of the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and oil-based maintenance (OBM) approaches. The data are collected using the company's operational records, interviews and observations, while the used lubricating oil samples are also collected from production lines' machineries. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to study the wear debris particle features and wear mechanism. Different other analysis tools such as fishbone, 5 whys and Pareto charts are also used to investigate the root causes and plausible recovery solutions of machinery failures.

Findings

This study demonstrated that a large proportion of machinery failures and production loss are of management concerns. Also, this study inferred that the analysis of wear debris is unique and informative for determining machinery wear severity and useful life. Finally, the current conditions of production lines are clarified and suggestions to use a mixed preventive/predictive maintenance management approach are also elucidated.

Originality/value

This work implemented an integrated OEE/OBM diagnostic maintenance system to investigate the root causes of low productivity and machine failures in real production lines and suggested robust decisions on the maintenance duties.
When does Main Street prefer Wall Street? Legitimacy, status, and decision-making
Authors: Altura Thomas G.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

When and why do organizations prefer high-status exchange partners? While past work has focused on status as a signal to the marketplace, this study shows that actors use the selected organization's status as a signal to legitimate their own selection decision.

Design/methodology/approach

The context of the study is the selection of investment banks by local governments in the United States for the purpose of selling municipal bonds to investors. Hypotheses were developed through interviews with participants in the public and private sectors and were then tested using generalized estimating equations (GEEs). The models include 6,720 selection decisions nested within 1,032 local governments.

Findings

Interview data reveal that governmental decision-makers struggle with interdepartmental conflict and are concerned about the perceived legitimacy of decisions in the “political arena”. The quantitative results confirm that with respect to selection decisions, the social context of the local government matters. Specifically, racial/ethnic heterogeneity, political competition and functional complexity—contexts where actors must signal independence and objectivity in decision-making—are each associated with an increased likelihood of retaining a high-status investment bank.

Originality/value

The study shows that a preference for a high-status partner is not just market driven. Rather, it emerges also from the legitimacy demands of the organization's own participants. More broadly, the study reveals how organizational decision-making—even that pertaining to the external market environment—is embedded in an organization-specific social reality.
Independent publishers and social networks in the 21st century: the balance of power in the transatlantic Spanish-language book market
Authors: Gallego-Cuiñas Ana , Romero-Frías Esteban , Arroyo-Machado Wenceslao
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The present paper uses Twitter to analyze the current state of the worldwide, Spanish-language, independent publishing market. The main purposes are to determine whether certain Latin American Spanish-language independent publishers function as gatekeepers of world literature and to analyze the geopolitical structure of this global market, addressing both the Europe-America dialectic and neocolonial practices.

Design/methodology/approach

After selecting the sample of publishers, the authors conducted a search for their Twitter profiles and located 131; they then downloaded data from the corresponding Twitter APIs. Finally, they applied social network analysis to study the presence of and interaction between the sample of independent publishers on this social media.

Findings

The results provide data-based evidence supporting the hypothesis of some literary critics who suggest that in Latin America, certain publishers act as gatekeepers to the mainstream book market. Therefore, Twitter could be considered a valid source of information to address the independent book market in Spanish. By extension, this approach could be applied to other cultural industries in which small and medium-sized agents develop a digital presence in social media.

Originality/value

This paper combines social network analysis and literary criticism to provide new evidence about the Spanish-language book market. It helps validate the aforementioned hypothesis proposed by literary critics and opens up new paths along which to pursue an interpretative, comparative analysis.
The Price for Market Embeddedness is Declining Adaptive Capabilities: Model, Measurement and Illustration
Authors: Liu Min , Pólos László , Hannan Michael T.
Published: October 2020

This paper deals with a central challenge in organization and management research: to predict the evolution of an organization's adaptive capability. We address both theoretical and methodological gaps in existing research. First, focusing on the largely overlooked external constraints on adaptive capability, we model how ties between an organization and its market audiences curtail adaptive capability as market tenure increases. Second, we address the methodological weakness of conceptualizing the content of organizational change in prior research with a novel approach. Our distance‐based approach sees adaptation as change in an organization's position in a cognitive market space. With position defined, one can measure the speed of movement in that space. An analysis of the UK motorcycle market serves as an empirical illustration for our theoretical prediction and proposed measure.
Modern foreign language education for learners with additional support needs in Scotland
Authors: Essex Jane , MacAskill Maggie Gurney
Published: October 2020

The face of Modern Foreign Language education (MFL) in Scotland is changing. A major policy shift in Scottish education in 2012 set out the aspiration that all students up to the end of third level education in Scottish schools would have the opportunity to learn not one but two languages, in addition to their mother tongue. Over the last 20 years, there has been, concurrently, an undertaking by the Scottish government, in a series of policy documents, committing to provision that will ensure that students with additional support needs (ASN) receive equality of access to a broad and balanced education. This paper draws upon policy documents and published research in the area to review the extent to which the vision of language learning of all has been made available to students with ASN and the documented benefits associated with MFL education for those with ASN. Drawing upon case studies of inclusive MFL pedagogies, it identifies successful strategies that can be deployed by teachers. It then considers some of the mechanisms by which the current gaps in provision have arisen and proposes possible remedial steps, drawing on both an analysis of policy and case studies of effective practice.
Optimization of extraction conditions of Angelica archangelica extract and activity evaluation in experimental fibromyalgia
Authors: Kaur Anudeep , Singh Nirmal , Bhatti Manpreet Singh , Bhatti Rajbir
Published: October 2020

