bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated in vivo quantitative proteomics and nutrient tracing reveals age-related metabolic rewiring of pancreatic β-cell function
Authors: Wortham Matthew , Benthuysen Jacqueline R. , Wallace Martina , Savas Jeffrey N. , Mulas Francesca , Divakaruni Ajit S. , Liu Fenfen , Albert Verena , Taylor Brandon L. , Sui Yinghui , Saez Enrique , Murphy Anne N. , Yates John R. , Metallo Christian M. , Sander Maike
Published: October 2018

Pancreatic β-cell physiology changes substantially throughout life; yet, the mechanisms that drive these changes are poorly understood. Here, we performed comprehensive in vivo quantitative proteomic profiling of pancreatic islets from adolescent and one-year-old mice. The analysis revealed striking differences in abundance of enzymes controlling glucose metabolism. We show that these changes in protein abundance are associated with higher activities of glucose metabolic enzymes involved in coupling factor generation as well as increased activity of the coupling factor-dependent amplifying pathway of insulin secretion. Nutrient tracing and targeted metabolomics demonstrated accelerated accumulation of glucose-derived metabolites and coupling factors in islets from one-year-old mice, indicating that age-related changes in glucose metabolism contribute to improved glucose-stimulated insulin secretion with age. Together, our study provides the first in-depth characterization of age-related changes in the islet proteome and establishes metabolic rewiring as an important mechanism for age-associated changes in β-cell function.
Lipid unsaturation properties govern the sensitivity of membranes to photo-induced oxidative stress
Authors: Bour A. , Kruglik S. G. , Chabanon M. , Rangamani P. , Puff N. , Bonneau S.
Published: October 2018

Unsaturated lipid oxidation is a fundamental process involved in different aspects of cellular bioenergetics; dysregulation of lipid oxidation is often associated with cell aging and death. In order to study how lipid oxidation affects membrane biophysics, we used a chlorin photosensitizer to oxidize vesicles of various lipid compositions and degree of unsaturation in a controlled manner. We observed different shape transitions that can be interpreted as an increase in the area of the targeted membrane followed by a decrease. These area modifications induced by the chemical modification of the membrane upon oxidation, were followed in situ by Raman Tweezers Microspectroscopy (RTM). We found that the membrane area increase corresponds to the lipids peroxidation and is initiated by the delocalization of the targeted double bonds in the tails of the lipids. The subsequent decrease of membrane area can be explained by the formation of cleaved secondary products. As a result of these area changes, we observe vesicle permeabilization after a time lag that is characterized in relation with the level of unsaturation. The evolution of photosensitized vesicle radius was measured and yields an estimation of the mechanical changes of the membrane over oxidation time. The membrane is both weakened and permeabilized by the oxidation. Interestingly, the effect of unsaturation level on the dynamics of vesicles undergoing photooxidation is not trivial and thus carefully discussed. Our findings shed light on the fundamental dynamic mechanisms underlying the oxidation of lipid membranes, and highlight the role of unsaturations on their physical and chemical properties
A Thermodynamic Limit on the Role of Self-Propulsion in Enhanced Enzyme Diffusion
Authors: Feng Mudong , Gilson Michael K.
Published: October 2018

A number of enzymes reportedly exhibit enhanced diffusion in the presence of their substrates, with a Michaelis-Menten-like concentration dependence. Although no definite explanation of this phenomenon has emerged, a physical picture of enzyme self-propulsion using energy from the catalyzed reaction has been widely considered. Here, we present a kinematic and thermodynamic analysis of enzyme self-propulsion that is independent of any specific propulsion mechanism. Using this theory, along with biophysical data compiled for all enzymes so far shown to undergo enhanced diffusion, we show that the propulsion speed required to generate experimental levels of enhanced diffusion exceeds the speeds of well-known active biomolecules, such as myosin, by several orders of magnitude. Furthermore, the minimum power dissipation required to account for enzyme enhanced diffusion by self-propulsion markedly exceeds the chemical power available from enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Alternative explanations for the observation of enhanced enzyme diffusion therefore merit stronger consideration.
Mathematical Modeling Identifies the Role of Adaptive Immunity as a Key Controller of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Titer in Cotton Rats
Authors: Wethington Darren , Harder Olivia , Uppulury Karthik , Stewart William C. L. , Chen Phylip , King Tiffany , Reynolds Susan D. , Peeples Mark E. , Niewiesk Stefan , Das Jayajit
Published: October 2018

