bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The CD58:CD2 axis is co-regulated with PD-L1 via CMTM6 and governs anti-tumor immunity
Authors: Ho Patricia , Melms Johannes C. , Rogava Meri , Frangieh Chris J. , Shah Shivem B. , Walsh Zachary , Kyrysyuk Oleksandr , Amin Amit Dipak , Caprio Lindsay , Fullerton Benjamin T. , Soni Rajesh , Ager Casey R. , Biermann Jana , Wang Yiping , Mu Michael , Fatima Hijab , Moore Emily K. , Vasan Neil , Bakhoum Samuel F. , Reiner Steven L. , Bernatchez Chantale , Mace Emily M. , Wucherpfennig Kai W. , Schadendorf Dirk , Schwartz Gary K. , Izar Benjamin
Published: March 2022

The cell autonomous balance of immune-inhibitory and -stimulatory signals is a critical yet poorly understood process in cancer immune evasion. Using patient-derived co-culture models and humanized mouse models, we show that an intact CD58:CD2 interaction is necessary for anti-tumor immunity. Defects in this axis lead to multi-faceted immune evasion through impaired CD2-dependent T cell polyfunctionality, T cell exclusion, impaired intra-tumoral proliferation, and concurrent protein stabilization of PD-L1. We performed genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 and CD58 coimmunoprecipitation mass spectrometry screens identifying CMTM6 as a key stabilizer of CD58, and show that CMTM6 is required for concurrent upregulation of PD-L1 in CD58 loss. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis of patient melanoma samples demonstrates that most TILs lack expression of primary costimulatory signals required for response to PD-1 blockade (e.g. CD28), but maintain strong CD2 expression, thus providing an opportunity to mobilize a so far therapeutically untapped pool of TILs for anti-tumor immunity. We identify two potential therapeutic avenues, including rescued activation of human CD2-expressing TILs using recombinant CD58 protein, and targeted disruption of PD-L1/CMTM6 interactions. Our work identifies an underappreciated yet critical axis at the nexus of cancer immunity and evasion, uncovers a fundamental mechanism of co-inhibitory and -stimulatory signal balancing, and provides new approaches to improving cancer immunotherapies.
Quantitative prediction of ensemble dynamics, shapes and contact propensities of intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Yu Lei , Brüschweiler Rafael
Published: March 2022

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are highly dynamic systems that play an important role in cell signaling processes and their misfunction often causes human disease. Proper understanding of IDP function not only requires the realistic characterization of their three-dimensional conformational ensembles at atomic-level resolution but also of the time scales of interconversion between their conformational substates. Large sets of experimental data are often used in combination with molecular modeling to restrain or bias models to improve agreement with experiment. It is shown here for the N-terminal transactivation domain of p53 (p53TAD) and Pup how the latest advancements in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations methodology produces native conformational ensembles by combining replica exchange with series of microsecond MD simulations. They closely reproduce experimental data at the global conformational ensemble level, in terms of the distribution properties of the radius of gyration tensor, and at the local level, in terms of NMR properties including 15N spin relaxation, without the need for reweighting. The IDP ensembles were analyzed by graph theory to identify dominant inter-residue contact clusters and characteristic amino-acid contact propensities. These findings indicate that modern MD force fields with residue-specific backbone potentials can produce highly realistic IDP ensembles sampling a hierarchy of nano- and picosecond time scales providing new insights into their biological function.

AUTHOR SUMMARY

Accurate prediction of the conformational ensemble dynamics sans bias is shown for intrinsically disordered proteins including the transactivation domain of p53.
Fetal loss in pregnant rhesus macaques infected with high-dose African-lineage Zika virus
Authors: Raasch Lauren , Yamamoto Keisuke , Newman Christina M , Rosinski Jenna R , Shepherd Phoenix M , Razo Elaina , Crooks Chelsea M , Bliss Mason I , Breitbach Meghan E , Sneed Emily L , Weiler Andrea M , Zeng Xiankun , Noguchi Kevin K , Morgan Terry K , Fuhler Nicole A , Bohm Ellie K , Alberts Alexandra J , Havlicek Samantha J , Kabakov Sabrina , Mitzey Ann M , Antony Kathleen M , Ausderau Karla K , Mejia Andres , Basu Puja , Simmons Heather A , Eickhoff Jens C , Aliota Matthew T , Mohr Emma L , Friedrich Thomas C , Golos Thaddeus G , O'Connor David H , Dudley Dawn M
Published: March 2022

