bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoscale architecture of a VAP-A-OSBP tethering complex at membrane contact site
Authors: de la Mora Eugenio , Dezi Manuela , Di Cicco Aurélie , Bigay Joëlle , Gautier Romain , Manzi John , Polidori Joël , Castaño Díez Daniel , Mesmin Bruno , Antonny Bruno , Lévy Daniel
Published: October 2020

Membrane contact sites (MCS) are subcellular regions where two organelles appose their membranes to exchange small molecules, including lipids. Structural information on how proteins form MCS is scarce. We designed an in vitro MCS with two membranes and a pair of tethering proteins suitable for cryo-tomography analysis. It includes VAP-A, an ER transmembrane protein interacting with a myriad of cytosolic proteins, and oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP), a lipid transfer protein that transports cholesterol from the ER to the trans Golgi network. We show that VAP-A is a highly flexible protein, allowing formation of MCS of variable intermembrane distance. The tethering part of OSBP contains a central, dimeric, and helical T-shape region. We propose that the molecular flexibility of VAP-A enables the recruitment of partners of different sizes within MCS of adjustable thickness, whereas the T geometry of the OSBP dimer facilitates the movement of the two lipid-transfer domains between membranes.
Isoform-specific roles of theDrosophilafilamin-type protein Jitterbug (Jbug) during development
Authors: Chung SeYeon , Le Thao Phuong , Vishwakarma Vishakha , Cheng Yim Ling , Andrew Deborah J.
Published: October 2020

Filamins are highly conserved actin-crosslinking proteins that regulate organization of the actin cytoskeleton. As key components of versatile signaling scaffolds, filamins are implicated in developmental anomalies and cancer. Multiple isoforms of filamins exist, raising the possibility of distinct functions for each isoform during development and in disease. Here, we provide an initial characterization ofjitterbug(jbug), which encodes one of the two filamin-type proteins inDrosophila. We generate Jbug antiserum that recognizes all of the spliced forms and reveals differential expression of different Jbug isoforms during development, and a significant maternal contribution of Jbug protein. To reveal the function of Jbug isoforms, we create new genetic tools, including a null allele that deletes all isoforms, hypomorphic alleles that affect only a subset, and UAS lines for Gal4-driven expression of the major isoforms. Using these tools, we demonstrate that Jbug is required for viability and that specific isoforms are required in the formation of actin-rich protrusions including thoracic bristles in adults and ventral denticles in the embryo. We also show that specific isoforms of Jbug show differential localization within epithelia and that maternal and zygotic loss ofjbugdisrupts Crumbs (Crb) localization in several epithelial cell types.
Mycobacterial surface-associated ESX-1 virulence factors play a role in mycobacterial adherence and invasion into lung epithelial cells
Authors: Bao Yanqing , Zhang Qi , Wang Lin , Aguilera Javier , Reyes Salvador Vazquez , Sun Jianjun
Published: October 2020

EsxA has long been recognized as an important virulence factor ofMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) that plays an essential role in Mtb cytosolic translocation by penetrating phagosomal membranes with its acidic pH-dependent membrane permeabilizing activity (MPA). Since the reported cytolytic activity of EsxA at neutral pH is controversial, in the present study we have obtained direct evidence that it is the residual ASB-14, a detergent used in EsxA purification, but not EsxA that causes cytolysis at neutral pH. Besides, we have also found that the exogenously added EsxA was internalized into lung epithelial cells (WI-26) and inserted into the host membranes, and these processes could be blocked by cytochalasin D and bafilomycin A. This indicates that EsxA is bound by host surface receptors and internalized into acidic endosomal compartments. This observation has intrigued us to investigate the role of EsxA in mycobacterial adherence and invasion in host cells. Interestingly, compared to theMycobacterium marinum(Mm) wild type strain, the Mm strain with deletion of theesxBAoperon (MmΔEsxA:B) had a lower adherence but a higher invasion in WI-26 cells. More interestingly, either inducible knockdown of EsxAB or removal of the bacterial surface-associated EsxAB by Tween-80 exhibited opposite results compared to gene knockout. Finally, the surface-associated EsxA is correlated to mycobacterial virulence. Together, the present study has shown for the first time that EsxA is internalized into the host cells and inserts into the host membranes, and mycobacterial surface-associated EsxAB plays an important role in mycobacterial adherence and invasion in host cells, which warrants further investigation.
Sonic hedgehog signaling directs patterned cell remodeling during cranial neural tube closure
Authors: Brooks Eric R. , Islam Mohammed T. , Anderson Kathryn V. , Zallen Jennifer A.
Published: October 2020

