bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of a microbially produced small molecule in a host-specific organ
Authors: Zink Katherine E. , Tarnowski Denise A. , Lazzara Phillip R. , Moore Terry W. , Mandel Mark J. , Sanchez Laura M.
Published: August 2020

The lifelong relationship between the Hawaiian bobtail squid,Euprymna scolopes, and its microbial symbiont,Vibrio fischeri, represents a simplified model system for studying microbiome establishment and maintenance. The bacteria colonize a dedicated symbiotic light organ in the squid, from which bacterial luminescence camouflages the hosts in a process termed counterillumination. The squid hosts hatch without their symbionts, which must be acquired from the ocean amid a diversity of non-beneficial bacteria, so precise molecular communication is required for initiation of the specific relationship. It is therefore likely that there may be specialized metabolites used in the light organ microenvironment to modulate these processes. To identify small molecules that may influence the establishment of this symbiosis, we used imaging mass spectrometry to analyze metabolite production inV. fischeriwith altered biofilm production, which correlates directly to colonization capability in its host. ‘Biofilm-Up’ and ‘Biofilm-Down’ mutants were compared to a wild-type strain, and masses that were more abundantly produced by the biofilm-up mutant were detected. Using a combination of structure elucidation and synthetic chemistry, one such signal was determined to be a diketopiperazine, cyclo(d-histidyl-l-proline). This diketopiperazine modulated luminescence inV. fischeriand, using label-free imaging mass spectrometry, was directly detected in the light organ of the colonized host. This work highlights the continued need for untargeted discovery efforts in host-microbe interactions and showcases the benefits of the squid-Vibriosystem for identification and characterization of small molecules that modulate microbiome behaviors.

Significance Statement

The complexity of animal microbiomes presents challenges to defining signaling molecules within the microbial consortium and between the microbes and the host. By focusing on the binary symbiosis betweenVibrio fischeriandEuprymna scolopes, we have combined genetic analysis with direct imaging to define and study small molecules in the intact symbiosis. We have detected and characterized a diketopiperazine produced by strong biofilm-formingV. fischeristrains that was detectable in the host symbiotic organ, and which influences bacterial luminescence. Biofilm formation and luminescence are critical for initiation and maintenance of the association, respectively, suggesting that the compound may link early and later development stages, providing further evidence that multiple small molecules are important in establishing these beneficial relationships.
Live-imaging of endothelial Erk activity reveals dynamic and sequential signalling events during regenerative angiogenesis
Authors: Okuda Kazuhide S. , Keyser Mikaela , Gurevich David B. , Sturtzel Caterina , Patterson Scott , Chen Huijun , Scott Mark , Condon Nicholas D. , Martin Paul , Distel Martin , Hogan Benjamin M.
Published: August 2020

The formation of new blood vessel networks occurs via angiogenesis during development, tissue repair and disease. Angiogenesis is regulated by intracellular endothelial signalling pathways, induced downstream of Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors (VEGFRs). A major challenge in understanding angiogenesis is interpreting how signalling events occur dynamically within endothelial cell populations during sprouting, proliferation and migration. Erk is a central downstream effector of Vegf-signalling and reports the signalling that drives angiogenesis. We generated a vascular Erk biosensor transgenic line in zebrafish using a kinase translocation reporter that allows live-imaging of Erk-signalling dynamics. We demonstrate the utility of this line to live-image Erk activity during physiologically relevant angiogenic events. Further, we reveal dynamic and sequential endothelial cell Erk-signalling events following blood vessel wounding. Initial signalling is dependent upon Ca2+in the earliest responding endothelial cells, but is independent of Vegfr-signalling and local inflammation. The sustained regenerative response however, involves a Vegfr-dependent mechanism that initiates concomitant with the wound inflammatory response. This work thus reveals a highly dynamic sequence in regenerative angiogenesis that was not previously appreciated. Altogether, this study demonstrates the utility of a unique biosensor strain for analysing dynamic endothelial Erk-signalling events and validates a new resource for the study of vascular signalling in real-time.
How accurately can we assess zoonotic risk?
Authors: Wille Michelle , Geoghegan Jemma L. , Holmes Edward C.
Published: August 2020

The authors have withdrawn their manuscript as a website associated with a zoonotic risk prediction tool mentioned here was not public. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author
Measuring DNA mechanics on the genome scale
Authors: Basu Aakash , Bobrovnikov Dmitriy G. , Qureshi Zan , Kayikcioglu Tunc , Ngo Thuy T. M. , Ranjan Anand , Eustermann Sebastian , Cieza Basilio , Morgan Michael T. , Hejna Miroslav , Rube H. Tomas , Hopfner Karl-Peter , Wolberger Cynthia , Song Jun S. , Ha Taekjip
Published: August 2020