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that can have varying effects ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to mortality depending on the age and immune status of the individual. We combined mathematical modeling using ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with measurement of RSV infection kinetics in primary well differentiated human airway epithelial (HAE) culturesin vitroand in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed cotton rats to glean mechanistic details that underlie RSV infection kinetics in the lung. Quantitative analysis of viral titer kinetics in our mathematical model showed that the elimination of infected cells by the adaptive immune response generates unique RSV titer kinetic features including a faster time scale of viral titer clearance than viral production, and a monotonic decrease in the peak RSV titer with decreasing inoculum dose. Parameter estimation in the ODE model using a non-linear mixed effects approach revealed a very low rate (average single cell lifetime > 10 days) of cell lysis by RSV before the adaptive immune response is initiated. Our model predicted negligible changes in the RSV titer kinetics on earlier days (< 5 d.p.i) but a slower decay in RSV titer in immunosuppressed cotton rats compared to that in non-suppressed cotton rats at later days (>5 d.p.i)in silico.These predictions were in excellent agreement with the experimental results. Our combined approach quantified the importance of the adaptive immune response in suppressing RSV infection in cotton rats, which could be useful in testing RSV vaccine candidates.

Importance

A major difficulty in developing vaccines against RSV infection is our rudimentary understanding of the mechanisms that underlie RSV infection. We addressed this challenge by developing a mechanistic computational model with predictive powers for describing RSV infection kinetics in cotton rats. The model was constructed synergistically within vitroandin vivomeasurements. The combined framework determined an important role for CD8+ T cells responses in reducing RSV titers in cotton rats. The framework can be used to design future experiments to elucidate mechanisms underlying RSV infection and test outcomes for potential vaccine candidates. In addition, estimation of the model parameters provides quantitative values for parameters of biological and clinical interest such as the replication rate of RSV, the death rate of infected cells, and the average number of new infections initiated by a single infected cell.
Metagenomic characterization of the viral community of the South Scotia Ridge
Authors: Yang Qingwei , Gao Chen , Jiang Yong , Wang Min , Zhou Xinhao , Shao Hongbing , Gong Zheng , McMinn Andrew
Published: October 2018

Viruses are the most abundant biological entities in aquatic ecosystems and harbor an enormous genetic diversity. While their great influence on the marine ecosystems is widely acknowledged, current information about their diversity remains scarce. Aviral metagenomic analysis of two surfaces and one bottom water sample was conducted from sites on the South Scotia Ridge (SSR) near the Antarctic Peninsula, during the austral summer 2016. The taxonomic composition and diversity of the viral communities were investigated and a functional assessment of the sequences was determined. Phylotypic analysis showed that most viruses belonging to the order Caudovirales, in particular, the family Podoviridae (41.92-48.7%), which is similar to the viral communities from the Pacific Ocean. Functional analysis revealed a relatively high frequency of phage-associated and metabolism genes. Phylogenetic analyses of phage TerL and Capsid_NCLDV (nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses) marker genes indicated that many of the sequences associated with Caudovirales and NCLDV were novel and distinct from known complete phage genomes. High Phaeocystis globosa virus virophage (Pgvv) signatures were found in SSR area and complete and partial Pgvv-like were obtained which may have an influence on host-virus interactions in the area during summer. Our study expands the existing knowledge of viral communities and their diversities from the Antarctic region and provides basic data for further exploring polar microbiomes.

Importance

In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to analyze the viral community structure and biodiversity of SSR in the open sea near the Antarctic Peninsula. The results showed that the SSR viromes are novel, oceanic-related viromes and a high proportion of sequence reads was classified as unknown. Among known virus counterparts, members of the order Caudovirales were most abundant which is consistent with viromes from the Pacific Ocean. In addition, phylogenetic analyses based on the viral marker genes (TerL and MCP) illustrate the high diversity among Caudovirales and NCLDV. Combining deep sequencing and a random subsampling assembly approach, a new Pgvv-like group was also found in this region, which may a signification factor regulating virus-host interactions.
Gut microbiota and phytoestrogen-associated infertility in southern white rhinoceros
Authors: Williams Candace L. , Ybarra Alexis R. , Meredith Ashley N. , Durrant Barbara S. , Tubbs Christopher W.
Published: October 2018

With recent poaching of southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum; SWR) reaching record levels, the need for a robust assurance population is urgent. However, the global captive SWR population is not currently self-sustaining due to the reproductive failure of captive-born females. Dietary phytoestrogens have been proposed to play a role in this phenomenon, and recent work has demonstrated a negative relationship between diet estrogenicity and fertility of captive-born female SWR. To further examine this relationship, we compared gut microbial communities, fecal phytoestrogens, and fertility of SWR to another rhinoceros species–the greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis; GOHR), which consumes a similar diet but exhibits high levels of fertility in captivity. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and mass spectrometry, we identified a species-specific fecal microbiota and three dominant fecal phytoestrogen profiles. These profiles exhibited varying levels of estrogenicity when tested in an in vitro estrogen receptor activation assay for both rhinoceros species, with profiles dominated by the microbial metabolite, equol, stimulating the highest levels of receptor activation. Finally, we found that SWR fertility varies significantly with respect to phytoestrogen profile, but also with the abundance of several bacterial taxa and microbially-derived phytoestrogen metabolites. Taken together, these data suggest that in addition to species differences in estrogen receptor sensitivity to phytoestrogens, reproductive outcomes may be driven by gut microbiota’s transformation of dietary phytoestrogens in captive SWR females.
A small RNA controls bacterial resistance to gentamicin during iron starvation
Authors: Chareyre Sylvia , Barras Frédéric , Mandin Pierre
Published: October 2018

