bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Niche-specific genome degradation and convergent evolution shaping Staphylococcus aureus adaptation during severe infections
Authors: Giulieri Stefano G. , Guérillot Romain , Duchene Sebastian , Hachani Abderrahman , Daniel Diane , Seemann Torsten , Davis Joshua S. , Tong Steve Y.C. , Young Bernadette , Wilson Daniel J. , Stinear Timothy P. , Howden Benjamin P.
Published: February 2022

During severe infections, Staphylococcus aureus moves from its colonising sites to blood and tissues, and is exposed to new selective pressures, thus potentially driving adaptive evolution. Previous studies have shown the key role of the agr locus in S. aureus pathoadaptation, however a more comprehensive characterisation of genetic signatures of bacterial adaptation may enable prediction of clinical outcomes and reveal new targets for treatment and prevention of these infections. Here, we measured adaptation using within-host evolution analysis of 2,590 S. aureus genomes from 396 independent episodes of infection. By capturing a comprehensive repertoire of single-nucleotide and structural genome variations, we found evidence of a distinctive evolutionary pattern within the infecting populations compared to colonising bacteria. These invasive strains had up to 20-fold enrichments for genome degradation signatures and displayed significantly convergent mutations in a distinctive set of genes, linked to antibiotic response and pathogenesis. In addition to agr-mediated adaptation we identified non-canonical, genome-wide significant loci including sucA-sucB and stp1. The prevalence of adaptive changes increased with infection extent, emphasising the clinical significance of these signatures. These findings provide a high-resolution picture of the molecular changes when S. aureus transitions from colonisation to severe infection and may inform correlation of infection outcomes with adaptation signatures.
T Cell Traction Forces show temporal patterns which Depend on Stimulation and Cell Subtype
Authors: Mustapha Farah , Biarnes-Pelicot Martine , Torro Remy , El Husseiny Jana , Sengupta Kheya , Puech Pierre-Henri
Published: February 2022

T cells use forces to read out and act on the mechanical parameters of their microenvironment, where antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are the most prominent biomechanical partners. Here we explore the early interaction of T cells with an APC-mimicking ultra-soft polymer gel exhibiting physiologically relevant stiffness in the range of 350-450 Pa. We quantify the dependence of cell spreading and stiffness on gel elasticity, and measure early time traction forces. We find that coating the surface with an antibody against the CD3 region of the TCR-complex elicits small but measurable gel deformation in the early recognition phase, which we report as maximal stress and integrated energy. We show that the time evolution of the energy follows one of three distinct patterns: active fluctuations, intermittent, or sigmoidal signals. When using a classical T cell line, we observed that addition of either anti-CD28 or anti-LFA1 has little impact on the total integrated energy or the maximum stress. However, the relative distribution of the energy patterns does depend on the additional ligands. When using primary human T cells, we determined that the subtype and initial state of the cells are strongly affecting the force patterns, in a way that appears coherent with their physiological role.

Graphical abstract
Translational reprogramming in response to accumulating stressors ensures critical threshold levels of Hsp90 for mammalian life
Authors: Bhattacharya Kaushik , Maiti Samarpan , Zahoran Szabolcs , Weidenauer Lorenz , Hany Dina , Wider Diana , Bernasconi Lilia , Quadroni Manfredo , Collart Martine , Picard Didier
Published: February 2022

The cytosolic molecular chaperone Hsp90 is essential for eukaryotic life1, 2. It is involved in multiple branches of proteostasis2, 3, and as a molecular capacitor in morphological evolution4. Although reduced Hsp90 levels cause phenotypic variations5, 6 and correlate with aging7, whether eukaryotic cells and organisms can tune the basal Hsp90 protein levels to alleviate physiologically accumulated stress is unknown. To begin to explore this question, we investigated whether and how mice adapt to the deletion of three out of four alleles encoding cytosolic Hsp90, one Hsp90β allele being the only remaining one. While the vast majority of such mouse embryos die during gestation, survivors apparently manage to increase their Hsp90β protein to at least wild-type levels. Further mechanistic studies revealed an internal ribosome entry site in the 5’UTR of the Hsp90β mRNA allowing translational reprogramming to compensate for the genetic loss of Hsp90 alleles and in response to stress. We found that the minimum amount of total Hsp90 that is required to support viability of mammalian cells and organisms is 50-70% of what is normally there. Those that fail to maintain a threshold level are subject to accelerated senescence, proteostatic collapse, and ultimately death. Therefore, considering that Hsp90 levels can be reduced ≥100-fold in the unicellular budding yeast, critical threshold levels of Hsp90 have been markedly increased during eukaryotic evolution. The incompressible part of the steady-state levels of Hsp90 may have increased to accommodate the ever-growing complexity of the proteome8 on the path towards mammals.
Cell cycle and developmental control of cortical excitability in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Swider Zachary T , Michaud Ani , Leda Marcin , Landino Jennifer , Goryachev Andrew B. , Bement William M.
Published: February 2022

