bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nasal commensal,Staphylococcus epidermidisshapes the mucosal environment to prevent influenza virus invasion through Serpine1 induction
Authors: Jo Ara , Won Jina , Chil Chan Hee , Choi Jae Young , Lee Kang-Mu , Yoon Sang Sun , Kim Hyun Jik
Published: August 2020

Our recent study presented evidence thatStaphylococcus epidermidis(S. epidermidis) was the most frequently encountered microbiome component in healthy human nasal mucus and thatS. epidermidiscould induce interferon (IFN)-dependent innate immunity to control acute viral lung infection. The serine protease inhibitor Serpine1 was identified to inhibit influenza A virus (IAV) spread by inhibiting glycoprotein cleavage, and the current study supports an additional mechanism of Serpine1 induction in the nasal mucosa, which can be regulated throughS. epidermidisand IFN signaling. The exposure ofin vivomice to humanS. epidermidisincreased IFN-λ secretion in nasal mucosa and prevented an increase in the burden of IAV in the lung.S. epidermidis-inoculated mice exhibited the significant induction of Serpine1in vivoin the nasal mucosa, and by targeting airway protease,S. epidermidis-inducedSerpine1 inhibited the intracellular invasion of IAV to the nasal epithelium and led to restriction of IAV spreading to the lung. Furthermore, IFN-λ secretion was involved in the regulation of Serpine1 inS. epidermidis-inoculated nasal epithelial cells andin vivonasal mucosa, and this was biologically relevant for the role of Serpine1 as an interferon-stimulated gene in the upper airway. Together, our findings reveal that human nasal commensalS. epidermidismanipulates the suppression of serine protease inin vivonasal mucosa through Serpine1 induction and protects the nasal mucosa from IAV invasion through IFN-λ signaling.

IMPORTANCE

Previously, we proved that nasal microbiome could enhance IFN-related innate immune responses to protect the respiratory tract against influenza virus infection. The present study shows a great understanding of the intimate association of S. epidermidis-regulated IFN-lambda induction and serine protease inhibitor in nasal mucosa. Our data demonstrate that S. epidermidis-regulated Serpine1 suppresses the invasion of influenza virus through suppression of airway serine protease at the level of nasal mucosa and impedes IAV spread to the respiratory tract. Thus, human nasal commensalS. epidermidisrepresents a therapeutic potential for treating respiratory viral infections via the change of cellular environment in respiratory tract.
Mitotic activity shapes stage-specific histone modification profiles during Xenopus embryogenesis
Authors: Pokrovsky Daniil , Forné Ignasi , Straub Tobias , Imhof Axel , Rupp Ralph A.W.
Published: August 2020

Forming an embryo from a zygote poses an apparent conflict for epigenetic regulation. On one hand, the de novo induction of cell fate identities requires the establishment and subsequent maintenance of epigenetic information to harnish developmental gene expression. On the other hand, the embryo depends on cell proliferation, and every round of DNA replication dilutes preexisting histone modifications by incorporation of new unmodified histones into chromatin. Here we investigated the possible relationship between the propagation of epigenetic information and the developmental cell proliferation during Xenopus embryogenesis. We systemically inhibited cell proliferation during the G1/S-transition in gastrula embryos and followed their development until the tadpole stage. Comparing wild-type and cell cycle-arrested embryos, we show that the inhibition of cell proliferation is principally compatible with embryo survival and cellular differentiation. In parallel, we quantified by mass spectrometry the abundance of a large set of histone modification states, which reflects the developmental maturation of the embryonic epigenome. The arrested embryos developed abnormal stage-specific histone modification profiles, in which transcriptionally repressive histone marks were overrepresented. Embryos released from the cell cycle block during neurulation reverted back towards normality on morphological, molecular and epigenetic levels. These results indicate that replicational dilution of histone marks has a strong impact on developmental chromatin maturation. We propose that this influence is strong enough to control developmental decisions, specifically in cell populations that switch between resting and proliferating states such as stem cells.
Impact of COVID-19 Upon Changes in Emergency Room Visits with Chest Pain of Possible Cardiac Origin
Authors: Butt Adeel A. , Kartha Anand , Asaad Nidal , Azad Aftab M. , Bertollini Roberto , Abou-Samra Abdul-Badi
Published: August 2020

Background

A decrease in Emergency Department (ED) visits for cardiac conditions has recently been reported from the US and Western Europe due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The data are still scant, and the correlation between cardiac symptoms and confirmed diagnoses are not available. There are no reports on changes in ED volumes at a national level, or from countries in the Asia-Middle Eastern region.

Methods

We report data from national referral centers for tertiary care and cardiac care centers in Qatar, which see >80% of cardiac emergencies in the country.

Results

We analyzed 102,033 ED visits in the COVID-era (March-April 2020 and 2019) and determined the proportion presenting for cardiac symptoms and their confirmed diagnoses. We observed a 16-37% decline in ED volumes overall, with a 25-50% decline in patients presenting with cardiac symptoms in March-April 2020 compared with March-April 2019. Among those presenting with cardiac symptoms, we observed a 24-43% decline in cardiac diagnoses.

