bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered dynamical integration/segregation balance during anesthesia-induced loss of consciousness
Authors: Lord Louis-David , Carletti Timoteo , Fernandes Henrique , Turkheimer Federico E. , Expert Paul
Published: May 2022

In recent years, brain imaging studies have begun to shed light on the neural correlates of physiologically-reversible altered states of consciousness such as deep sleep, anesthesia, psychedelic experiences. The emerging consensus is that normal waking consciousness requires the exploration of a dynamical repertoire enabling both global integration i.e. long-distance interactions between brain regions, and segregation, i.e. local processing in functionally specialized clusters. Altered states of consciousness have notably been characterized by a tipping of the integration/segregation balance away from this equilibrium. Historically, functional MRI (fMRI) has been the modality of choice for such investigations. However, fMRI does not enable characterization of the integration/segregation balance at sub-second temporal resolution. Here, we investigated global brain spatiotemporal patterns in electrocorticography (ECoG) data of a monkey (Macaca fuscata) under either ketamine or propofol general anaesthesia. We first studied the effects of these anesthetics from the perspective of band-specific synchronization across the entire ECoG array, treating individual channels as oscillators. We further aimed to determine whether synchrony within spatially localized clusters of oscillators was differently affected by the drugs in comparison to synchronization over spatially distributed subsets of ECoG channels, thereby quantifying changes in integration/segregation balance on physiologically-relevant time scales. The findings reflect global brain dynamics characterized by a loss of long-range integration in multiple frequency bands under both ketamine and propofol anaesthesia, most pronounced in the beta (13-30Hz) and low-gamma bands (30-80Hz), and with strongly preserved local synchrony in all bands.
TRAUMA AND CUE-ASSOCIATED WORKING MEMORY DEFICITS IN A RAT MODEL OF POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
Authors: McGonigle C. E. , Lapish C. C. , Logrip M. L.
Published: May 2022

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with a variety of neural and behavioral alterations in response to trauma exposure, including working memory impairments. Rodent models of PTSD have not fully investigated chronic or reactive working memory deficits, despite clinical relevance. The present study utilizes footshock trauma to induce a posttraumatic stress state in rats and evaluates the effect of trauma and trauma-paired odor cues on working memory performance in the odor span task. Results demonstrate the emergence of chronic deficits in working memory among traumatized animals by three weeks post-trauma. The presentation of a trauma-paired odor cue was associated with further decrement in working memory performance. Further, anxiety-like behaviors indicative of PTSD can predict the degree of working memory impairment in response to the trauma-paired odor cue. This study enhances validation of an existing rodent model of PTSD through replication of the clinical observations of working memory deficits associated with PTSD. This will facilitate future work to probe underlying mechanistic dysregulation of working memory following trauma exposure and for future development of novel treatment strategies.
Further antibody escape by Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 from vaccine and BA.1 serum
Authors: Tuekprakhon Aekkachai , Huo Jiandong , Nutalai Rungtiwa , Dijokaite-Guraliuc Aiste , Zhou Daming , Ginn Helen M. , Selvaraj Muneeswaran , Liu Chang , Mentzer Alexander J. , Supasa Piyada , Duyvesteyn Helen M.E. , Das Raksha , Skelly Donal , Ritter Thomas G. , Amini Ali , Bibi Sagida , Adele Sandra , Johnson Sile Ann , Constantinides Bede , Webster Hermione , Temperton Nigel , Klenerman Paul , Barnes Eleanor , Dunachie Susanna J. , Crook Derrick , Pollard Andrew J , Lambe Teresa , Goulder Philip ,   OPTIC consortium,   ISARIC4C consortium, Fry Elizabeth E. , Mongkolsapaya Juthathip , Ren Jingshan , Stuart David I. , Screaton Gavin R
Published: May 2022

The Omicron lineage of SARS-CoV-2, first described in November 2021, spread rapidly to become globally dominant and has split into a number of sub-lineages. BA.1 dominated the initial wave but has been replaced by BA.2 in many countries. Recent sequencing from South Africa’s Gauteng region uncovered two new sub-lineages, BA.4 and BA.5 which are taking over locally, driving a new wave. BA.4 and BA.5 contain identical spike sequences and, although closely related to BA.2, contain further mutations in the receptor binding domain of spike. Here, we study the neutralization of BA.4/5 using a range of vaccine and naturally immune serum and panels of monoclonal antibodies. BA.4/5 shows reduced neutralization by serum from triple AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccinated individuals compared to BA.1 and BA.2. Furthermore, using serum from BA.1 vaccine breakthrough infections there are likewise, significant reductions in the neutralization of BA.4/5, raising the possibility of repeat Omicron infections.
Modeling suggests that multiple immunizations or infections will reveal the benefits of updating SARS-CoV-2 vaccines
Authors: Desikan Rajat , Linderman Susanne L. , Davis Carl , Zarnitsyna Veronika , Ahmed Hasan , Antia Rustom
Published: May 2022