Neural tube closure defects are a major cause of infant mortality, with exencephaly accounting for nearly one-third of cases. However, the mechanisms of cranial neural tube closure are not well understood. Here we show that this process involves a tissue-wide pattern of apical constriction controlled by Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling. Midline cells in the mouse midbrain neuroepithelium are short with large apical surfaces, whereas lateral cells are taller and undergo synchronous apical constriction, driving neural fold elevation. Embryos lacking the Shh effector Gli2 fail to produce appropriate midline cell architecture, whereas embryos with expanded Shh signaling, including the IFT-A complex mutantsIft122andTtc21band embryos expressing activated Smoothened, display apical constriction defects in lateral cells. Disruption of lateral, but not midline, cell remodeling results in exencephaly. These results reveal a morphogenetic program of patterned apical constriction governed by Shh signaling that generates structural changes in the developing mammalian brain.
CRISPR-Based Transcriptional Activation Tool for Silent Genes in Filamentous Fungi
Authors: Mózsik László , Hoekzema Mirthe , de Kok Niels A.W. , Bovenberg Roel A.L. , Nygård Yvonne , Driessen Arnold J.M.
Published: October 2020

Filamentous fungi are historically known to be a rich reservoir of bioactive compounds that are applied in a myriad of fields ranging from crop protection to medicine. The surge of genomic data available shows that fungi remain an excellent source for new pharmaceuticals. However, most of the responsible biosynthetic gene clusters are transcriptionally silent under laboratory growth conditions. Therefore, generic strategies for activation of these clusters are required. Here, we present a genome-editing-free, transcriptional regulation tool for filamentous fungi, based on the CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) methodology. Herein, a nuclease-defective mutant of Cas9 (dCas9) was fused to a highly active tripartite activator VP64-p65-Rta (VPR) to allow for sgRNA directed targeted gene regulation. dCas9-VPR was introduced, together with an easy to use sgRNA “plug-and-play” module, into an AMA1-vector, which is compatible with several filamentous fungal species. To demonstrate its potential, this vector was used to transcriptionally activate a fluorescent reporter gene under the control of thepenDEcore promoter inPenicillium rubens. Subsequently, we activated the transcriptionally silent, nativeP. rubensmacrophorin biosynthetic gene cluster by targeting dCas9-VPR to the promoter region of the transcription factormacR. This resulted in the production of antimicrobial macrophorins. This CRISPRa technology can be used for the rapid and convenient activation of silent fungal biosynthetic gene clusters, and thereby aid in the identification of novel compounds such as antimicrobials.
Integrative Analysis Reveals Histone Demethylase LSD1/KDM1A Associates with RNA Polymerase II Pausing
Authors: Kim Hani Jieun , Kim Taiyun , Oldfield Andrew J. , Yang Pengyi
Published: October 2020

RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) pausing at gene promoters is a rate-limiting step in transcription regulation. Previous studies have elucidated the coordinated actions of pausing and releasing factors that collectively modulate RNAPII pausing. In general, the involvement of chromatin remodellers in RNAPII pausing has not been well documented. Whilst LSD1 is well-known for its role in decommissioning enhancers during ESC differentiation, its role at the promoters of genes remains poorly understood despite their widespread presence at these sites. Here, we report that LSD1 is associated with RNAPII pausing at the promoter-proximal region of genes in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). We demonstrate that the knockdown of LSD1 preferentially affects genes with higher RNAPII pausing than those with lower pausing and, importantly, show that the co-localization of LSD1 and MYC, a factor known to regulate pause-release, is associated with the enrichment of other RNAPII pausing factors compared to their independent counterparts. Moreover, we found that genes co-occupied by LSD1 and MYC are significantly enriched for housekeeping genes that are involved in metabolic processes and globally depleted of transcription factors compared to those bound only by LSD1. These findings reveal a pleiotropic role of LSD1 in regulating housekeeping program besides its previously known role in regulating cell identity programs. Our integrative analysis presents evidence for a previously unanticipated role of LSD1 in RNAPII pausing through its association with pause release factors in modulating cell-type specific and cell-type invariant genes.
Mapping the substrate sequence and length of thePlasmodiumM1 and M17 aminopeptidases
Authors: Malcolm Tess R , Swiderska Karolina W. , Hayes Brooke K , Drag Marcin , Drinkwater Nyssa , McGowan Sheena
Published: October 2020

During malarial infection,Plasmodiumparasites digest human hemoglobin to obtain free amino acids for protein production and maintenance of osmotic pressure. ThePlasmodiumM1 and M17 aminopeptidases are both postulated to have an essential role in the terminal stages of the hemoglobin digestion process and are validated drug targets for the design of new dualtarget anti-malarial compounds. In this study, we profiled the substrate specificity fingerprints and kinetic behaviors of M1 and M17 aminopeptidases fromPlasmodium falciparumandPlasmodium vivax,and the mouse model species,Plasmodium berghei.We found that although thePlasmodiumM1 aminopeptidases share a largely similar, broad specificity at the P1 position, theP. falciparumM1 displays the greatest diversity in specificity andP. bergheiM1 showing a preference for charged P1 residues. In contrast, thePlasmodiumM17 aminopeptidases share a highly conserved preference for hydrophobic residues at the P1 position. The aminopeptidases also demonstrated intra-peptide sequence specificity, particularly the M1 aminopeptidases, which showed a definitive preference for peptides with fewer negatively charged intrapeptide residues. When tested with a panel of peptides of increasing length, each aminopeptidase exhibited unique catalytic behavioral responses to the increase in peptide length, although all six aminopeptidases exhibited an increase in cooperativity as peptide length increased. Overall theP. vivaxandP. bergheienzymes were generally faster than theP. falciparumenzymes, which we postulate is due to subtle differences in structural dynamicity. Together, these results build a kinetic profile that allows us to better understand the catalytic nuances of the M1 and M17 aminopeptidases from differentPlasmodiumspecies.
Cas9-AAV6 Gene Correction of Beta-Globin in Autologous HSCs Improves Sickle Cell Disease Erythropoiesis in Mice
Authors: Wilkinson Adam C. , Dever Daniel P. , Baik Ron , Camarena Joab , Hsu Ian , Charlesworth Carsten T. , Morita Chika , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Porteus Matthew H.
Published: October 2020