Conclusions

A sharp decline in patients presenting with cardiac symptoms was observed in the COVID-era. A post-COVID surge in patients with these conditions may be anticipated and preparations should be made to address it.
SCV-2000bp: a primer panel for SARS-CoV-2 full-genome sequencing
Authors: Speranskaya AS , Kaptelova VV , Valdokhina AV , Bulanenko VP , Samoilov AE , Korneenko EV , Shipulina OY , Akimkin VG
Published: August 2020

Here we provide technical data for amplifying the complete genome of SARS-CoV-2 from clinical samples using only seventeen pairs of primers. We demonstrate that the СV2000bp primer panel successfully produces genomes when used with the residual total RNA extracts from positive clinical samples following diagnostic RT-PCRs (with Ct in the range from 13 to 20). The library preparation method reported here includes genome amplification of ~1750-2000 bp fragments followed by ultrasonic fragmentation combined with the introduction of Illumina compatible adapters. Using the SCV2000bp panel, 25 complete SARS-CoV-2 virus genome sequences were sequenced from clinical samples of COVID-19 patients from Moscow obtained in late March - early April.
Site-specific targeting of a light activated dCas9-KIllerRed fusion protein generates transient, localized regions of oxidative DNA damage
Authors: House Nealia C.M. , Layer Jacob V. , Price Brendan D.
Published: August 2020

DNA repair requires reorganization of the local chromatin structure to facilitate access to and repair of the DNA. Studying DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair in specific chromatin domains has been aided by the use of sequence-specific endonucleases to generate targeted breaks. Here, we describe a new approach that combines KillerRed, a photosensitizer that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to light, and the genome-targeting properties of the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Fusing KillerRed to catalytically inactive Cas9 (dCas9) generates dCas9-KR, which can then be targeted to any desired genomic region with an appropriate guide RNA. Activation of dCas9-KR with green light generates a local increase in reactive oxygen species, resulting in “clustered” oxidative damage, including both DNA breaks and base damage. Activation of dCas9-KR rapidly (within minutes) increases both γH2AX and recruitment of the KU70/80 complex. Importantly, this damage is repaired within 10 minutes of termination of light exposure, indicating that the DNA damage generated by dCas9-KR is both rapid and transient. Further, repair is carried out exclusively through NHEJ, with no detectable contribution from HR-based mechanisms. Surprisingly, sequencing of repaired DNA damage regions did not reveal any increase in either mutations or INDELs in the targeted region, implying that NHEJ has high fidelity under the conditions of low level, limited damage. The dCas9-KR approach for creating targeted damage has significant advantages over the use of endonucleases, since the duration and intensity of DNA damage can be controlled in “real time” by controlling light exposure. In addition, unlike endonucleases that carry out multiple cut-repair cycles, dCas9-KR produces a single burst of damage, more closely resembling the type of damage experienced during acute exposure to reactive oxygen species or environmental toxins. dCas9-KR is a promising system to induce DNA damage and measure site-specific repair kinetics at clustered DNA lesions.
Dietary Protein on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Index and offspring of Hu ewes in late pregnancy
Authors: Wang Xin , Wang Qiye , Wang Yancan , Dai Chunpeng , Li Jianzhong , Huang Pengfei , Li Yali , Ding Xueqin , Huang Jing , Hussain Tarique , Yang Huansheng
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of ewe growth performance, serum biochemical indicators and lamb growth and development at different protein levels in late pregnancy. A total of 15 pregnant ewes (46.4 ± 1.38kg initial BW) were assigned to 3 groups with 5 ewes in each group in a randomized block design. P1, P2 and P3 of three groups were fed diets with different levels of crude protein at 11.25%, 12.5% and 13.75% (low, medium and high) respectively, while the dietary energy levels remained unchanged. Choose ewes with the same body condition from 90 days of pregnancy to different protein diets during delivery, and feed the same diets during lactation. New-born lambs were left to suckle their dams freely for the first three days and were kept with their dams till weaning at 60 days of age. Dietary protein levels during late gestation showed no significant effect on the weight gain of ewes and their offspring in the late pregnancy (P> 0.05) but had significant effects on blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose (GLU), C-reactive protein (CRPL3) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3L) before parturition, and on triglyceride (TG) in lactating ewes. Dietary protein levels during late gestation had significant effects on birth height, body length, chest depth, chest circumference, straight crown hip length and curved crown hip length of lambs (P< 0.05) as well as on weaning body length, chest circumference, head width and head length (P< 0.05). The results showed that although different dietary protein levels during late gestation have no significant effects on growth performance of ewes, singleton, twins and triplets, it affects lambs’ body shape and ewes’ metabolism. Therefore, the optimum protein concentration for the growth of ewes and subsequent lambs in this experiment is 11.25%.
Transcriptional regulation of ACSL1 by CHREBP and NF-kappa B in macrophages during hyperglycemia and inflammation
Authors: Thevkar-Nagesh Prashanth , Rawal Shruti , Zahr Tarik , Fisher Edward A. , Garabedian Michael J.
Published: August 2020

Acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1) is an enzyme that converts fatty acids to acyl-CoA-derivatives for use in both lipid catabolism and lipid synthesis, including of arachidonic acid mediators that promote inflammation. ACSL1 has also been linked to the pro-atherosclerotic effects of diabetes in mice. ACSL1 expression has been reported to be upregulated in monocytes and macrophages by hyperglycemia, as well as enhanced by inflammatory stimuli, yet surprisingly little is known about the mechanisms underlying its transcriptional regulation. Here we show that increased Acsl1 mRNA expression in mouse macrophages by hyperglycemia is via transcription initiation such that nascent ACSL1 RNA and Acsl1 promoter activity are increased. We further demonstrate that the hyperglycemic-dependent induction of Acsl1 mRNA is governed by the glucose-sensing transcription factor, Carbohydrate Response Element Binding Protein (CHREBP), since the hyperglycemic upregulation of Acsl1 mRNA is lost in mouse bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) from Chrebp knock out mice. In addition, we show that LPS treatment of mouse BMDMs increased Acsl1 mRNA, and this is attenuated by an NF-kappa B inhibitor that blocks p65 subunit binding to DNA. We further show that LPS treatment increased ACSL1 protein abundance and stimulated ACSL1 protein localization to membranes where it likely exerts its activity. Using an ACSL1 reporter gene containing the promoter and 1.6 Kb of upstream regulatory region, which contain multiple predicted CHREBP and NF-kappa B (RELA) binding sites conserved between the human and mouse ACSL1 gene, we found a synergistic increase of ACSL1 promoter activity when CHREBP and RELA were co-expressed. Thus, we have identified pathways controlling the expression of ACSL1 by hyperglycemia and inflammation through CHREBP and NF-kappa B.
Transmission and antibiotic resistance ofAchromobacterin cystic fibrosis
Authors: Gabrielaite Migle , Bartell Jennifer A. , Nørskov-Lauritsen Niels , Pressler Tacjana , Nielsen Finn C. , Johansen Helle K. , Marvig Rasmus L.
Published: August 2020

Achromobacterspecies are increasingly being detected in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and this emerging pathogen is associated with antibiotic resistance and more severe disease outcomes. Nonetheless, little is known about the extent of transmission and antibiotic resistance development inAchromobacterinfections.

We sequenced the genomes of 101 clinical isolates ofAchromobacter(A. xylosoxidansbased on MALDI-TOF/API N20 typing) collected from 51 patients with CF—the largest longitudinal dataset to-date. We performed phylogenetic analysis on the genomes and combined this with epidemiological and antibiotic resistance data to identify patient-to-patient transmission and development of antibiotic resistance.

We found that MALDI-TOF/API N20 was not sufficient forAchromobacterspecies-level typing, and that the population ofAchromobacterisolates was composed of five different species whereA. xylosoxidansaccounted for 52% of infections. Most patients were infected by uniqueAchromobacterclone types; nonetheless, suspected patient-to-patient transmission cases identified by shared clone types were observed in 35% (N=18) of patients. In 15 of 16 cases the suspected transmissions were further supported by genome- or clinic visit-based epidemiological analysis. Finally, we found that resistance developed over time.

We show that whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is essential forAchromobacterspecies typing and patient-to-patient transmission identification which was identified inA. ruhlandii, A. xylosoxidansand, for the first time,A. insuavis. Furthermore, we show that the development of antibiotic resistance is associated with chronicAchromobacterinfections. Our findings emphasize that transmission and antibiotic resistance should be considered in future treatment strategies.
Mosquito indolergic receptors belong to an ancient and functionally conserved Dipteran gene lineage
Authors: Pitts R. Jason , Shih Shan Ju , Bohbot Jonathan D.
Published: August 2020

Diptera is a megadiverse group of flies with sophisticated chemical detection systems, which exploits an incredible variety of ecological niches. Among the vast array of odorants in natural environments, indoles stand out as playing crucial roles in mediating fly behavior. In mosquitoes, indolic compounds are detected by an ancient class of conserved indolergic Odorant Receptors (indolORs). In this study, we have identified a set of 92 putativeindolORgenes encoded in the genomes of Nematoceran and Brachyceran flies, resolved their phylogenetic relationships, and defined conserved elements in their gene structures. Further, we have quantifiedindolORtranscript abundance in the antennae of the housefly,Musca domestica, and have characterized MdomOR30a as a skatole receptor using a heterologous expression system. The presence ofindolORsin species operating in different ecological contexts suggests that indoles act as pleiotropic signals for resource exploitation at multiple developmental stages. Further characterization ofindolORswill impact our understanding of insect chemical ecology and will provide targets for the development of novel odor-based tools that can be integrated into existing vector surveillance and control programs.
Lymphopenia-induced T cell proliferation is a hallmark of severe COVID-19
Authors: Adamo Sarah , Chevrier Stéphane , Cervia Carlo , Zurbuchen Yves , Raeber Miro E. , Yang Liliane , Sivapatham Sujana , Jacobs Andrea , Bächli Esther , Rudiger Alain , Stüssi-Helbling Melina , Huber Lars C. , Schaer Dominik J. , Bodenmiller Bernd , Boyman Onur , Nilsson Jakob
Published: August 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has a broad clinical presentation ranging from asymptomatic infection to fatal disease. Different features associated with the immune response to SARS-CoV-2, such as hyperinflammation and reduction of peripheral CD8+T cell counts are strongly associated with severe disease. Here, we confirm the reduction in peripheral CD8+T cells both in relative and absolute terms and identify T cell apoptosis and migration into inflamed tissues as possible mechanisms driving peripheral T cell lymphopenia. Furthermore, we find evidence of elevated serum interleukin-7, thus indicating systemic T cell paucity and signs of increased T cell proliferation in patients with severe lymphopenia. Following T cell lymphopenia in our pseudo-longitudinal time course, we observed expansion and recovery of poly-specific antiviral T cells, thus arguing for lymphopenia-induced T cell proliferation. In summary, this study suggests that extensive T cell loss and subsequent T cell proliferation are characteristic of severe COVID-19.
Integrative Responses of Leaf-Cutting Ants to Temperature Rises
Authors: de Sousa Lima Cleverson , Helene André Frazão , Camacho Agustín
Published: August 2020