Interest in cortical excitability – the ability of the cell cortex to generate traveling waves of protein activity – has grown considerably over the past twenty years. Attributing biological functions to cortical excitability requires an understanding of the natural behavior of excitable waves and the ability to accurately quantify wave properties. Here we have investigated and quantified the onset of cortical excitability in X. laevis eggs and embryos, and the changes in cortical excitability throughout early development. We found that cortical excitability begins to manifest shortly after egg activation. Further, we identified a close relationship between wave properties – such as wave frequency and amplitude – and cell cycle progression as well as cell size. Finally, we identified quantitative differences between cortical excitability in the cleavage furrow relative to non-furrow cortical excitability and showed that these wave regimes are mutually exclusive.
Population genetic structure of the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, in southern Mexico
Authors: Baltzegar Jennifer , Jones Michael S. , Willcox Martha , Ramsey Janine M. , Gould Fred
Published: February 2022

The maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, is a ubiquitous pest of maize and other cereal crops worldwide and remains a threat to food security in subsistence communities. Few population genetic studies have been conducted on the maize weevil, but those that exist have shown that there is very little genetic differentiation between geographically dispersed populations and that it is likely the species has experienced a recent range expansion within the last few hundred years. While the previous studies found little genetic structure, they relied primarily on mitochondrial and nuclear microsatellite markers for their analyses. It is possible that more fine-scaled population genetic structure exists due to local population dynamics, the biological limits of natural species dispersal, and the isolated nature of subsistence farming communities. In contrast to previous studies, here, we utilized genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism data to evaluate the genetic population structure of the maize weevil from the southern and coastal Mexican states of Oaxaca and Chiapas. Our study is the first to find significant genetic population structure in the maize weevil. Here, we show that although there continues to be gene flow between populations of maize weevil, that fine-scale genetic structure exists. It is possible that this structure is shaped by the movement and trade of maize by humans in the region, by geographic barriers to gene flow, or a combination of factors.
Optoelectronic characterization of laser diodes with different electrode structures
Authors: Lin Tao , Li Yaning , Zhao Rongjin , Ma Zekun , Xie Jianan
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to improve the device performance from the perspective of reducing ohmic contact resistance; the effects of different electrode structures and alloying parameters on the series resistance and power-current-voltage of laser diodes (LDs) have been investigated in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

Four groups of p-GaAs side metal electrodes with different metal layer arrangements and thicknesses are fabricated for the investigated LDs. The investigated p-GaAs side electrodes are based on Ti/Pt/Au material and the n-GaAs side metal electrodes all have a same structure of Ni/Ge/Ni/Au/Ti/Pt/Au. The LDs with different electrodes were alloyed at 380°C for 60 s and 420°C for 80 s.

Findings

The experimental results show that the series resistance decreases by 14%–20%, the output power increases by 2%–2.2% and the conversion efficiency increases by 1.69%–2.16% for the LDs prepared with optimized alloying parameters (420°C for 80 s). The laser diode with p-GaAs side Ti/Pt/Au electrode of 30/70/100 nm has the best device characteristics under both annealing conditions.

Originality/value

The utilization of this improvement on ohmic contact property in electrode is not only very important for upgrading high-power LDs but also helpful for GaAs-based microelectronic devices such as HBT and monolithic microwave integrated circuit.
Consumers’ sustainable online purchase behaviour during COVID-19 pandemic: the role of relational benefit and site commitment
Authors: Polas Mohammad Rashed Hasan , Tabash Mosab I. , Afshar Jahanshahi Asghar , Ahamed Bulbul
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the factors that influence the sustainable online purchase intentions of consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also examines the role of relational benefit and site commitment in the study model.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from a survey of 356 Bangladeshi consumers who were voluntarily using the internet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analyzed using partial least square structural equation modelling with Smart PLS 3.0 and SPSS V25 tools.

Findings

The results show a positive and significant relationship between consumers’ personal innovativeness and impulse purchase orientation with their relational benefit and site commitment, social influence with relational benefit, relational benefit with site commitment, site commitment with the intention to purchase. Moreover, the study found that relational benefit mediates the relationship between impulse purchase orientation and social influence with site commitment. The results also indicate that site commitment mediates the relationship between personal innovativeness and impulse purchase orientation with the intention to purchase. The results further indicate that site commitment mediates the relationship between relational benefit and intention to purchase.

