bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histone H3K4me3 and H3K9me3 are super over-methylated in soft tissue sarcoma compared to normal muscle in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models: an indicator of cancer methionine addiction
Authors: Aoki Yusuke , Yamamoto Jun , Tome Yasunori , Hamada Kazuyuki , Inubushi Sachiko , Tashiro Yoshihiko , Bouvet Michael , Endo Itaru , Nishida Kotaro , Hoffman Robert M.
Published: January 2021

Methionine addiction is a fundamental and general hallmark of cancer discovered by us almost a half-century ago [Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 73 (1976) 1523-1527]. Methionine addiction is defined as the requirement, specific for cancer cells of all types, for exogenous methionine despite the normal ability to synthesize methionine from homocysteine. The methionine addiction of cancer is termed the Hoffman-effect, analogous to the Warburg-effect of the high glucose requirement of cancer cells. Methionine addiction is due to excess transmethylation reactions resulting in high methionine flux in cancer cells, which causes them to selectively arrest under methionine restriction due to depletion of free methionine and S-adenosyl methionine. Recently we have shown methionine-addicted cancer cells over-methylate histone H3 lysine marks which are not over-methylated in normal cells or in low-malignancy methionine-independent revertants derived from methionine-addicted cancer cells. In the present report, we show that in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models of the most common soft tissue sarcomas: myxofibrosarcoma, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) and liposarcoma, histone H3K4me3 and H3K9me3 are super over-methylated compared to normal muscle tissue. This new result is discussed along with our previous reports, regarding the potential of histone H3 over-methylation as a basis of malignancy.
Molecular analysis of prostate cancer: prostate tissue and urine proteomics based approach
Authors: Mitra Amrita , Das Rajdeep , Choubey Surya Kant , Mandal Amit Kumar
Published: January 2021

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer are the most frequently diagnosed conditions in men above 60 years. BPH manifests as benign enlargement of the prostate gland causing pain and difficulty in micturition, often associated with other lower urinary tract symptoms. On the other hand, prostate cancer might initially set in as a tumor of no clinical significance, but can ultimately develop into an aggressively metastatic cancer at later stages. Due to overlapping symptomatic manifestations with BPH, it might be difficult to diagnose prostate cancer and differentiate it from BPH. Screening for prostate cancer is based on examining the levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a clinical biomarker for prostate cancer in blood. However, several reported cases indicate that PSA might lack the sensitivity and specificity required to differentiate between the cancerous and benign conditions of prostate. Therefore, in the absence of non-invasive biomarkers in a diagnostic setup, an intensely invasive surgical removal of a part of the tissue and subsequent histopathologial examination is the only available procedure to confirm the cancer. In this study, we used tissue and urine proteomics platforms to profile respective proteomes in both clinical conditions. We observed that latent transforming growth factor binding protein was significantly under-expressed in the both tissue and urine proteome of prostate cancer. We propose that the down-regulation of the latent transforming growth factor binding protein 4 might be explored in a large set of patients with prostate cancer to develop a non-invasive urine based biomarker for the diagnosis of prostate cancer.
H3K27me3 is a determinant of chemotolerance in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Marsolier Justine , Prompsy Pacôme , Durand Adeline , Lyne Anne-Marie , Landragin Camille , Trouchet Amandine , Bento Sabrina Tenreira , Eisele Almut , Foulon Sophie , Baudre Léa , Grosselin Kevin , Bohec Mylène , Baulande Sylvain , Dahmani Ahmed , Sourd Laura , Letouzé Eric , Marangoni Elisabetta , Perié Leïla , Vallot Céline
Published: January 2021

Triple-negative breast cancer is associated with the worst prognosis and the highest risk of recurrence among all breast cancer subtypes1. Residual disease, formed by cancer cells persistent to chemotherapy, remains one of the major clinical challenges towards full cure2,3. There is now consensus that non-genetic processes contribute to chemoresistance in various tumor types, notably through the initial emergence of a reversible chemotolerant state4–6. Understanding non-genetic tumor evolution stands now as a prerequisite for the design of relevant combinatorial approaches to delay recurrence. Here we show that the repressive histone mark H3K27me3 is a determinant of cell fate under chemotherapy exposure, monitoring epigenomes, transcriptomes and lineage with single-cell resolution. We identify a reservoir of persister basal cells with EMT markers and activated TGF-β pathway leading to multiple chemoresistance phenotypes. We demonstrate that, in unchallenged cells, H3K27 methylation is a lock to the expression program of persister cells. Promoters are primed with both H3K4me3 and H3K27me3, and removing H3K27me3 is sufficient for their transcriptional activation. Leveraging lineage barcoding, we show that depleting H3K27me3 alters tumor cell fate under chemotherapy insult – a wider variety of tumor cells tolerate chemotherapy. Our results highlight how chromatin landscapes shape the potential of unchallenged cancer cells to respond to therapeutic stress.
HDAC6 regulates expression of the oncogenic driver EWSR1-FLI1 through theEWSR1promoter in Ewing sarcoma
Authors: García-Domínguez Daniel J. , Hajji Nabil , Sánchez-Molina Sara , Figuerola-Bou Elisabet , de Pablos Rocío M. , Espinosa-Oliva Ana M. , Andrés-León Eduardo , Terrón-Camero Laura Carmen , Flores-Campos Rocío , Pascual-Pasto Guillem , Robles María José , Carcaboso Ángel M. , Mora Jaume , de Álava Enrique , Hontecillas-Prieto Lourdes
Published: January 2021

Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is an aggressive developmental sarcoma driven by a fusion gene, EWSR1-FLI1. However, little is known about the regulation of EWSR1-FLI1 chimeric fusion gene expression. Here, we demonstrate that active nuclear HDAC6 in EWS modulates acetylation status of specificity protein 1 (SP1), consequently regulating SP1/P300 activator complex binding to EWSR1 and EWSR1-FLI1 promoters. Selective inhibition of HDAC6 impairs binding of activator complex SP1/P300, thereby inducing EWSR1-FLI1 downregulation and significantly reducing its oncogenic functions. In addition, sensitivity of EWS cell lines to HDAC6 inhibition is higher than other tumor or non-tumor cell lines. Overexpression of HDAC6 in primary EWS tumor clinical samples correlates with a poor prognosis. Notably, a combination treatment of a selective HDAC6 inhibitor and doxorubicin (standard of care in EWS) dramatically inhibits tumor growth in two EWS murine xenograft models. These results could lead to suitable and promising therapeutic alternatives for EWS patients.
High transgene expression is associated with systemicGFPsilencing inNicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Hendrix Bill , Hoffer Paul , Sanders Rick , Schwartz Steve , Zheng Wei , Eads Brian , Taylor Danielle , Deikman Jill
Published: January 2021

Gene silencing in plants using topical dsRNA is a new approach that has the potential to be a sustainable component of the agricultural production systems of the future. However, more research is needed to enable this technology as an economical and efficacious supplement to current crop protection practices. Systemic gene silencing is one key enabling aspect. The objective of this research was to better understand systemic transgene silencing inNicotiana benthamiana. Previous reports details sequencing of the integration site of theGreen Fluorescent Protein(GFP) transgene in the well-knownN. benthamianaGFP16C event revealed inadvertent co-integration of part of a bacterial transposase. To determine the effect of this transgene configuration on systemic silencing, newGFPtransgenic lines with or without the transposase sequences were produced.GFPexpression levels in the 19 single-copy events and three hemizygous 16C lines produced for this study ranged from 50-72% of the homozygous 16C line.GFPexpression was equivalent to 16C in a two-copy event. LocalGFPsilencing was observed in all transgenic and 16C hemizygous lines after topical application of delivery formulations with aGFPtargeting dsRNA. The 16C-like systemic silencing phenotype was only observed in the two-copy line. The partial transposase had no impact on transgene expression level, localGFPsilencing, small RNA abundance and distribution, or systemicGFPsilencing in the transgenic lines. We conclude that high transgene expression level is a key enabler of systemic transgene silencing inN. benthamiana.
Interactions between strains govern the eco-evolutionary dynamics of microbial communities
Authors: Goyal Akshit , Bittleston Leonora S. , Leventhal Gabriel E. , Lu Lu , Cordero Otto X.
Published: January 2021

Genomic data has revealed that genotypic variants of the same species, i.e., strains, coexist and are abundant in natural microbial communities. However, it is not clear if strains are ecologically equivalent, or if they exhibit distinct interactions and dynamics. Here, we address this problem by tracking 10 microbial communities from the pitcher plantSarracenia purpureain the laboratory for more than 300 generations. Using metagenomic sequencing, we reconstruct their dynamics over time and across scales, from distant phyla to closely related genotypes. We find that interactions between naturally occurring strains govern eco-evolutionary dynamics. Surprisingly, even fine-scale variants differing only by 100 base pairs can exhibit vastly different dynamics. We show that these differences may stem from ecological interactions in the communities, which are specific to strains, not species. Finally, by analyzing genomic differences between strains, we identify major functional hubs such as transporters, regulators, and carbohydrate-catabolizing enzymes, which might be the basis for strain-specific interactions. Our work shows that strains are the relevant level of diversity at which to study the long-term dynamics of microbiomes.
Dia1 Coordinates Differentiation and Cell Sorting in a Stratified Epithelium
Authors: Harmon Robert M. , Devany John , Gardel Margaret L.
Published: January 2021