Phenotypic resistance describes a bacterial population that becomes transiently resistant to an antibiotic without requiring a genetic change. We here investigated the role of the small regulatory RNA (sRNA) RyhB, a key contributor to iron homeostasis, in the phenotypic resistance ofEscherichia colito various classes of antibiotics. We found that RyhB induces resistance to gentamicin, an aminoglycoside that targets the ribosome, when iron is scarce. RyhB induced resistance is due to the inhibition of respiratory complexes Nuo and Sdh activities. These complexes, which contain numerous Fe-S clusters, are crucial for generating a proton motive force (pmf) that allows gentamicin uptake. RyhB directly represses the expression ofnuoandsdhoperons by binding to their mRNAs, thereby inhibiting their translation. Indirectly, RyhB also inhibits the maturation of Nuo and Sdh by repressing synthesis of the Isc Fe-S biogenesis machinery. Notably, our study identifiesnuoas a new direct RyhB target and shows that respiratory complexes activity levels are predictive of the bacterial sensitivity to gentamicin. Altogether, these results unveil a new role for RyhB in the adaptation to antibiotic stress, an unprecedented consequences of its role in iron starvation stress response.

AUTHOR’S SUMMARY

Understanding the mechanisms at work behind bacterial antibiotic resistance has become a major health issue in the face of the antibiotics crisis. Here, we show that RyhB, a bacterial small regulatory RNA, induces resistance ofEscherichia colito the antibiotic gentamicin when iron is scarce, an environmental situation prevalent during host-pathogen interactions. This resistance is due to RyhB repression of the synthesis and post-translational maturation of the respiratory complexes Nuo and Sdh. These complexes are crucial in producing the proton motive force that allows uptake of the antibiotics in the cell. Altogether, these data point out to a major role for RyhB in escaping antibacterial action.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals novel cell differentiation dynamics during human airway epithelium regeneration
Authors: Garcia Sandra Ruiz , Deprez Marie , Lebrigand Kevin , Paquet Agnès , Cavard Amélie , Arguel Marie-Jeanne , Magnone Virginie , Caballero Ignacio , Leroy Sylvie , Marquette Charles-Hugo , Marcet Brice , Barbry Pascal , Zaragosi Laure-Emmanuelle
Published: October 2018

Background

It is usually considered that the upper airway epithelium is composed of multiciliated, goblet, secretory and basal cells, which collectively constitute an efficient first line of defense against inhalation of noxious substances. Upon injury, regeneration of this epithelium through proliferation and differentiation can restore a proper mucociliary function. However, in chronic airway diseases, the injured epithelium frequently displays defective repair leading to tissue remodeling, characterized by a loss of multiciliated cells and mucus hyper-secretion. Delineating drivers of differentiation dynamics and cell fate in the human airway epithelium is important to preserve homeostasis.

Results

We have used single cell transcriptomics to characterize the sequence of cellular and molecular processes taking place during human airway epithelium regeneration. We have characterized airway subpopulations with high resolution and lineage inference algorithms have unraveled cell trajectories from basal to luminal cells, providing markers for specific cell populations, such as deuterosomal cells, i.e. precursors of multiciliated cells. We report that goblet cells, like secretory cells, can act as precursors of multiciliated cells. Our study provides a repertoire of molecules involved in key steps of the regeneration process, either keratins or components of the Notch, Wnt or BMP/TGFβ signaling pathways. Our findings were confirmed in independent experiments performed on fresh human and pig airway samples, and on mouse tracheal epithelial cells.

Conclusions

Our single-cell RNA-seq study provides novel insights about airway epithelium differentiation dynamics, clarifies cell trajectories between secretory, goblet and multiciliated cells, identifies novel cell subpopulations, and maps the activation and repression of key signaling pathways.
A Machine Learning Approach to Map Tropical Selective Logging
Authors: Hethcoat MG , Edwards DP , Carreiras JMB , Bryant RG , França FM , Quegan S
Published: October 2018