Practical implications

The findings allow online stores to consider crucial factors in their policies when making strategic decisions regarding the factors impacting consumers’ online purchasing intention during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

In this study, a research framework is developed with a focus on the sustainable consumer intention to purchase. This study, therefore, adds to the existing literature by analyzing the factors that determine online purchase intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh, given the limited number of studies on the online consumer behavioral intentions in related circumstances to COVID-19.
Local climate zones and its potential for building urban resilience: a case study of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Aslam Ayman , Rana Irfan Ahmad , Bhatti Saad Saleem
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Urban built-up has been increasing exponentially in the world. Urban population growth and migration are depleting the land resources and creating thermal discomfort. Cities all around the world are facing urban heat island effects and increased temperatures. This study aims to map land cover and formulate local climate zones for enhancing urban resilience against disaster and climate risks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses exploratory research to identify local climate zones for Lahore, Pakistan. Landsat 8 imagery was used to develop a land use land cover map. For mapping local climate zones, the standard World Urban and Access Portal Tool procedure was used.

Findings

Results have revealed that Lahore has grown exponentially. Compact low rise and open low rise were the two most common local climate zones prevalent in the city. In contrast, the outer regions of the city consisted of LCZ D (low plants) and LCZ F (bare soil).

Practical implications

This study highlights the need to consider local climate zones in future development plans and policies for ensuring sustainable, resilient and climate-friendly cities.

Originality/value

Local climate zone studies are missing in Pakistan. This study has empirically analyzed the ground situation of local climate zones for Lahore metropolitan city. This study will provide baseline support for future studies on urban heat island and climate change adaptation planning.
How boundary spanners'guanximatters: managing supply chain dependence in China
Authors: Shou Zhigang , Gong Yu , Zhang Qiyuan
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Interorganizational dependence is considered as a liability for each firm and needs to be managed properly. Rather than exploring the opportunistic outcome of dependence, the authors focus on the moderating role of supply chain boundary spanners'guanxi. This study tends to uncover the way and the conditions under which boundary spanners'guanxiinfluences dependence-opportunism relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey of 380 buyer–supplier exchanges in China, this study first examines the relationship between dependence and opportunism, then assesses the contingent role of boundary spanners'guanxiand further tests how unfairness perception and legal inefficiency alter the role ofguanxiin managing dependence.

Findings

This study finds that buyer dependence increases supplier opportunism while supplier dependence lowers supplier opportunism. Boundary spanners'guanxiweakens the opportunism-facilitating impact of buyer dependence and mitigates the opportunism-restricting effect of supplier dependence. However, unfairness perception would attenuate the value ofguanxiin restricting depended sides' opportunism but strengthen the value ofguanxiin motivating depending sides' opportunism; legal inefficiency would amplify the value ofguanxiin facilitating depending suppliers' opportunism.

Originality/value

First, the study enriches supply chain dependence studies by incorporating interpersonalguanxiinto the investigation of dependence-opportunism relationships. Second, the study adds to the supply chain management literature by uncovering a contrasting role ofguanxiin influencing the dependence-opportunism relationship. Third, the study incorporates an agency view to uncover two boundary conditions under whichguanxiis mobilized for personal interest seeking or for organizational purposes.
Factors associated with family involvement in a family-centered care program among incarcerated French adolescents with conduct disorder
Authors: Bourion-Bédès Stéphanie , Bisch Michael , Baumann Cedric
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify the patient characteristics that may influence family involvement in a family-centered care program during detention.

Design/methodology/approach

Little is known about the needs of incarcerated adolescents and their families. This exploratory study used a cross-sectional design to collect data from incarcerated adolescents with conduct disorder followed in a French outpatient psychiatric department. Logistic regression models were used to identify the sociodemographic, clinical and family characteristics of these incarcerated adolescents that could predict family involvement in their care.

Findings

Among 44 adolescents with conduct disorder, the probability of family involvement during the adolescent’s detention was 9.6 times greater (95% CI 1.2–14.4, p = 0.03) for adolescents with no than for those with cannabis substance use disorder, and family involvement decreased with the age of the adolescent (OR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.1–0.9, p = 0.04).

Research limitations/implications

Increased knowledge of the characteristics of these adolescents and their families is needed to develop programs that will increase family interventions by specialty treatment services during detention.

Originality/value

No study has yet been published on French incarcerated adolescents with conduct disorder. As conduct disorder is one of the most important mental health disorders among delinquent adolescents, this study provides knowledge about these adolescents and the need to involve their parents in their care to prevent the further escalation of problem behaviors.
The changing roles of internal auditors in the Ukrainian central government
Authors: Volodina Tamara , Grossi Giuseppe , Vakulenko Veronika
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how internal auditors’ (IAs) roles have changed because of the diffusion of neoliberal ideologies in the Ukrainian public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodological approach was applied. Data were collected from 29 semi-structured interviews with public sector auditors in Ukraine’s central government; secondary data analysis was also performed.