Thermal variation has complex effects on organisms and they deal with it by combining behavioral and physiological thermal tolerance. However, we still do not understand well how these two types of traits relate to body condition (e.g. size, hydration) and environmental variables (e.g. relative humidity), some of which are typical aspects of thermal tolerance experiments (warming rates, start temperature). We explored these interactions using a set of experiments that sequentially measure behavioral (Voluntary Thermal Maxima) and physiological thermal tolerance (Critical Thermal Maxima) for individuals ofAtta sexdens rubropilosa(Forel, 1908). We found non-linear effects of body size on behavioral thermal tolerance and refuted the traditional hypothesis that body size increases ant’s physiological thermal tolerance. Hydration state and humidity had complex effects on behavioral and physiological tolerance. However, both tolerance measures increased with heating rates and start temperature. Our work helps understanding how an ectotherm integrates stimuli affecting its thermal tolerance to decide which temperatures to avoid. We discuss implications for the ecology of ants, their labor division, and for their susceptibility to climate warming and drought.

Summary Statement

Here we show how internal (body size, hydration level) and external factors (heating rate, relative humidity) affect leaf-cutting ants behavioral and physiological responses to temperature rises.
Analytical validity of nanopore sequencing for rapid SARS-CoV-2 genome analysis
Authors: Bull Rowena A. , Adikari Thiruni , Ferguson James M. , Hammond Jillian M. , Stevanovski Igor , Beukers Alicia G. , Naing Zin , Yeang Malinna , Verich Andrey , Gamaarachchi Hasindu , Kim Ki Wook , Luciani Fabio , Stelzer-Braid Sacha , Eden John-Sebastian , Rawlinson William D. , van Hal Sebastiaan J. , Deveson Ira W.
Published: August 2020

Viral whole-genome sequencing (WGS) provides critical insight into the transmission and evolution of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Long-read sequencing devices from Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) promise significant improvements in turnaround time, portability and cost, compared to established short-read sequencing platforms for viral WGS (e.g., Illumina). However, adoption of ONT sequencing for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance has been limited due to common concerns around sequencing accuracy. To address this, we performed viral WGS with ONT and Illumina platforms on 157 matched SARS-CoV-2-positive patient specimens and synthetic RNA controls, enabling rigorous evaluation of analytical performance. Despite the elevated error rates observed in ONT sequencing reads, highly accurate consensus-level sequence determination was achieved, with single nucleotide variants (SNVs) detected at >99% sensitivity and >99% precision above a minimum~60-fold coverage depth, thereby ensuring suitability for SARS-CoV-2 genome analysis. ONT sequencing also identified a surprising diversity of structural variation within SARS-CoV-2 specimens that were supported by evidence from short-read sequencing on matched samples. However, ONT sequencing failed to accurately detect short indels and variants at low read-count frequencies. This systematic evaluation of analytical performance for SARS-CoV-2 WGS will facilitate widespread adoption of ONT sequencing within local, national and international COVID-19 public health initiatives.
Interaction of clinical-stage antibodies with heme predicts their physiochemical and binding qualities
Authors: Lecerf Maxime , Kanyavuz Alexia , Rossini Sofia , Dimitrov Jordan D.
Published: August 2020

Immunoglobulin repertoires contain a fraction of antibodies that recognize low molecular weight compounds, including some enzymes’ cofactors, such as heme. Here, by using a set of 113 samples with variable region sequences matching clinical-stage antibodies, we demonstrated that a considerable number of these antibodies interact with heme. Antibodies that interact with heme possess specific sequence traits of their antigen-binding regions. Moreover they manifest particular physicochemical and functional qualities i.e. increased hydrophobicity, higher propensity of self-binding, higher intrinsic polyreactivity and reduced expression yields. Thus, interaction with heme is a strong predictor of different molecular and functional qualities of antibodies. Notably, these qualities are of high importance for therapeutic antibodies, as their presence was associated with failure of drug candidates to reach clinic. Our study reveled an important facet of information about relationship sequence-function in antibodies. It also offers a convenient tool for detection of liabilities of therapeutic antibodies.
HDA6-dependent histone deacetylation regulates mRNA polyadenylation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lin Juncheng , Hung Fu-Yu , Ye Congting , Hong Liwei , Shih Yuan-Hsin , Wu Keqiang , Li Qingshun Q.
Published: August 2020