Hundreds of millions of hectares of tropical forest have been selectively logged, either legally or illegally. Methods for detecting and monitoring tropical selective logging using satellite data are at an early stage, with current methods only able to detect more intensive timber harvest (>20 m3 ha−1). The spatial resolution of widely available datasets, like Landsat, have previously been considered too coarse to measure the subtle changes in forests associated with less intensive selective logging, yet most present-day logging is at low intensity. We utilized a detailed selective logging dataset from over 11,000 ha of forest in Rondônia, southern Brazilian Amazon, to develop a Random Forest machine-learning algorithm for detecting low-intensity selective logging (< 15 m3 ha−1). We show that Landsat imagery acquired before the cessation of logging activities (i.e. the final cloud-free image of the dry season during logging) was better at detecting selective logging than imagery acquired at the start of the following dry season (i.e. the first cloud-free image of the next dry season). Within our study area the detection rate of logged pixels was approximately 90% (with roughly 20% commission and 8% omission error rates) and approximately 40% of the area inside low-intensity selective logging tracts were labelled as logged. Application of the algorithm to 6152 ha of selectively logged forest at a second site in Pará, northeast Brazilian Amazon, resulted in the detection of 2316 ha (38%) of selective logging (with 20% commission and 7% omission error rates). This suggests that our method can detect low-intensity selective logging across large areas of the Amazon. It is thus an important step forward in developing systems for detecting selective logging pan-tropically with freely available data sets, and has key implications for monitoring logging and implementing carbon-based payments for ecosystem service schemes.
Anteroposterior patterning of the zebrafish ear through Fgf- and Hh-dependent regulation ofhmx3aexpression
Authors: Hartwell Ryan D. , England Samantha J. , Monk Nicholas A. M. , van Hateren Nicholas J. , Baxendale Sarah , Marzo Mar , Lewis Katharine E. , Whitfield Tanya T.
Published: October 2018

In the zebrafish, Fgf and Hh signalling assign anterior and posterior identity, respectively, to the poles of the developing ear. Mis-expression offgf3or inhibition of Hh signalling results in double-anterior ears, including ectopic expression ofhmx3a. To understand how this double-anterior pattern is established, we characterised transcriptional responses in Fgf gain-of-signalling or Hh loss-of-signalling backgrounds. Mis-expression offgf3resulted in rapid expansion of anterior otic markers, refining over time to give the duplicated pattern. Response to Hh inhibition was very different: initial anteroposterior asymmetry was retained, with de novo duplicate expression domains appearing later. We show that Hmx3a is required for normal anterior otic patterning, but neither loss nor gain ofhmx3afunction was sufficient to generate ear duplications. Using our data to infer a transcriptional regulatory network required for acquisition of otic anterior identity, we can recapitulate both the wild-type and the double-anterior pattern in a mathematical model.
Connecting the Microenvironmental Niche to Treatment Response in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Strobl Maximilian , Wicker Matthew , Adhikarla Vikram , Shockey W. Andrew , Lakatos Eszter , Pooladvand Pantea , Schenk Ryan , Saputro Linggih , Gatenbee Chandler , Koppens Martijn , García Salvador Cruz , Wenham Robert , Damaghi Mehdi , Gallaher Jill A.
Published: October 2018

Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of all gynecologic cancers, which may be attributed to an often late stage diagnosis, when the cancer is already metastatic, and rapid development of treatment resistance. We propose that the metastatic disease could be better characterized by observing interactions within the microenvironmental niche of the primary site that shapes the tumor’s early phenotypic progression. We present a mechanistic mathematical model of ovarian cancer that considers spatial interactions between tumor cells and several key stromal components. We demonstrate how spatial biomarker imaging data from the primary tumor can be analyzed to define a patient-specific microenvironment in the mathematical model. We then show preliminary results, using this model, that demonstrate how differences in the niche composition of a tumor affects phenotypic evolution and treatment response.
A Novel analog approach for fast evaluation of affinity between ligand and receptor in scaled up molecular models
Authors: Tavousi Pouya , Shahbazmohamadi Sina
Published: October 2018

Rational structure based drug design aims at identifying ligand molecules that bind to the active site of a target molecule with high affinity (low binding free energy), to promote or inhibit certain biofunctions. Thus, it is absolutely essential that one can evaluate such affinity for the predicted molecular complexes in order to design drugs effectively. A key observation is that, binding affinity is proportional to the geometric fit between the two molecules. Having a way to assess the quality of the fit enables one to rank the quality of potential drug solutions. Other than experimental methods that are associated with excessive time, labor and cost, several in silico methods have been developed in this regard. However, a main challenge of any computation-based method is that, no matter how efficient the technique is, the trade-off between accuracy and speed is inevitable. Therefore, given today’s existing computational power, one or both is often compromised. In this paper, we propose a novel analog approach, to address the aforementioned limitation of computation-based algorithms by simply taking advantage of Kirchhoff’s circuit laws. Ligand and receptor are represented with 3D printed molecular models that account for the flexibility of the ligand. Upon the contact between the ligand and the receptor, an electrical current will be produced that is proportional to the number of representative contact points between the two scaled up molecular models. The affinity between the two molecules is then assessed by identifying the number of representative contact points obtainable from the measured total electrical current. The simple yet accurate proposed technique, in combination with our previously developed model, Assemble-And-Match, can be a breakthrough in development of tools for drug design. Furthermore, the proposed technique can be more broadly practiced in any application that involves assessing the quality of geometric match between two physical objects.
The impact of human activities on Australian wildlife
Authors: Taylor-Brown Alyce , Booth Rosie , Gillett Amber , Mealy Erica , Ogbourne Steven , Polkinghorne Adam , Conroy Gabriel C.
Published: October 2018