Mechanical deformations of DNA such as bending are ubiquitous and implicated in diverse cellular functions1. However, the lack of high-throughput tools to directly measure the mechanical properties of DNA limits our understanding of whether and how DNA sequences modulate DNA mechanics and associated chromatin transactions genome-wide. We developed an assay called loop-seq to measure the intrinsic cyclizability of DNA – a proxy for DNA bendability – in high throughput. We measured the intrinsic cyclizabilities of 270,806 50 bp DNA fragments that span the entire length ofS. cerevisiaechromosome V and other genomic regions, and also include random sequences. We discovered sequence-encoded regions of unusually low bendability upstream of Transcription Start Sites (TSSs). These regions disfavor the sharp DNA bending required for nucleosome formation and are co-centric with known Nucleosome Depleted Regions (NDRs). We show biochemically that low bendability of linker DNA located about 40 bp away from a nucleosome edge inhibits nucleosome sliding into the linker by the chromatin remodeler INO80. The observation explains how INO80 can create promoter-proximal nucleosomal arrays in the absence of any other factors2by reading the DNA mechanical landscape. We show that chromosome wide, nucleosomes are characterized by high DNA bendability near dyads and low bendability near the linkers. This contrast increases for nucleosomes deeper into gene bodies, suggesting that DNA mechanics plays a previously unappreciated role in organizing nucleosomes far from the TSS, where nucleosome remodelers predominate. Importantly, random substitution of synonymous codons does not preserve this contrast, suggesting that the evolution of codon choice has been impacted by selective pressure to preserve sequence-encoded mechanical modulations along genes. We also provide evidence that transcription through the TSS-proximal nucleosomes is impacted by local DNA mechanics. Overall, this first genome-scale map of DNA mechanics hints at a ‘mechanical code’ with broad functional implications.
The Effect of Task on Object Processing revealed by EEG decoding
Authors: Ken Yip Hoi Ming , Cheung Leo Y. T. , Ngan Vince S. H. , Wong Yetta Kwailing , Wong Alan C.-N.
Published: August 2020

Recent studies showed that task demand affects object representations in higher-level visual areas and beyond, but not so much in earlier areas. There are, however, limitations in those studies including the relatively weak manipulation of task due to the use of familiar real-life objects, the low temporal resolution in fMRI, and the emphasis on the amount and not the source of information carried by brain activations. In the current study, observers categorized images of artificial objects in one of two orthogonal dimensions, shape and texture, while their brain activity was recorded with electroencephalogram (EEG). Results showed that object processing along the texture dimension was affected by task demand starting from a relatively late time (320-370ms time window) after image onset. The findings are consistent with the view that task exerts an effect on the later phases of object processing.
Museomics of a rare taxon: placing Whalleyanidae in the Lepidoptera Tree of Life
Authors: Twort Victoria G. , Minet Joël , Wheat Christopher W. , Wahlberg Niklas
Published: August 2020

Museomics is a valuable tool that utilises the diverse biobanks that are natural history museums. The ability to sequence genomes from old specimens has expanded not only the variety of interesting taxa available to study but also the scope of questions that can be investigated in order to further knowledge about biodiversity. Here we present whole genome sequencing results from the enigmatic genus Whalleyana, as well as the families Callidulidae and Hyblaeidae. Library preparation was carried out on four museum specimens and one existing DNA extract and sequenced with Illumina short reads. De novo assembly resulted in highly fragmented genomes with the N50 ranging from 317 – 2,078 bp. Mining of a manually curated gene set of 332 genes from these draft genomes had an overall gene recovery rate of 64 – 90%. Phylogenetic analysis places Whalleyana as sister to Callidulidae, and Hyblaea as sister to Pyraloidea. Since the former sister-group relationship turns out to be also supported by ten morphological synapomorphies, we propose to formally assign the Whalleyanidae to the superfamily Calliduloidea. These results highlight the usefulness of not only museum specimens, but also existing DNA extracts, for whole genome sequencing and gene mining for phylogenomic studies.
Applying genomic data to seagrass conservation
Authors: Phair Nikki L , Nielsen Erica S , von der Heyden Sophie
Published: August 2020

Although genomic diversity is increasingly recognised as a key component of biodiversity, it is seldom used to inform conservation planning. Estuaries and keystone species such as the southern African seagrass,Zostera capensis, are under severe anthropogenic pressure and are often poorly protected. In this study we integrated SNP data generated from populations ofZ. capensisacross the South African coastline into the spatial prioritisation tool Marxan. We included different measures of genomic variation to account for genomic diversity, distinctness and evolutionary potential to explore spatial planning scenarios. We investigated how conservation priority areas identified by targeting only habitat type, differed from those identified by also including genomic measures; further we assessed how different genetic diversity metrics change prioritisation outcomes. All scenarios targeting genomic variation identified unique conservation prioritisation areas compared to scenarios only targeting habitat type. As such, omitting these estuaries from regional MPA networks risks the loss of evolutionarily important populations, threatening resilience and persistence of associated estuarine communities and their ecosystem services. We also observed a high degree of overlap between prioritisation outcomes across targeted measures of genomic variation. As such, by including even single measures of genomic variation, it may be possible to sufficiently represent the evolutionary processes behind the patterns of variation, while simplifying the conservation prioritisation procedure.
Decoding social knowledge in the human brain
Authors: Alcalá-López Daniel , Soto David
Published: August 2020

