bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unloxing the assembly and activation mechanism of Cre recombinase using Cryo-EM
Authors: Stachowski Kye , Norris Andrew , Potter Devante , Wysocki Vicki , Foster Mark P.
Published: August 2021

Mechanistic understanding of the structural basis for DNA recombination in the Cre-loxP system has largely been guided by crystallographic structures of tetrameric synaptic complexes (intasomes). These structural and biochemical studies have suggested that conformational changes and DNA bending in presynaptic complexes underlie site-selection and activation mechanisms of Cre recombinase. Here we used protein engineering and various DNA substrates to isolate the Cre-loxP (54 kDa), Cre2-loxP (110 kDa), and Cre4-loxP2 assembly intermediates, and determined their structures using cryo-EM to resolutions of 3.9 Å, 4.5 Å, and 3.2 Å, respectively. Progressive DNA bending along the assembly pathway enables formation of increasingly intimate protein-protein interfaces. Insufficient stabilization of important protein motifs observed during the assembly process provides a compelling explanation for the observed half-the-sites activity, and preferential bottom strand cleavage of loxP sequences. We found that selection of loxP sites is largely dependent on Cre’s ability to bend and stabilize the spacer region between two recombinase binding elements. Application of 3D variability analysis to the tetramer data reveals a propensity for motion along the pathway between protomer activation and Holliday junction isomerization. These findings help us to better understand loxP site specificity, controlled activation of alternating protomers, the basis for the observed bias of strand cleavage order, and the importance of conformational sampling, especially with regards to site-selection and activity among Cre variants. Furthermore, our findings provide invaluable information for the rational development of designer, site-specific recombinases for use as gene editing technologies.

Highlights

Cryo-EM structures of Cre-loxP assembly intermediates (monomer, dimer, and tetramer) provide insights into mechanisms of site recognition, half-the-sites activity, strand cleavage order, and concerted strand cleavage

Selectivity of loxP sites arises from few base-specific contacts made by each protomer and is mainly driven by formation of phosphate contacts and DNA deformations that are maximal in the fully assembled “active” tetramer

Cis and trans interactions of the β2-3 loop (i) define which sites are “active” and (ii) ensure half-the-sites activity

Protein flexibility plays a central role in enabling DNA sequence scanning, recruitment of a second protein to form a dimer, synapsis, control of activity, as well as subsequent recombination steps

Conformational sampling within the tetrameric complex was uncovered using 3D variability analysis and revealed the importance of protein-protein interfaces for site- selection and activation of Cre-loxP complexes
fHow ATP and dATP act as molecular switches to regulate enzymatic activity in the prototypic bacterial class Ia ribonucleotide reductase
Authors: Funk Michael A. , Zimanyi Christina M. , Andree Gisele A. , Hamilos Allison E. , Drennan Catherine L.
Published: August 2021

Class Ia ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) are subject to allosteric regulation to maintain the appropriate deoxyribonucleotide levels for accurate DNA biosynthesis and repair. RNR activity requires a precise alignment of its α2 and β2 subunits such that a catalytically-essential radical species is transferred from β2 to α2. In E. coli, when too many deoxyribonucleotides are produced, dATP binding to RNR generates an inactive α4β4 state in which β2 and α2 are separated, preventing radical transfer. ATP binding breaks the α−β interface, freeing β2 and restoring activity. Here we investigate the molecular basis for allosteric activity regulation in the prototypic E. coli class Ia RNR. Through the determination of six crystal structures we are able to establish how dATP binding creates a binding pocket for β on α that traps β2 in the inactive α4β4 state. These structural snapshots also reveal the numerous ATP-induced conformational rearrangements that are responsible for freeing β2. We further discover, and validate through binding and mutagenesis studies, a previously unknown nucleotide binding site on the α subunit that is crucial for the ability of ATP to dismantle the inactive α4β4 state. These findings have implications for the design of allosteric inhibitors for bacterial RNRs.
‘I don’t feel like I’m learning how to be a doctor’: early insights regarding the impact of Covid-19 on UK medical student professional identity
Authors: Harvey Anna , Brown Megan E L , Byrne Matthew H V , Alexander Laith , Wan Jonathan C M , Ashcroft James , Schindler Nicholas , Brassett Cecilia
Published: August 2021

Phenomenon

Professional identity development is recognised as a core goal of medical education alongside knowledge and skill acquisition. Identity is a complex entity that can be conceptualised as externally influenced, but individually constructed. Integration from legitimate bystander to ‘old timer’ of the medical community of practice provides a backdrop for individual negotiation of professional identity. During Covid-19, the medical community of practice and education experienced significant disruption. We sought to investigate how these disruptions impacted professional identity development by examining conflicts between students’ identities highlighted by the pressures of the pandemic.