Increasing human population size and the concomitant expansion of urbanisation significantly impact natural ecosystems and native fauna globally. Successful conservation management relies on precise information on the factors associated with wildlife population decline, which are challenging to acquire from natural populations. Wildlife Rehabilitation Centres (WRC) provide a rich source of this information. However, few researchers have conducted large-scale longitudinal studies, with most focussing on narrow taxonomic ranges, suggesting that WRC-associated data remains an underutilised resource, and may provide a fuller understanding of the anthropogenic threats facing native fauna.

We analysed admissions and outcomes data from a WRC in Queensland, Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, to determine the major factors driving admissions and morbidity of native animals in a region experiencing rapid and prolonged urban expansion.

We studied 31,626 admissions of 83 different species of native birds, reptiles, amphibians, marsupials and eutherian mammals from 2006 to 2017. While marsupial admissions were highest (41.3%), admissions increased over time for all species and exhibited seasonal variation (highest in Spring to Summer), consistent with known breeding seasons.

Causes for admission typically associated with human influenced activities were dominant and exhibited the highest mortality rates. Car strikes were the most common reason for admission (34.7%), with dog attacks (9.2%), entanglements (7.2%), and cat attacks (5.3% also high. Admissions of orphaned young and overt signs of disease were significant at 24.6% and 9.7%, respectively. Mortality rates were highest following dog attacks (72.7%) and car strikes (69.1%) and lowest in orphaned animals (22.1%).

Our results show that WRC databases offer rich opportunities for wildlife monitoring and provide quantification of the negative impacts of human activities on ecosystem stability and wildlife health. The imminent need for urgent, proactive conservation management to ameliorate the negative impacts of human activities on wildlife is clearly evident from our results.
Rapid clearing of biological organs by using phosphoric acid, a hydrophilic solution with high refractive index
Authors: Umezawa Masakazu , Haruguchi Shinsuke , Fukushima Rihito , Sekiyama Shota , Kamimura Masao , Soga Kohei
Published: October 2018

Tissue clearing is a fundamental challenge in biology and medicine to achieve high-resolution optical imaging of tissues deep inside intact organs. The clearing methods, reported up to now, require long incubation time or physical/electrical pressure to achieve tissue clearing, which is done by matching the refractive indices of the whole sample and medium to that of the lipid layer. Here we show that phosphoric acid increases the refractive index of the medium and can increase the transparency of formalin-fixed tissue samples rapidly. Immersion of fixed tissues of mice in phosphoric acid solutions increased their transparency within 60 min in the case of 3-mm-thick fixed tissue specimens. While phosphoric acid suppresses bright signals on the boundary of cells in their phase-contrast images, it does not damage the morphology of cell membrane with phospholipid bilayer. The protocol presented herein may contribute to develop better and faster soaking methods for tissue clearing than previously reported protocols.

Highlights

▪ Phosphoric acid can reduce light scattering by tissue samples.

▪ Tissue clearing effect of phosphoric acid is fast and needs only 60-min incubation.

▪ Cell membrane was preserved during incubation using phosphoric acid.
Determination of chemical ordering in the complex perovskite Pb(Cd1/3Nb2/3)O3
Authors: Wang Caiyan , Fu Zhengqian , Zhang Nan , Paściak Marek , Zhuang Jian , Liu Zenghui , Ren Wei , Ye Zuo-guang
Published: October 2018

Pure-phase Pb(Cd1/3Nb2/3)O3 (PCN) single crystals and ceramics with a complex perovskite structure are synthesized for the first time. The local chemical ordering in PCN has been investigated by X-ray diffraction (including diffuse scattering) and Cs-corrected transmission electron microscopy experiments. It is concluded that the PCN samples have large coherent chemical ordering regions that even extend to the long range, and the ordering model is consistent with β-type chemical ordered regions. The antiphase domain boundaries were also observed. Two dielectric anomaly peaks were found in these two types of samples, one of which indicates possible relaxor behaviour. The novel structure of the completely ordered regions and its relationship with the electrical properties make PCN a unique material for the fundamental understanding of chemically substituted perovskites.
Synthesis and characterization of hybrid Anderson hexamolybdoaluminates(III) functionalized with indometacin or cinnamic acid
Authors: Gumerova Nadiia I. , Blazevic Amir , Caldera Fraile Tania , Roller Alexander , Giester Gerald , Rompel Annette
Published: October 2018