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated beta-globin (HBB) gene correction of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patient-derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in combination with autologous transplantation represents a novel paradigm in gene therapy. Although several Cas9-basedHBB-correction approaches have been proposed, functional correction of in vivo erythropoiesis has not been investigated. Here, we used a humanized globin-cluster SCD mouse model to study Cas9-AAV6-mediatedHBB-correction in functional HSCs within the context of autologous transplantation. We discover that long-term multipotent HSCs can be gene corrected ex vivo and stable hemoglobin-A production can be achieved in vivo fromHBB-corrected HSCs following autologous transplantation. We observed a direct correlation between increasedHBB-corrected myeloid chimerism and normalized in vivo RBC features, but even low levels of chimerism resulted in robust hemoglobin-A levels. Moreover, this study offers a platform for gene editing of mouse HSCs for both basic and translational research.
Tropomyosin in mugwort cross-reacts to house dust mite, eliciting non-Th2 response in allergic rhinitis patients sensitized to house dust mite
Authors: Lan Feng , Zhao Limin , Duan Su , Zhang Nan , Zhang Haibo , Zheng Ming , Wang Qiqi , Zhang Xu , Wang Xiangdong , Ying Sun , Bachert Claus , Zhang Luo
Published: October 2020

Background

Mugwort and house dust mite (HDM) are two of the most common inhalant allergens in Asia; however, whether or not mugwort affects polysensitized HDM+allergic rhinitis (AR) patients has not been elucidated.

Methods

Overall, 15884 AR outpatients were assessed for clinical status. Amino acid sequences of mugwort were determined by mass spectrometry. Afterward, cross-reactivity between mugwort tropomyosin and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 10 (Der p10) was analysed by ELISA inhibition and basophils activation experiments. To compare immunologic responses eliciting by two different tropomyosins, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HDM-monosensitized patients were stimulated by mugwort, HDM, Der p10 and synthetic peptides representing mugwort tropomyosin respectively.

Results

Polysensitized HDM+AR patients were mainly sensitized to cat and mugwort, and the positive rate of monosensitized HDM+AR out-clinic patients was increased during the mugwort pollen season. Mugwort tropomyosin protein had similar structural domains to HDM tropomyosin, Der p10. ELISA inhibition experiment showed synthetic mugwort tropomyosin peptide inhibited IgE binding to Der p10; mugwort tropomyosin peptide activated basophils which were primed by HDM-specific IgE. Unlike HDM and Derp 10, mugwort and mugwort tropomyosin mainly induced IFN-γ and IL-17, release in PBMCs of monosensitized HDM+AR patients, but not IL-5.

Conclusions

Pan-allergen tropomyosin is a major protein accounting for the cross-reactivity between mugwort and HDM, which reminds HDM+patients to reduce mugwort exposure in mugwort pollen season in virtue of the tropomyosin induced mild inflammation.
A Multisite Model of Allosterism for the Adenosine A1 Receptor
Authors: Deganutti Giuseppe , Barkan Kerry , Ladds Graham , Reynolds Christopher A
Published: October 2020

Despite being a target for about one-third of approved drugs, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) still represent a tremendous reservoir for therapeutic strategies against countless diseases. For example, several cardiovascular and central nervous systems conditions could benefit from clinical agents that activate the adenosine 1 receptor (A1R), however, the pursuit of A1R agonists for clinical use are usually impeded by both on- and off-target side effects. One of the possible strategies to overcome this issue is the development of positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) capable of selectively enhancing the effect of a specific receptor subtype and triggering functional selectivity (a phenomenon also referred to as bias). Intriguingly, besides enforcing the effect of agonists upon binding to an allosteric site, most of the A1R PAMs display intrinsic partial agonism and orthosteric competition with antagonists. To rationalize this behaviour, we simulated the binding of the prototypical PAMs PD81723 and VCP171, the antagonist 13B, and the bitopic agonist VCP746. We propose that a single PAM can bind several A1R sites rather than a unique allosteric pocket, reconciling the structure-activity relationship and the mutagenesis results.
Neuronal NOX4 knockdown alleviates pathological tau-related alterations in a humanized mouse model of tauopathy
Authors: Luengo Enrique , Trigo-Alonso Paula , Fernández-Mendívil Cristina , Nuñez Ángel , del Campo Marta , Porrero César , García-Magro Nuria , Negredo Pilar , Sánchez-Ramos Cristina , Bernal Juan A. , Rábano Alberto , Hoozemans Jeroen , Casas Ana I , Schmidt Harald H.H.W , Cuervo Ana María , López Manuela G.
Published: October 2020