Although implicated in adhesion, few studies address how actin assembly factors guide cell positioning in multicellular tissue. The formin, Dia1, localizes to the proliferative basal layer of epidermis. In organotypic cultures, Dia1 depletion reduced basal cell density and resulted in stratified tissue with disorganized differentiation and proliferative markers. Since crowding induces differentiation in epidermal tissue, we hypothesized that Dia1 allows cells to reach densities amenable to differentiation prior to stratification. Consistent with this hypothesis, forced crowding of Dia1-deficient cells rescued transcriptional abnormalities. Dia1 promotes rapid growth of lateral adhesions, a behavior consistent with the ability of cells to remain monolayered when crowded. In aggregation assays, cells sorted into distinct layers based on Dia1 expression status. These results suggested that as basal cells proliferate, reintegration and packing of Dia1-positive daughter cells is favored while Dia1-negative cells tend to delaminate to a suprabasal compartment. These data demonstrate how formin expression patterns play a crucial role in constructing distinct domains within stratified epithelia.

Harmon et al demonstrate that differential expression of an actin nucleator, the formin, Dia1, drives cell sorting and maintains distinct morphological domains within an epithelial tissue. This illuminates the possible utility of evolving a large formin family in orchestrating the compartmentalization and differentiation of complex tissues.
Batf-mediated Epigenetic Control of Effector CD8+ T Cell Differentiation
Authors: Tsao Hsiao-Wei , Kaminski James , Kurachi Makoto , Barnitz R. Anthony , DiIorio Michael A. , LaFleur Martin W. , Ise Wataru , Kurosaki Tomohiko , Wherry E. John , Haining W. Nicholas , Yosef Nir
Published: January 2021

The response of cytotoxic T cells to their cognate antigen involves rapid and broad changes in gene expression that are coupled with extensive chromatin remodeling. Here, we study the mechanisms by which the basic leucine zipper ATF-like transcription factor Batf helps regulate this process. Through genome-scale profiling, we observe critical roles for Batf in inducing transcriptional changes in stimulated naive cells, while affecting the chromatin at several levels, namely binding of key transcription factors, accessibility, and long range contacts. We identify a critical network of transcription factors that cooperate with Batf, including its binding partner Irf4, as well as Runx3 and T-bet, and demonstrate its synergistic activity in initiating aspects of the effector T cells’ transcriptional and epigenetic program in ectopically-induced fibroblasts. Our results provide a comprehensive resource for studying the epigenomic and transcriptomic landscape of effector differentiation of cytotoxic T cells.
Intricate regulation of ribosome biogenesis genes in response to mTORC1 signaling
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Mashkoor Muneera , Balamurugan Priya , Grove Anne
Published: January 2021

Genes encoding ribosomal proteins are repressed in response to inhibition of mTORC1. InSaccharomyces cerevisiae, this involves dissociation of the activator Ifh1p in a process that depends on Utp22p, a protein that also functions in pre-rRNA processing. Ifh1p has a paralog, Crf1p, which can mediate mTORC1 inhibition by acting as a repressor. Ifh1p and Crf1p derive from a common ancestor, which may have acted as both an activator and a repressor. We report here thatUTP22andRRP7, which encodes another pre-rRNA processing factor, are controlled by mTORC1; both gene promoters are bound by Ifh1p, which dissociates on mTORC1 inhibition. Notably, Crf1p acts as an activator as evidenced by reduced expression in acrf1Δstrain. By contrast, Crf1p is required to repress expression ofHMO1, which encodes a cofactor involved in communicating mTORC1 activity to target genes. Our data therefore indicate that Crf1p exhibits the dual repressor/activator functions of the Ifh1p-Crf1p ancestor.
HIV-1-induced apathy: Mitigation by the gut metabolite, S-Equol
Authors: McLaurin Kristen A. , Bertrand Sarah J. , Illenberger Jessica M. , Harrod Steven B. , Mactutus Charles F. , Booze Rosemarie M.
Published: January 2021