The present functional MRI study addressed how the brain maps different aspects of social information. We focused on two key dimensions of social knowledge: affect and likableness. Thirty participants were presented with audio definitions, half referring to affective (e.g.empathetic) and half to non-affective concepts (e.g.intelligent). Orthogonally, half of the concepts were highly likable (e.g.sincere) and half were socially undesirable (e.g.liar). We used a support vector machine to delineate how both concept dimensions are represented in a set of 9a prioribrain regions defined from previous meta-analyses on semantic and social cognition. We show that average decoding in semantic regions (e.g. lateral temporal lobe, inferior frontal gyrus, and precuneus) outperformed social ROIs (e.g. insula and anterior cingulate), with the lateral temporal lobe containing the highest amount of information about the affect and likableness of social concepts. We also found that the insula had a bias towards affect while the likableness dimension was better represented in anterior cingulate cortex. Our results do not support a modular view of social knowledge representation. They rather indicate that the brain representation of social concepts implicates a distributed network of regions that involves ‘domain-specific’ social cognitive systems, but with a greater dependence on language-semantic processing.
A human-specific structural variation at theZNF558locus controls a gene regulatory network during forebrain development
Authors: Johansson Pia A. , Brattås Per Ludvik , Douse Christopher H. , Hsieh PingHsun , Pontis Julien , Grassi Daniela , Garza Raquel , Jönsson Marie E. , Atacho Diahann A. M. , Pircs Karolina , Eren Feride , Sharma Yogita , Johansson Jenny , Trono Didier , Eichler Evan E. , Jakobsson Johan
Published: August 2020

The human forebrain has expanded in size and complexity compared to that of chimpanzee despite limited changes in protein-coding genes, suggesting that gene regulation is an important driver of brain evolution. Here we identify a KRAB-ZFP transcription factor, ZNF558, that is expressed in human but not chimpanzee forebrain neural progenitor cells. ZNF558 evolved as a suppressor of LINE-1 transposons but has been co-opted to regulate the mitophagy geneSPATA18, supporting a link between mitochondrial homeostasis and cortical expansion. The unusual on-off switch forZNF558expression resides in a downstream variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) that is contracted in humans relative to chimpanzee. Our data reveal the brain-specific co-option of a transposon-controlling KRAB-ZFP and how a human-specific regulatory network is established by acis-acting structural genome variation. This represents a previously undescribed genetic mechanism in the evolution of the human brain.
Spatial scaling of pollen-based alpha and beta diversity within forest and open landscapes of Central Europe
Authors: Abraham Vojtěch , Roleček Jan , Vild Ondřej , Jamrichová Eva , Plesková Zuzana , Werchan Barbora , Svobodová Helena Svitavská , Kuneš Petr
Published: August 2020

Pollen is an abundant fossil and the most common proxy for plant diversity during the Holocene. Based on datasets in open, forest, and mixed habitats, we used the spatial distribution of floristic diversity to estimate the source area of pollen diversity and identify factors influencing the significance of this relationship.

Our study areas are Bohemian-Moravian Highlands and White Carpathians (the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic).

Sampling 60 sites in forest and open habitats in two study regions with contrasting floristic diversity, we calculated taxonomic richness (alpha diversity) and total spatial variance (beta diversity) for pollen and floristic data along two transects, each 1 km long. Following this, we calculated the correlation between floristic and pollen diversity. We also assessed the consistency of the relationship in different habitats. Finally, we regressed local contributions of individual sites to the beta diversity of pollen and floristic data in each of the regions.

There was a positive correlation between pollen and floristic richness in both habitats in both regions; open and mixed datasets were significant. The highest correlation (adjusted R2) mostly occurred within the first tens of metres (1.5–70) and then within the first hundreds of metres (250–550). Variances of pollen data significantly correlated with variances of floristic data between 100 and 250 m. Local contributions to beta diversity of pollen and plants significantly correlated in the forest and one of the mixed datasets.