When should vaccines to evolving pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 be updated? Our computational models address this focusing on updating SARS-CoV-2 vaccines to the currently circulating Omicron variant. Current studies typically compare the antibody titers to the new variant following a single dose of the original-vaccine versus the updated-vaccine in previously immunized individuals. These studies find that the updated-vaccine does not induce higher titers to the vaccine-variant compared with the original-vaccine, suggesting that updating may not be needed. Our models recapitulate this observation but suggest that vaccination with the updated-vaccine generates qualitatively different humoral immunity, a small fraction of which is specific for unique epitopes to the new variant. Our simulations suggest that these new variant-specific responses could dominate following subsequent vaccination or infection with either the currently circulating or future variants. We suggest a two-dose strategy for determining if the vaccine needs updating and for vaccinating high-risk individuals.
Cytochrome expression shifts in Geobacter sulfurreducens to maximize energy conservation in response to changes in redox conditions
Authors: Howley Ethan , Krajmalnik-Brown Rosa , Torres César I.
Published: May 2022

Previous studies have identified that Geobacter sulfurreducens has three different electron transfer pathways for respiration, and it switches between these pathways to adapt to the redox potential of its electron acceptor. However, only a small fraction of the electron carriers from each pathway have been identified. In this study, we combined electrochemical and gene expression data to identify electron carriers associated with each of the three pathways in the inner membrane, periplasm, outer membrane, and exterior of the cell. We demonstrate that it is not just the electron acceptor redox potential that controls pathway expression in G. sulfurreducens. Our method combining electrochemical modeling and transcriptomics could be adapted to better understand electron transport in other electroactive organisms with complex metabolisms.

Graphical Abstract

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Metformin improves glycemia independently of skeletal muscle AMPK via enhanced intestinal glucose clearance
Authors: Kjøbsted Rasmus , Kristensen Jonas M. , Birk Jesper B. , Eskesen Nicolas O. , Kido Kohei , Andersen Nicoline R. , Larsen Jeppe K. , Foretz Marc , Viollet Benoit , Nielsen Flemming , Brøsen Kim , Jessen Niels , Hellsten Ylva , Højlund Kurt , Wojtaszewski Jørgen F.P.
Published: May 2022

Metformin is an inexpensive oral anti-hyperglycemic agent used worldwide as a first-choice drug for the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although current view suggests that metformin exerts its anti-hyperglycemic effect by lowering hepatic glucose production, it has been proposed that metformin also reduce hyperglycemia by increasing glucose uptake in skeletal muscle via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Herein, we demonstrate in lean and diet-induced obese (DIO) male and female mouse models that the anti-hyperglycemic effect of metformin occurs independently of muscle AMPK, and instead relies on elevated intestinal glucose clearance. Furthermore, we report that the AMPK activity is elevated in skeletal muscle from patients with T2DM following chronic metformin treatment, but this is not associated with enhanced peripheral insulin sensitivity. These results argue against existing paradigms and emphasize the non-essential role of muscle AMPK but important role of the intestine for the anti-hyperglycemic effect of metformin.
Assessing risk for butterflies in the context of climate change, demographic uncertainty, and heterogenous data sources
Authors: Forister Matthew L. , Grames Eliza M. , Halsch Christopher A. , Burls Kevin J. , Carroll Cas F. , Bell Katherine L. , Jahner Joshua P. , Bradford Taylor , Zhang Jing , Cong Qian , Grishin Nick V. , Glassberg Jeffrey , Shapiro Arthur M. , Riecke Thomas V.
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Ongoing declines in insect populations have led to substantial concern and calls for conservation action. However, even for relatively well-studied groups, like butterflies, information relevant to species-specific status and risk is scattered across field guides, the scientific literature, and agency reports. Consequently, attention and resources have been spent on a miniscule fraction of insect diversity, including a few well-studied butterflies. Here we bring together heterogenous sources of information for 396 butterfly species to provide the first regional assessment of butterflies for the 11 western US states. For 184 species, we use monitoring data to characterize historical and projected trends in population abundance. For another 212 species (for which monitoring data are not available, but other types of information can be collected), we use exposure to climate change, development, geographic range, number of host plants, and other factors to rank species for conservation concern. A phylogenetic signal is apparent, with concentrations of declining and at-risk species in the families Lycaenidae and Hesperiidae. A geographic bias exists in that many species that lack monitoring data occur in more southern states where we expect that impacts of warming and drying trends will be most severe. Legal protection is rare among the taxa with the highest risk values: of the top 100 species, one is listed as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act and one is a candidate for listing. Among the many taxa not currently protected, we highlight a short list of species in decline, includingVanessa annabella,Thorybes mexicanus,Euchloe ausonides, andPholisora catullus. Notably, many of these species have broad geographic ranges, which perhaps highlights a new era of insect conservation in which small or fragmented ranges will not be the only red flags that attract conservation attention.
Diversity, abundance, and host specificity of the human skin associated circular and single stranded DNA virome
Authors: Graham Ema H. , Adamowicz Michael S. , Angeletti Peter C. , Clarke Jennifer L. , Fernando Samodha C. , Herr Joshua R.
Published: May 2022