The persistence of motivational alterations, including apathy, in older HIV-1 seropositive individuals, despite treatment with combination antiretroviral therapy, necessitates the development of innovative adjunctive therapeutics. S-Equol (SE), a selective estrogen receptor β agonist, has been implicated as a neuroprotective and/or neurorestorative therapeutic for HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND); its therapeutic utility for apathy, however, has yet to be systematically evaluated. Thus, beginning at approximately seven to nine months of age, HIV-1 transgenic (Tg) and control animals were treated with either a daily oral dose of SE (0.2 mg) or vehicle and assessed in a series of tasks to evaluate goal-directed behavior. First, at the genotypic level, apathetic behavior in older HIV-1 Tg rats treated with vehicle was characterized by a diminished reinforcing efficacy of, and sensitivity to, sucrose and enhanced drug seeking for cocaine relative to control animals treated with vehicle. Second, treatment with SE ameliorated alterations in goal-directed behaviors and reduced drug seeking behavior in HIV-1 Tg rats. Following a history of cocaine self-administration, HIV-1 Tg animals treated with vehicle exhibited prominent decreases in dendritic branching and a shift towards longer dendritic spines with decreased head diameter; synaptic dysfunction that was partially restored by SE treatment. Taken together, SE restored motivated behavior in the HIV-1 Tg rat, expanding the potential clinical utility of SE to include both neurocognitive and affective alterations.
Folding and Persistence Time of Intramolecular G-Quadruplexes Transiently Embedded in a DNA duplex
Authors: Thao Tran Phong Lan , Rieu Martin , Hodeib Samar , Joubert Alexandra , Ouellet Jimmy , Alberti Patrizia , Bugaut Anthony , Allemand Jean-François , Boulé Jean-Baptiste , Croquette Vincent
Published: January 2021

G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures have emerged as important regulatory elements during DNA replication, transcription or repair. While manyin-vitrostudies have focused on the kinetics of G4 formation within DNA single-strands, G4 are foundin-vivoin double-stranded DNA regions, where their formation is challenged by pairing between the two complementary strands. Since the energy of hybridization of Watson-Crick structures dominates the energy of G4 folding, this competition should play a critical role on the persistence of G4in vivo. To address this issue, we designed a single molecule assay allowing measuring G4 folding and persistence while the structure is periodically challenged by the complementary strand. We quantified both the folding rate and the persistence time of biologically relevant G4 structures and showed that the dynamics of G4 formation depends strongly on the genomic location. G4 are found much more stable in promoter regions and replication origins than in telomeric regions. In addition, we characterized how G4 dynamics was affected by G4 ligands and showed that both folding rate and persistence increased. Our assay opens new perspectives for the measurement of G4 dynamics, which is critical to understand their role in genetic regulation.
Oscillatory brain activity links experience to expectancy during associative learning
Authors: Riels Kierstin , Campagnoli Rafaela , Thigpen Nina , Keil Andreas
Published: January 2021

Associating a novel situation with a specific outcome involves a cascade of cognitive processes, including selecting relevant stimuli, forming predictions regarding expected outcomes, and updating memorized predictions based on experience. The present manuscript uses computational modeling and machine learning to test the hypothesis that alpha-band (8-12 Hz) neural oscillations are involved in the updating of expectations based on experience. Participants learned that a visual cue predicted an aversive loud noise with a probability of 50 percent. The Rescorla-Wagner model of associative learning explained trial-wise changes in self-reported noise expectancy as well as alpha power changes. Both experience in the past trial and self-reported expectancy for the subsequent trial were accurately decoded based on the topographical distribution of alpha power. Decodable information during initial association formation and contingency report recurred when viewing the conditioned cue. Findings support the idea that alpha oscillations have multiple, simultaneous, and unique roles in association formation.
Serial passage of the human probioticE. coliNissle 1917 in an insect host leads to changed bacterial phenotypes
Authors: Schröder Nicolas C. H. , Korša Ana , Wami Haleluya , Dobrindt Ulrich , Kurtz Joachim
Published: January 2021

Probiotics are living microorganisms that are increasingly and successfully used for the therapy of various diseases. The most common use of probiotics is the therapeutic and preventive application for gastrointestinal disorders. The probioticEscherichia colistrain Nissle 1917 (EcN) has been proven to effectively prevent and alleviate intestinal diseases, including various types of inflammatory bowel disease. Despite the widespread medical application ofEcN, the underlying mechanisms of its protective effect remain elusive. The present work aimed to establish an insect model system to enable further research on the modes of action ofEcN and the dynamics of adaptation to a novel host organism. Using a long-term serial passage approach, we orally introducedEcN to the host, the red flour beetleTribolium castaneum. After multiple cycles of intestinal colonization in beetle larvae, several attributes of the passaged replicate lines were assessed. We observed phenotypic changes in growth and motility but no genetic changes in the lines after passaging through the host and its flour environment. One of theEcN lines exposed to the host displayed peculiar morphological and physiological characteristics showing that serial passage ofEcN can generate differential phenotypes.
Determinants of genetic diversity and species richness of North American amphibians
Authors: Schmidt Chloé , Munshi-South Jason , Dray Stéphane , Garroway Colin J
Published: January 2021