Approach

A mixed-methods survey was distributed to medical students in the UK. The survey was active from 2nd May to 15th June 2020, during the height of the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK. Operating within the paradigm of constructivism, we conducted a reflexive thematic analysis of qualitative responses. Analysis was focused around the disruption to medical education, actions taken by medical students during this disruption, and the tension between student actions where they existed in conflict.

Findings

Three themes were constructed to describe the identities that participants felt were in conflict during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic: Status and role as a future doctor; status and role as a student; and status and role as a member of the wider community. Students noted that lack of clinical exposure was detrimental to their education, implicitly recognising that many aspects of professional identity formation are forged in the clinical environment. Participants were keen to volunteer clinically but struggled to balance this with academic work. Participants worried about the risk to their families and the wider community, and wanted to ensure that their skills would add value to the clinical environment. Volunteers felt frustrated when they were unable to perform tasks which aligned with their identities as future doctors, with the exception of participants who worked as interim FY1s (FiY1s), which aligned well with the roles of FY1s.

Insights

As hypothesised, the participants in this study experienced disruptions to their professional identity development during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. This work provides early evidence, collected at the beginning of the pandemic, that the effects of disruptions to professional identity development were wide-reaching, often negative, and represent an important topic for future exploration. Given that the pandemic has highlighted areas of identity tension, these findings have the potential to provide insight into how medical training can better nurture professional identity development during and beyond international crises.
Disturbance rejection control of airborne radar stabilized platform based on active disturbance rejection control inverse estimation algorithm
Authors: Mei Dong , Yu Zhu-Qing
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to study a disturbance rejection controller to improve the anti-interference capability and the position tracking performance of airborne radar stabilized platform that ensures the stability and clarity of synthetic aperture radar imaging.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a disturbance rejection control scheme for an airborne radar stabilized platform based on the active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) inverse estimation algorithm. Exploiting the extended state observer (ESO) characteristic, an inversely ESO is developed to inverse estimate the unmodeled state and extended state of the platform system known as total disturbances, which greatly improves the estimation performance of the disturbance. Then, based on the inverse ESO result, feedback the difference between the output of the tracking differentiator and the inverse ESO result to the nonlinear state error feedback controller (NLSEF) to eliminate the effects of total disturbance and ensure the stability of the airborne radar stabilized platform.

Findings

Simulation experiments are adopted to compare the performance of the ADRC inverse estimation algorithm with that of the proportional integral derivative controller which is one of the mostly applied control schemes in platform systems. In addition, classical ADRC is compared as well. The results have shown that the ADRC inverse estimation algorithm has a better disturbance rejection performance when disturbance acts in airborne radar stabilized platform, especially disturbed by continuous airflow under some harsh air conditions.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is exploiting the ESO characteristic to develop an inverse ESO, which greatly improves the estimation performance of the disturbance. And the ADRC inverse estimation algorithm is applied to ameliorate the anti-interference ability of the airborne radar stabilization platform, especially the ability to suppress continuous interference under complex air conditions.
Minimizing deviations of car sequencing in a JIT production painting line
Authors: Denizhan Berrin , Özçelik Salih , Havuç Tuğba
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The first in first out (FIFO) rule is an indispensable rule in the automotive industry. However, during production, the order of coming to welding operation and exiting through the painting operation is broken. Consequently, the rule of FIFO also gets broken. The purpose of this paper is to eliminate the deviations of the automotive painting process in a just in time (JIT) environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper has been solved using observations and expert’s opinions and recorded data in the real problem area. Bypass technique and express line have been used as a real problem for the minimization of these deviations. The current process and the bypass process have been compared with simulation optimization.

Findings

This paper provides analytical insights about how to prevent delays during the JIT production painting process. Delays have been prevented by using the bypass technique and express line together. The number of delays reduced with an improvement of 129. The ratio of effect (for four months) has been founded to be 0.12. The output rate has been increased from 80% to 89%.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focused on the number of vehicles in the cooling area of the painting process in the study; there may occur bottleneck processes or products. It does not contain station-based bottleneck processes.

Practical implications

From the real-case problem, one will see that the bypass technique and the express line can be applied and generalized to many similar problems and help companies conduct their assembly lines more efficiently.

Originality/value

This paper is the only example that has been used to bypass technique and express line together on the paint/cooling process in a JIT production system.
Integrating critical chain project management with last planner system for linear scheduling of modular construction
Authors: Salama Tarek , Salah Ahmad , Moselhi Osama
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new method for project tracking and control of integrated offsite and onsite activities in modular construction considering practical characteristics associated with this type of construction.