Floristic richness at the pollen site and position of the site within the landscape structure determine the sequence of the appearing species in the increasing distance. The number of species sets the source area of pollen richness and dissimilarity of appearing species controls the source area of pollen variance. These findings, linking pollen and floristic diversity, provide an essential stepping-stone for the reconstruction of historic plant diversity.
Reboot: a straightforward approach to identify genes and splicing isoforms associated with cancer patient prognosis
Authors: dos Santos Felipe R. C. , Guardia Gabriela D. A. , dos Santos Filipe F. , Galante Pedro A. F.
Published: August 2020

Nowadays, the massive amount of data generated by modern sequencing technologies provides an unprecedented opportunity to find genes associated with cancer patient prognosis, connecting basic and translational research. However, treating high dimensionality of gene expression data and integrating it with clinical variables are major challenges to carry out these analyses. Here, we present Reboot, an original and efficient algorithm to find genes and splicing isoforms associated with cancer patient survival, disease progression, or other clinical endpoints. Reboot innovates by using a multivariate strategy with penalized Cox regression (LASSO method) combined with a bootstrap approach, in addition to statistical tests for supporting the findings, which are automatically plotted. Applying Reboot on data from 154 glioblastoma patients, we identified a three-gene signature (IKBIP, OSMR, PODNL1) whose increased derived risk score was significantly associated with worse patients’ prognosis, even in conjunction with other well-established clinical parameters. Similarly, Reboot was able to find a seven-splicing isoforms signature (CENPF-201; MLKL-202; NUP54-201; MCF2L-201; TFDP1-207; BBS1-206; HTT-202) related to worse overall survival in 177 pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients with elevated risk scores after uni- and multivariate analyses. In summary, Reboot is an efficient, intuitive, and straightforward way for finding genes or splicing isoforms (transcripts) signatures relevant to patient prognosis, which can democratize this kind of analysis and shed light on still under-investigated sets of cancer-related genes. Reboot effectively runs on either servers or personal computers and it is freely available atgithub.com/galantelab/reboot.
Quantitative phosphoproteomics uncovers dysregulated kinase networks in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Morshed Nader , Lee Meelim , Rodriguez Felicia H. , Lauffenburger Douglas A. , Mastroeni Diego , White Forest
Published: August 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a form of dementia characterized by amyloid-β plaques and Tau neurofibrillary tangles that progressively disrupt neural circuits in the brain. The signaling networks underlying the pathological changes in AD are poorly characterized at the level phosphoproteome. Using mass spectrometry, we performed a combined analysis of the tyrosine, serine, and threonine phosphoproteome, and proteome of temporal cortex tissue from AD patients and aged matched controls. We identified several co-correlated peptide modules that were associated with varying levels of phospho-Tau, oligodendrocyte, astrocyte, microglia, and neuronal pathologies in AD patients. We observed phosphorylation sites on kinases targeting Tau as well as other novel signaling factors that were correlated with these peptide modules. Finally, we used a data-driven statistical modeling approach to identify individual peptides and co-correlated signaling networks that were predictive of AD histopathologies. Together, these results build a map of pathology-associated phosphorylation signaling events occurring in AD.
Azimuthal-rotation sample holder for molecular orientation analysis
Authors: Harano Takayuki , Takeichi Yasuo , Ohigashi Takuji , Shindo Daisuke , Nemoto Eiji , Wakabayashi Daisuke , Yamashita Shohei , Murao Reiko , Kimura Masao
Published: August 2020

In this study, an azimuthal-rotation sample holder compatible with scanning transmission X-ray microscopy was developed. This holder exhibits improvement in the accuracy of rotation angles and reduces the displacement of the rotation axes during azimuthal rotation by using a crossed roller bearing. To evaluate the performance of the holder, the authors investigated the dependence of the optical density around the C K-edge absorption of π-orbital-oriented domains in natural spherical graphite on the rotational angle by using linearly horizontally and vertically polarized undulator radiation. Based on the dependence of the optical density ratio between C 1s → π* and 1s → σ* excitation on the polarization angle of the X-rays, the average two-dimensional orientation angle of the π orbital in each position in a natural spherical graphite sample was visualized.
Beamline B21: high-throughput small-angle X-ray scattering at Diamond Light Source
Authors: Cowieson Nathan P. , Edwards-Gayle Charlotte J. C. , Inoue Katsuaki , Khunti Nikul S. , Doutch James , Williams Eugene , Daniels Steven , Preece Geoff , Krumpa Nicholas A. , Sutter John P. , Tully Mark D. , Terrill Nick J. , Rambo Robert P.
Published: August 2020

B21 is a small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) beamline with a bending magnet source in the 3 GeV storage ring at the Diamond Light Source Ltd synchrotron in the UK. The beamline utilizes a double multi-layer monochromator and a toroidal focusing optic to deliver 2 × 1012 photons per second to a 34 × 40 µm (FWHM) focal spot at the in-vacuum Eiger 4M (Dectris) detector. A high-performance liquid chromatography system and a liquid-handling robot make it possible to load solution samples into a temperature-controlled in-vacuum sample cell with a high level of automation. Alternatively, a range of viscous or solid materials may be loaded manually using a range of custom sample cells. A default scattering vector range from 0.0026 to 0.34 Å−1 and low instrument background make B21 convenient for measuring a wide range of biological macromolecules. The beamline has run a full user programme since 2013.
Benchmarks for INGOs’ effective responses during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mahmoud Saleh Firas Izzat , Karia Noorliza
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to formulate COVID-19 benchmarks that international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) have considered to recover from the sudden stopping of operations swiftly and consequences of COVID-19 pandemic; thus, to move forward toward readiness for both, the unpredictable spreading or disappearing of the virus (case of INGOs operating in Jordan).