Countermeasures against Zika virus (ZIKV), including vaccines, are frequently tested in nonhuman primates (NHP). Macaque models are important for understanding how ZIKV infections impact human pregnancy due to similarities in placental development. The lack of consistent adverse pregnancy outcomes in ZIKV-affected pregnancies poses a challenge in macaque studies where group sizes are often small (4-8 animals). Studies in small animal models suggest that African-lineage Zika viruses can cause more frequent and severe fetal outcomes. No adverse outcomes were observed in macaques inoculated with a low dose of African-lineage ZIKV at gestational day (GD) 45. Here, we inoculate eight pregnant rhesus macaques with a higher dose of African-lineage ZIKV at GD 45 to test the hypothesis that adverse pregnancy outcomes are dose-dependent. Three of eight pregnancies ended prematurely with fetal death. ZIKV was detected in both fetal and placental tissues from all cases of early fetal loss. Further refinements of this challenge system (e.g., varying the dose and timing of infection) could lead to an even more consistent, unambiguous fetal loss phenotype for assessing ZIKV countermeasures in pregnancy. These data demonstrate that high-dose inoculation with African-lineage ZIKV causes pregnancy loss in macaques and also suggest that ZIKV-induced first trimester pregnancy could be strain-specific.
CROSS-GENERATIONAL IMPACT OF EPIGENETIC MALE INFLUENCE ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN RAT
Authors: Sudakov Sergey K. , Bogdanova Natalia G. , Nazarova Galina A.
Published: March 2022

The aim of this work was to study whether epigenetic events at conception influence the formation of behavioral features found in adult rats. First generational inheritance of activity level, anxiety, and learning ability was studied. To separate genetic and non-genetic inheritance, mating of males and females with average motor activity was carried out in the presence males with high or low activity. Our results show that offspring of parents who mated in the presence of males with a high motor activity were significantly more active than offspring of parents that were paired in the presence of males with low activity. Anxiety level and learning ability were not inherited in this way. It is possible that the phenomenon we discovered is important for maintaining a certain level of activity of specific populations of animals. It counteracts natural selection, which should lead to a constant increase in the activity of animals.
Irc3 of the thermotolerant yeast Ogataea polymorpha is a branched-DNA-specific mitochondrial helicase
Authors: Piljukov Vlad-Julian , Sillamaa Sirelin , Sedman Tiina , Garber Natalja , Rätsep Margus , Freiberg Arvi , Sedman Juhan
Published: March 2022

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Irc3 protein is a mitochondrial Superfamily II DNA helicase that, according to genomic data, is conserved in different yeast species. Here we characterize Irc3 helicase from the thermotolerant yeast Ogataea polymorpha (Irc3op) that throughout its helicase motor domain has approximately 82% similarity with the S. cerevisiae protein. Irc3op retains enzymatic activity at considerably higher temperatures than Irc3sc, displaying the fastest rate of ATP hydrolysis at 41 °C and a Tm of 45.3 °C for its secondary structure melting. We demonstrate that Irc3op is a structure-specific DNA helicase translocating on both single- and double-stranded DNA molecules. Like the homolog of S. cerevisiae, Irc3op can unwind only DNA molecules that contain branched structures. Different DNA molecules containing three- and four-way branches are utilized by Irc3op as unwinding substrates. Importantly, the preferred unwinding substrate of Irc3op is a DNA fork containing the nascent lagging strand, suggesting a possible role in replication restart following a block in leading strand polymerization. A lower unwinding efficiency of four-way branched DNA molecules could explain why Irc3op only partially complements the irc3Δ phenotype in S. cerevisiae.
Deep topographic proteomics of a human brain tumour
Authors: Davis Simon , Scott Connor , Oetjen Janina , Charles Philip D , Kessler Benedikt M , Ansorge Olaf , Fischer Roman
Published: March 2022

The spatial organisation of cellular protein expression profiles within tissue determines cellular function and is key to understanding disease pathology. To define molecular phenotypes in the spatial context of tissue, there is a need for unbiased, quantitative technology capable of mapping proteomes within tissue structures. Here, we present a workflow for spatially-resolved, quantitative proteomics of tissue that generates maps of protein abundance across tissue slices derived from a human atypical teratoid-rhabdoid tumour (AT/RT). We employ spatially-aware algorithms that do not require prior knowledge of the fine tissue structure to detect proteins and pathways with spatial abundance patterns. We identified PYGL, ASPH and CD45 as spatial markers for tumour boundary and reveal immune response-driven, spatially-organised protein networks of the extracellular tumour matrix. Overall, this work informs on methods for spatially resolved deep proteo-phenotyping of tissue heterogeneity, to push the boundaries of understanding tissue biology and pathology at the molecular level.
Disruption of the MICOS complex leads to an aberrant cristae structure and an unexpected, pronounced lifespan extension in Podospora anserina
Authors: Warnsmann Verena , Marschall Lisa-Marie , Meeßen Anja C. , Wolters Maike , Schürmanns Lea , Basoglu Marion , Eimer Stefan , Osiewacz Heinz D.
Published: March 2022