Design/methodology/approach

The design embraces building information modelling and integrates last planner system (LPS), linear scheduling method (LSM) and critical chain project management (CCPM) to develop tracking and control procedures for modular construction projects. The developed method accounts for constraints of resources continuity and uncertainties associated with activity duration. Features of proposed method are illustrated in a case example for tracking and control of modular projects.

Findings

Comparison between developed schedule and Monte Carlo simulation showed that baseline duration generated from simulation exceeds that produced by developed method by 12% and 10% for schedules with 50% and 90% confidence level, respectively. These percentages decrease based on interventions of members of project team in the LPS sessions. The case example results indicate that project is delayed 5% and experienced cost overrun of 2.5%.

Originality/value

Developed method integrated LPS, LSM and CCPM while using metrics for reliability assessment of linear schedules, namely, critical percent plan complete (PPCcr) and buffer index (BI). PPCcr and BI measure percentage of plan completion for critical activities and buffer consumption, respectively. The developed method provides a systematic procedure for forecasting look-ahead schedules using forecasting correction factor Δt and a newly developed tracking and control procedure that uses PPCcr and BI. Quantitative cost analysis is also provided to forecast and monitor project costs to prove the robustness of proposed framework.
Design process innovation on brock commons tallwood house
Authors: Poirier Erik , Staub-French Sheryl , Pilon Angelique , Fallahi Azadeh , Teshnizi Zahra , Tannert Thomas , Froese Thomas
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the design process innovations that enabled the successful delivery of a hybrid, mass-timber high-rise building in Canada, the Brock Commons Tallwood House at the University of British Columbia. It is one of a set of papers examining the project, including companion papers that describe innovations used during the mass timber construction process and the impact of these innovations on construction performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method, longitudinal case study approach was used in this research project to investigate and document the Tallwood House project over a three-year period. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques were used. Graduate student researchers were embedded within the project team to observe meetings and decision-making and to conduct periodic interviews.

Findings

The research highlights a case of a balanced triple-helix system that provided a context for the successful “clustering” of product and process innovation, which were developed and implemented to flow throughout the project’s lifecycle and across its supply chain to provide benefits at each stage. Four significant process-based innovations were implemented at the design phase of the building project to support radical product innovation: an integrated design process, virtual design and construction, designing for manufacturing and assembling and a rigorous quality control and quality assurance process. The product innovations developed through these process innovations were the structural system and the prefabricated envelope system. The context of innovation was seen to allow this “clustering,” which is believed to be a key condition of success and enabled the efficient and successful delivery of the project. Generally, the approach was successful; however, some factors including the number of stakeholders and good-faith collaboration may limit the replicability of these strategies.

Originality/value

This paper presents an in-depth investigation into the instantiation of an innovation system, identified as a balanced triple-helix system, which enabled and facilitated the design and decision-making process for a radical product innovation. Moreover, this paper describes the deployment of a “cluster” of process innovations that flowed throughout the project’s lifecycle and across the project supply chain. This was seen as a key factor in ensuring the successful delivery of the project.
A 10-bit 200 MS/s pipelined ADC with parallel sampling and switched op-amp sharing technique
Authors: Sam D.S. Shylu , Paul P. Sam
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In parallel sampling method, the size of the sampling capacitor is reduced to improve the bandwidth of the ADC.

Design/methodology/approach

Various low-power techniques for 10-bit 200MS/s pipelined analog-to-digital converter (ADC) are presented. This work comprises two techniques including parallel sampling and switched op-amp sharing technique.

Findings

This paper aims to study the effect of parallel sampling and switched op-amp sharing techniques on power consumption in pipelined ADC. In switched op-amp sharing technique, the numbers of op-amps used in the stages are reduced. Because of the reduction in the size of capacitors in parallel sampling technique and op-amps in the switched op-amp sharing technique, the power consumption of the proposed pipelined ADC is reduced to a greater extent.

Originality/value

Simulated the 10-bit 200MS/s pipelined ADC with complementary metal oxide semiconductor process and the simulation results shows a maximum differential non-linearity of +0.31/−0.31 LSB and the maximum integral non-linearity (of +0.74/−0.74 LSB with 62.9 dB SFDR, 55.90 dB SNDR and ENOB of 8.99 bits, respectively, for 18mW power consumption with the supply voltage of 1.8 V.
The cultural dimensions in supply chain management research: a state-of-the-art review and research agenda
Authors: EL Baz Jamal , Jebli Fedwa , Cherrafi Anass , Akenroye Temidayo , Iddik Sadia
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This research aims to review how current supply chain management (SCM) research addresses cultural issues, presents a critical assessment of literature and discusses future research avenues.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature is reviewed using systematic literature review, bibliometric citation analysis and content analysis. A total of between 1995 and 2019 in Institute for Scientific Information Web of Science’s database.