Approximately 44 million people worldwide live with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or a related form of dementia. Aggregates of the microtubule-associated protein tau are a common marker of these neurodegenerative diseases collectively termed as tauopathies. However, all therapeutic attempts based on tau have failed, suggesting that tau may only indicate a higher-level causal mechanism. For example, increasing levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may trigger protein aggregation or modulate protein degradation. Here we show that type 4 NADPH oxidase (NOX), the most abundant isoform of the only dedicated reactive oxygen producing enzyme family, is upregulated in dementia and AD patients and in a humanized mouse model of tauopathy. Both global knockout and neuronal knockdown of theNox4gene in mice, diminished the accumulation of pathological tau and positively modified established tauopathy by a mechanism that implicates modulation of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP). Moreover, neuronal-targeted NOX4 knockdown was sufficient to reduce neurotoxicity and prevented cognitive decline, suggesting a direct and causal role for neuronal NOX4. Thus, NOX4 is a previously unrecognized causal, mechanism-based target in tauopathies and blood-brain barrier permeable specific NOX4 inhibitors could have therapeutic potential even in established disease.

Graphical abstract
In VivoBrain Glutathione is Higher in Older Age and Correlates with Mobility
Authors: Hupfeld K. E. , Hyatt H. W. , Jerez P. Alvarez , Mikkelsen M. , Hass C. J. , Edden R. A. E. , Seidler R. D. , Porges E. C.
Published: October 2020

Brain markers of oxidative damage increase with advancing age. In response, brain antioxidant levels may also increase with age, although this has not been well investigated. Here we used edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy to quantify endogenous levels of glutathione (GSH, one of the most abundant brain antioxidants) in 37 young (mean: 21.8 (2.5) years; 19 F) and 23 older adults (mean: 72.8 (8.9) years; 19 F). Accounting for age-related atrophy, we identified higher frontal and sensorimotor GSH levels for the older compared to the younger adults. For the older adults only, higher sensorimotor (but not frontal) GSH was correlated with poorer balance, gait, and manual dexterity. This suggests a regionally-specific relationship between higher brain oxidative stress levels and motor performance declines with age. We suggest these findings reflect a compensatory upregulation of GSH in response to increasing brain oxidative stress with normal aging. Together, these results provide insight into age differences in brain antioxidant levels and implications for motor function.
Accurate reconstruction of bacterial pan- and core genomes with PEPPAN
Authors: Zhou Zhemin , Charlesworth Jane , Achtman Mark
Published: October 2020

Bacterial genomes can contain traces of a complex evolutionary history, including extensive homologous recombination, gene loss, gene duplications, and horizontal gene transfer. To reconstruct the phylogenetic and population history of a set of multiple bacteria, it is necessary to examine their pangenome, the composite of all the genes in the set. Here we introduce PEPPAN, a novel pipeline that can reliably construct pangenomes from thousands of genetically diverse bacterial genomes that represent the diversity of an entire genus. PEPPAN outperforms existing pangenome methods by providing consistent gene and pseudogene annotations extended by similarity-based gene predictions, and identifying and excluding paralogs by combining tree- and synteny-based approaches. The PEPPAN package additionally includes PEPPAN_parser, which implements additional downstream analyses, including the calculation of trees based on accessory gene content or allelic differences between core genes. To test the accuracy of PEPPAN, we implemented SimPan, a novel pipeline for simulating the evolution of bacterial pangenomes. We compared the accuracy and speed of PEPPAN with four state-of-the-art pangenome pipelines using both empirical and simulated data sets. PEPPAN was more accurate and more specific than any of the other pipelines and was almost as fast as any of them. As a case study, we used PEPPAN to construct a pangenome of approximately 40,000 genes from 3052 representative genomes spanning at least 80 species of Streptococcus. The resulting gene and allelic trees provide an unprecedented overview of the genomic diversity of the entire Streptococcus genus.
On obtaining high spectral resolution in extreme ultraviolet/soft X-ray monochromators operating off-plane diffraction in a divergent incident beam
Authors: Jark Werner
Published: October 2020