The plant Angelica archangelica, owing to its magnificent therapeutic effectiveness in folklore medicine system, has been regarded as an “angel plant.” The current investigation was aimed to optimize extraction conditions of A. archangelica roots and to investigate in vivo role of optimized extract in fibromyalgia. Plant material (dried roots) was subjected to methanol extraction at variable temperature (40 to 60 °C) and time (12 to 36 hr) conditions as per two‐factorial design strategy, and responses in terms of antioxidant activity were determined. The optimized extraction conditions were found to be temperature of 60 °C and time of 36 hr. HPLC fingerprinting indicated the presence of coumarins in extract. To induce fibromyalgia, the mice were administered reserpine at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg. Mice were orally treated with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg extract, and magnitude of fibromyalgia was quantified. In comparison to reserpine group, the extract treatment attenuated pain as shown by significant increase in paw withdrawal threshold against mechanical stimuli (P < 0.05), improved motor ability indicated by increase in fall‐off time in inclined plane test (P < 0.05), improved locomotion indicated by increased square crossings in open field test (P < 0.05), and improved cognition as shown by significant reduction in time to reach platform in Morris water maze test and passive avoidance task test (P < 0.05). Extract treatment significantly halted reserpine‐induced rise in serum cytokine level (P < 0.05) and brain oxidative stress (P < 0.05). Angelica archangelica extract exerted its beneficial effects in fibromyalgia possibly through the attenuation of oxidative stress‐mediated inflammatory cascade.

Practical Application

Leads from natural products have become an integral part of drug designing processes and have high acceptability due to their better tolerance. The optimization of extraction conditions of plant yields better results and could reduce the processing time, thus increasing its industrial value.
An automated DIY framework for experimental evolution of Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Espeso David R. , Dvořák Pavel , Aparicio Tomás , de Lorenzo Víctor
Published: October 2020

Adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) is a general and effective strategy for optimizing the design of engineered genetic circuits and upgrading metabolic phenotypes. However, the specific characteristics of each microorganism typically ask for exclusive conditions that need to be adjusted to the biological chassis at stake. In this work, we have adopted a do‐it‐yourself (DIY) approach to implement a flexible and automated framework for performing ALE experiments with the environmental bacterium and metabolic engineering platform Pseudomonas putida. The setup includes a dual‐chamber semi‐continuous log‐phase bioreactor design combined with an anti‐biofilm layout to manage specific traits of this bacterium in long‐term cultivation experiments. As a way of validation, the prototype was instrumental for selecting fast‐growing variants of a P. putida strain engineered to metabolize D‐xylose as sole carbon and energy source after running an automated 42 days protocol of iterative regrowth. Several genomic changes were identified in the evolved population that pinpointed the role of RNA polymerase in controlling overall physiological conditions during metabolism of the new carbon source.
Wing: A suitable nonlethal tissue type for repeatable and rapid telomere length estimates in bats
Authors: Power Megan L. , Power Sarahjane , Bertelsen Mads F. , Jones Gareth , Teeling Emma C.
Published: October 2020

Telomeres are used increasingly in ecology and evolution as biomarkers for ageing and environmental stress, and are typically measured from DNA extracted from nonlethally sampled blood. However, obtaining blood is not always possible in field conditions and only limited amounts can be taken from small mammals, such as bats, which moreover lack nucleated red blood cells and hence yield relatively low amounts of DNA. As telomere length can vary within species according to age and tissue, it is important to determine which tissues serve best as a representation of the organism as a whole. Here, we investigated whether wing tissue biopsies, a rapid and relatively noninvasive tissue collection method, could serve as a proxy for other tissues when measuring relative telomere length (rTL) in the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus). Telomeres were measured from blood, brain, heart, kidney, liver lung, muscle and wing, and multiple wing biopsies were taken from the same individuals to determine intra‐individual repeatability of rTL measured by using qPCR. Wing rTL correlated with rTL estimates from most tissues apart from blood. Blood rTL was not significantly correlated with rTL from any other tissue. Blood and muscle rTLs were significantly longer compared with other tissues, while lung displayed the shortest rTLs. Individual repeatability of rTL measures from wing tissue was high (>70%). Here we show the relationships between tissue telomere dynamics for the first time in a bat, and our results provide support for the use of wing tissue for rTL measurements.
Increased marrow adipogenesis does not contribute to age‐dependent appendicular bone loss in female mice
Authors: Almeida Maria , Kim Ha‐Neui , Han Li , Zhou Daohong , Thostenson Jeff , Porter Ryan M. , Ambrogini Elena , Manolagas Stavros C. , Jilka Robert L.
Published: October 2020