Mitochondria are dynamic eukaryotic organelles involved in a variety of essential cellular processes including the generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as in the control of apoptosis and autophagy. Impairments of mitochondrial functions lead to aging and disease. Previous works with the ascomycete Podospora anserina demonstrated that mitochondrial morphotype as well as mitochondrial ultrastructure change during aging. The latter goes along with an age-dependent reorganization of the inner mitochondrial membrane leading to a change from lamellar cristae to vesicular structures. Especially from studies with yeast it is known that beside the F1Fo-ATP-synthase and the phospholipid cardiolipin also the ‘mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system’ (MICOS) complex, existing of the Mic60- and Mic10-subcomplex, is essential for proper cristae formation. In the present study, we aimed to understand the mechanistic basis of age-related changes of the mitochondrial ultrastructure. We observed that MICOS subunits are co-regulated at the posttranscriptional level. This regulation partially depends on the mitochondrial iAAA-protease PaIAP. Most surprisingly, we made the counterintuitive observation that, despite the loss of lamellar cristae and of mitochondrial impairments, the ablation of MICOS subunits (except of PaMIC12) leads to a pronounced lifespan extension. Moreover, simultaneous ablation of subunits of both MICOS subcomplexes synergistically increases lifespan, providing formal genetic evidence that both subcomplexes affect lifespan by different and at least partially independent pathways. At the molecular level we found that ablation of Mic10-subcomplex components leads to a mitohormesis-induced lifespan extension, while lifespan extension of Mic60-subcomplex mutants seems to be controlled by another pathway. Overall, our data demonstrate that both MICOS subcomplexes have different functions and play distinct roles in the aging process of P. anserina.
Transcriptomic response to ISAV infection in the gills, head kidney and spleen of resistant and susceptible Atlantic salmon
Authors: Gervais O. , Papadopoulou A. , Gratacap R. , Hillestad B. , Tinch A.E. , Martin S.A.M. , Houston R.D. , Robledo D.
Published: March 2022

Background

Infectious Salmonid Anaemia virus (ISAV) is an orthomyxovirus responsible of large losses in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) aquaculture. Current available treatments and vaccines are not fully effective, and therefore selective breeding to produce ISAV-resistant strains of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is a high priority for the industry. Genomic selection and potentially genome editing can be applied to enhance the disease resistance of aquaculture stocks, and both approaches can benefit from increased knowledge on the genomic mechanisms of resistance to ISAV. To improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying resistance to ISAV in Atlantic salmon we performed a transcriptomic study in ISAV-infected salmon with contrasting levels of resistance to this virus.

Results

Three different tissues (gills, head kidney and spleen) were collected on 12 resistant and 12 susceptible fish at three timepoints (pre-challenge, 7 and 14 days post infection) and RNA sequenced. The transcriptomes of Infected and non-infected fish and of resistant and susceptible fish were compared at each timepoint. The results show that the responses to ISAV are organ-specific; an important response to the infection was observed in the head kidney, with up-regulation of immune processes such as interferon and NLR pathways, while in gills and spleen the response was more moderate. In addition to immune related genes our results suggest that other processes such as ubiquitination or ribosomal processing are important during early infection to ISAV. Moreover, the comparison between resistant and susceptible have also highlighted some interesting genes related to ubiquitination, intracellular transport or the inflammasome.

Conclusions

Atlantic salmon infection by ISAV revealed an organ-specific response, implying differential function during the infection. An early immune response was observed in the head kidney, while gills and spleen showed modest responses in comparison. Comparison between resistance and susceptible samples have highlighted genes of interest for further studies, for instance those related to ubiquitination or the inflammasome.
Synergistic regulation of Notch signaling by different O-glycans promotes hematopoiesis
Authors: Tanwar Ankit , Stanley Pamela
Published: March 2022

Glycosylation of Notch receptors by O-fucose glycans regulates Notch ligand binding and Notch signaling during hematopoiesis. However, roles in hematopoiesis for other O-glycans that modify Notch receptors have not been determined. Here we show that the EGF domain-specific GlcNAc transferase EOGT is required in mice for the optimal production of lymphoid and myeloid cells. The phenotype of Eogt null mice was largely cell-autonomous, and Notch target gene expression was reduced in T cell progenitors. Moreover, EOGT supported residual Notch signaling following conditional deletion of Pofut1 in hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). Eogt:Pofut1 double mutant HSC had more severe defects in bone marrow, and in T and B cell development in thymus and spleen, compared to deletion of Pofut1 alone. The combined results show that EOGT and O-GlcNAc glycans are required for optimal hematopoiesis and T and B cell development, and that they act synergistically with POFUT1 and O-fucose glycans to promote Notch signaling in lymphoid and myeloid differentiation.