When the trajectory of an incident beam is oriented parallel to the grooves of a periodic grating structure the radiation beam is diffracted off-plane orthogonal to the plane of incidence. The diffraction efficiency in this condition is very high and in a grating with a sawtooth profile it can approach the reflection coefficient for a simple mirror, when the diffraction order of interest follows the direction for specular reflection at the flat part of the steps. When this concept is used in a plane grating in a monochromator for synchrotron radiation sources, the incident beam is almost always collimated in order to minimize any deterioration of the beam properties due to aberrations, which will be introduced in the diffraction process when an uncollimated beam is used. These aberrations are very severe when the groove density is constant. It will be shown that the effect of these aberrations can be corrected after the diffraction by the use of astigmatic focusing. The latter can be provided by a crossed mirror pair with different focal lengths in the corresponding orthogonal directions. Then a monochromator based on this concept can provide source size limited spectral resolution in an uncollimated incident beam. This is identical to the spectral resolution that can be provided by the same grating when operated at the same position in a collimated incident beam. The source size limited spectral resolution in this case corresponds to a high spectral resolving power of better than ΔE/E = 10 000 for photon energies around 300 eV in the soft X-ray range.
Two-color X-ray free-electron laser consisting of broadband and narrowband beams
Authors: Inoue Ichiro , Osaka Taito , Hara Toru , Yabashi Makina
Published: October 2020

A simple scheme is proposed and experimentally confirmed to generate X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) consisting of broadband and narrowband beams with a controllable intensity ratio and a large photon-energy separation. This unique two-color XFEL beam will open new opportunities for investigation of nonlinear interactions between intense X-rays and matter.
A transform of univariable time domain polynomial for extraction of temporal arcs
Authors: Thankappan Binesh
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present a special transformation that is applied to univariable polynomials of an arbitrary order, resulting in the generation of the proposed offset eliminated polynomial. This transform-based approach is used in the analysis and synthesis of temporal arc functions, which are time domain polynomial functions possessing two or more values simultaneously. Using the proposed transform, the submerged values of temporal arcs can also be extracted in measurements.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology involves a two-step mathematical procedure in which the proposed transform of the weighted modified derivative of the polynomial is generated, followed by multiplication with a linear or ramp function. The transform introduces a stretching in the temporal or spatial domain depending on the type of variable under consideration, resulting in modifications for parameters such as time derivative and relative velocity.

Findings

Detailed analysis of various parameters in this modified time domain is performed and results are presented. Additionally, using the proposed methodology, the submerged value of any temporal arc function can also be extracted in measurements, thereby unraveling the temporal arc.

Practical implications

A typical implementation study with results is also presented for an operational amplifier-based temporal arc-producing square rooting circuit for the extraction of the submerged value of the function.

Originality/value

The proposed transform-based approach has major applications in extracting the values of temporal arc functions that are submerged in conventional experimental measurements, thereby providing a novel method in unraveling that class of special functions.
Distribution of adjacent prime numbers in the Ulam spiral
Authors: Jara-Vera Vicente , Sánchez-Ávila Carmen
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The distribution of natural numbers in the Ulam spiral manifests a series of unexpected regularities of the elusive prime numbers. Their sequencing remains a topic of research interest, with many ramifications in different branches of Mathematics, especially in number theory and the prime factorisation problem. Accordingly, the focus of the research is on the most known and widespread asymmetric cryptographic system, that is, the RSA encryption.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the presence of one, two, three or four adjacencies for the diverse primes that appear in a spiral, considering the Hardy–Littlewood twin prime conjecture and the constellations of primes.

Findings

Through equations, the calculation formulas of primes inside a spiral that have one to four primes in their adjacent places is offered, with approximate expressions that facilitate the operations, showing that the adjacencies decrease very rapidly as the spiral progresses, although without disappearing.

Originality/value

A generalisation to cases in which the distances to the prime values change in an ascending way in accordance with the step of the Ulam spiral is offered.
Hybrid nanofluid flow through an exponentially stretching/shrinking sheet with mixed convection and Joule heating
Authors: Yashkun Ubaidullah , Zaimi Khairy , Ishak Anuar , Pop Ioan , Sidaoui Rabeb
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the flow and heat transfer of a hybrid nanofluid through an exponentially stretching/shrinking sheet along with mixed convection and Joule heating. The nanoparticles alumina (Al2O3) and copper (Cu) are suspended into a base fluid (water) to form a new kind of hybrid nanofluid (Al2O3-Cu/water). Also, the effects of constant mixed convection parameter and Joule heating are considered.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using appropriate similarity transformations. The transformed nonlinear ODEs are solves using the bvp4c solver available in MATLAB software. A comparison of the present results shows a good agreement with the published results.

Findings

Dual solutions for hybrid nanofluid flow obtained for a specific range of the stretching/shrinking parameter values. The values of the skin friction coefficient increases but the local Nusselt number decreases for the first solution with the increasing of the magnetic parameter. Enhancing copper volume fraction and Eckert number reduces the surface temperature, which intimates the decrement of heat transfer rate for the first and second solutions for the stretching/shrinking sheet. In detail, the first solution results show that when the Eckert number increases as 0.1, 0.4 and 0.7 at λ = 1.5, the temperature variations reduced to 10.686840, 10.671419 and 10.655996. While in the second solution, keeping the same parameters temperature variation reduced to 9.750777, 9.557349 and 9.364489, respectively. On the other hand, the results indicate that the skin friction coefficient increases with copper volume fraction. This study shows that the thermal boundary layer thickness rises due to the rise in the solid volume fraction. It is also observed that the magnetic parameter, copper volume fraction and Eckert number widen the range of the stretching/shrinking parameter for which the solution exists.