The single-side Al-centred tris-functionalized hybrid organic–inorganic Anderson polyoxomolybdates (C16H36N)3[Al(OH)3Mo6O18(OCH2)3CNH(C10H8O)]·C9H7N·4CH3OH·5H2O (AlMo6-NH-Cin; Cin is cinnamic acid, C10H9O2) and (C16H36N)3[Al(OH)3Mo6O18(OCH2)3CNH(C19H15ClNO3)]·9H2O (AlMo6-NH-Indo; Indo is indometacin, C19H16ClNO4) have been prepared in a mild three-step synthesis and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction,1H NMR and IR spectroscopies and elemental analysis. BothAlMo6-NH-CinandAlMo6-NH-Indocrystallize in the orthorhombic space groupPbca. The antibacterial activities ofAlMo6-NH-CinandAlMo6-NH-Indoagainst the Gram-negative human mucosal pathogenMoraxella catarrhaliswere investigated by determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration, which is 32 µg ml−1forAlMo6-NH-Cinand 256 µg ml−1forAlMo6-NH-Indo.
Structures and energetic properties of 4-halobenzamides
Authors: Piontek Aleksandra , Bisz Elwira , Dziuk Błażej , Szostak Roman , Szostak Michal
Published: October 2018

The amide bond represents one of the most fundamental functional groups in chemistry. The properties of amides are defined by amidic resonance (nN→π*C=O conjugation), which enforces planarity of the six atoms comprising the amide bond. Despite the importance of 4-halo-substituted benzamides in organic synthesis, molecular interactions and medicinal chemistry, the effect of 4-halo-substitution on the properties of the amide bond in N,N-disubstituted benzamides has not been studied. Herein, we report the crystal structures and energetic properties of a full series of 4-halobenzamides. The structures of four 4-halobenzamides (halo = iodo, bromo, chloro and fluoro) in the N-morpholinyl series have been determined, namely 4-[(4-halophenyl)carbonyl]morpholine, C11H12
XNO2, for halo = iodo (X = I), bromo (X = Br), chloro (X = Cl) and fluoro (X = F). Computations have been used to determine the effect of halogen substitution on the structures and resonance energies. 4-Iodo-N-morpholinylbenzamide crystallized with a significant distortion of the amide bond (τ + χN = 33°). The present study supports the correlation between the Ar—C(O) axis twist angle and the twist angle of the amide N—C(O) bond. Comparison of resonance energies in synthetically valuable N-morpholinyl and N-piperidinyl amides demonstrates that the O atom of the morpholinyl ring has a negligible effect on amidic resonance in the series.
Does gamified elements influence on user’s intention to adopt and intention to recommend internet banking?
Authors: Rahi Samar , Abd. Ghani Mazuri
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Understanding the main determinants of internet banking is important for banks and users. Although several prior research projects have focused on the factors that impact on adoption of technology, there is a limited empirical work which simultaneously captures technology-specific factors (PE, EE, WD, GAM) and customer-specific factors (GSC, INTRC) that help customers to adopt internet banking. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to verify how these factors influence individual behavior and motivate them to adopt new technology. The authors advance the body of knowledge on this subject by proposing moderating relationship of gamification between user’s intention to adopt and intention to recommend internet banking in social network.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the model the authors developed a quantitative study involving 398 internet users from five commercial banks. Data were collected in four weeks beginning of September 2017 from three large cities of Pakistan using convenience sampling approach. The theoretical model was tested using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The results indicate that intention to adopt internet banking is positively affected by performance expectancy, effort expectancy, website design, website characteristics and general self-confidence. Findings of SEM showed that approximately 72 percent of the variance in customer’s intention to adopt internet banking was accounted by predictors. Moderating effect of gamification suggested that the positive relationship between customer’s intention to adopt and customer’s intention to recommend internet banking will be stronger when gamification is higher. Importance performance matrix analysis (IPMA) suggested that among all other variables general self-confidence is the most important construct as it has the highest importance value in IPMA.

Practical implications

This study provides insightful guideline to practitioners, web designers and marketing professional that they should focus on both technology perspective and customer-specific factors to boost the confidence of internet banking users, while for researchers this study provides a basis for further development of technology adoption models in e-commerce domain.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge by adding game elements in technology perspective model and augments the e-commerce literature in the internet banking adoption context. To the date, this study is the first in its nature that investigates both technology-specific factors and customer-specific factors altogether to see the users influence toward technology adoption.
Effect of ageing on lubricants’ physical and chemical properties and tribological performance
Authors: Cen Hui , Morina Ardian , Neville Anne
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of water contamination on ageing of lubricants.

Design/methodology/approach

The viscosity, total acid number and Fourier transform infrared spectrum of a series of lubricants after ageing with water were studied. The tribological performance (friction and wear) of the aged lubricants was also analyzed, followed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis on the selected post test samples to study the tribochemical features of the tribofilm.

Findings

The results were also compared with Part I of this study, and it was found that ageing has a different impact on lubricants and tribological performances based on the physical and chemical properties when water is present in the lubricants.