Key points

O-GlcNAc glycans and EOGT promote lymphopoiesis and myelopoiesis

EOGT supports Notch signaling in the absence of POFUT1 and O-fucose glycans
Proteasomal subunit depletions differentially affect germline integrity in C. elegans
Authors: Fernando Lourds Michelle , Quesada-Candela Cristina , Murray Makaelah , Ugoaru Caroline , Yanowitz Judith L. , Allen Anna K.
Published: March 2022

The 26S proteasome is a multi-subunit protein complex that is canonically known for its ability to degrade proteins in cells and maintain protein homeostasis. Non-canonical or non-proteolytic roles of proteasomal subunits exist, but remain less well studied. We provide characterization of germline-specific functions of different 19S RP proteasome subunits in C. elegans using RNAi specifically from the L4 stage and through generation of endogenously tagged 19S RP lid subunit strains. We show functions for the 19S RP in regulation of proliferation and maintenance of integrity of mitotic zone nuclei, in polymerization of the synaptonemal complex (SC) onto meiotic chromosomes and in the timing of SC subunit redistribution to the short arm of the bivalent, and in turnover of XND-1 proteins at late pachytene. Furthermore, we report that certain 19S RP subunits are required for proper germ line localization of WEE-1.3, a major meiotic kinase. Additionally, endogenous fluorescent labeling revealed that the two isoforms of the essential 19S RP proteasome subunit RPN-6.1 are expressed in a tissue-specific manner in the hermaphrodite. Also, we demonstrate that the 19S RP subunits RPN-6.1 and RPN-7 are crucial for the nuclear localization of the lid subunits RPN-8 and RPN-9 in oocytes, potentially introducing C. elegans germ line as model to study proteasome assembly real-time. Collectively, our data support the premise that certain 19S RP proteasome subunits are playing tissue-specific roles, especially in the germ line. We propose C. elegans as a versatile multicellular model to study the diverse proteolytic and non-proteolytic roles that proteasome subunits play in vivo.
Prot2Prot: A Deep Learning Model for Rapid, Photorealistic Macromolecular Visualization
Authors: Durrant Jacob D.
Published: March 2022

Motivation

Molecular visualization is a cornerstone of structural biology, providing insights into the form and function of biomolecules that are difficult to achieve any other way. Scientific analysis, publication, education, and outreach often benefit from photorealistic molecular depictions rendered using advanced computer-graphics programs such as Maya, 3ds Max, and Blender. However, setting up molecular scenes in these programs can be laborious even for expert users, and rendering often requires substantial time and computer resources.

Results

We have created a deep-learning model called Prot2Prot that quickly imitates photorealistic visualization styles, given a much simpler, easy-to-generate molecular representation. The resulting images are often indistinguishable from images rendered using industry-standard 3D graphics programs, but they can be created in a fraction of the time, even when running in a web browser. To the best of our knowledge, Prot2Prot is the first example of image-to-image translation applied to macromolecular visualization.

Availability

Prot2Prot is available free of charge, released under the terms of the Apache License, Version 2.0. Users can access a Prot2Prot-powered web app without registration at http://durrantlab.com/prot2prot.
Downregulation of Stem-loop binding protein by nicotine via α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and its role in nicotine-induced cell transformation
Authors: Sun Qi , Chen Danqi , Raja Amna , Grunig Gabriele , Zelikoff Judith , Jin Chunyuan
Published: March 2022

The use of electronic-cigarettes (e-cigs) has increased substantially in recent years, particularly among the younger generations. Liquid nicotine is the main component of e-cigs. Previous studies have shown that mice exposed to e-cig aerosols developed lung adenocarcinoma and bladder hyperplasia. These findings implicated a potential role for e-cig aerosols and nicotine in cancer development, although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here we report that exposure to liquid nicotine or nicotine aerosol generated from e-cig induces downregulation of Stem-loop binding protein (SLBP) and polyadenylation of canonical histone mRNAs in human bronchial epithelial cells and in mice lungs. Canonical histone mRNAs typically do not end in a poly(A) tail and the acquisition of such a tail via depletion of SLBP has been shown to causes chromosome instability. We show that nicotine-induced SLBP depletion is reversed by an inhibitor of α7-nAChR (nicotinic acetylcholine receptors) or siRNA specific for α7-nAChR, indicating a nAChR-dependent reduction of SLBP by nicotine. Moreover, not only CDK1 and CK2, two kinases well known for their function for SLBP phosphorylation and degradation, but also CDK2 and PI3K/AKT pathways are shown to be involved, α7-nAChR-dependently, in nicotine-induced SLBP depletion. Importantly, nicotine-induced anchorage-independent cell growth is attenuated by inhibition of α7-nAChR and is rescued by overexpression of SLBP. We propose that the SLBP depletion and polyadenylation of canonical histone mRNAs via activation of α7-nAChR and a series of downstream signal transduction pathways, are critical for nicotine-induced cell transformation and potential carcinogenesis.
Long-term symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort of hospital employees: duration and predictive factors
Authors: Gruber Rosalie , Montilva Ludewig Maria Veronica , Wessels Christina , Schlang Gerlinde , Jedhoff Svenja , Herbrandt Swetlana , Mattner Frauke
Published: March 2022