Practical implications

In practice, the investigation on the flow and heat transfer of a hybrid nanofluid past an exponentially stretching/shrinking sheet with mixed convection and Joule heating is crucial and useful. The problems related to hybrid nanofluid have numerous real-life and industrial applications, such as microelectronics, manufacturing, naval structures, nuclear system cooling, biomedical and drug reduction.

Originality/value

In specific, this study focuses on increasing thermal conductivity using a hybrid nanofluid mathematical model. The novelty of this study is the use of natural mixed convection and Joule heating in a hybrid nanofluid. This paper can obtain dual solutions. The authors declare that this study is new, and there is no previous published work similar to the present study.
The management index: simplifying business excellence for management teams?
Authors: Snyder Kristen M. , Eriksson Henrik , Raharjo Hendry
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present findings from a qualitative research study that was designed to examine the application of the management index (MI) to support effectiveness among management teams. Specifically, the research was twofold: to examine the usefulness of the MI as a tool to enhance effectiveness in management teams; and to identify conditions necessary for successful use of the MI.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-year multi-site qualitative case study was conducted with five medium- to large-scale organizations, from public and private sectors, to apply and examine the use of the MI. Data were collected from participants during a series of workshops designed to examine the ways in which the tool was used to enhance effectiveness in management teams, and conditions that were determined supportive or a hinder to using the tool.

Findings

Findings from the qualitative data demonstrate four primary uses of the in which the MI: pulse reader, navigation, systematic dialog, management team development. It is, however, not clear yet if the use of the MI contributes to improvement in efficiency and effectiveness. The degree of maturity within the organization and teams, as defined by open and transparent communication and clarity of purpose of direction, appear to be key factors for how well teams benefit from the MI. Furthermore, the tool appears to benefit from longer term usage rather than quick-fix usage, although this claim has yet to be validated by further investigations.

Practical implications

The MI was developed by Swedish Institute of Quality to provide a simpler performance measurement tool for management teams to support quality improvement processes in organizations in Sweden. The MI was developed to provide management teams with access to vital information that could serve as the basis for prioritizing areas of needed improvement, while reducing time and complexity associated with traditional business excellence models.

Originality/value

This study contributes to an ongoing dialogue about how to support quality management through the use of performance measurement tools. In particular, the study supports the need to develop understanding about the importance of dialogue and process combined with the use of measures to achieve results.
Damping characteristics of integral squeeze film dampers on vibration of deep groove ball bearing with localized defects
Authors: Hao Yifan , Zheng Chengdong , Wang Xiaojing , Chen Chao , Wang Ke , Xiong Xin
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This work aims to demonstrate the vibration suppression of the rotor system with localized defects on bearing using an integral squeeze film damper (ISFD).

Design/methodology/approach

Experiments were carried out to study the vibration characteristics of the rotor system with ISFD mounted on fault deep groove ball bearings. Three fault bearings including bearing with outer race defect, inner race defect and ball defect have been used in this paper. The results were compared by use of vibration acceleration level, continuous wavelet transform and envelope spectrum.

Findings

It was found that ISFD shows excellent damping and vibration attenuation characteristics of the rotor system with defective bearing. The fault bearing rotor system with external ISFD considerably reduces the vibration energy and amplitude compared with the system without ISFD.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of experimental research pertaining to vibration characteristics of rotor system support by defective bearings with ISFD. Besides, the test provides evidence for the application of ISFD in vibration control of the rotor system with incipient defects on bearing.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-04-2020-0144/
Pride and productivity – introducing and testing the Healing Offices® design concept
Authors: Bauer Anicee Carolyn
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to learn to what extent the physical workspace can contribute to employee health and happiness. In this context, it introduces an evidence-based design concept and evaluation method for workplaces to transform the traditional subjective design process into a more objective, systematic approach. Identifying issues regarding physical design and work culture is assumed to lead to a better person-environment fit.

Design/methodology/approach

The study describes a comparison between a pre-measurement at an IT company’s old workplace and a post-measurement in the new location with a new office design. The independent variable is the objective quality of the physical work environment, which was determined by an interior quality index. The dependent variables were the perceived health, engagement, comfort and productivity, assessed by an online questionnaire and interviews.

Findings

The objective quality of the work environment improved remarkably, especially regarding sustainability, diversity, nature and the possibilities to move and relax. The subjective experience of employees also improved, specifically regarding feelings of comfort and energy, possibly because of a more inspirational and diverse environment, which also better captured the company identity. A more connected workspace moreover seemed to relate to more physical activity and personal contact, as well as to teamwork and productivity.