Marrow adipocytes and osteoblasts differentiate from common mesenchymal progenitors in a mutually exclusive manner, and diversion of these progenitors toward adipocytes in old age has been proposed to account for the decline in osteoblasts and the development of involutional osteoporosis. This idea has been supported by evidence that thiazolidinedione (TZD)‐induced activation of PPARγ, the transcription factor required for adipocyte differentiation, increases marrow fat and causes bone loss. We functionally tested this hypothesis using C57BL/6J mice with conditional deletion of PPARγ from early mesenchymal progenitors targeted by the Prx1‐Cre transgene. Using a longitudinal littermate‐controlled study design, we observed that PPARγ is indispensable for TZD‐induced increase in marrow adipocytes in 6‐month‐old male mice, and age‐associated increase in marrow adipocytes in 22‐month‐old female mice. In contrast, PPARγ is dispensable for the loss of cortical and trabecular bone caused by TZD or old age. Instead, PPARγ restrains age‐dependent development of cortical porosity. These findings do not support the long‐standing hypothesis that increased marrow adipocyte differentiation contributes to bone loss in old age but reveal a novel role of mesenchymal cell PPARγ in the maintenance of cortical integrity.
Fistulae involving the appendix: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: McDonald Stephen J. , Lee Felix , Dean Nicholas , Ridley Lloyd J. , Stewart Peter
Published: October 2020

Background

The appendix has a unique place in surgical history. Although the first ever appendicectomy involved a fistula to the skin, fistulae involving the appendix remain uncommon and can lead to unique surgical considerations.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed for case reports of appendiceal fistulae. We excluded cases in which the patient had a history of appendicectomy. Cases were categorized by site and aetiology, with information regarding relative frequency and demographics obtained.

Results

A total of 301 case reports of fistula involving the appendix were found. The most common sites of these fistulae were to the bladder (148 cases), skin (40 cases), vasculature (19 cases), umbilicus (16 cases) and to the gastrointestinal tract. The most common aetiology in sub‐analysis was appendicitis alone (150 cases), with less common causes including appendiceal adenocarcinoma (32 cases) and congenital abnormalities (18 cases). There were significantly more appendiceal fistulae in males than in females, with a ratio of 1.7:1. In patients with appendiceal adenocarcinoma as a cause for fistula, there were significantly more females than males with a ratio of 2.3:1.

Conclusion

In conducting a systematic review of case reports of fistulae involving the appendix, we identified 301 unique case reports, with a range of different sites and aetiologies.
Safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of BI 655064 in phase 1 clinical trials in healthy Chinese and Japanese subjects
Authors: Tsuda Yasuhiro , Grimaldi Christine , Huang Fenglei , Benediktus Ewald , Yagi Nobutaka , Padula Steven J. , Jang In‐Jin , Steffgen Jürgen
Published: October 2020

Aims

To evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of BI 655064 in healthy Chinese and Japanese subjects after administration of single doses of 80‐240 mg and multiple dosing of 240 mg once weekly over 4 weeks.

Methods

Two phase 1, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies were conducted (single‐rising doses of BI 655064 in Chinese/Japanese male subjects [n = 12 per BI 655064 dose group] or repeated 240 mg BI 655064 in Chinese male subjects [n = 9]). Plasma samples were collected to investigate BI 655064 pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics (CD40 receptor occupancy [RO]) and immunogenicity, along with the safety and tolerability of BI 655064.

Results

BI 655064 showed good overall tolerability following single‐dose administration of 80‐240 mg and repeated administration of 240 mg BI 655064 over 4 weeks. More Chinese subjects reported adverse events compared with Japanese subjects following single‐dose administration (59.4% vs 3.1%). BI 655064 exhibited nonlinear, saturable kinetics, with higher doses resulting in slower apparent clearance (0.514‐0.713 mL min−1), and disproportionately higher total exposure (AUC0‐inf; 5610‐7780 μg·h mL−1) and maximum plasma concentration (15 700‐21 300 ng mL−1) with 240 mg BI 655064. Ninety percent inhibition of CD40 RO was achieved with doses ≥120 mg, and a direct relationship between BI 655064 plasma concentration and inhibition of CD40 RO was observed. Most subjects had a positive treatment‐emergent antidrug antibody response.

Conclusions

BI 655064 pharmacokinetic and safety profiles in East Asian male subjects were consistent with those observed in a Western population. No adjustments in the BI 655064 dosing recommendations are warranted for future clinical trials.
Debate: COVID‐19 to the under 19 – a Singapore school mental health response
Authors: Renjan Vidhya , Fung Daniel S.S.
Published: October 2020

The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic causes much disruption globally on sociopolitical, economic and healthcare fronts. While much of the impact has focused on the epidemiology and medical management of the pandemic, more need to be focused on the mental health impact of COVID‐19. This article describes the impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on Singapore’s schools and the response and adaptation of the school community mental health services. Singapore’s response is one of balancing the needs of the population and demands in this crisis, with the utilization of technology and outbreak and support control measures. Further consideration needs to be afforded to increase capacity of the school and mental health services to support youth and tapping on technological innovations.