Ecological limits on the population sizes and number of species a region is capable of supporting are thought to simultaneously produce spatial patterns in genetic diversity and species richness. However, we do not know the extent to which resource-based environmental limits jointly determine these patterns of biodiversity in ectotherms because of their low energy requirements compared to endotherms. Here, we adapt a framework for the ways ecological limits may shape genetic diversity and species richness previously tested in mammals for amphibians to determine whether similar processes produce continental patterns of biodiversity across both taxa. Repurposing open, raw microsatellite data from 19 species sampled at 554 sites in North America we found that spatial patterns of genetic diversity run opposite to patterns of species richness and genetic differentiation. However, while measures of resource availability and niche heterogeneity predict 89% of the variation in species richness, these landscape metrics are poor predictors of genetic diversity. Although heterogeneity appears to be an important driver of genetic and species biodiversity patterns in both amphibians and mammals, our results suggest that variation in genetic diversity both within and across species makes it difficult to infer general processes producing spatial patterns of amphibian genetic diversity.
Low STING expression in a transplantable KrasG12D/P53kolung cancer model contributes to SiglecF+neutrophil and CD103+Treg accumulation in tumors
Authors: Gros Laurent , Ursino Chiara , Constanzo Julie , Zangger Nadine , Meylan Etienne , Bonnefoy Nathalie , Faget Julien
Published: January 2021

Lung cancer is the leading cause of mortality by cancer worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer and mutations in theKRASgene are frequently found in this pathology. While immune checkpoint inhibitors are providing new hope for lung cancer care, only a subset of patients show durable benefit from these new therapies designed to drive an efficient anti-tumor immune response. Hence, it is crucial to better understand the mechanisms through which the tumor immune microenvironment is established in lung tumors. Using bioinformatics, we observed that high expression of the STimulator of INterferon Gene (STING) associates with a longer overall survival specifically in KRAS mutant cancer patients. In lung cancer cell lines, STING expression is linked to interferon response and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Because STING activation in immune cells of the tumor microenvironment using specific agonists is an emerging strategy to trigger an anti-tumor immune response, we took advantage of two transplantable models ofKrasdriven lung cancer, expressing high or low levels of STING, to investigate the function of STING directly in cancer cellsin vivo. We observed that high-STING expression and constitutive STING signaling were critical for transplanted tumor formation rather than playing a major role in tumor immunogenicity. Besides, low-STING expression in cancer cells is associated with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment characterized by the accumulation of tumor promoting SiglecF+neutrophils and CD103+regulatory T cells. In that model, knocking out STING increased the early response to anti-PD1 treatment. We conclude that low-STING expression in cancer cells might confer them an independence from pro-inflammatory signals and a greater immunosuppressive capability and aggressiveness.
A comparative study of the effects of Aducanumab and scanning ultrasound on amyloid plaques and behavior in the APP23 mouse model of Alzheimer disease
Authors: Leinenga Gerhard , Koh Wee Kiat , Götz Jürgen
Published: January 2021

Background

Aducanumab is an anti-amyloid-β (Aβ) antibody that achieved reduced amyloid pathology in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) trials, but it is controversial whether it also improved cognition. It has been claimed that this would require a sufficiently high cumulative dose of the antibody in the brain. Therapeutic ultrasound, in contrast, has only begun to be investigated in human AD clinical trials. We have previously shown that scanning ultrasound in combination with intravenously injected microbubbles (SUS), that temporarily and safely opens the blood-brain barrier (BBB), removes amyloid and restores cognition in APP23 mice. It has not been directly tested how the effects of SUS compare to immunotherapy or whether a combination therapy is more effective.

Methods

In a study comprising four treatment arms, we tested the efficacy of an Aducanumab analogue, Adu, in comparison to SUS, as well as a combination therapy in APP23 mice, using sham as a control (aged 13-22 months). The active place avoidance (APA) test was used to test spatial memory, and histology and ELISA were used to measure amyloid. Brain antibody levels were also determined.

Results

We found that both Adu and SUS reduced the total plaque area in the hippocampus to a similar degree, with no additive effect in the combination treatment (SUS+Adu). Whereas there was only a trend towards a reduction for both Adu and SUS in the cortex, the combination trial yielded a statistically significant reduction compared to sham. Only the SUS and SUS+Adu groups included animals that had their plaque load reduced to below 1% from above 10%. There was a robust improvement in spatial memory for SUS+Adu only. In this group, when measured three days post-treatment, Adu levels were still 5-fold increased in the combination therapy compared to delivery of Adu on its own.