Eukaryotic histone deacetylation, critical for maintaining nucleosome structure and regulating gene expression, is mediated by histone deacetylases (HDACs). Although nucleosomes have been reported to regulate mRNA polyadenylation in humans, the role of HDACs in regulating polyadenylation has not been uncovered. Taking advantage of phenotypic studies on Arabidopsis, HDA6 (one of HDACs) was found to be a critical part of many biological processes. Here, we report that HDA6 affects mRNA polyadenylation in Arabidopsis. Poly(A) sites of up-regulated transcripts are closer to the histone acetylation peaks in hda6 compared to the wild-type Col-0. HDA6 is required for the deacetylation of histones around DNA on nucleosomes, which solely coincides with up-regulated or uniquely presented poly(A) sites in hda6. Furthermore, defective HDA6 results in an overrepresentation of the canonical poly(A) signal (AAUAAA) usage. Chromatin loci for generating AAUAAA-type transcripts have a comparatively low H3K9K14ac around poly(A) sites when compared to other noncanonical poly(A) signal–containing transcripts. These results indicate that HDA6 regulates polyadenylation in a histone deacetylation–dependent manner in Arabidopsis.
BioMAX – the first macromolecular crystallography beamline at MAX IV Laboratory
Authors: Ursby Thomas , Åhnberg Karl , Appio Roberto , Aurelius Oskar , Barczyk Artur , Bartalesi Antonio , Bjelčić Monika , Bolmsten Fredrik , Cerenius Yngve , Doak R. Bruce , Eguiraun Mikel , Eriksson Thomas , Friel Ross J. , Gorgisyan Ishkhan , Gross Andrea , Haghighat Vahid , Hennies Franz , Jagudin Elmir , Norsk Jensen Brian , Jeppsson Tobias , Kloos Marco , Lidon-Simon Julio , de Lima Gustavo M. A. , Lizatovic Robert , Lundin Magnus , Milan-Otero Antonio , Milas Mirko , Nan Jie , Nardella Alberto , Rosborg Anders , Shilova Anastasya , Shoeman Robert L. , Siewert Frank , Sondhauss Peter , Talibov Vladimir O. , Tarawneh Hamed , Thånell Johan , Thunnissen Marjolein , Unge Johan , Ward Christopher , Gonzalez Ana , Mueller Uwe
Published: August 2020

BioMAX is the first macromolecular crystallography beamline at the MAX IV Laboratory 3 GeV storage ring, which is the first operational multi-bend achromat storage ring. Due to the low-emittance storage ring, BioMAX has a parallel, high-intensity X-ray beam, even when focused down to 20 µm × 5 µm using the bendable focusing mirrors. The beam is tunable in the energy range 5–25 keV using the in-vacuum undulator and the horizontally deflecting double-crystal monochromator. BioMAX is equipped with an MD3 diffractometer, an ISARA high-capacity sample changer and an EIGER 16M hybrid pixel detector. Data collection at BioMAX is controlled using the newly developed MXCuBE3 graphical user interface, and sample tracking is handled by ISPyB. The computing infrastructure includes data storage and processing both at MAX IV and the Lund University supercomputing center LUNARC. With state-of-the-art instrumentation, a high degree of automation, a user-friendly control system interface and remote operation, BioMAX provides an excellent facility for most macromolecular crystallography experiments. Serial crystallography using either a high-viscosity extruder injector or the MD3 as a fixed-target scanner is already implemented. The serial crystallography activities at MAX IV Laboratory will be further developed at the microfocus beamline MicroMAX, when it comes into operation in 2022. MicroMAX will have a 1 µm × 1 µm beam focus and a flux up to 1015 photons s−1 with main applications in serial crystallography, room-temperature structure determinations and time-resolved experiments.
Factors influencing trust and behavioral intention to use Airbnb service innovation in three ASEAN countries
Authors: Chua Evelyn Lim , Chiu Jason Lim , Chiu Candy Lim
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The sharing economy is described as a community marketplace, particularly home sharing such as Airbnb, which is more prevalent. Airbnb changed the way renters and tourists find places to stay when they are traveling. The company introduced innovations in business models and technologies. So, Airbnb requires specific factors that will influence consumers’ trust because consumers intuitively seek out trusting factors to make judgments on innovative service providers. Thus, the purpose of this study is to understand the factors that influence travelers’ trust to use Airbnb within the three ASEAN nations.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from both qualitative and quantitative methods. The questionnaire was the main data-gathering instrument used in this study and supplemented by informal interviews. A self-administered questionnaire was provided to 130 Airbnb users from the Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore using Hayes’ Process Macro as the statistical tool.

Findings

The correlation test was carried out to determine the strength and relationships among the independent, mediating and dependent variables. All independent variables are positively correlated with the mediating variable. The results reveal that ease of use, convenience, information social influence, normative social influence and security have a significant impact on trust and behavioral intention to use Airbnb.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field of sharing economy, particularly home sharing, by examining different factors that influence trust and behavioral intention. This study focused on the case of Southeast Asian consumers, so this study is useful for marketing practitioners to enhance their marketing strategies in catering to this segment of the market.
Hybrid cascode compensation with Q-factor control module for three-stage OTAs driving ultra-large load capacitors
Authors: Aminzadeh Hamed , Valinezhad Mohammad Mahdi
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to discuss the effect of hybrid cascode compensation with quality factor (Q-factor) control module for the three-stage amplifiers driving ultra-large load capacitors. Compared to the present frequency compensation solutions, it extends the amplifier bandwidth by establishing an extra AC feedback pathway besides the primary pathway through the Miller capacitor, increasing the loop gain at the gain–bandwidth product (GBW) frequency by pushing to the higher frequencies the nondominant poles.