Findings

IAs’ role in Ukraine’s central government has changed significantly, with reforms attempting to move to performance auditing. Consequently, Ukrainian central government IAs appeared in the multi-expectation situation, due to the division of the role senders into two different areas. On one hand, IAs are expected to perform new roles set by the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, while their traditional role as “watchdogs” is still expected by managers (heads of institutions). Diverging expectations resulted in the role conflict that impedes the change in IAs’ role and performance auditing introduction in the Ukrainian central government. Moreover, we identify factors that motivate IAs to prioritise managers’ expectations, while trying to cope with the existing role conflict in Ukraine’s central government.

Originality/value

This study makes a threefold contribution by enriching the understanding of auditors’ roles, role conflicts that public sector auditors may experience and factors that influence how auditors cope with such conflicts, through the lenses of role theory; exploring the change in roles with the emergence of performance auditing; and shedding light on public sector auditing in the less explored context of a post-Soviet country.
Re-evaluating New Zealand tourism–what the future holds
Authors: Roberts Chris
Published: February 2022

Purpose

COVID-19 plunged tourism off the cliff in New Zealand. What did this mean for the country, how did we respond and what is the future?

Design/methodology/approach

This is a personal account, reflecting on my thoughts and experiences as Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

Findings

It is a challenging time to try to predict the future given all the remaining COVID-19-related uncertainties. But there are a number of consistencies that will frame the revival of tourism in New Zealand, when international visitors do return. Government, industry and the community will all look to shape the future of tourism, and it is essential we take a balanced score card approach, building back better with a focus on value. However, we must never forget the customer, who may well have the biggest influence.

Research limitations/implications

No specific research was completed for this article–it relies on the author's industry experience.

Originality/value

We can only have a successful tourism future in Aotearoa if we deliver a broad range of quality products and services that enable us to meet the promise of an economically, socially, culturally and environmentally sustainable destination. The author’s message is to focus on providing customer value in order to achieve that future. It is simple as that.
Predicting travel intentions using self-disclosure, trust and intimacy: the case of Tinder users during COVID-19
Authors: Munoz Kyrie Eleison
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper determines how travel intentions can be predicted using self-disclosure behaviour, trust and intimacy. This case study focuses on Tinder users who utilised the application's Passport feature which allowed them to travel virtually and interact with other users around the globe amid global travel restrictions.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative research conveniently sampled 294 Tinder users who used the Passport feature during COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. Data were analysed using PLS-SEM.

Findings

This study revealed that self-disclosure had a significant influence towards future travel intentions. Findings show that the more users self-disclose, the more their intent to travel increase. Trust and intimacy also had significant relationship on travel intentions while intimacy had a mediating effect between self-disclosure and travel intentions.

Practical implications

Tourism-oriented establishments and destination marketers should consider Tinder users as a market segment of future tourists. These users have developed travel intentions through in-app interactions and thus comprise an untapped market of potential tourists seeking for meet-ups and niche experiences in a post-pandemic era.

Originality/value

This study provides novelty in showing the predictive relationship of self-disclosure, trust and intimacy towards travel intentions. A model consisting of these constructs in the context of online interactions was also empirically tested and found adequate to predict travel intentions.
What are the key indicators for evaluating the service satisfaction of WeChat official accounts in Chinese academic libraries?
Authors: Zhang Kun , Lu Peixin
Published: February 2022

Purpose

WeChat official account (WCOA) is an emerging and important platform for academic library services, which greatly accelerates the development of this field. This article aims to identify key evaluation indicators for users' satisfaction of the Academic Library WeChat Official Account (ALWCOA) as a reference for future improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the updated DeLone and McLean (D&M)’s model and Delphi method, an evaluation system of ALWCOA satisfaction was constructed. Then 212 university students were recruited to fill out a questionnaire on evaluation indicators. The grey relational analysis (GRA) and Pareto's principle were employed to analyze the questionnaire and select key evaluation indicators.

Findings

An ALWCOA service satisfaction evaluation system with three evaluation dimensions and 15 evaluation indicators was constructed, and three key evaluation indicators were identified, including service responsiveness, information timeliness and system security.

Practical implications

This article provides a strategy for assessing ALWCOA service satisfaction, as well as insights for improving of ALWCOA service. Specifically, academic libraries should pay more attention to improving service responsiveness, information timeliness and system security.

Originality/value

This article innovatively applied the updated D&M model in academic library service. Additionally, it facilitates the development of research fields, such as academic library services, microservices and user service evaluation, and provides a case study to better understand the WCOA.
Uncovering the non-linear association between VAIC and the market value and financial performance of firms
Authors: Marzo Giuseppe , Bonnini Stefano
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to address empirical analyses of the association of the VAIC and its components with firms’ market and financial performance, demonstrating that the ill definition of variables and constructs is responsible for a non-linearity concealed in the VAIC formula between two of its components (the Structural Capital Efficiency and the Human Capital Efficiency).

Design/methodology/approach

Through a conceptual analysis the paper identifies and formalises the non-linearity concealed in the VAIC formula and clarifies the relevant issues through an empirical analysis of a sample of Italian listed companies.