Together, these findings suggest that SUS should be seriously considered as a treatment option for AD. Alternatively, a combination trial using Aducanumab together with ultrasound to increase brain levels of Aducanumab may be warranted, as the two approaches may engage different (albeit shared) clearance mechanisms.
Stress-induced alterations of mesocortical and mesolimbic dopaminergic pathways
Authors: Quessy F , Bittar T , Blanchette LJ , Lévesque M , Labonté B
Published: January 2021

Our ability to develop the cognitive strategies required to deal with daily-life stress is regulated by region-specific neuronal networks. Experimental evidences suggest that prolonged stress in mice induces depressive-like behaviors via morphological, functional and molecular changes affecting the mesolimbic and mesocortical dopaminergic pathways. Yet, the molecular interactions underlying these changes are still poorly understood and whether they affect males and females similarly is unknown. Here, we used chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) to induce depressive-like behaviors in male and female mice. Density of the mesolimbic and cortical projections was assessed via immuno-histochemistry combined with Sholl analysis along with the staining of the activity-dependent markers pERK and c-Fos in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). We showed that social stress decreases the density of dopaminergic axonal projections to the mPFC but not to the NAc in susceptible and resilient mice. This was accompanied by sex-specific alterations of pERK and c-Fos expression in the VTA of susceptible but not resilient mice. Our results indicate that social defeat stress impacts the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways by altering the molecular interactions regulating somatic and axonal plasticity differently in males and females.
Edible insects, what about the perceptions of Belgian youngsters?
Authors: Detilleux Loïc , Wittock Gabrielle , Dogot Thomas , Francis Frédéric , Caparros Megido Rudy
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Edible insects are considered as a novel food in western countries, with their introduction to cuisine having to overcome major barriers, such as disgust. The studies related to acceptance of entomophagy have exponentially grown since 2015. However, such studies generally focus on people older than 18 years old. The purpose of this study is to assess the perceptions of youngsters towards edible insects.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey associated with an optional tasting session was conducted to record opinion of 151 youngsters in Belgium (9–17-year-olds).

Findings

Many respondents are acquainted with entomophagy and had already eaten insect-based food. Most youngsters associated insects as snacks and salty foods, and they agreed to consume processed insects (falafel) during the tasting session. Tasters had to evaluate the falafel, and higher ratings were recorded in male respondents, as highlighted in studies including adults. More negative evaluations would be expected among older respondents if unprocessed insects were served, as they were more willing to consume processed insects than entire insects. Finally, attitudes towards entomophagy evolved positively after the tasting session. Such events are consequently recommended to promote entomophagy across western youngsters.

Originality/value

Few studies explored the attitude of western youngsters towards entomophagy. This paper aims to fill this gap by focusing on this young component of the Belgian population.
Is feedforward the way forward? A case of managers in a manufacturing firm
Authors: Dixit Ramnath , Sinha Vinita
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to highlight the role of feedforward as a potential tool for managers in encouraging coworkers and subordinates to excel at their workplace performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Insights were captured through real-time observations made during three feedforward sessions conducted at regular intervals during the course of a six-month training intervention. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with participants to gather individual perspectives.

Findings

The findings of the study showed positive results in feedforward as a mechanism to strengthen employee performance at the workplace. Participants also reported deeper involvement in the feedforward process as compared to the conventional feedback method.

Practical implications

The study has wider practical implications in the corporate world, as it provides managers with a practical tool to mentor subordinates and coworkers toward on-the-job performance. Feedforward is easy to apply and forward-looking in its approach.

Social implications

Feedforward has applications in corporate environments as well as families, associations, and academic institutions. It offers immense value by fostering a climate of social support and mutual co-operation.

Originality/value

The feedforward exercise mentioned in the study is relevant on account of its applicability in various organizations across industries. It provides managers with an opportunity to receive and share insightful suggestions with coworkers in an open and transparent environment.
Simulations of micropolar nanofluid-equipped natural convective-driven flow in a cavity
Authors: Naeem Ullah  , Nadeem Sohail , McCash Luthais , Saleem Anber , Issakhov Alibek
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the natural convective flow analysis of micropolar nanofluid fluid in a rectangular vertical container. A heated source is placed in the lower wall to generate the internal flow. In further assumptions, the left/right wall are kept cool, while the upper and lower remaining portions are insulated. Free convection prevails in the regime because of thermal difference in-between the lower warmer and upper colder region.

Design/methodology/approach

The physical setup owns mathematical framework in-terms of non-linear partial differential equations. For the solution purpose of the differential system, finite volume method is adopted. The interesting features of the flow along with thermal transportation involve both translational and rotational movement of fluid particles.

Findings

Performing the simulations towards flow controlling variables the outputs are put together in contour maps and line graphs. It is indicated that the variations in flow profile mass concentration and temperature field augments at higher Rayleigh parameter because of stronger buoyancy effects. Higher viscosity coefficient implies decrease in flow and thermal transportation. Further, the average heat transfer rate also grows by increasing both the Rayleigh parameter and heated source length.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no such study has been addressed yet. Further, the results are validated by comparing with previously published work.
Design and implementation of construction cost prediction model based on SVM and LSSVM in industries 4.0
Authors: Fan Miao , Sharma Ashutosh
Published: January 2021

Purpose

In order to improve the accuracy of project cost prediction, considering the limitations of existing models, the construction cost prediction model based on SVM (Standard Support Vector Machine) and LSSVM (Least Squares Support Vector Machine) is put forward.