The human skin is our point of contact with the microbial world, yet little is known about the diversity of the skin virome. Studies of the human skin virome have focused on bacteriophage and double-stranded DNA viral genomes, however, there have been few efforts to characterize circular single-stranded DNA viruses that populate human skin. Here, we evaluate the diversity of the circular single-stranded DNA virome collected across three anatomical skin locations from 60 human individuals with five time-point collections spanning six-months. Our analyses resulted in the identification of 272 novel and unique Rep-encoded single-stranded DNA viruses associated with human skin. Sequence similarity networks and maximum likelihood estimations of the Rep and Capsid protein amino acid sequences from our sequencing and public database references, reveal family level stability of the Cressdnaviricota across the study participants and a larger host-range than previously thought for these putative multi-host pathogens.
Site-specific validation and quantification of RNA 2′-O-methylation by qPCR with RNase H
Authors: Wu Yifan , Tang Yao , Li Yong , Gu Xiangwen , Wang Qiang , Chen Qihan
Published: May 2022

RNA 2′-O-methylation, one of the most abundant modifications on RNAs, is crucial for diverse intracellular biological processes. In the past several years, several high-throughput screening methods have been developed, resulting in the identification of thousands of new 2′-O-methylation (Nm) sites. However, due to the high variability in these high-throughput methods, accurate and rapid low-throughput validation assays are needed to confirm and quantify the 2′-O-methylation status of screened candidate sites. Although several low-throughput Nm site detection methods have been reported, precise location and quantitative assays are still challenging to achieve. Based on the characteristic that RNase H would be inhibited by Nm modification, we developed Nm-VAQ (site-specific 2′-O-methylation (Nm) Validation and Absolute Quantification resolution). In this study, with multiple tests of reagents and conditions, Nm-VAQ was established with a chimera probe of RNA/DNA, RNase H site-specific cleavage, and qRT-PCR, which demonstrated precise absolute quantification of modification ratios and methylation copy numbers. With the help of Nm-VAQ, the 2′-O-methylation status of 5 sites in rRNA was evaluated.
Identification and Quantification of Within-Burst Dynamics in Singly-Labeled Single-Molecule Fluorescence Lifetime Experiments
Authors: Harris Paul David , Lerner Eitan
Published: May 2022

Single-molecule spectroscopy has revolutionized molecular biophysics and provided means to probe how structural moieties within biomolecules spatially reorganize at different timescales. There are several single-molecule methodologies that probe local structural dynamics in the vicinity of a single dye-labeled residue, which rely on fluorescence lifetimes as readout. Nevertheless, an analytical framework to quantify dynamics in such single-molecule single-dye fluorescence bursts, at timescales of microseconds to milliseconds, has not yet been demonstrated. Here, we suggest an analytical framework for identifying and quantifying within-burst lifetime-based dynamics, such as conformational dynamics recorded in single-molecule photo-isomerization related fluorescence enhancement. After testing the capabilities of the analysis on simulations, we proceed to exhibit within-burst millisecond local structural dynamics in the unbound α-synuclein monomer. The analytical framework provided in this work paves the way for extracting a full picture of the energy landscape for the coordinate probed by fluorescence-lifetime based single-molecule measurements.
Effect of biomaterial stiffness on cardiac mechanics in a biventricular infarcted rat heart model with microstructural representation ofin situintramyocardial injectate
Authors: Motchon YD , Sack KL , Sirry MS , Kruger M , Pauwels E , Van Loo D , De Muynck A , Van Hoorebeke L , Davies NH , Franz T
Published: May 2022

Intramyocardial delivery of biomaterials is a promising concept for treating myocardial infarction. The delivered biomaterial provides mechanical support and attenuates wall thinning and elevated wall stress in the infarct region. This study aimed at developing a biventricular finite element model of an infarcted rat heart with a microstructural representation of anin situbiomaterial injectate, and a parametric investigation of the effect of the injectate stiffness on the cardiac mechanics.

A three-dimensional subject-specific biventricular finite element model of a rat heart with left ventricular infarct and microstructurally dispersed biomaterial delivered one week after infarct induction was developed fromex vivomicrocomputed tomography data. The volumetric mesh density varied between 303 mm-3in the myocardium and 3,852 mm-3in the injectate region due to the microstructural intramyocardial dispersion. Parametric simulations were conducted with the injectate’s elastic modulus varying from 4.1 to 405,900 kPa, and myocardial and injectate strains were recorded.

With increasing injectate stiffness, the end-diastolic median myocardial fibre and cross-fibre strain decreased in magnitude from 3.6% to 1.1% and from −6.0% to −2.9%, respectively. At end-systole, the myocardial fibre and cross-fibre strain decreased in magnitude from −20.4% to −11.8% and from 6.5% to 4.6%, respectively. In the injectate, the maximum and minimum principal strains decreased in magnitude from 5.4% to 0.001% and from −5.4% to −0.001%, respectively, at end-diastole and from 38.5% to 0.06% and from −39.0% to −0.06%, respectively, at end-systole.