Findings

Descriptive data related to chronological evolution of literature, geographical location, influential papers and methodology are presented. Four main research areas were categorized, namely, papers on SC integration and performance; research on continuous improvement and lean initiatives; studies on the role of culture in sustainability, corporate social responsibility and green practices; and studies on emerging topics of research. Most studies focused on organizational culture frameworks, adopted a static approach to culture and targeted mainly developed countries and Asian emerging countries. A research agenda is suggested based on a multilevel cultural framework including operational and SCM culture.

Research limitations/implications

Practitioners and researchers will gain a greater understanding of how cultural issues have been addressed in current literature. A multilevel framework is proposed based on the concept of “operational” and “SCM culture”, to address some of the issues identified in current literature.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first literature reviews that considers both national and organizational culture dimensions in SCM research, whereas prior approaches were fragmented or one-dimensional.
Effect of job situational factors on work outcomes of facilities managers
Authors: Ling Florence Yean Yng , Zhang Zhe , Tay Stephanie Yen Ling
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how the situational factors that facilities managers (FMs) in Singapore face in their jobs affect their work outcomes. Job situation factors such as types of tasks, interpersonal relationships in teams, supervisors’ actions and advancements opportunities are classified into job characteristics, social environment characteristics, leadership and organisational practices categories.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a systematic literature review, a questionnaire was designed to collect data on work outcomes and job situational factors from FMs working in public housing estates in Singapore. Using the Statistical Package for the Social Science software, inferential statistical analyses were carried out.

Findings

FMs reported that they used economical means and resources to carry out their work significantly frequently and achieved significantly high productivity. Complaints are received significantly frequently and maintenance defects are regularly encountered. Many of the job situational factors are present and found to be significantly correlated with work outcomes and some of these may be used to predict FMs’ work outcomes. Based on the correlation results, the frequency of complaints from residents may be reduced through the following ways: make FMs’ work tasks less challenging; reduce the variety of work tasks that FMs need to execute; reduce FMs’ work volume and speed of work.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to FMs managing public housing estates in Singapore. The work outcomes are self-reported, and thus susceptible to bias. However, as the respondents reported significantly frequent complaints and defects, this might indicate that the bias is not serious.

Practical implications

FMs’ jobs should be broken down into small parts/tasks and assigned to different FMs to specialise. This makes FMs’ tasks less challenging, and allows them to specialise to increase their productivity, improve their quality of work and overcome the problem of high work volume or demanding work speed. By adopting job specialisation, the frequency of receiving complaints from residents may be reduced.

Originality/value

This study discovered strategies to reduce the number of complaints from residents of public housing about facilities management. The contribution to knowledge is that complaints by residents on facilities management can be reduced by adopting job specialisation but not job enlargement. Decomposing work into different tasks and allowing FMs to focus on a few tasks would lead to a reduction in complaints. It also enables FMs to master the skill and complete the tasks without much oversight or supervision.
Post-disaster sheltering process after the 2019 floods, in Golestan province, Iran
Authors: Shariat Alavi Mahsa , Fallahi Alireza , Mottaki Zoheir , Aslani Fereshteh
Published: August 2021

Purpose

As a flood-prone region in Iran, Golestan province has encountered various disasters in its history. The last one occurred in March 2019, affected Aq-Qala County and caused irreparable physical, economic, social and environmental problems. The purpose of this study is to investigate the process of providing shelter in emergency, rehabilitation and reconstruction phases after the floods in the villages of Aq-Qala.

Design/methodology/approach

A research method is a hybrid approach. The collection of data involved a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches in addition to reviewing the documented texts in resources to collect the required data using observations, field survey activities, questionnaires and in-depth interviews. From April 2019 to December 2019, nine separate visits have occurred to collect the needed information.

Findings

This paper shows dissatisfaction with providing shelter and attempts to identify the factors which caused the challenges. The findings revealed issues such as hygienic problems in collective camps, lack of thermal resistance in temporary accommodations and rising material prices. These findings lead to a contributive list of suggestions avoiding the recurrence of the harms in the future.

Originality/value

This study proposes solutions and approaches to improve the post-flood settlement process for possible floods in the future such as equipped camps, proper temporary housing, monitoring the reconstruction and the price of the materials. If these approaches are used by authorities and people in similar rural areas, the long-term effects of inadequate post-flood shelter can be reduced.
How reward systems affect team performance in banks: evidence from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region
Authors: Serhan Carole , Salloum Wissam , Abdo Nader
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of reward systems on team performance and analyze how satisfaction with rewards can result in better working performance and cohesiveness in the job environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 32 single members of different teams working in 10 selected banks from the Middle East and North Africa region.