Originality/value

This paper is a continuation of Part I of this study and gives an understanding on the impact of water on the lubricants and related tribological and tribochemical performance.
The impact of effectuation on small firm buying decisions
Authors: McGowan Phillip
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the effect of effectuation logic on the buying intentions of small firm owner-managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature relating to organisational buying, marketing and personal selling and entrepreneurial decision making was synthesised.

Findings

This paper presents a conceptual model based on propositions relating to how effectuation logic may explain the predilection of small firm owner-managers to select trusted suppliers from within personal and business networks, and to engage on flexible terms. It suggests that supplier relationship decisions made using effectuation logic may enable wider choice of suppliers than the formal processes of large firms.

Research limitations/implications

The findings were developed from a narrative review of literature and are yet to be empirically tested.

Originality/value

By synthesising research findings on small firm buyer behaviour, the IMP interaction approach and effectuation, it has been possible to develop a predictive model representing buyer–seller relationships in the context of small firms which suggests that owner-managers select suppliers in line with the principles of effectuation means and effectuation affordable loss.
We can help, but there’s a catch
Authors: Siliunas Andreja , Small Mario L. , Wallerstein Joseph
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Today, low-income people seeking resources from the federal government must often work through non-profit organizations. The purpose of this paper is to examine the constraints that the poor must face today to secure resources through non-profit organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper. The authors review cases of non-profit organizations providing federally supported resources to the poor across multiple sectors.

Findings

The authors find that to accept government contracts serving the poor, nonprofit organizations must often engage in one or several practices: reject clients normally consistent with their mission, select clients based on likely outcomes, ignore problems in clients’ lives relevant to their predicament, or undermine client progress to manage funding requirements. To secure government-supported resources from nonprofits, the poor must often acquiesce to intrusions into one or more of the following: their privacy (disclosing sensitive information), their self-protection (renouncing legal rights), their identity (avowing a particular self-understanding) or their self-mastery (relinquishing authority over daily routines).

Originality/value

The authors show that the nonprofits’ dual role as brokers, both liaisons transferring resources and representatives of the state, can complicate their relation to their clients and the predicament of the poor themselves; the authors suggest that two larger trends, toward increasing administrative accountability and demonstrating deservingness, are having both intended and unintended consequences for the ability of low-income individuals to gain access to publicly funded resources.
Dining alone? Solo consumers’ self-esteem and incidental similarity
Authors: Shin Joongwon , Hwang Yoohee , Mattila Anna S.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Though social trends are driving consumers toward solo consumption of various services, many are reluctant to do so. There is little guidance for service providers as to how to effectively induce solo consumption. This study aims to examine the joint effect of self-esteem and an incidental similarity cue (e.g. a person’s initials) on anticipated satisfaction with with a solo consumption experience to fill this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a two-factor (incidental similarity cue and self-esteem) quasi-experimental design to test the hypotheses. The respondents read a scenario depicting a solo service consumption experience and completed scales that measured perceived fit with the service context and anticipated satisfaction with the experience.

Findings

Results indicate that, in the absence of an incidental similarity cue, self-esteem has a positive effect on solo consumers’ perceived fit. In the presence of such a cue, however, self-esteem has a minimal impact on perceived fit. Furthermore, perceived fit mediates the effect of self-esteem on anticipated satisfaction when the cue is absent.

Originality/value

The authors’ findings suggest that promoting incidental similarities with consumers may not be an efficient strategy to attract solo consumers. Conversely, service providers wishing to induce solo consumption may benefit from situationally increasing self-esteem among potential solo consumers. The current research advances the authors’ understanding of the effect of an incidental similarity cue and self-esteem in the context of a growing social trend of solo consumption.
Social advertisements for public health and epidemic dynamics
Authors: Casais Beatriz , Proença João F.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine health-related social advertisements to identify its use and evaluate its appropriateness to situational needs, such as epidemic dynamics and the context where it is implemented. The paper also discusses the barriers that policymakers face in creating these linkages.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 375 national HIV/AIDS prevention television advertisements from France, Germany, Portugal and Italy were viewed and analyzed over time of production, exploring the sources, the target audiences and the messages delivered. This paper compares management choices with HIV epidemics in each country and their contextual profiles.

Findings

The findings of this paper indicate that social advertising concerned with HIV/AIDS prevention is commonly framed within public policies and does not usually target the most vulnerable and affected populations. Furthermore, social ads are reactive to epidemic dynamics. The existence of trade-offs between putting forward theoretical marketing recommendations and taking account of contextual fracturing issues or increasing stigma and discrimination are also considered.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is useful for public sector management because of the importance of evaluating the investments done to improve future strategies. The discussion about restrictions and concerns for policy-makers is important to improve management decisions.