With the microstructural injectate geometry, the developed subject-specific cardiac finite element model offers potential for extension to cellular injectates andin silicostudies of mechanotransduction and therapeutic signalling in the infarcted heart with an infarct animal model extensively used in preclinical research.
Anti-proliferative effect of potential LSD1/CoREST inhibitors based on molecular dynamics model for treatment of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cancer cell line
Authors: Zalloum Hiba , Zalloum Waleed , Hameduh Tareq , ALSalamat Husam , Zihlif Malek
Published: May 2022

Lysine-specific demethylase is a demethylase enzyme that can remove methyl groups from histones H3K4me1/2 and H3K9me1/2. It is expressed in many cancers, where it impedes differentiation and contributes to cancer cell proliferation, cell metastasis and is associated with inferior prognosis. LSD1 is associated with its corepressor protein CoREST, and utilizes tetrahydrofolate as a cofactor to accept CH2 from the demethylation process. The fact that the cofactor is best bound to the active site inspired us to explore its interactions to LSD1/CoREST enzyme complex utilizing molecular dynamics simulation, which aids designing novel and potent inhibitors. We have implemented a previously derived model from the MD simulation study and the key contacts to the active site in a subsequent structure based drug design and in-silico screening. In silico mining on National Cancer Institute (NCI) database identified 55 promising and structurally diverse inhibitors toward LSD1/CoREST complex. The anti-proliferative activities of the identified compounds were tested against neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cancer cell line which known to highly express LSD1/CoREST complex. Applying the abovementioned molecular modeling procedure yielded Four compounds of LSD1/CoREST inhibiters with IC50 <2µM. The four lead compounds were tested against SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line that known to express high level of LSD1 and illustrated a potent activity with an IC50 ranging from 0.195 to 1.52µM. To estimate the toxicity of the selective leads, they were tested against normal fibroblast cells and scored a relatively high IC50 ranging from 0.303 to ≥100µM. These compounds are excellent candidates treating cancers that overexpress the LSD1 enzyme.
Midfrontal theta is associated with errors, but no evidence for a link with error-related memory
Authors: Zheng Xiaochen Y. , Wynn Syanah C.
Published: May 2022

Midfrontal theta is widely observed in situations with increased demand for cognitive control, such as monitoring response errors. It also plays an important role in the cognitive control involved in memory, supporting processes like the binding of single items into a memory representation or encoding contextual information. In the current study, we explored the link between midfrontal theta and error-related memory. To this end, we recorded EEG from 31 participants while they performed a modified Flanker task. Their memory for the errors made during the task was assessed after each experimental block, and its relationship with error-related midfrontal theta effects was investigated. We have replicated the error-related increase in midfrontal theta power, reported in previous literature. However, this error-related theta effect could not predict subsequent memory of the committed errors. Our findings add to a growing literature on the prefrontal cortex-guided control process in error monitoring and episodic memory.
Artificially stimulating retrotransposon activity increases mortality and accelerates a subset of aging phenotypes inDrosophila
Authors: Rigal Joyce , Anduaga Ane Martin , Bitman Elena , Rivellese Emma , Kadener Sebastian , Marr Michael T.
Published: May 2022

Transposable elements (TE) are mobile sequences of DNA that can become transcriptionally active as an animal ages. Whether TE activity is simply a byproduct of heterochromatin breakdown or can contribute towards the aging process is not known. Here we place the TEgypsyunder the control of the UAS GAL4 system to model TE activation during aging. We find that increased TE activity shortens the lifespan of maleD. melanogaster.The effect is only apparent in middle aged animals. The increase in mortality is not seen in young animals. An intact reverse transcriptase is necessary for the decrease in lifespan implicating a DNA mediated process in the effect. The decline in lifespan in the activegypsyflies is accompanied by the acceleration of a subset of aging phenotypes. TE activity increases sensitivity to oxidative stress and promotes a decline in circadian rhythmicity. The overexpression of the Forkhead-box O family (FOXO) stress response transcription factor can partially rescue the detrimental effects of increased TE activity on lifespan. Our results provide evidence that active TEs can behave as effectors in the aging process and suggest a potential novel role for dFOXO in its promotion of longevity inD. melanogaster.
Optogenetic Protein Cleavage in Zebrafish Embryos
Authors: Brown Wes , Albright Savannah , Tsang Michael , Deiters Alexander
Published: May 2022

A wide array of optogenetic tools is available that allow for precise spatiotemporal control over many cellular processes. These tools have been especially popular among zebrafish researchers who take advantage of the embryo’s transparency. However, photocleavable optogenetic proteins have not been utilized in zebrafish. We demonstrate successful optical control of protein cleavage in embryos using PhoCl, a photocleavable fluorescent protein. This optogenetic tool offers temporal and spatial control over protein cleavage events, which we demonstrate in light-triggered protein translocation and apoptosis.
Rice GLUCAN SYNTHASE-LIKE5 promotes Callose deposition in Anthers to maintain proper Male Meiosis Initiation and Progression
Authors: Somashekar Harsha , Mimura Manaki , Tsuda Katsutoshi , Nonomura Ken-Ichi
Published: May 2022