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory research has been informed by the broader social constructivism paradigm and the basics of grounded theory method to identify the common themes. Six semistructured interviews have been conducted with INGOs’ leaders. The findings have been categorized, triangulated and prioritized toward the final identification of benchmarks.

Findings

Seven COVID-19 benchmarks for INGOs’ effective responses during COVID-19 pandemic have been proposed, comprising of (1) donors’ policies and regulations, (2) needs, expectations and relevancy, (3) coordination, (4) staff management, (5) business continuation plans, (6) balanced short-term and long-term planning and (7) permanent adoption of successful modalities.

Social implications

INGOs play a vital role in the lives of vulnerable people around the world through their international development and aid (IDA) projects. However, the restrictions of movements associated with COVID-19 pandemic drive more burden on these communities and interrupted their access to assistance and support. This paper helps to sustain the crucial support of INGOs to those people who need it.

Originality/value

COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted the implementation of IDA projects, which added further obstacles toward the achievement of quality implementation of these projects. The proposed COVID-19 benchmarks help INGOs to overcome the consequences of pandemic on the near longer-term alike.
The contribution of human resource development managers to organisational branding in the hotel industry in India and South East Asia (ISEA): a dynamic capabilities perspective
Authors: Francois Koukpaki Adebayo Serge , Adams Kweku , Oyedijo Adegboyega
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This research explores the significant contribution of human resource development (HRD) managers in building organisational brands in the hotel industry through the lenses of dynamic capabilities for sustaining competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative case study design, this study deployed a semi-structured interview research method. It used a purposive sample of 20 HRD managers across twenty different hotels in India and South East Asia (ISEA) to explore their contribution to organisational brands. The data was analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The findings show the significance of HRD in building organisational brands. From a dynamic capabilities perspective, it was found that HRD has an impact on fostering brand awareness culture; HRD functional branding enhances the creation and sustaining of quality service culture; functional branding of HRD helps differentiate the brand and quality service, for product development and innovation by linking talent development and growth of key competencies and capabilities; brand training and behavioural training directly influence the right behaviour knowledge and effective communication that is translated into the enhancement of guest experience; and finally, organisational branding through branding culture and employer branding creates organisational wealth.

Originality/value

The authors propose a new conceptual framework for the branding of the Heroes to reclaim the HRD's splendour in the realm of other functions in the hotel industry in ISEA contexts. While the authors do not claim an external generalisability, we believe that an analytical application of this framework could be relevant in similar environments. The study also claims that HRD practitioners could use parallel literature repertoires from brand management discourse to value their strategic contributions in building and maintaining their reputational position at the board level. Practical implications and further research are discussed.
The transformational potential of Latin American retail experiences
Authors: Gardiazabal Pilar , Bianchi Constanza , Saleh M. Abu
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate if retail services have a transformative potential to improve the well-being of customers in a Latin American market. Transformative studies have been conducted mostly in developed countries, and consumer well-being in a Latin American supermarket context has not been addressed previously. Specifically, this study aims to understand if customer satisfaction with a supermarket experience in Chile leads to positive customer well-being. Additionally, it is examined if customer well-being influences firm outcomes, such as customer loyalty, word-of-mouth (WOM) communication or retailer equity.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model was developed, and data was collected through an online survey from 866 customers of a large supermarket chain in Chile. Hypotheses were tested with structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings of this study support all the hypotheses of the model and confirm that customer satisfaction has direct and indirect effects on customer loyalty and other firm outcomes through customer well-being.

Research limitations/implications

This research is among the few studies in the academic literature that considers retail experience and well-being outcomes for supermarket customers in a Latin American context. Limitations derive from the cross-sectional nature of this study.

Practical implications

There are implications from this study contributing to the literature on customer retail experience, in terms of the potential to transform supermarket shopping in a Latin American country. This is particularly relevant in Latin America as the extent to which for-profit organizations acknowledge their relevancy of the individuals’ well-being is still at its infancy.

Social implications

This research provides empirical support to the importance of not only looking at traditional measures such as WOM, equity and loyalty but looking into the impact services have for customers’ life and well-being.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the services literature and addresses a gap in it by exploring the transformative potential of supermarket shopping on customer well-being and in turn the role of customer well-being in retail firm outcomes. The findings also contribute in considering Chile, a Latin American context that has been overlooked in the transformative services studies. This provides managerial implications for domestic and global companies that offer grocery retailing for consumers in this region.
Anticorrosive paint with a modified zeolite as functional pigment for SAE 1010 steel protection
Authors: D'Alessandro Oriana , Byrne Christian Eduardo , Selmi Gonzalo , Deyá Cecilia
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to formulate and prepare a series of alkyd paints with new anticorrosive pigments, eco-friendly to the environment, based on a natural zeolitic rock modified by ion exchange to incorporate passivating cations.