Findings

The paper finds that the non-linearity hidden in the VAIC formula should lead scholars to completely revise the ways they test the association of the VAIC and the market and financial performance of the firm. Useful insights are also provided for scholars interested in investigating the role of human capital, for those involved in analysing the interrelations among capitals through the introduction of interaction terms in their regression models and for researchers proposing modified versions of the VAIC. Practitioners could benefit from the paper as the non-linearity here discovered leads to a substantial of the decision-making based on the VAIC.

Originality/value

The paper offers new insights into analyses using the VAIC as it uncovers a non-linearity hidden in the VAIC, which has hitherto not been reported in the literature. The existence of this non-linearity has substantive implications for previous and future research in this domain.
Comparative performance analysis of AES encryption algorithm for various LVCMOS on different FPGAs
Authors: Bisht Neeraj , Pandey Bishwajeet , Budhani Sandeep Kumar
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Privacy and security of personal data is the prime concern in any communication. Security algorithms play a crucial role in privacy preserving and are used extensively. Therefore, these algorithms need to be effective as well as energy-efficient. Advanced Encryption Standards (AES) is one of the efficient security algorithms. The principal purpose of this research is to design Energy efficient implementation of AES, as it is one of the important aspects for a step toward green computing.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a low voltage complementary metal oxide semiconductor (LVCMOS) based energy efficient architecture for AES encryption algorithm on Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) platform. The experiments are performed for five different FPGAs at different input/output standards of LVCMOS. Experiments are performed separately at two frequencies (default and 1.6 GHz).

Findings

The comparative study of total on-chip power consumption for different frequency suggested that LVCMOS12 performed best for all the FPGAs. Also, Kintex-7 Low Voltage was found to be the best performing FPGA. At 1.6 GHz frequency, the authors observed 55% less on-chip power consumption when switched from Artix-7 with LVCMOS33 (maximum power consuming combination) to Kintex-7 Low Voltage with LVCMOS12. Mathematical models are developed for the proposed design.

Originality/value

The green implementation of AES algorithm based on LVCMOS standards has not been explored yet by researchers. The energy efficient implementation of AES will certainly be beneficial for society as it will consume less power and dissipate lesser heat to environment.
Aspiring to include versus implicit ‘othering’: teachers' perceptions of inclusive education in Wales
Authors: Knight Cathryn , Clegg Zoe , Conn Carmel , Hutt Matt , Crick Tom
Published: February 2022

Wales, one of the four nations of the UK, is currently undergoing major education system‐level reform. From the curriculum, through to a new additional learning needs (ALN) system, there is a renewed focus on inclusive education. Research has shown the importance of teachers' attitudes towards inclusion in creating inclusive learning environments. This research study is based on data from a survey of teachers in Wales (n = 253) exploring their perceptions of inclusive education. Thematic analysis of open‐text responses revealed that while teachers were able to articulate the ‘ideal’ of inclusion, these positive ideals were often caveated by both implicit othering of learners with ALN and by the explicit limitations of behaviour, training, and finance and resources. This article critically evaluates the implications of teacher perceptions of inclusive education in Wales, suggesting that without a change in teacher attitudes, the vision of an inclusive education system may be compromised.
Inclusion in a multi‐academy trust: possibilities and perils
Authors: Lane Danielle , Semon Sarah , Catania Nicholas , Jones Phyllis
Published: February 2022

In this article we examine how, despite the understanding that a special school is not an inclusive setting, the senior leadership team (SLT) at Forest Academy Trust perceive their special schools as inclusive. Document reviews, interviews and a culminating focus group appear to indicate that possibilities for inclusive education may be related to a shared ethos of inclusion, resources, accessible opportunities, individualised approaches, and collaborative networks. These data also provide a critical insight into the perils related to inclusive education in multi‐academy trusts (MATs). The study of this MAT highlights the need for changes to policies, access to and equitable distribution of resources, curricular freedom balanced with accountability, a shift toward collaborative networking and partnership, and a shared vision for enactment, which may be leveraged in order to provide equitable and sustainable system‐wide inclusive practices.
Aquatic food animals in the United States: Status quo and challenges
Authors: Jiang Xingyi , Zhao Yaqi , Tang Chunya , Appelbaum Megan , Rao Qinchun
Published: February 2022

This review summarizes (1) the U.S. status quo for aquatic food animal production and marketing; (2) major food safety and quality issues/concerns for aquatic food animals in the United States, including fish misbranding, finfish/shellfish allergies, pathogens, toxins and harmful residues, microplastics, and genetically engineered salmon; and (3) various U.S. regulations, guidances, and detection methods for the surveillance of fishery products. Overall, fish misbranding is the biggest challenge in the United States due to the relatively low inspection rate. In addition, due to the regulatory differences among countries, illegal animal drugs and/or pesticide residues might also be identified in imported aquatic food animals. Future regulatory and research directions could focus on further strengthening international cooperation, enhancing aquatic food animal inspection, and developing reliable, sensitive, and highly efficient detection methods.
Systematic identification and functional analysis of long noncoding RNAs involved in indoxacarb resistance in Spodoptera litura
Authors: Shi Li , Li Wen‐Lin , Zeng Hai‐Xin , Shi Yao , Liao Xiao‐Lan
Published: February 2022