Findings

The analysis from empirical findings reveals that there is a positive link between reward systems and team performance. More particularly, profit sharing has positive effects on team performance and collective bargaining reward systems affect significantly team cohesiveness. These links create an opportunity for employers to use reward systems as a motivating factor to direct team behavior toward more employee retention.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the teamwork performance research stream by empirically studying how rewards improve team performance and cohesiveness in Eastern contexts. Studies in such contexts are relatively rare.
Beneficial and harmful effects of CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonists on chronotropic and inotropic effects related to atrial β‐adrenoceptor activation in humans and in rats with primary hypertension
Authors: Weresa Jolanta , Pędzińska‐Betiuk Anna , Schlicker Eberhard , Hirnle Grzegorz , Mitrosz Maciej , Malinowska Barbara
Published: August 2021

We have previously shown that cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonists, AM251 and AM630, respectively, modulate cardiostimulatory effects of isoprenaline in atria of Wistar rats. The aim of the present study was to examine whether such modulatory effects can also be observed (a) in the human atrium and (b) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). Inotropic effects of isoprenaline and/or CGP12177 (that activate the high‐ and low‐affinity site of β1‐adrenoceptors, respectively) were examined in paced human atrial trabeculae and rat left atria; chronotropic effects were studied in spontaneously beating right rat atria. AM251 modified cardiostimulatory effects more strongly than AM630. Therefore, AM251 (1 μM) enhanced the chronotropic effect of isoprenaline in WKY and SHR as well as inotropic action of isoprenaline in WKY and in human atria. It also increased the inotropic influence of CGP12177 in SHR. AM630 (1 μM) decreased the inotropic effect of isoprenaline and CGP12177 in WKY, but enhanced the isoprenaline‐induced inotropic effect in SHR and human atria. Furthermore, AM251 (0.1 and 3 μM) and AM630 (0.1 μM) reduced the inotropic action of isoprenaline in human atria. In conclusion, cannabinoid receptor antagonists have potentially harmful and beneficial effects through their amplificatory effects on β‐adrenoceptor‐mediated positive chronotropic and inotropic actions, respectively.
Spatially resolved correlative microscopy and microbial identification reveal dynamic depth‐ and mineral‐dependent anabolic activity in salt marsh sediment
Authors: Marlow Jeffrey , Spietz Rachel , Kim Keun‐Young , Ellisman Mark , Girguis Peter , Hatzenpichler Roland
Published: August 2021

Coastal salt marshes are key sites of biogeochemical cycling and ideal systems in which to investigate the community structure of complex microbial communities. Here, we clarify structural–functional relationships among microorganisms and their mineralogical environment, revealing previously undescribed metabolic activity patterns and precise spatial arrangements within salt marsh sediment. Following 3.7‐day in situ incubations with a non‐canonical amino acid that was incorporated into new biomass, samples were resin‐embedded and analysed by correlative fluorescence and electron microscopy to map the microscale arrangements of anabolically active and inactive organisms alongside mineral grains. Parallel sediment samples were examined by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to link anabolic activity to taxonomic identity. Both approaches demonstrated a rapid decline in the proportion of anabolically active cells with depth into salt marsh sediment, from ~60% in the top centimetre to 9.4%–22.4% between 2 and 10 cm. From the top to the bottom, the most prominent active community members shifted from sulfur cycling phototrophic consortia, to putative sulfate‐reducing bacteria likely oxidizing organic compounds, to fermentative lineages. Correlative microscopy revealed more abundant (and more anabolically active) organisms around non‐quartz minerals including rutile, orthoclase and plagioclase. Microbe–mineral relationships appear to be dynamic and context‐dependent arbiters of biogeochemical cycling.
Trainee life under COVID‐19: A systemic case report
Authors: Muddle Sarah , Rettie Hannah , Harris Olivia , Lawes Anna , Robinson Ross
Published: August 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has had implications for all of us. For those of us studying on clinical psychology doctorates, and similar psychotherapeutic training courses, this pandemic has led to some particular challenges. This article explores the experiences of a group of clinical psychology trainees, who are also completing intermediate systemic qualification, during the COVID‐19 pandemic using a systemic case study approach. We consider the challenges we faced in relation to systemic theory and the intervention we would have used if we were clients in a family therapy clinic. This enabled us to reflect on the importance of self‐reflexivity and self‐care during these challenging times.

Practitioner points

Using systemic thinking and ideas can help organisations make sense of how the system has had to adapt to working during a pandemic and can bring to light some of the challenges.

During the pandemic and at other times of crisis, opportunities for students and staff to reflect together are likely to be beneficial.

When working independently, as necessitated by the pandemic, finding ways to remain connected to our colleagues will be especially important.