Objective: To evaluate the frequency, duration and patterns of long-term coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms and to analyze risk factors for long-lasting COVID-19 sequelae among hospital employees (HEs).
Design: Retrospective observational cohort study.
Setting: Three medical centers in Cologne, Germany.
Participants: We included HEs who had a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test between March 2020 and May 2021.
Methods: We conducted a survey in mid-2021 with all HEs tested SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive during the study period and asked about the presence and duration of 24 different COVID-19 related symptoms. Chronological development and patterns of symptom complexes, probability of symptom persistence and possible risk factors for protracted COVID-19 course were analyzed.
Results: Of 221 included HEs, a number of 104 HEs (47.1%) reported at least one persisting symptom for more than 90 days after initial SARS-CoV-2 detection. A symptom duration over 28 days was associated with multiple symptom complexes. The most common was the interrelated occurrence of shortness of breath, memory disorder, concentration disorders and fatigue. Each one cycle higher initial Ct value significantly increased the chances of overcoming symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05; p = 0.019). The occurrence of breathlessness within the first ten days (OR = 7.89; p = 0.008), an initial Ct value under 30 (OR = 3.36; p = 0.022) and a definitely nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission (OR = 3.05; p = 0.049) showed a statistically significant association with increased odds of illness duration over 90 days.
Conclusion: About half of the HEs suffered from long lasting symptoms over 90 days after almost entirely mild acute COVID-19. Different symptom complexes could be shown and predictive factors for long-term symptoms were identified. Predictive factors at the onset of the infection could possibly be used for early treatment to prevent development of long-term symptoms after COVID-19 in future.
Structural study of bioisosteric derivatives of 5-(1H-indol-3-yl)-benzotriazole and their ability to form chalcogen bonds
Authors: Mirgaux Manon , Scaillet Tanguy , Kozlova Arina , Tumanov Nikolay , Frederick Raphaël , Bodart Laurie , Wouters Johan
Published: March 2022

Recently, interest in the isosteric replacement of a nitrogen atom to selenium, sulfur or oxygen atoms has been highlighted in the design of potential inhibitors for cancer research. In this context, the structures of 5-(1H-indol-3-yl)-2,1,3-benzotriazole derivatives [5-(1H-indol-3-yl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (bS, C14H9N3S) and 5-(1H-indol-3-yl)-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (bO, C14H9N3O)], as well as a synthesis intermediate of the selenated bioisostere [5-[1-(benzensulfonyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-2,1,3-benzoselenadiazole (p-bSe, C20H13N3O2SSe)] were determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) analyses. Despite being analogues, different crystal packing, torsion angles and supramolecular features were observed, depending on the substitution of the central atoms of the benzotriazole. In particular, chalcogen interactions were described in the case of p-bSe and not in the bS and bO derivatives. An investigation by ab initio computational methods was therefore conducted to understand the effect of the substitution on the ability to form chalcogen bonds and the flexibility of the compounds.
AHP-goal programming as the optimization method for management model in oil palm empty bunches waste
Authors: Kusrini Novira , Sulistiawati Rini , Imelda Imelda
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to determine the optimum model of oil palm empty bunches (OPEB) management, to determine the optimal number of OPEB in waste management, which is then recommended to the company, and to know the achievement of various goals/targets with limited availability of resources.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative approach is done by processing the data for financing and profit analysis in OPEB waste management which is then used for resource approach. A qualitative approach is undertaken for weighing purposes in the analytic hierarchical program (AHP) analysis. The research location was determined purposively in the crude palm oil mill of PT. Pundi Lahan Khatulistiwa in Ambawang, Kubu Raya Regency.

Findings

In order that the optimal settlement can achieve the goal/target of minimal environmental pollution, low cost and profit gain, the amount of OPEB that must be managed by the company is 311 tons prioritized for productive plants compost of 66.67 tons, organic fertilizer of 11 tons and mushroom growing media of 233.33 tons. Consequently, the company's cost of IDR 4.000.000.000 still spares IDR 2.004.694.000. The OPEB management as oyster mushroom promises a relatively high profit compared to other OPEB managements even though the cost is not the least.

Originality/value

This research is one of the few studies that examines the waste management model of palm oil empty bunches, mainly located in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Originality is seen from the use of optimization analysis tools with integration of AHP with goal programming.
Imperatives for open innovation in times of COVID-19
Authors: Jha Srirang Kumar
Published: March 2022

Purpose

COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an existential crisis amongst the companies, communities, organisations and institutions across the globe. People are facing unusual scenarios characterized by prolonged lockdowns, changes in the work from home compulsions, job losses, disruptions in the supply-chain networks, the slowdown in economies, scarcity of essential commodities and unavailability of medical services due to burgeoning numbers of positive cases with COVID-19. Death rates due to COVID-19 are alarmingly high, which complicate matters all the more. The purpose of this paper is to explore how open innovation can enable the suffering communities overcome the crisis of such magnitude.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on general understanding and academic insight emerging out of the millennial crisis like COVID-19 that the author witnessed with close quarters.