Design/methodology/approach

In the competitive growth and industries 4.0, the prediction in the cost plays a key role.

Findings

At the same time, the original data is dimensionality reduced. The processed data are imported into the SVM and LSSVM models for training and prediction respectively, and the prediction results are compared and analyzed and a more reasonable prediction model is selected.

Originality/value

The prediction result is further optimized by parameter optimization. The relative error of the prediction model is within 7%, and the prediction accuracy is high and the result is stable.
Assessment of the current state of sustainability in a manufacturing firm
Authors: Pande Bhavya , Adil Gajendra Kumar
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Sustainable manufacturing is gaining prominence in light of the rising environmental and social concerns worldwide. One major task to enhance manufacturing sustainability is assessment of the current state of sustainability of a manufacturing firm. This paper reviews the existing sustainability assessment approaches applicable for manufacturing firms and observes that most of these approaches are not easy to apply for reasons such as high amount of skill, data and time requirement. Towards bridging this gap, this study proposes a sustainability assessment approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The assessment approach proposed in the paper uses a predefined list of potential sustainable manufacturing practices (SMPs) covering the primary and support activity domains of a manufacturing firm's value chain. It proposes a method to assess the extent of implementation of SMPs and identify associated drivers and barriers for each SMP area/category along the value chain of a firm as well as at overall firm level. A case study from textile industry is presented to demonstrate the utility of this approach.

Findings

The sustainability assessment approach adopted in this study uses less time and skills as well as ensures comprehensive coverage of SMPs. It provided valuable information to the management of the case company on how sustainable their practices are and why?

Originality/value

The study highlights the importance of sustainability assessment at SMP area/category level as well as explores practice area/category specific drivers and barriers. It provides a useful approach for a quick assessment of the current state of sustainability in manufacturing firms.
Cultural dynamics and tensions when applying design thinking for improving health-care quality
Authors: Boström Jonas , Hillborg Helene , Lilja Johan
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute knowledge concerning the dynamics and potential cultural tensions that occur when applying user involvement and design thinking (DT) for improving quality in a health-care setting.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a case study following a quality improvement (QI) project in a medium-sized Swedish county council in the field of somatic care. The project involved eight health-care professionals, one designer, four patients and two relatives. A multiple data collection method over a period of ten months was used. It included individual interviews, e-mail correspondence and observations of workshops that covered the QI project.

Findings

The result shows tensions between QI work and the daily clinical work of the participants. These tensions primarily concern the conflict between fast and slow processes, the problem of moving between different fields of knowledge, being a resource for the individual clinic and the system and the participants’ expectations and assumptions about roles and responsibilities in a QI project. Furthermore, these findings could be interpreted as signs of a development culture in the health-care context.

Practical implications

There are several practical implications. Among others, the insights can inspire how to approach and contextualize the current concepts, roles and methods of DT and user involvement so that they can be more easily understood and integrated into the existing culture and way of working in the health-care sector.

Originality/value

This study provides a unique insight into a case, trying to uncover what actually is going on and perhaps, why certain things are not happening at all, when user involvement and design practices are applied for improving health-care quality.
Exploring the dependence structure among Chinese firms in the 5G industry
Authors: Wang Liukai , Jia Fu , Chen Lujie , Xu Qifa , Lin Xiao
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the dependence structure among Chinese firms across the emerging 5G industry at different stages and to provide some strategic insights for market participants.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopt macroeconomic fundamentals and the log-returns of 45 listed firms in the Chinese 5G industry to construct the weighted adjacency matrix by measuring the correlation parameters and then use the triangulated maximally filtered graph (TMFG) algorithm to construct the dependence network. It analyses the topological structure of the constructed networks to obtain the dependence characteristics for each firm in the whole industrial supply chain at different levels.

Findings

The empirical results provide a comprehensive and concise snapshot of the industrial structure, across the whole 5G industry at different levels, rather than just a “one-to-one” pattern. Specifically, the dependence characteristics of different firms are heterogeneous, and most firms are highly connected with partners in the whole industrial supply chain, whereas a few firms that are weakly connected. Those closely connected firms are usually in the midstream. In addition, compared with firms at different levels, downstream firms usually have closer dependencies and stronger influence capabilities.

Practical implications

Regulators not only should promote stability development for those firms most intensely connected with whole industry chain but also protect those firms with weak link in the whole industry chain. Investors should better understand the embedded ties among different firms to obtain effective market information and can select multiple firms with fewer connections as backup to conduct joint investment for risk mitigation. Mangers should give priority to the central players/firms in the whole industrial supply chain and establish the alliances with closely connected firms.