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are noncoding transcripts that are more than 200 nucleotides long. They play essential roles in regulating a variety of biological processes in many species, including insects, and some lncRNAs have been found to be associated with insecticide resistance. However, the characteristics and biological functions of lncRNAs involved in indoxacarb resistance are unknown in Spodoptera litura. We performed RNA sequencing in the SS, InRS, and FInRS of S. litura and identified 11 978 lncRNAs, including 3 136 intergenic lncRNAs, 7 393 intronic lncRNAs, and 1 449 anti‐sense lncRNAs. Compared with the SS, 51 lncRNAs were upregulated and 134 lncRNAs were downregulated in the two resistant strains, and 908 differentially expressed mRNAs were predicted as the target genes of the 185 differentially expressed lncRNAs. Further analysis showed that 112 of differentially expressed lncRNAs may be associated with indoxacarb resistance by regulating the expression of 14 P450s, seven CCEs, one GST, six UGTs, five ABC transporters, and 24 cuticle protein genes, and 79 of differentially expressed lncRNAs may regulate the expression of 14 detoxification genes and 19 cuticle protein genes to participate in indoxacarb resistance by sponging 10 microRNAs. Interestingly, 47 of differentially expressed lncRNAs may mediate indoxacarb resistance through both lncRNA–mRNA and lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA regulatory pathways. Furthermore, quantitative PCR, RNA interference, and indoxacarb bioassay analyses indicated that overexpressed LNC_004867 and LNC_006576 were involved in indoxacarb resistance. This study provides comprehensive information for lncRNAs of S. litura, and presents evidence that lncRNAs have key roles in conferring insecticide resistance in S. litura.
Abnormal behavior of chilling injury in postharvest papaya fruit is associated with sugar metabolism
Authors: Zhu Yi , Huang Qun , Pan Yonggui , Zhang Zhengke , Yuan Rong , Nie Yudong
Published: February 2022

In the most chilling‐sensitive fruits and vegetables, usually, the lower the storage temperature, the more serious the symptoms of chilling injury (CI). As one of the special cases, papaya fruits at 1℃ show slighter CI symptoms than those at higher storage temperature. Such abnormal CI phenomenon has not received enough attention and its mechanism is not clear. The present study investigated the difference of CI severity and sugar metabolism in papaya fruits when stored between 1℃ and 6℃. The results showed that CI index in papaya fruits preserved at 1°C was markedly lower than that in fruit at 6°C, which was accompanied by higher content of glucose, fructose, and sucrose. In addition, compared to 6°C, 1°C promoted higher activities of sucrose synthase, sucrose‐phosphate synthase, and neutral invertase, but lowered acid invertase activity. RT‐qPCR analysis showed that 1°C upregulated the CpSPS expression and downregulated the CpAI expression when compared to 6°C. The present results indicate that higher chilling tolerance in papaya fruit at 1°C could be attributed to more accumulation of sucrose and reducing sugars in relation to more advantageous sugar metabolism. These results provided a basis for explaining the abnormal behavior of papaya fruits in response to varying low temperatures.

Practical Application

For most chilling‐sensitive fruits and vegetables, in the range of temperatures that induce chilling injury (CI), the lower storage temperature may lead to more severe CI. However, as one of the special cases, papaya fruits at 1℃ show slighter CI symptoms than those at higher storage temperature. The reason for this abnormal CI symptom in papaya fruits is that 1°C storage can regulated enzyme activities and changes in gene expression related to sugar metabolism, which could result in more accumulation of sucrose and slower degradation of hexose and contribute to alleviation of CI. Our results provided a basis for explaining the abnormal behavior of papaya fruit in response to varying low temperatures.
Changes in content of bioactive constituents and antioxidant activity of riceberry after food processing and degradation kinetics during storage
Authors: Wongwisitchai Sirinan , Kijpatanasilp Isaya , Assatarakul Kitipong
Published: February 2022

The effect of roasting temperature (70, 120, 140°C) and food processing (soaking, steaming, and roasting) on the content of bioactive constituents (total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total anthocyanin, and γ‐oryzanol) and antioxidant activity of processed riceberry were investigated. In addition, the degradation kinetics of bioactive constituents and antioxidant activity during storage were assessed using zero‐order and first‐order kinetic models. Results showed riceberry roasted at 120°C had the highest total anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity. In addition, riceberry obtained from roasting exhibited the highest bioactive compound and antioxidant activity. Besides, first‐order kinetic was confirmed as the best‐fitted model to describe degradation of bioactive constituents and antioxidant activity of processed riceberry during storage. This finding suggested that roasting at 120°C was chosen as an optimum condition to maximize the content of bioactive constituents and antioxidant activity and kinetic models provided a better understanding of antioxidant property reduction of processed riceberry during storage.