Findings

The people’s suffering due to COVID-19 pandemic is terrific, almost unparalleled in the history of civilisation. However, the pandemic has also galvanised the people all over the world to come together and work towards collaborative problem solving and open innovation. As such, COVID-19 has presented an unprecedented situation which warrants extra-ordinary responses. The crisis has inadvertently made room for open innovation so that human miseries can be successfully mitigated by leveraging collective wisdom and traditional knowledge of the communities who are more than willing today to collaborate and make a difference in the solutions space in true sense.

Originality/value

This paper provides fresh insights on the rationale and efficacy of open innovations in overcoming the crisis like a pandemic. Companies across the globe have also come forward to work together with anyone, including their competitors, to explore immediate and practical solutions to the problems caused by COVID-19. The paper also provides a framework of developing as well as strengthening an ecosystem for open innovations in the world inflicted by unique civilizational crisis. The only way to get out of the current mess is to join hands for collaborations and collectively find innovative solutions to the issues plaguing humanity today.
Six Sigma for improving tensile strength: a case study in the impregnating resin manufacturing company
Authors: Ren Yingxue , Zhang Min , Bai Yin , Bai Haochen
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Unsatisfactory level of construction materials quality has been a persistent problem for companies in construction. This study aims to describe the application of the Six Sigma methodology for improving the tensile strength in a Chinese reinforcement material manufacturing company.

Design/methodology/approach

Six Sigma-based framework of define-measure-analyse-improve-control (DMAIC) methodology is adopted in this case study. During different stages, quality problems and critical factors are identified to improve the low performance of tensile strength and thixotropy of the impregnating resin.

Findings

The results provide solid evidence that how Six Sigma can be successfully applied in reinforcement material manufacturing. Results showed that vacuum degree, reaction temperature and stirring rate are significant factors on tensile strength. Control plans for continuous improvements are suggested and implemented. Our study found that managerial assurance activities such as verification were less developed than equipment-related control activities. Besides, data management required further elaboration on integrated data and information systematically, thereby to enable the company to make informed decisions and to support continuous improvement.

Originality/value

This study contributes to show a potential area in which Six Sigma DMAIC approach can promote to improve the tensile strength of impregnating resin. This case can prompt managers of the company to apply Six Sigma method to address complicated problems in other reinforcement material processes. Companies of construction and their suppliers can refer to this study when improving their manufacturing process.
Self-disclosure, social support and postpartum depressive mood in online social networks: a social penetration theory perspective
Authors: Lei Xueqin , Wu Hong , Deng Zhaohua , Ye Qing
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate how postpartum mothers conduct self-disclosure on social media may obtain social support and therefore improve their depressive mood.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors extract variables of self-disclosure by manual coding postpartum mothers' 835 posts from a parenting social media in China. The ordinary least squares model and the binary logistic regression model are used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The study suggests that both mothers' superficial level disclosure and personal level disclosure positively affect online social support received, and the effect of personal level disclosure on social support is much greater than that of superficial level disclosure. Online social support received is related to the content of the post and reduces mothers' depressive mood. The authors further find that the association between personal level disclosure and depressive mood is fully mediated by social support.

Research limitations/implications

The data are collected from a parenting social network. Although it is the major parenting social media with the most users in China, the generalizability of this model and the findings to other social media need additional research.

Practical implications

This study offers implications for researchers and practitioners with regard to social media uses and impacts, which also has important implications for policy and interventions for the mental health of mothers.

Originality/value

This paper makes theoretical contributions to the literature of social penetration theory and social support by (1) dividing self-disclosure into superficial level disclosure and personal level disclosure according to the intimacy of self-disclosure; (2) empirically investigating the direct effect of online self-disclosure on social support and the mediating effect of social support between online self-disclosure and mothers' depressive mood.
The influence of entrepreneurial leadership on employee improvisation in new ventures: based on cognitive-affective processing system framework
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Zhou Xiaohu , Wang Qiao
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Employee improvisation is valuable in seizing opportunities, creating radically new ideas and dealing with unexpected events. It is increasingly important for new ventures in unpredictable environments. However, as an important organizational factor, the mechanism of leadership style on employee improvisation has not been fully explored. Against this background, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of entrepreneurial leadership on employee improvisation. Specifically, drawing on cognitive-affective processing system framework and regulatory focus theory, the study investigates the dual mediating role of workplace spirituality and positive affect between entrepreneurial leadership and employee improvisation and the moderating role of promotion focus in such relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Using time-lagged data from 327 leader–employee dyads from new ventures in China, the study tests all hypotheses using hierarchical multiple regression and bootstrapping analysis in IBM SPSS 26.0.

Findings

The results reveal that entrepreneurial leadership is positively related to employee improvisation, and this link is mediated by workplace spirituality and positive affect. Additionally, moderated path analysis indicates that promotion focus strengthens the direct effect of workplace spirituality and positive affect on employee improvisation and the indirect impact of entrepreneurial leadership on employee improvisation.

Practical implications

The findings also provide some practical suggestions for managers on how to promote employee improvisation. Managers can promote employee improvisation by cultivating their entrepreneurial leadership. The results also constitute valuable information for new ventures in terms of suggesting steps that can be taken to promote employee improvisation in the workplace, particularly in regard to employees' cognition and affect. In addition, personality traits such as promotion focus should also be considered in recruitment.