Originality/value

This paper suggests the adoption of proactive public policies and proposes strategies to overcome the restrictions or concerns faced by policy-makers.
Evaluation and quality assessment of defatted microalgae meal of Chlorella as an alternative food ingredient in cookies
Authors: Sahni Prashant , Sharma Savita , Singh Baljit
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Meal left after extraction of microalgae functional compounds is not finding its application in food. Hence, present study was aimed for the development of the cookies supplemented with meal of microalgaeChlorella sp. (Abca-17) obtained after solvent extraction of chlorophyll.

Design/methodology/approach

Cookies were prepared by substituting refined wheat flour (RWF) with microalgae meal (MM) at incorporation levels of 3, 6, 9 and 12 per cent. The effect of replacement of RWF with MM was analyzed on the pasting properties of the flour blends and physical, chemical, sensory and textural characteristics of the cookies.

Findings

MM exhibited high water and oil absorption capacity of 0.8 g/g and 1.2 g/g, respectively. Weight and thickness of the cookies increased, whereas the diameter, spread ratio and spread factor decreased with the increased proportion of meal in flour blends. The moisture and ash content (0.8-2.0 per cent) of the cookies increased, whereas fat content showed no pronounced variation. Sensory evaluation of cookies revealed no significant difference at 6 per cent level of incorporation and further supplementation resulted in dark colour and increased hardness. Texture profile analysis of cookies also revealed that the peak positive force for breaking the cookies increased (3115.6-7372.1 N) with increase in the level of incorporation of meal.

Practical implications

MM can be used in the development of the cookies at level of incorporation of 6 per cent and presents novice approach for utilization of bioprocessing waste.

Originality/value

The present study is a pioneer effort in demonstration of utilization of MM as alternate food ingredient. MM ofChlorella sp. (Abca-17) was characterized as food ingredient using physicochemical analysis and model food system using cookies.
Portuguese tourism: How to share success?
Authors: Costa Jorge , Carvalho Silva , Rodrigues Daniela
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draws on the main conclusions of an International Tourism Forum Round Table discussion, attended by representatives of the main entities of the tourism sector in Portugal as well as international travel and tourism specialists. The authors identify the importance of making travel and tourism growth sustainable and discuss how success approaches can be shared more widely.

Design/methodology/approach

The main conclusions resulting from the International Tourism Forum Round Table are presented and discussed. The event was organised by the Institute for Tourism Planning and Development (IPDT), with Sponsorship support from the Solverde Group, under the theme: “Tourism in 2018: How to Share Tourism Success”.

Findings

Participants in the International Tourism Forum Round Table concluded that the tourism industry worldwide and in Portugal in particular, is facing major challenges that calls for innovative ways of managing the tourist experience. Several questions regarding tourism have been discussed, including desertification in some inland cities and villages.

Originality/value

This paper provides knowledge about the current state of Portuguese tourism, its challenges and opportunities and identifies innovative ways and likely solutions for drawing tourists to other regions of the country – beyond the major cities.
The IPPR Commission on Economic Justice: the Strategy for Labour Market Reform
Authors: Rubery Jill
Published: October 2018

If justice and prosperity are to go hand in hand, a new social settlement in the labour market is urgently needed. The IPPR proposals provide a good start that could begin to transform the UK labour market, particularly by re‐establishing collective regulation. However, the programme is incomplete. Welfare reform is not addressed yet Universal Credit can be expected to have negative impacts on the labour market. Most importantly the report, despite offering some useful measures for gender equality, does not seize the political moment, as concerns rise over job displacement, to argue for shorter working time that could help to transform the gender division of paid and unpaid work.
‘Breaking Barriers, Breaking Bread’: Pilot study to evaluate acceptability of a school breakfast program utilising donated food
Authors: Deavin Natika , McMahon Anne‐Therese , Walton Karen , Charlton Karen
Published: October 2018

Aim

One in seven Australian schoolchildren do not consume breakfast. School‐based breakfast programs assist at‐risk children to meet their nutritional requirements and provide cognitive and behavioural benefits, but may result in significant food costs and waste. The present study aimed to explore acceptability and perceived benefits of a novel free primary school‐based breakfast program utilising donated food.

Methods

Process evaluation included quantification of amount of food donated, number of meals provided and nutritional analysis of some of the meal items. Impact evaluation was based on thematic analysis of focus groups held with students, parents and teachers to explore their perspectives about the program. Breakfast diaries and hunger rating visual analogue scales were used to evaluate students’ breakfast habits at home over five consecutive days.

Results

The program saved 14.4 t of food from landfill through conversion into 44 000 meals. One‐fifth of children interviewed arrived at school without having breakfast at least once per week while one‐third of students reported being hungry on arrival at school. Benefits of participation in the program included increased willingness to attend school, improved alertness and behaviour, as well as creation of an equitable, supportive environment beneficial for low income or food insecure families.

Conclusions

This novel breakfast program based on donated food was widely accepted by students, teachers and parents, providing benefits beyond the mere provision of food. It provides a model for school‐based interventions to combine breakfast programs with sustainable food production approaches.