Originality/value

The study promotes an evidence-based design approach for design and real-state, encouraging all stakeholders to design responsibly: to work more closely together, take well-informed design decisions and evaluate and learn from what was “left behind.” It also stresses the power of tailor-made designs, as any design eventually is shaped by its broader cultural context.
A systematic review of barriers impeding the implementation of government green procurement
Authors: Vejaratnam Navarani , Mohamad Zeeda Fatimah , Chenayah Santha
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Government green procurement (GGP) is becoming a popular environmental policy instrument to spur the economy whilst protecting the environment. However, the implementation of GGP is impeded by various barriers. This paper aims to analyse the existing literature on barriers impeding GGP.

Design/methodology/approach

This systematic literature review was guided by the PRISMA Statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) review method. A total of 29 articles from the Scopus and Web of Science databases were selected for the review.

Findings

Five themes, i.e. finance, legal, people, knowledge and organisation, emerged from this review, which further produced 16 sub-themes. Lack of knowledge and awareness were the major barriers for GGP, while financial constraint was not the major barrier for GGP, as previously perceived. Barriers related to organisation were the most complex. Certain barriers were found more in developed or developing countries.

Research limitations/implications

Only article journals with empirical data were selected. Review articles, book series, books, chapters in books and conference proceedings were excluded.

Practical implications

Public managers should place highest priority to enhance knowledge and awareness of procurers on GGP. Other important initiatives to be undertaken include emulating best practices, implementing change management and incentivising suppliers to tackle the prevalent barriers of GGP. Finally, with increasing evidences on barriers related to GGP, public managers should consider mapping and analysing specific barriers hindering GGP in their organisation/country.

Social implications

A less challenging and efficient implementation of GGP contributes to a cleaner environment.

Originality/value

This article will be the first to systematically review the barriers of GGP.
Using the Shapley value of stocks as systematic risk
Authors: Shalit Haim
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to propose the Shapley value that originates from the game theory to quantify the relative risk of a security in an optimal portfolio.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic risk as expressed by the relative covariance of stock returns to market returns is an essential measure in pricing risky securities. Although very much in use, the concept has become marginalized in recent years because of the difficulties that arise estimating beta. The idea is that portfolios can be viewed as cooperative games played by assets aiming at minimizing risk. With the Shapley value, investors can calculate the exact contribution of each risky asset to the joint payoff. For a portfolio of three stocks, this study exemplifies the Shapley value when risk is minimized regardless of portfolio return.

Findings

This study computes the Shapley value of stocks and indices for optimal mean-variance portfolios by using daily returns for the years 2016–2019. This results in the risk attributes allocated to securities in optimal portfolios. The Shapley values are analyzed and compared to the standard beta estimates to determine the ranking of assets with respect to pertinent risk and return.

Research limitations/implications

An alternative approach to value risk and return in optimal portfolios is presented in this study. The logic and the mechanics of Shapley value theory in portfolio analysis have been explained, and its advantages relative to standard beta analysis are presented. Hence, financial analysts when adding or removing specific assets from present positions will have the true and exact impact of their actions by using the Shapley value instead of the beta.

Practical implications

When computing the Shapley value, portfolio risk is decomposed exactly among its assets because it considers all possible coalitions of portfolios. In that sense, financial analysts when adding or removing specific securities from present holdings will be able to predict the true and exact impact of their transactions by using the Shapley value instead of the beta. The main implication for investors is that risk is ultimately priced relative to their holdings. This prevents the subjective mispricing of securities, as standard beta is not used and might allow investors to gain from arbitrage conditions.

Originality/value

The logic and the methodology of Shapley value theory in portfolio analysis have been explained as an alternative to value risk and return in optimal portfolios by presenting its advantages relative to standard beta analysis. The conclusion is that the Shapley value theory contributes much more financial optimization than to standard systematic risk analysis because it enables looking at the contribution of each security to all possible coalitions of portfolios.
Environment-friendly FSM design on ultra-scale architecture: energy-efficient green computing approach
Authors: Pandey Bishwajeet , Tomar Geetam Singh , Bhadoria Robin Singh , Hussain Dil Muhammad Akbar , Rodriguez Rodriguez Ciro
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The Purpose of this research is to make an energy efficient finite state machine (FSM) in order to achieve the core objective of green computing because FSM is an indispensable part of multiple computer hardware.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses ultra-scale plus FPGA architecture in place of seven-series field-programmable gate array (FPGA) for the implementation of the FSM design and also uses output load scaling for the design of environment-friendly FSM. This design study is done using Verilog Hardware description language and Vivado integrated system environment design tools and implemented on 16 nm ultra-scale FPGA architecture.

Findings

There is up to 98.57% reduction in dynamic power when operating frequency is managed as per smart job scheduling. There is up to a 21.97% reduction in static power with proper management of output load capacitance. There is up to 98.43% saving in dynamic power with the proposed management of output load capacitance.