Providing opportunities for individuals to give feedback regarding their experiences and to influence organisational change will help individuals gain a sense of agency during a time when they are likely otherwise to feel disempowered.
Evaluation of switching treatment from high dose of darbepoetin to lower dose of roxadustat in Japanese hemodialysis patients
Authors: Kanda Reo , Kubo Ayano , Seki Takuto , Urita Atsuko , Sekiuchi Makiho , Tomino Yasuhiko
Published: August 2021

Roxadustat is one of the oral hypoxia‐inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF‐PHIs) that stimulates erythropoiesis and regulates the genes related to iron metabolism. The treatment of HIF‐PHIs is useful compared with that of erythropoietin stimulating agent (ESA) using various instruments and procedures. Few clinical researchers have examined the efficacy and safety of switching treatment from Darbepoetin to Roxadustat in Japanese hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, HIF‐PHIs have severe adverse drug reactions, such as thrombotic events. In the present study, we evaluated the lower dose of roxadustat in HD patients receiving high dose of ESA therapy. Eighteen anemic HD patients receiving an ESA, that is,, darbepoetin over 40 μg per week, were enrolled in this study. The treatment of these patients was changed to 20 mg of roxadustat three times weekly for 6 months, after which doses were adjusted to achieve a hemoglobin (Hb) target of 10.0–12.0 g/dL. An increase of 58.1 ± 32.5 mg roxadustat three times weekly increased Hb. It also achieved and then maintained levels within the target range at month 6. Ferritin levels of more than 100 ng/mL or TSAT levels of more than 20% were maintained during the 6‐month treatment periods with oral or intravenous iron supplementation. It seems unnecessary to increase the initial dose of roxadustat for patients using high doses of ESA. It is suggested that a reconsideration of the starting dose of roxadustat in Japanese HD patients is needed. (Ikegami General Hospital, Medical Corporation SHOWAKAI、Approval number: 2020–4).
Reframing talent identification as a status‐organising process: Examining talent hierarchies through data mining
Authors: Nijs Sanne , Dries Nicky , Van Vlasselaer Véronique , Sels Luc
Published: August 2021

We examine how peers form talent appraisals of team members, reframing talent identification as a status‐organising social process. Using decision trees, we modelled configurations of characteristics and behaviours that predicted dominant versus parallel routes to achieving the status of most talented team member. Across 44 multidisciplinary teams, talent status was most often granted to peers perceived as having both leadership and analytic talent; a STEM degree served a dominant signalling function. Where previous studies assumed that degree operates as a specific status characteristic, we show that a STEM degree operates as a diffuse status characteristic, which predicts status in general. We thus discovered that status hierarchies in teams are also based on the type of talent—and not just the level of talent—members are perceived to possess. In so doing, we offer a proof of concept of what we call ‘talent hierarchies’ in teams, for future research to build on.
High oxygen atmospheric packaging treatment regulates the postharvest changes of Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) during storage
Authors: Wang Ling , Wu Siliang , Huang Hua , Chen Feiping , Ye Mingqiang , Yin Juan , Luo Zheng , Qi Yingwei , Chen Minhui , Chen Yulong
Published: August 2021

Chinese kale is one of the most popular vegetables in southern China and Asia, but it has a short shelf‐life. The effect of high oxygen atmospheric packaging (HOAP) treatment on the respiration rate as well as chlorophyll content and the expression of their metabolism‐related genes of the soluble proteins in Chinese kale during storage were assessed. The results showed that Chinese kale subjected to HOAP treatment showed stimulated respiration rate and regulated expression of chlorophyll metabolism‐related genes, such as BrChlases, BrPPH (pheophytin pheophorbide hydrolase), BrPAO (pheidea oxygenase gene), BrRCCR (red chlorophyll catabolite reductase), and BrSAG12 (senescence‐associated gene), compared to the Chinese kale in the control. The activities of chlorophyll enzymes, that is, Chlase and Mg‐dechelatase, were also influenced by HOAP treatment during storage. Furthermore, the total content of soluble proteins was stimulated to accumulate, and the intensity of protein bands, detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profiling, increased in HOAP‐treated samples. Based on the current results, as well as the results of our previous study regarding HOAP treatment of other vegetables, we speculate that HOAP may function by regulating the respiration rate and the accumulation of functional proteins, especially chlorophyll catabolic and antioxidant enzymes, to maintain the freshness of Chinese kale during storage.