Originality/value

The study makes an original contribution by showcasing the complex cognitive and affective mechanism of entrepreneurial leadership on employee improvisation. Through the dual mediating role of workplace spirituality and positive affect, the study expands the research results on employee improvisation and enriches the application of cognitive-affective processing system framework in the entrepreneurship field. The study also provides deeper insights into promotion focus research by exploring the boundary conditions of employee improvisation.
Composite Brownian walks best explain the movement patterns of Asian black bears, irrespective of sex, seasonality, and food availability
Authors: Ando Kyohei , Yoshikawa Tetsuro , Kozakai Chinatsu , Yamazaki Koji , Naganuma Tomoko , Inagaki Akino , Koike Shinsuke
Published: March 2022

Large solitary carnivores need to correspond to spatial and temporal variations in food resources, and therefore are expected to change their movement strategies seasonally and annually. Movement strategy of an animal is also mediated by internal factors such as sex. We investigate movement strategy of Asian black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in two biological periods (mating and hyperphagia periods), by fitting random walk models including Brownian walks (BWs), Lévy walks (LWs), and composite Brownian walks (CBWs). We explored the best random walk models approximating the movement paths of 59 trajectories performed by 29 Asian black bears, obtained in years with different food availability. The results strongly supported the occurrence of CBW patterns over scale‐free LW patterns for their movements. We found some differences in composition of the best CBW models between mating and hyperphagia periods, though no distinctive differences were found among the best models regarding sex and food availability. Our findings demonstrated that the CBW is the best model to describe the movement of the Asian black bears among the random walk models tested, and indicate the importance of understanding multiple modes of their activity or movement.
Punch in the gut: parasite tolerance of phytochemicals reflects host diet
Authors: Palmer‐Young Evan C. , Schwarz Ryan S. , Chen Yanping , Evans Jay D.
Published: March 2022

Gut parasites of plant‐eating insects are exposed to antimicrobial phytochemicals that can reduce infection. Trypanosomatid gut parasites infect insects of diverse nutritional ecologies as well as mammals and plants, raising the question of how host diet‐associated phytochemicals shape parasite evolution and host specificity. To test the hypothesis that phytochemical tolerance of trypanosomatids reflects the chemical ecology of their hosts, we compared related parasites from honey bees and mosquitoes – hosts that differ in phytochemical consumption – and contrasted our results with previous studies on phylogenetically related, human‐parasiticLeishmania. We identified one bacterial and 10 plant‐derived substances with known antileishmanial activity that also inhibited honey bee parasites associated with colony collapse. Bee parasites exhibited greater tolerance of chrysin – a flavonoid found in nectar, pollen and plant resin‐derived propolis. In contrast, mosquito parasites were more tolerant of cinnamic acid – a product of lignin decomposition present in woody debris‐rich larval habitats. Parasites from both hosts tolerated many compounds that inhibitLeishmania, hinting at possible trade‐offs between phytochemical tolerance and mammalian infection. Our results implicate the phytochemistry of host diets as a potential driver of insect–trypanosomatid associations and identify compounds that could be incorporated into colony diets or floral landscapes to ameliorate infection in bees.
Compositional analysis of dairy side streams and assessment of their applicability as diafiltration media
Authors: Reitmaier Michael , Kulozik Ulrich
Published: March 2022

The direct utilisation of side streams from membrane processing and evaporation is of great potential interest for dairies to reduce water consumption. In an analytical screening of 89 industrially obtained processing side streams, samples varied in pH and conductivity in broad ranges of 4.22 to 7.56 and 0.001 to 0.949 Siemens per meter, respectively. Detailed compositional data of the side streams enabled an assessment of their applicability as diafiltration (DF) media for milk protein purification during microfiltration (MF) or ultrafiltration (UF). Microfiltration experiments with simulated nanofiltration (NF) permeates showed that slight compositional variations of DF media can significantly affect milk filtration performance.
Socio‐emotional well‐being benefits of yoga for atypically developing children
Authors: Laxman Kumar
Published: March 2022

This pilot study set out to examine the impact of a regular practice of yoga within schooling curricular hours on the well‐being and behaviors of atypically developing children. The design of this study was based on a qualitative hermeneutic‐phenomenology approach. The intervention consisted of 5 weekly sessions of yoga of 15 minutes each and composed of breathing techniques (pranayama), postures (pranayama), and lying down relaxation exercises (yoga nidra). The research site was a special needs school in South Auckland, New Zealand in an area characterized by poor socio‐economic living conditions with a composite range of different ethnic groups. The findings of this study suggest that a regular practice of yoga can have numerous benefits for children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). They found yoga to be a fun‐filled and engaging experience. They improved significantly in their flexibility levels and general physical health. Emotionally, the children reported that the breathing techniques allowed them to feel calmer and more relaxed. The children felt that incorporating a regular practice of yoga within formal curriculum will be another effective tool to enhancing their overall health and well‐being.
Achieving sustainable development goals through the study of urban heat island changes and its effective factors using spatio‐temporal techniques: The case study (Tehran city)
Authors: Meftahi Maryam , Monavari Masoud , Kheirkhah Zarkesh Mirmasoud , Vafaeinejad Alireza , Jozi Ali
Published: March 2022