Callose is a plant cell-wall polysaccharide whose deposition is spatiotemporally regulated in various developmental processes and environmental stress responses. Appearance of callose in premeiotic anthers is a prominent histological hallmark for the onset of meiosis in flowering plants, whose biological role in meiosis is unknown till date. Here we show that rice GLUCAN SYNTHASE LIKE5 (OsGSL5), a callose synthase, localizes on the plasma membrane of pollen mother cells (PMCs), and is responsible for biogenesis of callose in anther locules through premeiotic and meiotic stages. In osgsl5 mutant anthers mostly lacking callose deposition, aberrant PMCs accompanied by aggregated, unpaired or multivalent chromosomes were frequently observed, and furthermore, a considerable number of mutant PMCs untimely progress into meiosis compared to wild type PMCs. Immunostaining of meiosis-specific protein PAIR2 in premeiotic PMCs revealed precocious meiosis entry in osgsl5 anthers. The findings of this study bestows new knowledge on function of callose in controlling timing of male meiosis initiation and progression, in addition to roles in microsporogenesis, in flowering plants.
Rtt109 promotes nucleosome replacement ahead of the replication fork
Authors: Jonas Felix , Yaakov Gilad , Barkai Naama
Published: May 2022

DNA replication perturbs chromatin by triggering the eviction, replacement, and incorporation of nucleosomes. How this dynamic is orchestrated in time and space is poorly understood. Here, we apply a genetically encoded sensor for histone exchange to follow the time-resolved histone H3 exchange profile in budding yeast cells undergoing slow synchronous replication in nucleotide-limiting conditions. We find that new histones are incorporated not only behind, but also ahead of the replication fork. We provide evidence that Rtt109, the S-phase-induced acetyltransferase, stabilizes nucleosomes behind the fork but promotes H3 replacement ahead of the fork. Increased replacement ahead of the fork is independent of the primary Rtt109 acetylation target H3K56 and rather results from Vps75-dependent Rtt109 activity toward the H3 N terminus. Our results suggest that, at least under nucleotide-limiting conditions, selective incorporation of differentially modified H3s behind and ahead of the replication fork results in opposing effects on histone exchange, likely reflecting the distinct challenges for genome stability at these different regions.
The effect of carrier system materials used in an Olympic swimming pool on the perceptual evaluations of respondents
Authors: Yılmaz Hakan , Yıldırım Kemal , Hidayetoglu Mehmet Lutfi
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to determine the effects of three different carrier system materials (laminated wooden beams, post-tensioned concrete beams and steel beams) used widely in interior spaces on the perceptual evaluations of respondents.

Design/methodology/approach

The large opening Olympic swimming pool space was chosen as the research environment. A total of 376 university graduates participated. After experiencing the 360-degree virtual images of the experimental spaces, a “spatial perception” questionnaire was applied to these respondents.

Findings

The spaces using the laminated wood beams in the carrier system were perceived as warmer, lighter, more attractive, more spacious, more informal, closer, more well-planned, freer, simpler, more peaceful, more exciting, and uncrowded compared to the spaces that used post-tensioned concrete beams and steel beams. The architect respondents made more negative perceptual evaluations for all the adjective pairs compared to the respondents in the other professional groups. Respondents who were males, and in the 26–35 years of age group, perceived more positively the physical environmental factors of the virtual swimming pools compared to females, and the 36 years of age or above age group.

Originality/value

The results set forth that the structural elements of buildings, such as ceilings, walls and furnishings, were not only systematic elements used in the formation of the structure, they were also important environmental factors in the perceptual evaluation of the space.
In-game advertising and brand purchase intentions: an SOR perspective
Authors: Anubha  , Jain Ajay
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of in-game advertisement congruity, interactivity and intrusiveness on gamers’ attitude towards advertising and purchase intention towards advertised brands based on the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a structured online questionnaire to collect the data from 311 gamers aged between 18 and 35 years. This study examines mediation using bootstrapping.

Findings

This study authenticates the appropriateness of the SOR model in predicting the advertised brand purchase intentions. The results of this study indicated that attitude has a significant mediating role in the relationship of advertisement congruity, interactivity and intrusiveness with advertised brand purchase intentions. The results further revealed that this mediation was partial for all three relationships.

Practical implications

The outcomes of the study are expected to benefit researchers and scholars to identify future research directions and thereby extend current know-how on gamification in general and in-game advertising in particular. The study findings will hold significance for marketers, advertisers and media planners too. By bringing out specific allied issues connected with in-game advertising, this study will help these stakeholders to plan their marketing campaigns in an efficient manner leading to higher traction and return on investment.

Originality/value

This study provides a new perspective to comprehend the purchase intention of gamers for brands advertised in online games through mediation by applying the underpinnings of the SOR model.
Happy at home, successful in competition: the beneficial role of happiness and entrepreneurial orientation for women entrepreneurs
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Kaciak Eugene , Thongpapanl Narongsak
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the mediating effect of entrepreneurial orientation on the relationship between women entrepreneurs' experience of family-induced work happiness and the competitive performance of their companies, as well as the invigorating role of their perceptions of environmental hostility in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected among a nationwide sample of women entrepreneurs in Denmark.