Practical Application

HOAP treatment could be a potential method for delaying quality changes and extending the shelf‐life of Chinese kale after harvest.
In vitro protein digestibility and physico‐chemical properties of lactic acid bacteria fermented beverages enriched with plant proteins
Authors: Manus Johanne , Millette Mathieu , Uscanga Blanca R. Aguilar , Salmieri Stéphane , Maherani Behnoush , Lacroix Monique
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to develop probiotic beverages, enriched with plant proteins, with high nutritional value. A rice‐based beverage fermented with a specific probiotic formulation comprised Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, Lactobacillus casei LBC80R and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CLR2 has been enriched with a combination of pea and rice proteins (PR) or pea and hemp proteins (PH) at 13 and 11% total protein, respectively. These protein associations have been selected because their amino acid ratio was >1, as recommended by the FAO. The beverage enriched with protein significantly increased its viscosity by more than 10 times thanks to the enrichment, while the fermentation reduced it by 50% for PR and 20% for PH. In vitro protein digestibility results showed that the protein enrichment and the fermentation treatment significantly increased digestibility values of the beverages with value of 72.7% for fermented PR beverage and 61.4% for unenriched fermented control beverage (p ≤ 0.05). Peptide profiles of PR and PH enriched beverages indicated that the fermentation led to a reduced level of high molecular weight (HMW) peptides of about 60% and an increase of low molecular weight (LMW) peptides by over 50%. Therefore, both the fermentation and the enrichment in protein increased the nutritional value of the rice‐based beverages.

Practical Application

Good quality of probiotics formulation and high‐protein products are in increasing demand and plant proteins as an alternative of animal protein are popular. This study has permit to develop rice‐based commercial probiotic beverages enriched in a combination of pea and rice or pea and hemp proteins in order to obtain a complete protein in terms of amino acids composition. The lactic acid fermentation and the enrichment with a plant protein combination led to a better protein digestibility of beverage.
Identification of novel aphid‐killing bacteria to protect plants
Authors: Paliwal Deepa , Hamilton Amanda J. , Barrett Glyn A. , Alberti Fabrizio , van Emden Helmut , Monteil Caroline L. , Mauchline Tim H. , Nauen Ralf , Wagstaff Carol , Bass Chris , Jackson Robert W.
Published: August 2021

Aphids, including the peach‐potato aphid, Myzus persicae, are major insect pests of agriculture and horticulture, and aphid control measures are limited. There is therefore an urgent need to develop alternative and more sustainable means of control. Recent studies have shown that environmental microbes have varying abilities to kill insects. We screened a range of environmental bacteria isolates for their abilities to kill target aphid species. Tests demonstrated the killing aptitude of these bacteria against six aphid genera (including Myzus persicae). No single bacterial strain was identified that was consistently toxic to insecticide‐resistant aphid clones than susceptible clones, suggesting resistance to chemicals is not strongly correlated with bacterial challenge. Pseudomonas fluorescens PpR24 proved the most toxic to almost all aphid clones whilst exhibiting the ability to survive for over three weeks on three plant species at populations of 5–6 log CFU cm−2 leaf. Application of PpR24 to plants immediately prior to introducing aphids onto the plants led to a 68%, 57% and 69% reduction in aphid populations, after 21 days, on Capsicum annuum, Arabidopsis thaliana and Beta vulgaris respectively. Together, these findings provide new insights into aphid susceptibility to bacterial infection with the aim of utilizing bacteria as effective biocontrol agents.
Facing crises in the 21st century: microfluidics approaches for antibiotic discovery
Authors: Matilla Miguel A.
Published: August 2021

We urgently need new antibiotics to counteract the rising in the emergence of multidrug‐resistant microorganisms. To improve the identification of antimicrobial compounds of microbial origin, numerous multidisciplinary approaches are being implemented. However, the development of innovative microbial cultivation strategies is necessary to exploit the full biosynthetic potential of non‐culturable microorganisms. Here, I highlight various articles that employ high‐throughput microfluidic‐based strategies to identify novel antimicrobial metabolites based on bacterial activities. The rapid development of this technology will likely advance the field of antibiotic discovery.
Implications of Distinct Methodological Interpretations and Runoff Coefficient Usage for Rational Method Predictions
Authors: Lapides Dana Ariel , Sytsma Anneliese , Thompson Sally
Published: August 2021

The Rational Method is one of the most widely used methods for estimating peak discharge in small catchments. There are at least three forms of the Rational Method in use: deterministic, stochastic, and hybrid Rational Methods. These different forms are associated with distinct definitions of the runoff coefficient and produce distinct design flows, each of which has different risks associated with their exceedence. In this study, we firstly differentiate these forms of the Rational Method and show that a key point of difference between the forms lies in their interpretations of the runoff coefficient parameter. We then focus on the widely used hybrid Rational Method and demonstrate that the runoff coefficient is not only challenging to interpret, but is also dependent on land cover types, storm duration, and infiltration losses. With the understanding that most design manuals treat the runoff coefficient as a constant dependent on land cover and independent of storm properties, we explore the magnitude of error in design flows resulting from these assumptions. They suggest that the magnitudes of error associated with the conventional application of the Rational can be >500%. These issues with interpretation and internal consistency in the treatment of terms in the Rational Method suggest that it may not be possible to achieve reliable or consistent peak flow estimates using the Rational Method, motivating the use of more complex design tools.
Tempering Transnational Advocacy? The Effect of Repression and Regulatory Restriction on Transnational NGO Collaborations
Authors: Fransen Luc , Dupuy Kendra , Hinfelaar Marja , Zakaria Mazumder Sultan Mohammed
Published: August 2021