Practical Application

Riceberry is an abundant source of bioactive constituents with beneficial health effects leading to a development of functional food product. However, processing may negatively affect biological properties of riceberry and bioactive constituent degradation of processed riceberry during storage has not been previously reported. Therefore, different processes were investigated to determine the effect on bioactive constituents and antioxidant activity of riceberry, and the degradation kinetic model of bioactive constituents during storage was also studied. Optimum processing is appropriate to design riceberry containing high concentration of bioactive constituents and antioxidant activity, which could be considered as a functional diet for health‐conscious consumer.
Clinical implication of interstitial lung abnormality in elderly patients with early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Cho Seong Woo , Jeong Won Gi , Lee Jong Eun , Oh In‐Jae , Song Sang Yun , Park Hye Mi , Lee Hyo‐Jae , Kim Yun‐Hyeon
Published: February 2022

Background

Interstitial lung abnormality (ILA) is closely related to lung cancer. This study aimed to assess whether the presence of ILA is associated with the clinicoradiological features of elderly patients (≥70 years) with early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Elderly patients who underwent surgical resection for stage I or II NSCLC with preserved lung function between 2012 and 2019 were retrospectively identified. ILA was evaluated using a three‐point scale. Univariate analyses were performed for clinicoradiological features based on the presence of ILA. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed for cancer staging and tumor size, respectively.

Results

A total of 254 patients were evaluated. The presence of ILA (score = 2) was significantly associated with male sex, current or former smoker status, higher pack‐years of smoking, low forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity ratios and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, and presence of emphysema (≥5%). Tumor characteristics, such as lower lobe and outer one‐third location, squamous cell carcinoma, and higher cancer stage (stage II) were significantly associated with ILA. The presence of ILA independently predicted a higher cancer stage (adjusted odds ratio, 1.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–2.96; p = 0.02) and a larger tumor size in linear regression analysis (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Patients with ILA showed clinicoradiological features similar to those of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in elderly patients with early‐stage NSCLC. Identifying the clinical implications of ILA in early‐stage lung cancer will guide clinicians in providing appropriate management for these patients.
Contribution of common and rare genetic variants in CEP72 on vincristine‐induced peripheral neuropathy in brain tumour patients
Authors: Klumpers Marije J. , Brand Annouk C. A. M. , Hakobjan Marina , Gattuso Giovanna , Schiavello Elisabetta , Terenziani Monica , Massimino Maura , Gidding Corrie E. M. , Guchelaar Henk‐Jan , te Loo D. Maroeska W. M. , Coenen Marieke J. H.
Published: February 2022

Aims

Studies implicated a role for a genetic variant in CEP72 in vincristine‐induced peripheral neuropathy. This study aims to evaluate this association in a cohort of brain tumour patients, to perform a cross‐disease meta‐analysis and explore the protein‐coding region of CEP72.

Methods

In total, 104 vincristine‐treated brain tumour patients were genotyped for CEP72 rs924607, and sequenced for the protein‐coding region. Data regarding patient and treatment characteristics, and peripheral neuropathy, were collected. Logistic regression and meta‐analysis were performed for rs924607 replication. A weighted burden analysis was applied to evaluate impact of overall genetic variation in CEP72.

Results

Analysis of 24 cases and 80 controls did not show a significant association between CEP72 rs924607 and neuropathy (odds ratio, OR [95% confidence interval, CI] 2.076 [0.359–11.989], P = .414). When combined with 8 cohorts (1095 cancer patients), a significant increase in risk for neuropathy was found for patients with a TT genotype (OR [95% CI] 2.15 [1.35–3.43], P = .001). Additionally, a missense variant (rs12522955) was significantly associated (OR [95% CI] 2.3 [1.2–4.4], P = .041) and patients with severe neuropathy carried more impactful variants in CEP72 coding regions (P = .039).