Originality/value

The proposed design will be environment friendly that eventually leads to the green earth. This is the main motive of the research area i.e. green computing.
Guselkumab improves joint pain in patients with pustulotic arthro‐osteitis: A retrospective pilot study
Authors: Ikumi Natsumi , Fujita Hideki , Terui Tadashi
Published: October 2020

Pustulotic arthro‐osteitis (PAO) is an osteoarticular complication of palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP). Although guselkumab, an anti‐interleukin‐23p19 antibody, has been shown to be effective for PPP, its efficacy for PAO is still not well understood. We conducted a retrospective observational study to evaluate the effectiveness of 28‐week guselkumab treatment for five PAO patients in daily clinical practice. Four patients had sternoclavicular arthritis, and one had only sacroiliitis. Guselkumab improved pain visual assessment scale scores in all five patients by 54.2% (11.1–87.5%) on average at week 28 compared with baseline, and discontinuation or dose reduction of analgesics was possible in four of them. Three patients showed clinically significant improvement in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index of 2 or more. On the other hand, beneficial change in Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score of 1.1 or more was observed in only one patient. Bone scintigraphy demonstrated decreased uptake in sternoclavicular joints after guselkumab treatment in all four patients with sternoclavicular arthritis. Improvement of Palmoplantar Pustulosis Area and Severity Index was also confirmed. Guselkumab can be a treatment option for intractable PAO.
Specimen‐based records and geographic locations of carabid beetles (Coleoptera) collected mainly by Dr. Kazuo Tanaka
Authors: Osawa Takeshi , Yoshimatsu Shin‐ichi , Nakatani Yukinobu
Published: October 2020

Ground beetles of suborder Adephaga are often considered bioindicators of natural environments because their habitats and abundances strongly depend upon environmental factors. Although their importance and usefulness are already known, there are limited data regarding voucher specimens in Japan. Biodiversity data based on voucher specimens are of high quality and reliability. In this data paper, we compile the records of Caraboidea collected mainly by Dr. Kazuo Tanaka. We also detail the time and locality of collection based on the labels of specimens deposited in the Institute for Agro‐Environmental Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Japan. This collection facility contains 15,675 records of 673 species collected from 1947 to 1997. All data are deposited in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) through the Japan Node of GBIF and are thus accessible through the GBIF portal under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
Lost bed capacity in emergency departments: A descriptive analysis and data visualisation exploration
Authors: Middleton Paul M , Moore Nicholas , Ren Shiquan
Published: October 2020

Objective

To map utilisation of bed resources within an ED over time, in order to determine the proportions of patient stay spent receiving emergency care versus non‐emergent care. To produce visualisations that effectively convey this bed utilisation.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using routinely collected administrative data, derived from the ED electronic health record (FirstNet; Cerner, North Kansas City, MO, USA), on all patients presenting to a single tertiary‐level ED during a 1‐month period and who were triaged to an acute area bed in order to undergo their emergency care. Resuscitation, subacute, fast track and paediatric area patients were excluded from analysis as firstly, in our institution the acute area processing appears to contribute most to barriers to patient flow and secondly, using acute area patients allowed us to approximate standardisation of acuity. Lost bed capacity (LBC) was defined as the time spent in an ED bed after an emergency clinician indicated that they were ready to depart the ED, as recorded in the electronic medical record.

Results

The overall proportion of time spent in an ED bed after completion of emergency care was 38.5% (interquartile range 21.8–47.2%). This time differed significantly between ‘discharged’ (1 min), ‘admitted‐ward’ (72 min) and ‘admitted‐critical care’ (110 min) groups. This was clearly revealed in our novel LBC heatmaps.

Conclusions

A considerable proportion of ED length of stay is because of patients remaining in an ED bed after their emergency care is concluded. Absolute time is much greater for admitted patients than for discharged patients, and therefore efforts to reduce LBC are likely to reduce overall ED length of stay. LBC heatmaps may provide an intuitively useful, potentially automated tool to understand these problems.
General practice access in regional and remote Australia for ageing populations
Authors: Taylor Danielle , Lange Jarrod , Laurence Caroline , Beilby Justin , Kitson Alison , Barrie Helen , Visvanathan Renuka
Published: October 2020

Identifying and removing access barriers to the timely provision of comprehensive health care is increasingly important for the wellbeing of Australia's rapidly ageing and frail populations, particularly those in non‐metropolitan settings. This study has examined if current general practice (GP) locations in non‐metropolitan South Australia (SA) and Western Australia (WA) are geographically accessible to the rapidly growing frail and prefrail populations known to have a high level of health service use and reduced mobility. Geospatial analysis linking 60‐kilometre GP service catchments, 2016 population counts, and 2027 population projections has estimated that the size of the frail and prefrail population that live outside these GP service catchments will double, reaching 7,800 people by 2027. The maldistribution of GP locations was most evident in WA. As regional and remote populations continue to age, the challenge of health service provision, including geographic access to care, must be resolved to ensure that populations in these areas have the best opportunity to age well. Geospatial methods linking service and demographic information, such as the approach used in this analysis, can aid in planning the equitable provision of health care for older Australians.