Originality/value

This study contributes to both the information system and operation management literature by constructing a new network method, Copula-TMFG, to capture the dependence structure among Chinese firms in 5G industry, empirically providing some strategic insights for 5G industry stakeholders, such as regulators, investors and managers.
How cooperative innovation could be more effective in China: a relationship perspective
Authors: Chi Rui , Zhang Jianyu , Deng Guangkuan
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Considering strategic information sharing (SIS), this paper aims to develop a better understanding of how relation-specific investments (RSIs) influence cooperative innovation performance (CIP) in downstream channel relationships. Also examined was the moderating effect of relational trust in that the indigenous practice ofguanxiis especially critical in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a questionnaire in Chinese high-tech industries, with a valid response from 310 companies. A hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the conceptual model and hypotheses, combining mediation and moderation analysis.

Findings

Results show that the influences of specific investments vary according to the specificity dimensions examined. Specifically, human RSI influences CIP and SIS most significantly, and the impact of procedural RSI is, relatively, the weakest. Relational trust’s moderating role is confirmed, and SIS plays a partially mediating role in enhancing vertical cooperative innovation.

Practical implications

Managers should know clearly different roles of RSIs in inter-firm cooperative innovation and prioritize human RSI and brand RSI when investing into channels. More importantly, the findings reveal that strategy-level information sharing should be valued more. It is also recommended that relational ties are vital, especially in Chinese business context.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is among the first few to investigate how the effects of disaggregated RSIs in inter-firm cooperative innovation vary and the importance of SIS in vertical relationships. The results provide insightful guidance for researchers and managers in how to better manage RSIs to improve CIP.
Assessing industry differences in marketing innovation using multi-level modeling
Authors: Persaud Ajax , Wang Shu , Schillo Sandra R.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Currently, the bulk of research on marketing innovation focuses on various firm-level dimensions using relationships from the technological (product and process) innovation literature. Research on industry-level differences in marketing innovation is lacking. Testing relationships form the technological paradigm in the context of the marketing innovation paradigm is also lacking. This paper aims to present empirical evidence on both aspects using a large-scale data set.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses two large-scale datasets, each consisting of approximately 4,000 Canadian enterprises in 18 industries. The data was collected by Statistics Canada in 2009 and 2012 through its nationwide Survey of Innovation and Business Strategies program. Two widely used theoretical frameworks, resource-based view of the firm and the competitive perspective, are used to generate constructs and hypotheses in relation to marketing innovation. The data was analyzed using multi-level logistic regression.

Findings

The findings show that industry-level competition is a much more important driver of marketing innovation than firm-level competition. The authors also show that marketing constructs that are significant in the context of technological innovation are also significant for marketing innovation.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends the firm-level literature by providing evidence of how industry-level dynamics enhances marketing innovation. The study also provides empirical evidence from Canadian enterprises that complement those from other countries.

Practical implications

A deeper understanding of the drivers of marketing innovation can enable managers to enact innovation strategies that can enhance organizational performance, differentiate themselves and enhance customer engagement and brand image.

Originality/value

As one of the few studies to examine industry-level differences in marketing innovation, the authors show that disaggregating competition into industry-level and firm-level provides a clearer picture of how competition advances marketing innovation. Additionally, this study is the first of its kind to provide empirical evidence on Canadian enterprises, thereby complementing evidence on marketing innovation from other countries. Thus, this study makes a theoretical and empirical contribution to the emerging marketing innovation literature.
Buying behaviour model of early adopting organizations of radical software innovations
Authors: Iyer Krishnan , K.R. Jayasimha
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the dynamics of the organizational buying process of radical software innovations. Acquisition of technology innovations by early adopting organizations has been studied previously with scant attention being given to the actual buying process and the risk mitigation mechanism. This paper addresses these gaps in the literature and this paper finds evidence to support that the organizational buying process of radical software innovations is different from the general models of organizational buying.

Design/methodology/approach

Methods from the grounded theory approach were used to conduct 20 in-depth interviews with senior industry practitioners. Purposive sampling was used to identify the participants.

Findings

A theoretical model of the organizational buying process of radical software innovations emerged with themes and concepts that explain the dynamics of the buying and adoption processes. The paper challenges the fundamental tenet of organizational buying that needs recognition triggers the buying process. An interesting nuance was found that risk is mitigated within the buying action itself.

Practical implications

An understanding of the buyer behaviour process will help marketers of radical software innovations to formulate the appropriate marketing response. Sales personnel can attune their customer interactions when helping customers to acquire a radical software innovation. Firms that want to be early adopters and innovate can tune their buying process in line with the findings.

Originality/value

This paper develops a typological buying model. It unravels the dynamics of the adoption process by discussing how early adopting organizations buy radical software innovations. New concepts with rich explanatory powers are discussed.