This paper examines through qualitative study the effect of government regulatory restriction and repression on non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) engaging in transnational advocacy. The focus is on NGO’s advocacy activities, in the realm of human rights, environment, labor and development in particular, using illustrations from Bangladesh and Zambia. It finds that next to some NGOs disbanding and moving towards service activities, many NGOs shift in terms of substantive advocacy and form of organizational collaboration. To continue cross‐border interactions with their foreign partners, many NGOs adjust to circumvent or compensate for restrictions and repression. Because of this, transnational advocacy can be said to continue, but repression and restrictions have significant substantive and organizational effects for the collaborations studied, and cross‐border NGO collaborations in our sample are increasingly fragile and their advocacy more tempered.
Defending Civic Space: Successful Resistance Against NGO Laws in Kenya and Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Berger‐Kern Nora , Hetz Fabian , Wagner Rebecca , Wolff Jonas
Published: August 2021

Since the turn of the century, an increasing number of governments around the world has introduced or tightened restrictions on civil society organizations (CSOs). Attempts by local CSOs and external actors to counter this trend of shrinking civic spaces have been mostly unsuccessful. In a few notable cases, however, civic space restrictions have been reversed or even prevented from being adopted in the first place. Focusing on resistance to so‐called NGO laws, this paper explores the strategies, causal mechanisms and scope conditions that help explain the successful defense of civic space. In a first step, the paper develops a theoretical framework by drawing on research on the diffusion and promotion of international norms, civic resistance and social movements. Second, it looks at two cases – Kenya (2013) and Kyrgyzstan (2013–2016) – in which governmental attempts to impose legal restrictions on foreign‐funded NGOs were effectively aborted. The analysis finds that successful resistance in both cases was based on domestic campaigns organized by broad alliances of local CSOs, which were able to draw on preexisting mobilizing structures and put forward a socioeconomic narrative to lobby against civic space restrictions. In Kyrgyzstan, but not in Kenya, external actors also played a significant role.
The Implications of Closing Civic Space for Hunger and Poverty in the Global South
Authors: Hossain Naomi , Oosterom Marjoke
Published: August 2021

Concerns about closing civic space have focused on human rights, and little to date has been known of the impacts on development. This article traces impacts of closing civic space on civil society and social movements addressing poverty and hunger in Brazil, Ethiopia, Pakistan and Zimbabwe. Countries that clamped down on civil society and social movements have not all fared badly in terms of poverty and hunger, as the ‘developmental states’ of China and Vietnam demonstrate. This article proposes that how closures of civic space affect development outcomes will depend on the role civil society plays in development, and specifically on the ‘fit’ between civil society and the state with respect to development policy and programming. Despite diversity in political and economic context, restrictions on civic space commonly prevent broad civic engagement in policy processes, in particular critique or scrutiny of government policy and practice, and hamper non‐governmental organizations’ service delivery. Because civic engagement matters most for marginalized and disempowered people, their exclusion from policy processes and services will deepen. Reversals or stagnation in progress towards addressing poverty and hunger indicate that as civic space narrows, the most marginalized and disempowered groups face a growing risk of being left behind.
The Enemy Within? Anti‐Rights Groups and Restrictions on Civil Society
Authors: Pousadela Ines M. , Perera Dominic R.
Published: August 2021

A growing body of literature focuses on restrictions imposed on the space for civil society, or civic space. Recent research has noted that over the past decade, states have expanded their repertoire of legal and extra‐legal measures to curtail the freedoms of association, expression and assembly. Although time‐series data show that the state apparatus continues to be the primary perpetrator of restrictions on civil society organisations (CSOs) and activists, increasing evidence suggests that non‐state actors (NSAs) also play a relevant role in restricting civic space. A broad and heterogeneous category, NSAs include paramilitary forces, private corporate security, criminal gangs and religious fundamentalist groups, among others. This article analyses civic space restrictions driven by a specific type of NSA, that of so‐called ‘anti‐rights groups’. Research conclusions suggest that this distinct set of actors, which usually cultivates close links to the state, is increasingly playing an understudied role in restricting human rights CSOs.