Design/methodology/approach

A Q-factor control block is used to improve the damping factor of the compensation loop with no power or area overhead, thereby reducing the frequency peaking and the undesired oscillation in the time response for small load capacitors. The Q-factor control module is realized by a tiny-size on-chip capacitor, and provides an extra feedback loop to feed the damping current back to the input stage. A left-half-plane (LHP) zero is also introduced to further improve the stability.

Findings

A prototype of the proposed amplifier is simulated in 180-nm CMOS with a quiescent current of 24-µA from 1.80-V voltage supply. It achieves a 3.98-MHz gain–bandwidth product for 500-pF load capacitor, while the overall compensation capacitor is limited to 0.5-pF and the DC gain is extended beyond 100-dB.

Originality/value

The proposed amplifier is absolutely stable for the load capacitors ranging between 80-pF and 100-nF.
International marketing doctrine: the use of guiding principles
Authors: Asseraf Yoel , Gnizy Itzhak , Shoham Aviv
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Marketing doctrine (MD) refers to a “firm's unique principles, distilled from its experiences, which provide firm-wide guidance on market-facing choices” (Challagalla et al., 2014, p. 4). Drawing on the knowledge-based view, the purpose of this paper is to develop a model of how MD is used and provide the first quantitative test of its relationship with business success.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors advance the understanding of MD by providing a mixed-methods paper. In Study 1, a survey-based quantitative study was used. The final sample comprised 349 internationally active strategic business units (SBUs) of Israeli firms. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling. Study 2 provides insights into the use of MD based on 20 in-depth interviews.

Findings

The cross-sectional evidence shows that there tends to be more MD Use in higher-performing firms. The important roles of MD Clarity and MD Knowledgeability as mobilising processes of MD Use are demonstrated. Learning by doing impacts MD Use only through MD Clarity and MD Knowledgeability.

Practical implications

MD is a new strategic tool that can be applied practically. MD may provide a straightforward way of communication between international ventures. MD Use may allow global consistency and flexibility within local markets, simultaneously. Therefore, marketing managers are advised to supplement MD to their portfolio of management tools.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to investigate empirically, through newly developed scales, whether and how MD's core processes (learning by doing, MD Clarity, MD Knowledgeability and MD Use) are related to the success of international ventures.
Factors affecting BIM application in China: a social network model
Authors: Tai Shuangliang , Zhang Yao , Li Ting
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to promote the application of building information modeling (BIM) in China’s construction industry, key factors and their relationships are explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review, 28 factors were extracted and their relationships (239 in total) obtained using the Delphi method. A social network model of the factors was constructed and factors were analyzed using social network analysis (SNA).

Findings

The top 10 key factors and their relationships were obtained using SNA. Among the top 10 critical factors, six were source factors. They were: training for the application of BIM, guidance from experts, proper management modes, efficient BIM teams, specifications and demonstrations and standards for building information communication. The other four factors included as follows: a willingness to accept BIM, knowledge of its value and benefits, the definition of its benefits and the availability of IT software and hardware. These were mediating factors that could further the influence of the source factors.

Originality/value

The results provide useful information for public agencies and professionals to understand the immediate and mediating influences of the factors on the application of BIM. Solutions and future efforts for different participants are presented to promote the application of BIM-based on the key factors and their relationships.
Viewpoint: using neuroscience tools in service research
Authors: Verhulst Nanouk , Vermeir Iris , Slabbinck Hendrik
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the potential of neuroscientific tools in the service research domain.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper integrates a personal viewpoint and an exemplar study to highlight the merits and obstacles of integrating neuro-tools in service experiments.

Findings

Service researchers can benefit from integrating neuro-tools in their toolbox; nevertheless, it does bring along a set of difficulties that need to be dealt with.

Originality/value

Several calls have been made to infuse service research with new methodologies such as neuroscientific tools. Yet, research effectively doing this remains scarce. This paper uses a real example study to illustrate the potential and obstacles related to adopting neuroscientific tools in service research.
Skills needs, integrative pedagogy and case-based instruction
Authors: Lyons Paul , Bandura Randall Paul
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to advance the proposition that organizations involved with training of employees should make. First, CBI is linked to skill development areas recognized as high value in the contemporary and future workplace such as analysis, problem-solving and soft skills such as active listening, collaboration and compromise. A second linkage is to an emerging, tested model of integrative pedagogy (IP) focused on improving workplace learning for adults.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviews were completed of empirical literature and expert opinion from three different domains: current and future skills needs, IP for adult learners and CBI. Review information was analyzed and incorporated into a proposal.

Findings

Identified are some of the current and projected employee skill needs in the increasingly complex digital work place. Explained are features of IP as well as how the features help advance a learning environment for adults. The authors explain the application of CBI and how it meshes with IP to leverage workplace learning of needed current and future skills.