Findings

The spillover of positive emotions from family to work can spur competitive performance if women entrepreneurs adopt an entrepreneurial strategic posture. This intermediate role of entrepreneurial orientation is particularly prominent among women entrepreneurs who experience their market environments as highly threatening to their success.

Practical implications

For practitioners, this study identifies a key mechanism, an entrepreneurial strategic direction, by which positive work energy stemming from family involvement can enhance women entrepreneurs' business success. The study also shows how this mechanism is triggered by resource-draining competitive markets that appear hostile instead of benign.

Originality/value

The adoption of an entrepreneurial posture is an unexplored but critical factor through which women entrepreneurs' sense of happiness at work, caused by their family involvement, can be leveraged into enhanced success at the organizational level. This study also explicates how this beneficial role is invigorated by beliefs about environmental hostility, as a critical external source of resource depletion.
A hierarchical performance evaluation approach for the sustainability of smart grid
Authors: Pal Chandra , Shankar Ravi
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish a hierarchy of critical success factors to develop a framework for evaluating the performance of smart grids from a sustainability perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The fuzzy analytical hierarchy process is used in this study to assess and determine the relative weight of economic, operational and environmental criteria. At the same time, the evidential reasoning algorithm is used to determine the belief degree of expert’s opinion, and the expected utility theory for the crisp value of success factors in performance estimation.

Findings

The finding reveals that success factors associated with the economic criteria receive significantly more attention from the expert group. Sensitivity analysis indicates the ranking of consumer satisfaction remains stable no matter how criteria weights are changed, which verifies the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed model and evaluation results.

Originality/value

The study presents a solid mathematical framework for collaborative system modeling and systematic analysis. Managers and stakeholders may use the proposed technique as a flexible tool to improve the energy system’s resiliency in a systematic way.
FESM-based approach for stiffness modeling, identification and updating of collaborative robots
Authors: Hu Mingwei , Sun Hongwei , Liao Liangchuang , He Jiajian
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a method for stiffness modeling, identification and updating of collaborative robots (cobots). This method operates in real-time and with high precision and can eliminate the modeling error between the actual stiffness model and the theoretical stiffness model.

Design/methodology/approach

To simultaneously ensure the computational efficiency and modeling accuracy of the stiffness model, this method introduces the finite element substructure method (FESM) into the virtual joint method (VJM). The stiffness model of the cobots is built by integrating several 6-degree of freedom virtual joints that represent the elastic deformation of the cobot modules, and the stiffness matrices of these modules can be identified and obtained by the FESM. A model-updating method is proposed to identify stiffness influence coefficients, which can eliminate the modeling error between the actual prototype model and the theoretical finite element model.

Findings

The average relative error and the cycle time of the proposed method are approximately 6.14% and 1.31 ms, respectively. Compared with other stiffness modeling methods, this method not only has high modeling accuracy in high dexterity poses but also in low dexterity poses.

Originality/value

A hybrid stiffness modeling method is introduced to integrate the modeling accuracy of the FESM into the VJM. Stiffness influence coefficients are proposed to eliminate the modeling error between the theoretical and actual stiffness models.
Relationship follows technology! How Industry 4.0 reshapes future buyer-supplier relationships
Authors: Veile Johannes Wolfgang , Schmidt Marie-Christin , Müller Julian Marius , Voigt Kai-Ingo
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study analyzes how technological changes in the context of Industry 4.0 influence buyer-supplier relationships (BSRs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study is explorative in nature; hence, an empirical qualitative research design is applied. It bases on 45 expert interviews with managers from German and Austrian industrial companies as empirical data. A qualitative content analysis is conducted to inductively analyze the empirical material and to identify common patterns, themes and categories.

Findings

The paper finds that future transactions are mainly based on digitized, automated procedures, transferring various value creation processes to platforms. BSRs become more intense in nature. Companies consolidate their supplier base by focusing on important strategic suppliers.

Research limitations/implications

As the paper is of exploratory nature, it can only present first qualitative insights. Further studies can extend the results by analyzing and contrasting BSRs in various industries or value chain stages and map differences and similarities, respectively.

Practical implications

The paper's results provide implications for management and corporate practice alike. These help companies to raise Industry 4.0's full potential as for BSRs creating and securing long-term and sustainable competitive advantages.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to empirically investigate BSRs in the context of Industry 4.0. Providing implications for research and corporate practice, it contributes to tapping Industry 4.0's full potential complementing an extra-organizational perspective.
Supervisor incivility and employee voice: the roles of cognitive reappraisal and psychological distress
Authors: Dedahanov Alisher Tohirovich , Fayzullaev Abdulkhamid Komil ugli , Abdurazzakov Odiljon Sobirovich
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This work assesses the contingent role of cognitive reappraisal on the link between supervisor incivility and psychological distress and examines the mediating role of psychological distress on the link between supervisor incivility and employee voice, namely, promotive and prohibitive.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 447 highly skilled employees of manufacturing companies. To evaluate the validity of the proposed hypotheses, the authors conducted hierarchical regression analysis and bootstrapping test.