Design/methodology/approach

The electrochemical characterization of the painted steel was carried out by conductivity measurements, linear polarization tests, measurements of the corrosion potential and electrochemical noise measurements. Besides, accelerated tests in standard environmental chambers were also carried out.

Findings

The results show that clinoptilolite–mordenite-based pigments incorporated in the paint provide acceptable anticorrosive properties, taking into account their low environmental impact and the use of a natural resource of low cost. The inhibitory efficiency of ZLa is higher than 80% and of ZPr is close to 70%. The electrochemical assays of the coated panels with the alkyd paints ZLa and ZPr shows similar behavior.

Research limitations/implications

In this work, good results were obtained with an alkyd resin, but other resins could be tested. Paints could also be formulated with modified zeolites as a complement to others traditional anticorrosive pigments.

Practical implications

These paints could be used for the protection of metal structures in low corrosive environments.

Originality/value

There are not many published works using zeolites as anticorrosive pigments.
Examining the role of dialogic communication and trust in donation-based crowdfunding tasks using information quality perspective
Authors: Behl Abhishek , Dutta Pankaj , Sheorey Pratima , Singh Rajesh Kumar
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The study explores the role of dialogic public communication and information quality (IQ) in evaluating the operational performance of donation-based crowdfunding (DBC) tasks. These tasks are primarily used to support disaster relief operations. The authors also test the influence of cognitive trust and swift trust as moderating variables in explaining the relationship between both IQ and dialogic communication with operational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a primary survey to test the hypotheses. A total of 203 responses were collected from multiple crowdfunding platforms. The authors used archival data from task creators on donation-based crowdfunding platforms, and a structured questionnaire is also used to collect responses. Data are analyzed using Warp PLS 6.0. Warp PLS 6.0 works on the principle of partial least square (PLS) structured equation modeling (SEM) and has been used widely to test path analytical models.

Findings

The authors found out that the operational performance is explained significantly by the quality of information and its association with dialogic public communication. The results support the arguments offered by dialogic public communication theory and trust transfer theory in assessing the operational success of DBC. The study also confirms that cognitive trust positively moderates the relationship between IQ and organizational public dialogic communication and operational performance. It is also revealed that the duration of the DBC task has no significant control over dialogic public communication.

Practical implications

The study lays practical foundations for task creators on DBC platforms and website designers as it sets the importance of both IQ and dialogic communication channels. The communication made by the task creator and/or the DBC platforms with the donors and potential donors in the form of timely and appropriate information forms the key to the success of any DBC task. The study also helps task creators choose a suitable platform to improve performance.

Originality/value

The authors propose a unique framework by integrating two theoretical perspectives: dialogic public relation theory and trust transfer theory in understanding the operational performance of donation-based crowdfunding tasks. The authors address DBC tasks catering to disaster relief operations by collecting responses from task creators on DBC platforms. The study uniquely positions itself in the area of information and communication.
Achieving margin clearance following oncoplastic breast surgery in comparison with simple wide local excision: a three‐dimensional specimen assessment
Authors: Garreffa Emanuele , Kankam Hadyn K. N. , Bali Radhika , Duckworth Adam , Jimenez Linan Mercedes , Mahler Araujo Betania , Moyle Penelope , Wright Penny , Provenzano Elena , Agrawal Amit
Published: August 2020

Background

Pre‐operative breast tumour radial dimensions often determine the choice between simple wide local excision (WLE) and oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS). We reviewed the three‐dimensional interplay between tumour and surgical specimen dimensions in the two cohorts.

Methods

Demographic, tumour and treatment data were collected for all patients undergoing OBS by a single surgeon and compared with a randomly selected cohort of WLE patients treated. The relationship between tumour and specimen medio‐lateral, supero‐inferior and antero‐posterior dimensions were explored in both groups. Subgroup analyses were performed in the OBS cohort (parenchymal displacement versus replacement).

Results

We identified 60 OBS patients (63 breasts), comparing them with 60 WLE patients. Pre‐operative tumour estimated size was significantly larger in the OBS cohort and concordant with macroscopic tumour radial dimensions and final microscopic tumour size. Surgical specimen weight was more than 3.5 times higher in the OBS group and its radial dimensions were almost double. No significant difference was observed for the antero‐posterior dimensions. The rate of margin re‐excisions and completion mastectomies were lower in the OBS cohort. WLE patients with positive margins had a lower tumour‐to‐specimen ratio, whereas, the requirement for further surgery in the OBS cohort was associated with larger tumour dimensions.