The present study is aimed at investigating the spatio‐temporal structure of land surface temperature (LST) and its interrelationship with physical and biophysical land surface properties, such as land use, vegetation, the indicators of climate changes and air pollution, and the density of buildings in Tehran city of Iran, using Landsat 5, 7 and 8 thermal bands of satellite images in cold and hot seasons during the 1984–2020 period. The results indicate that the mean LST of Tehran city has gradually increased over time. LST results in a hot season, such as May showed that the changes in 1990 were between 6 and 44°C, in 2000, between 20 and 44°C, in 2013 between 14 and 42°C and in 2020 the changes were between 15 and 51°C. Also, the formation of hot spots in the west and south demonstrated the direct connection pattern of the distribution of space. According to the results, a strong negative LST‐NDVI and positive LST‐NDBI correlation are observed throughout the period. In addition, as to the other indices, the results indicate a positive correlation among LST, and air pollution indicators (NO2, SO2, CO, CO2, PM2.5, and PM10 ppm), a negative correlation with precipitation and a positive correlation with temperature in climatic indices and negative LST‐ Humidity, NDWI, and NDMI. These show the regions where water can weaken the UHI effect in the city. LST also has a positive correlation with buildings density and population centers, as well as industries concentrated in the western regions of Tehran that are subjected to rising LST. The mixed urban landscape of the city is closely related to the changes of the LST and the indicators, including NDVI, different land covers, and urban industrial and commercial activities. Finally, the regional vulnerability of Tehran as a metropolis was determined by using geographic information systems and spatio‐temporal methods. Based upon the results, the western regions of Tehran had more urban vulnerabilities in terms of thermal phenomena and the northern regions remain with the least vulnerability.
Hunting the Datable Garnet using the LA‐ICP‐MS U‐Pb Method: Predicting Garnet U Concentration, based on Major and Minor Elements
Authors: DENG Yi , ZHONG Richen , LI Dengfeng , LI Yanxia , CUI Hao
Published: March 2022

Garnet occurs in a wide range of rock types, from mantle peridotites to granites, from eclogites to skarns. In recent years, garnet LA‐ICP‐MS (Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) U‐Pb dating has provided a powerful solution for retrieving the ages of rock formations, but successful dating is often prohibited by the low concentration of U. However, the concentration of U, a trace element of garnet, is unknown prior to the LA‐ICP‐MS analysis. In this study, we propose that the U concentration in garnet can be predicted by the contents of major and minor elements, which can be quantitatively obtained by EPMA (electron probe microanalysis). Using a supervised machine learning method (neural network), a model is trained to discriminate U‐rich (>2 ppm) and U‐poor (<2 ppm) garnets, based on EPMA results. Results of cross validation shows that the model has an average accuracy of ∼92% and is a powerful tool in detecting datable U‐rich garnet. To facilitate the use of the discriminator, it is programmed as a stand‐alone Microsoft Excel spreadsheet (HighUGarnet) and users directly paste the molar proportions of garnet end members into it and obtain the discrimination result.
First‐principles Study on Equilibrium Sn Isotope Fractionations in Hydrothermal Fluids
Authors: SUN Mingguang , MATHUR Ryan , CHEN Yanjing , YUAN Shunda , WANG Jiaxin
Published: March 2022

Tin (Sn) isotope geochemistry has great potential in tracing geological processes. However, lack of equilibrium Sn isotope fractionation factors of various Sn species limits the development of Sn isotope geochemistry. Equilibrium Sn isotope fractionation factors (124Sn/116Sn and 122Sn/116Sn) among various Sn(II, IV) complexes in aqueous solution were calculated using first‐principles calculations. The results show that the oxidation states and the change of Sn(II, IV) species in hydrothermal fluids are the main factors leading to tin isotope fractionation in hydrothermal systems. For the Sn(IV) complexes, Sn isotope fractionation factors depend on the number of H2O molecules. For the Sn(II) complexes, the Sn isotope fractionation between Sn(II)–F, Sn(II)–Cl and Sn(II)–OH complexes is mainly affected by the bond length and the coordination number of anion, whereas the difference in 1000lnβ values of Sn(II)–SO4 and Sn(II)–CO3 complexes is insignificant with the change of anion coordination number. By comparing the 1000lnβ values of all Sn(II, IV) complexes, the enrichment trend in heavy Sn isotopes is Sn(IV) complexes > Sn(II) complexes. The equilibrium Sn isotopic fractionation factors enhance our understanding of the tin transportation and enrichment processes in hydrothermal systems.