Findings

The findings suggest that despite supervisor incivility, individuals with higher level of cognitive reappraisal are less likely to suffer from psychological distress, whereas individuals with a lower level of cognitive reappraisal are prone to psychological distress when individuals suffer from supervisor incivility. Moreover, the results indicate that psychological distress mediates the link between supervisor incivility and voice, namely, promotive and prohibitive.

Originality/value

This work is the first to investigate the contingency role of cognitive reappraisal on the link between supervisor incivility and psychological distress and the mediating role of psychological distress on the link between supervisor incivility and employee voice.
Green drivers and green enablers in pharmaceuticals supply chain: in the context of an emerging economy
Authors: Sabat Kali Charan , Krishnamoorthy Bala , Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to comprehend the current state of green supply chain management (GSCM) and its drivers and enablers in the pharmaceutical supply chains (PSCs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a model consisting of the factors green drivers, green enablers and green practices. For this study, data were collected from 166 supply chain heads from 124 pharmaceutical companies operating in India. The data was empirically analysed using SmartPLS3 software.

Findings

The study revealed that in Indian PSCs, public pressure, supplier pressure and competitor pressure were the major drivers for GSCM practices and coercive pressures such as pressure from government and regulatory bodies were insignificant drivers. The results indicated that the influence of green drivers and green enablers altered with supply chain flow. Green drivers indicated higher influence at the upstream of PSCs whereas the influence of green enablers was higher at the downstream of PSCs. Furthermore, the study revealed that the factor “green enablers” was a good mediator for the relationship between “green drivers” and “GSCM practices” in PSCs.

Research limitations/implications

This study was an extension work with the addition of external green drivers to the self-induced organizational activities. Further investigations can be done by including the “green barriers” construct in the conceptual model.

Practical implications

This research connected the institutional theory with the resource-based view to understanding the role of green drivers and green enablers in greening PSC. For managers and regulators, this study provided clear insights on how to approach different supply chain drivers and enablers to maximize the impact of GSCM practices. Moreover, the findings of this study helped in incorporating knowledge about GSCM into a framework that can be used for defining strategies for setting up a sustainable PSC for pharmaceutical products leading to the development and growth of the pharmaceuticals industry.

Originality/value

Most of the earlier studies on GSCM were at the firm level and some studies were at the supply chain level. To further enhance the scope of GSCM theory, this study was conducted at two different levels, first at the complete supply chain level and second at three different levels: upstream, firm-level and downstream.
Safety and effectiveness of nivolumab in Japanese patients with malignant melanoma: Final analysis of a post‐marketing surveillance
Authors: Uhara Hisashi , Tsuchida Tetsuya , Kiyohara Yoshio , Akamatsu Ayumi , Sakamoto Takahiko , Yamazaki Naoya
Published: May 2022

Nivolumab, a monoclonal antibody against human programmed death 1, was approved for the treatment of melanoma in July 2014 in Japan. Because the Japanese phase II studies (ONO‐4538‐02, ONO‐4538‐08) enrolled small numbers of melanoma patients, post‐marketing surveillance (PMS; JapicCTI‐163 272) was conducted to collect safety data in a larger patient population. We report data for melanoma patients who received nivolumab between July 4, 2014 and February 28, 2017. Data collected included baseline characteristics, laboratory tests, treatment‐related adverse events (TRAE), and overall survival (OS). Of 2069 enrolled patients, 2008 patients were included in the safety analysis population. There were 1030 (51.3%) males, the median age was 69 years, and 269 patients (13.4%) had a performance status of ≥2. The primary tumor sites were cutaneous (34.4%), mucosal (34.2%), acral lentiginous (18.6%), others (6.8%), and unknown (6.3%). TRAE occurred in 62.1% of patients, the most common being hypothyroidism (14.0%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (8.5%), and increased alanine aminotransferase (6.9%). TRAE of special interest in ≥5% of patients were thyroid dysfunction (24.9%), hepatic dysfunction (20.6%), infusion reactions (11.4%), colitis/severe diarrhea (6.3%), and interstitial lung disease (ILD; 5.0%). Several types of TRAE of special interest, which included myasthenia gravis/myocarditis/myositis/rhabdomyolysis (0.9%), venous thromboembolism (0.2%), immune thrombocytopenic purpura (0.1%), and encephalitis (0.0%), were observed in this PMS. Although these TRAE were not reported in previous studies (ONO‐4538‐02, ONO‐4538‐08, CheckMate 066, and CheckMate 037), they have been listed in the current Risk Management Plan. History of ILD and male sex were risk factors for ILD in a multivariable analysis. Age <75 years was a risk factor for hepatic dysfunction. At 12 months, median OS was not reached. In conclusion, these results suggested that there was no concern requiring additional precautions for the safety of nivolumab in Japanese patients with melanoma other than the safety information in the Risk Management Plan.
‘Kind of Goya‐esque or Something’: Charles Ray's Early Works
Authors: Johnson Dominic
Published: May 2022