Conclusion

Despite larger tumour dimensions, OBS is not inferior to WLE in providing clear surgical margins. Our analysis of the three‐dimensional spatial relationship between cancer and surgical specimen, although not completely conclusive, can be helpful in the selection of the most appropriate surgical approach for every patient.
Macroprudential Policy on an Uneven Playing Field: Supranational Regulation and Domestic Politics in the EU's Dependent Market Economies
Authors: Piroska Dóra , Gorelkina Yuliya , Johnson Juliet
Published: August 2020

Central bankers and financial regulators in East Central Europe and the Balkans regularly employed macroprudential policy before the global financial crisis and continue to be among its most active proponents in the European Union. We draw upon the Dependent Market Economy framework to explore how the EU's five DMEs – the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia – have used macroprudential policy to manage the uneven distributional effects of financial globalization and European integration. We contend that while structural and EU‐specific institutional factors define the available policy space, policy choices within that space depend upon how domestic actors translate macroprudential policies into their local contexts. Overall, our analysis highlights the social impact and challenges to European integration of heavy DME reliance on macroprudential policy making, especially when motivated by domestic financial nationalism.
Chronic pain: a long‐term sequela of epidermal necrolysis (Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) – prevalence, clinical characteristics and risk factors
Authors: Lefaucheur J.‐P. , Valeyrie‐Allanore L. , Ng Wing Tin S. , Abgrall G. , Colin A. , Hajj C. , de Prost N. , Wolkenstein P. , Ingen‐Housz‐Oro S. , Chosidow O.
Published: August 2020

Background

Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are associated with various sequelae. Chronic pain, one of these sequelae, has never been systematically evaluated.

Objectives and methods

To assess the persistence of pain in a single‐centre cohort of 113 consecutive patients with SJS/TEN. From this cohort, 81 patients were interviewed more than 1 year after the initial episode and included in the study. Data were collected according to standardized questionnaires.

Results

From the 81 interviewed patients, 52 patients (64%) were painless and 29 patients (36%) were painful. Chronic pain syndrome was associated with a more severe initial acute phase of the disease (larger extent of detachment, higher SCORTEN, increased rate of admission in ICU and complications, and longer hospital stay). Pain was mainly located at the level of eyes (55%), mouth and lower limbs (38–41%), with a moderate daily intensity on average (4.7/10). The ‘affective’ descriptors prevailed over the ‘sensory’ descriptors, with the exception of burning and itching sensations. Finally, regarding provoked pain, mechanical allodynia (to brushing and pressure) was more marked than thermal allodynia.

Discussion

The persistence of chronic pain after SJS/TEN is a common phenomenon. Sensory descriptors are consistent with sensitization of both small‐diameter nerve fibres (burning and itching sensations) and large‐diameter nerve fibres (mechanical allodynia), but the affective‐emotional components of pain largely predominate.

Conclusions

Complex mechanisms lead to persistent pain as long‐term sequela of SJS/TEN, among which mechanisms, psychological factors related to post‐traumatic stress disorder probably play a key role.
Quality of life in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Wilson Nina A , Peña Alexia S
Published: August 2020

Quality of life (QoL) is an important aspect of health and well‐being. QoL is reduced in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but there is limited data in adolescents. This review aimed to assess studies regarding the QoL of adolescent girls with PCOS. Five databases were searched for relevant studies. Studies were included if they were conducted in adolescent girls with PCOS, aged 12–22 years old, and used a questionnaire to measure QoL. The search identified a total of 254 studies, and after exclusions, 11 relevant studies were included in the review. Most studies had a relatively small sample size, but overall included a total of 512 adolescents with PCOS. In most cases, adolescent girls with PCOS have reduced QoL when compared to healthy girls, and PCOS symptoms/excess weight impact on their QoL. Further research is required due to limited data on QoL in adolescents with PCOS of normal weight.
Challenges in Validating a Thermo-Hydrodynamic Gas Foil Bearing Model
Authors: Michel Hanns , Liebich Robert
Published: August 2020