Practical implications

There is sufficient information presented to enable a practitioner with little experience with CBI to apply the approach with employees. This can be especially helpful if the training objectives involve critical thinking, strategy formulation, communicating ideas, teamwork and related areas.

Originality/value

Much has been written about skills needs for current and future scenarios, and about the efficacy of CBI. Yet there are few attempts at tying the skills needs with pedagogical theory and the delivery of instruction that engages many skill needs. This paper helps address this gap.
Does servant leadership affect work role performance via knowledge sharing and psychological empowerment?
Authors: Tripathi Divya , Priyadarshi Pushpendra , Kumar Pankaj , Kumar Sushil
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how servant leaders play an essential role in employee work role performance by assessing the mediating role of knowledge sharing and psychological empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from a sample of 583 employees working in a public sector organization in India. Structural equation modeling has been used to test the proposed model.

Findings

The results contribute to new knowledge that servant leadership has a positive link to work role performance. Findings demonstrate that this relationship was partially mediated by knowledge sharing and psychological empowerment. Knowledge sharing has a positive and significant effect on psychological empowerment. Theoretical and practical implications are provided.

Originality/value

By identifying servant leadership as a determinant of knowledge-sharing behavior and psychological empowerment, this paper significantly supplements current research on the process through which leadership influences individual behavior and motivation toward work performance.
Seasonal dynamics of prokaryotes and their associations with diatoms in the Southern Ocean as revealed by an autonomous sampler
Authors: Liu Yan , Blain Stéphane , Crispi Olivier , Rembauville Mathieu , Obernosterer Ingrid
Published: August 2020

The Southern Ocean remains one of the least explored marine environments. The investigation of temporal microbial dynamics has thus far been hampered by the limited access to this remote ocean. We present here high‐resolution seasonal observations of the prokaryotic community composition during phytoplankton blooms induced by natural iron fertilization. A total of 18 seawater samples were collected by a moored remote autonomous sampler over 4 months at 5–11 day intervals in offshore surface waters (central Kerguelen Plateau). Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that among the most abundant amplicon sequence variants, SAR92 and Aurantivirga were the first bloom responders, Pseudomonadaceae, Nitrincolaceae and Polaribacter had successive peaks during the spring bloom decline, and Amylibacter increased in relative abundance later in the season. SAR11 and SUP05 were abundant prior to and after the blooms. Using network analysis, we identified two groups of diatoms representative of the spring and summer bloom that had opposite correlation patterns with prokaryotic taxa. Our study provides the first seasonal picture of microbial community dynamics in the open Southern Ocean and thereby offers biological insights to the cycling of carbon and iron, and to an important puzzling issue that is the modest nitrate decrease associated to iron fertilization.
The effect of price support policies on food security and farmers’ income in China
Authors: Qian Jiarong , Ito Shoichi , Zhao Zhijun
Published: August 2020

The current price support policies in China have positive impacts on grain prices and production costs. These policies mediate the impacts on grain supply and demand, and, in turn, affect food security and farmer income. This paper simulates and empirically establishes the effect of price support policies on food security and farmers’ net incomes through a partial equilibrium model that considers the policy impact mechanism. The results indicate that a 10 per cent support price increase in 2012 may result in (1) an increase of 1.38 and 6.19 percentage points in self‐sufficiency rates for rice and wheat, respectively, in the current year and (2) a respective increase of 28.6 and − 18.5 yuan/mu in net income for rice and wheat production in the year. Given the significant growth in grain support prices since 2008, the price support policies have produced a tremendous impact in terms of enhancing grain self‐sufficiency, while playing a crucial role in China’s food security strategies. However, due to the increased production costs associated with policy implementation, the income effect of the price support policies is rather small and even negative for wheat production. Hence, increasing farmers’ incomes should rely on other effective measures, such as providing income subsidies.
Prevalence and incidence of endometriosis in Australian women: a data linkage cohort study
Authors: Rowlands IJ , Abbott JA , Montgomery GW , Hockey R , Rogers P , Mishra GD
Published: August 2020

Objective

To estimate the prevalence and incidence of endometriosis among Australian women.

Design

Population‐based cohort study linked to administrative health records.

Setting

Secondary analysis of seven surveys collected between 2000 and 2018 from a population‐based cohort study.

Population

A total of 13 508 Australian women, born 1973–78, from a prospective cohort study of 14 247 women conducted between 1996 and 2018.

Methods

During 2000 and 2018, self‐reported longitudinal survey data were linked to three administrative health databases to separately identify women with clinically confirmed or suspected endometriosis across the multiple data sources.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence and incidence of clinically confirmed endometriosis in the cohort were first estimated using national hospital data. Data were then combined with other administrative health databases and the survey data to capture all clinically confirmed and suspected diagnoses of endometriosis.

Results

The cumulative prevalence of clinically confirmed endometriosis was 6.0% (95% CI 5.8–6.2%) by age 40–44 years. The cumulative prevalence increased to 11.4% (95% CI 11.1–11.7%) when adding diagnoses of clinically suspected endometriosis. Age‐specific incidence estimates peaked to 6 per 1000 person‐years at age 30–34 years.