In Charles Ray's Plank Piece I‐II (1973), the artist creates a sculptural assemblage that holds him uncomfortably aloft. There has been little critical attention to his earliest performed sculptures created between from around 1973 to 1980, beyond characterizations as jejune experiments, homages, or hijinks. I seize on a statement by Ray that when he claimed in the 1970s that the works ‘[had] no meaning – or rather their meaning is dynamic, […] my friends laughed at me and said, “You idiot, it looks like the aftermath of a car wreck or a Goya print”.’ I pursue his ‘idiotic’ invocations: an eerily reminiscent etching by Goya; automobile disasters; the American War in Vietnam; and other contingent phenomena. The effect is a sustained experiment in looking, reading, and writing. Reading against the grain, Plank Piece I‐II provokes hermeneutic challenges – and new methodologies for criticism – towards a refashioning of meaning and history in performance.
How Should a Progressive Parliament Advance Proportional Representation?
Authors: White Stuart
Published: May 2022

Many supporters of democratic reform in the UK propose both a change in the electoral system to proportional representation (PR) and a shift to a formal (codified and entrenched) constitution. In principle, these two proposals are deeply complementary. There is, however, also a potential tension between them. Specifically, if a future UK government were to treat PR as a matter of ordinary legislation, this would conflict with the democratic constitutionalist principle that major constitutional changes require a more direct and/or robust test of public support, in addition to parliamentary approval—such as in a confirmatory referendum. The article discusses seven possible approaches by which a future progressive Parliament might advance PR. It assesses their strengths and weaknesses with an eye on this tension and other factors. It concludes that the emerging politics around this tension underscores the need for a formal constitution to prevent the UK's constitutional politics becoming subordinated to partisan conflict.
Functional map of the macroglomerular complex of male Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Lan , Chu Xi , Sun Long‐Long , Wang Ya‐Nan , Xie Gui‐Ying , Chen Wen‐Bo , Liu Yang , Berg Bente G. , An Shi‐Heng , Wang Gui‐Rong , Yin Xin‐Ming , Zhao Xin‐Cheng
Published: May 2022

The mechanism of sex pheromone reception in the male cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera has been extensively studied because it has become an important model system for understanding insect olfaction. However, the pathways of pheromone processing from the antenna to the primary olfactory center in H. armigera have not yet been clarified. Here, the physiology and morphology of male H. armigera olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) were studied using single sensillum recording along with anterograde filling and intracellular recording with retrograde filling. OSNs localized in type A sensilla responded to the major pheromone component cis‐11‐hexadecenal, and the axonal terminals projected to the cumulus (Cu) of the macroglomerular complex (MGC). The OSNs in type B sensilla responded to the behavioral antagonist cis‐9‐tetradecenal, and the axonal terminals projected to the dorsomedial anterior (DMA) unit of the MGC. In type C sensilla, there were 2 OSNs: one that responded to cis‐9‐tetradecenal and cis‐11‐hexadecenol with the axonal terminals projecting to the DMA, and another that responded to the secondary pheromone components cis‐9‐hexadecenal and cis‐9‐tetradecenal with the axonal terminals projecting to the dorsomedial posterior (DMP) unit of the MGC. Type A and type B sensilla also housed the secondary OSNs, which were silent neurons with axonal terminals projected to the glomerulus G49 and DMP. Overall, the neural pathways that carry information on attractiveness and aversiveness in response to female pheromone components in H. armigera exhibit distinct projections to the MGC units.
Preparation and identification of an antioxidant peptide from wheat embryo albumin and characterization of its Maillard reaction products
Authors: Liao Ai‐Mei , Li Xiao‐Xiao , Gu Zeshan , He Jiang‐Ying , Hou Yinchen , Pan Long , Zheng Shuai‐Nan , Zhang Jie , Peng Peng , Hui Ming , Huang Ji‐Hong
Published: May 2022

Wheat embryo albumin (WEA) extracted from wheat embryo possesses multiple effects including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and immunoregulatory effects. In this study, a single factor experiment was conducted to determine the optimal enzymolysis conditions of WEA. Five components (F1–F5) were obtained via ultrafiltration, among which F3 (molecular weight 3–5 kDa) displayed the best antioxidant activity. WEA and F3 were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, circular dichroism spectrum analysis, and amino acid composition tests. Results revealed that F3 significantly increased the contents of β‐tablets, aromatic amino acids, and hydrophobic amino acids compared to WEA. LC‐MS/MS analysis demonstrated that F3 had more tyrosine and histidine moieties than WEA. Moreover, analysis of the Maillard reaction products (MRPs) showed that F3‐MRPs had strong browning strength, ultraviolet absorption, higher number of free amino acids, and umami amino acid ratio compared with WEA. In conclusion, enzymolysis can improve the functional properties of WEA, which broadens the application spectrum of WEA in food and pharmaceutical fields.

Practical Application

This study provides a new approach for identifying potential antioxidants and developing functional foods from WEA, and broadens the application spectrum of wheat germ resources.