Gas foil bearings (GFBs) are suitable for high speed and temperature applications where conventional lubricated bearing solution are not feasible. This requires the prediction of bearing temperatures and thus a thermal model considering the heat generation and heat flow paths in the bearing. The effects of two different bump foil stiffness (Iordanoff, I., 1999, “Analysis of an Aerodynamic Compliant Foil Thrust Bearing: Method for a Rapid Design,” ASME J. Tribol., 121(4), pp. 816–822; Le Lez, S., Arghir, M., and Frene, J., 2007, “A New Bump-Type Foil Bearing Structure Analytical Model,” ASME J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power, 129(4), pp. 1047–1057.) and heat transfer models (a simplified and a detailed one) are presented in respect to measured temperatures from literature (Radil, K., and Zeszotek, M., 2004, “An Experimental Investigation Into the Temperature Profile of a Compliant Foil Air Bearing,” Tribol. Trans., 47(4), pp. 470–479; Sim, K., and Kim, T. H., 2012, “Thermohydrodynamic Analysis of Bump-Type Gas Foil Bearings Using Bump Thermal Contact and Inlet Flow Mixing Models,” Tribol. Int., 48, pp. 137–148). The comparison is drawn over a wide range of operational conditions as well as measuring positions, which in such detail has not been shown before. While good agreement is found for some of the conditions and positions, only reasonable agreement is found for others. The deviations and difficulties in validating a thermal model against experiments are highlighted in a discussion about various temperature influencing parameters, especially concerning the change of clearance during operation. In conclusion, it is found that the models are able to predict temperatures reasonably well, but require delicate fine-tuning to achieve these results. Finally, the impact of temperature distribution on the maximum load capacity is evaluated by comparing predictions between an isothermal model and one including thermal effects.
Structured to Succeed? Strategy Dynamics in Engineering Systems Design and Their Effect on Collective Performance
Authors: Valencia-Romero Ambrosio , Grogan Paul T.
Published: August 2020

Strategy dynamics are hypothesized to be a structural factor of interactive multi-actor design problems that influence collective performance and behaviors of design actors. Using a bi-level model of collective decision processes based on design optimization and strategy selection, we formulate a series of two-actor parameter design tasks that exhibit four strategy dynamics (harmony, coexistence, bistability, and defection) associated with low and high levels of structural fear and greed. In these tasks, design actor pairs work collectively to maximize their individual values while managing the trade-offs between aligning with or deviating from a mutually beneficial collective strategy. Results from a human subject design experiment indicate cognizant actors generally follow normative predictions for some strategy dynamics (harmony and coexistence) but not strictly for others (bistability and defection). Cumulative link model regression analysis shows that a greed factor contributing to strategy dynamics has a stronger effect on collective efficiency and equality of individual outcomes compared to a fear factor. Results of this study provide an initial description of strategy dynamics in engineering design and help to frame future work to mitigate potential unfavorable effects of their underlying strategy dynamics through social constructs or mechanism design.
Optimizing Architecture Transitions Using Decision Networks
Authors: Siddiqi Afreen , Rebentisch Eric , Dorchuck Samuel , Imanishi Yuto , Tanimichi Taisetsu
Published: August 2020

Architecture selection for systems undergoing rapid technological and market change is challenging. It is desirable to select architectures that can provide cost-effective possibilities for future changes and avoid architecture lock-in. However, optimal architectures for prevailing conditions may not be changeable for future adaptation. This tension between objectives for system (product) development for both short-term and long-term competitiveness has been an enduring challenge for system architects. Here, we use time-expanded decision networks (TDNs) with time-varying costs and demands to systematically explore future architecture transition pathways and strategically identify useful designs. We demonstrate a new application for autonomous driving (AD) systems, a nascent technology, where the design and capabilities of constituent components (such as sensors, processors, and data communication links) are still evolving and significant market and regulatory uncertainties persist. In this case, we model technology costs with time-based factors to explicitly include future trends. The results show that as cost differences between architectures increase and demand for new functionality changes with time, the approach is able to identify potential transition points between architecture choices that optimize the net present value (NPV) of the system. For some of the specific scenarios analyzed in this study, the NPV with optimal architecture transitions is at least 10–20% larger as compared with fixed cases. Overall, this work presents a case for planning and partly constructing architecture transition roadmaps for new systems wherein dominant architectures have not emerged.
An Assessment of the Drag Models in the Case of a Shock Interacting With a Fixed Bed of Point Particles
Authors: Koneru Rahul Babu , Balachandar S.
Published: August 2020

In this work, three-dimensional Euler–Lagrange (EL) point-particle simulations of a shock wave interacting with a fixed bed of particles are carried out. The results from the particle-resolved (PR) simulations are used to assess the performance of the point-particle drag models during short time scales. We demonstrate that in a one-way coupled regime, the point-particle simulations recover the dominant gas dynamic features of the flow and are in a good agreement with the exact Riemann solution of a shock traveling through a sudden area contraction. Although the PR simulations are inviscid, we show that a dissipative drag is necessary to predict the mean behavior of the gas. As a model for the inviscid shock-induced (SI) drag two different models are presented in lieu of the quasi-steady drag. Finally, two-way coupled simulations are performed at four different particle volume fractions {0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25} and three different incident shock Mach numbers {1.22, 1.66, 3.0} and compared against the data from PR inviscid simulations. At a lower Mach number (1.22), averaged flow quantities from the two-way coupled simulations agree well with the PR simulations. As the Mach number increases, we observe that the discrepancies between the point-particle and the PR simulations grow. A sensitivity analysis of the drag models involved reveals a strong influence of the inviscid-unsteady force on the gas quantities especially in the case of a strong shock interacting with a dense bed of particles. The use of Mach correlation beyond the subcritical regime coupled with the model for volume fraction correction is identified as a probable cause for the additional drag.