Conclusions

Among 13 508 Australian women followed for 20 years, one in nine women had clinically confirmed or suspected endometriosis by the age of 44, with most diagnosed during their early thirties. Endometriosis is a significant public health issue requiring increased surveillance, clinical awareness and management. Efforts to expand knowledge on the aetiology of the disease and optimal methods for disease management are crucial to women's health.

Tweetable abstract

In a national study of 13 508 Australian women, one in nine women were diagnosed with endometriosis by age 44.
Viruses of freshwater bloom‐forming cyanobacteria: genomic features, infection strategies and coexistence with the host
Authors: Morimoto Daichi , Šulčius Sigitas , Yoshida Takashi
Published: August 2020

Freshwater bloom‐forming cyanobacteria densely grow in the aquatic environments, leading to an increase in the viral‐contact rate. They possess numerous antiviral genes, as well as cell differentiation‐ and physiological performance‐related genes, owing to genome expansion. Their genomic features and unique lifestyles suggest that they coexist with cyanoviruses in ways different from marine cyanobacteria. Furthermore, genome contents of isolated freshwater bloom‐forming cyanobacterial viruses have little in common with those of marine cyanoviruses studied to date. They lack the marine cyanoviral hallmark genes that sustain photosynthetic activity and redirect host metabolism to viral reproduction; therefore, they are predicted to share metabolisms and precursor pools with host cyanobacteria to ensure efficient viral reproduction and avoid nutrient deficiencies and antiviral response. Additionally, cyanovirus–cyanobacteria coexistence strategies may change as bloom density increases. Diverse genotypic populations of cyanoviruses and hosts coexist and fluctuate under high viral‐contact rate conditions, leading to their rapid coevolution through antiviral responses. The ancestral and newly evolved genotypes coexist, thereby expanding the diversity levels of host and viral populations. Bottleneck events occurring due to season‐related decreases in bloom‐forming species abundance provide each genotype within cyanobacterial population an equal chance to increase in prevalence during the next bloom and enhance further diversification.
Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy plus surgery versus surgery alone for clinical node‐negative esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Gao Hui‐Jiang , Wei Yu‐Cheng , Gong Lei , Ge Nan , Han Bin , Shi Guo‐Dong , Yu Zhen‐Tao
Published: August 2020

Background

The impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) on early stage esophageal cancer is unknown. Here, we compared the outcomes after esophagectomy alone or nCRT plus surgery for clinically staged node‐negative esophageal cancer.

Methods

We searched the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database for patients with clinically node‐negative (cN0) esophageal cancer from 2004 to 2016 who underwent surgery alone or nCRT plus surgery. Propensity score matching and Cox regression analysis were used to identify covariates associated with overall survival and cancer‐specific survival.

Results

A total of 1587 patients were retrospectively identified, of whom 49.8% (n = 791) received nCRT and 80.2% (n = 1273) were truly node‐negative diseases. For the entire cohort, surgery alone was associated with a statistically significant but modest absolute increase in survival outcomes (P < 0.01). After matching, nCRT was associated with improved five‐year overall survival for pT3‐4N0 (localized) disease (59.6% vs. 37.7%; P < 0.001) and pathological node‐positive disease (60.5% vs. 40.7%; P = 0.002). Cox multivariate regression analysis revealed that the addition of nCRT for truly node‐negative patients with tumor length ≥ 3 cm, pT1‐2N0 (early‐staged) and localized disease were independent risk factors for survival than surgery alone (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Compared with surgery alone, patients with cN0 esophageal cancer with pathological node‐positive or localized true node‐negative disease gain a significant survival benefit from nCRT. However, nCRT plus surgery was associated with decreased survival for early‐staged true node‐negative patients. This finding may have significant implications on the use of neoadjuvant chemoradiation in patients with cN0 disease.
Inhibition of Cdc42 activity extends lifespan and decreases circulating inflammatory cytokines in aged female C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Florian Maria Carolina , Leins Hanna , Gobs Michael , Han Yang , Marka Gina , Soller Karin , Vollmer Angelika , Sakk Vadim , Nattamai Kalpana J. , Rayes Ahmad , Zhao Xueheng , Setchell Kenneth , Mulaw Medhanie , Wagner Wolfgang , Zheng Yi , Geiger Hartmut
Published: August 2020

Cdc42 is a small RhoGTPase regulating multiple functions in eukaryotic cells. The activity of Cdc42 is significantly elevated in several tissues of aged mice, while the Cdc42 gain‐of‐activity mouse model presents with a premature aging‐like phenotype and with decreased lifespan. These data suggest a causal connection between elevated activity of Cdc42, aging, and reduced lifespan. Here, we demonstrate that systemic treatment of aged (75‐week‐old) female C57BL/6 mice with a Cdc42 activity‐specific inhibitor (CASIN) for 4 consecutive days significantly extends average and maximum lifespan. Moreover, aged CASIN‐treated animals displayed a youthful level of the aging‐associated cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐1α, and INFγ in serum and a significantly younger epigenetic clock as based on DNA methylation levels in blood cells. Overall, our data show that systemic administration of CASIN to reduce Cdc42 activity in aged mice extends murine lifespan.