Conclusion

The association of CEP72 rs924607 in vincristine‐induced neuropathy was not confirmed in a cohort of brain tumour patients, but did contribute to its suggested effect when combined in a cross‐disease meta‐analysis. The importance of other genetic variations in CEP72 on vincristine‐induced neuropathy was demonstrated. This study contributes to evidence of the importance of genetic variants in CEP72 in development of vincristine‐induced toxicity, and provides guidance for future prospective studies.
Nonpharmacological labor pain management methods and risk of cesarean birth: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rodrigues Vanessa A. D. S. , Abreu Yahn R. , Santos Camila A. G. , Gatti Alan F. , Murer Gabriella M. , Gontijo Bárbara D. R. , Alves Juliana S. , Cunha Thayna M. , Azevedo Vivian Mara G. O. , Mendonça Tânia M. S. , Paro Helena B. M. S.
Published: February 2022

Background

Nonpharmacological labor pain management methods (NPLPMM) are noninvasive, low‐cost practices that may play a role in reducing the rates of unnecessary cesarean birth. We aimed to evaluate whether the NPLPMM is associated with the mode of birth.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study with clinical records of all women admitted for birth from January 2013 to December 2017. Records of women who had spontaneous labor or received induction or augmentation of labor during hospitalization were eligible for the study. We estimated the risk ratios for cesarean birth in general linear models using the Poisson regression with adjustments for the following variables: age, ethnicity, schooling, parity, gestational age, previous cesarean birth, spontaneous labor before admission, or induction/augmentation of labor.

Results

Within the total of 3,391 medical records, 40.1% had the use of a nonpharmacological labor pain management method registered. Cesarean rate among the study population was 44.2%. The use of NPLPMM decreased the risk of cesarean birth by 78% (OR = 0.22; 95% CI 0.19‐0.26). History of a previous cesarean birth (RR = 2.63; 95% CI 2.35‐2.64), the lack of use of NPLPMM (RR = 2.46; 95% CI 2.22‐2.72), and primiparity (RR = 2.09; 95% CI 1.86‐2.34) were the strongest risk factors for cesarean birth in the cohort.

Discussion

The use of NPLPMM may be an effective strategy to reduce unnecessary cesarean birth. Further studies to identify the efficacy of each method may help health professionals to offer more appropriate methods at different stages of labor.
How feedback and feed‐forward mechanisms link determinants of social dominance
Authors: Dehnen Tobit , Arbon Josh J. , Farine Damien R. , Boogert Neeltje J.
Published: February 2022

In many animal societies, individuals differ consistently in their ability to win agonistic interactions, resulting in dominance hierarchies. These differences arise due to a range of factors that can influence individuals’ abilities to win agonistic interactions, spanning from genetically driven traits through to individuals’ recent interaction history. Yet, despite a century of study since Schjelderup‐Ebbe's seminal paper on social dominance, we still lack a general understanding of how these different factors work together to determine individuals’ positions in hierarchies. Here, we first outline five widely studied factors that can influence interaction outcomes: intrinsic attributes, resource value asymmetry, winner–loser effects, dyadic interaction‐outcome history and third‐party support. A review of the evidence shows that a variety of factors are likely important to interaction outcomes, and thereby individuals’ positions in dominance hierarchies, in diverse species. We propose that such factors are unlikely to determine dominance outcomes independently, but rather form part of feedback loops whereby the outcomes of previous agonistic interactions (e.g. access to food) impact factors that might be important in subsequent interactions (e.g. body condition). We provide a conceptual framework that illustrates the multitude potential routes through which such feedbacks can occur, and how the factors that determine the outcomes of dominance interactions are highly intertwined and thus rarely act independently of one another. Further, we generalise our framework to include multi‐generational feed‐forward mechanisms: how interaction outcomes in one generation can influence the factors determining interaction outcomes in the next generation via a range of parental effects. This general framework describes how interaction outcomes and the factors determining them are linked within generations via feedback loops, and between generations via feed‐forward mechanisms. We then highlight methodological approaches that will facilitate the study of feedback loops and dominance dynamics. Lastly, we discuss how our framework could shape future research, including: how feedbacks generate variation in the factors discussed, and how this might be studied experimentally; how the relative importance of different feedback mechanisms varies across timescales; the role of social structure in modulating the effect of feedbacks on hierarchy structure and stability; and the routes of parental influence on the dominance status of offspring. Ultimately, by considering dominance interactions as part of a dynamic feedback system that also feeds forward into subsequent generations, we will understand better the factors that structure dominance hierarchies in animal groups.
(Mis)aligning politicians and admirals: The problems of long‐term procurement in the Canadian Surface Combatant project 1994‐2021
Authors: Migone Andrea , Howlett Alexander , Howlett Michael
Published: February 2022

Popular depictions of the largest single procurement project in Canadian history—the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) project—characterize it as a bureaucratic failure. What began in 2008 as a $26.2B project has expanded to at least $77.3B, and $2B has already been spent without having produced a single vessel. Unlike other major Canadian aircraft, helicopter, and submarine contracts over the past four decades, however, participants in the CSC have lauded the technical merits of the procurement process. This article argues that successful procurement in this area requires: (a) clear (naval) doctrine supporting why a specific (weapons) platform or system is needed; and (b) government acceptance of that doctrine. When these two imperatives are aligned, procurement should proceed relatively smoothly. However, such smooth procurement is highly unlikely when major systems purchases involve long time periods and shifts in elected governments, policy goals, or (naval) doctrine undermine previous understandings and agreements.