bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined oncolytic adenovirus carrying MnSOD and mK5 genes both regulated by survivin promoter has synergistic inhibitory effect on gastric cancer
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Hu JinQing , Gu Jinfa , Ni Aimin , Tang Wenhao , Liu Xinyuan
Published: April 2021

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the major causes of cancer related mortality. The use of oncolytic virus for cancer gene-virotherapy is a new approach for the treatment of human cancers. In this study, a novelSurvivinpromoter driven recombinant oncolytic adenovirus carryingmK5orMnSODgene was constructed, which was modified after deletion of E1B gene. Human plasminogen Kringle 5 mutant (mK5) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) are both potential tumor suppressor genes. To construct Ad-Surp-mK5and Ad-Surp-MnSODoncolytic adenovirus, we hypothesized that the combination of the two viruses would enhance the therapeutic efficacy of GC as compared to the virus alone. The results of thein vitroexperiments revealed that the combination of adenovirus carryingmK5andMnSODgene exhibited stronger cytotoxicity to GC cell lines as compared to the virus alone, Additionally, the virus could selectively kill cancer cells and human somatic cells. Cell staining, flow cytometry and western blot analysis showed that the combination of two adenovirus containing therapeutic genes could promote the apoptosis of cancer cells.In vivoexperiments further verified that Ad-Surp-mK5in combination with Ad-Surp-MnSODexhibited significant inhibitory effect on the growth of GC tumor xenograft as compared to the virus alone, and no significant difference was observed in the body weight of treatment and the normal mice. In conclusion, the combination of our two newly constructed recombinant oncolytic adenovirus containingmK5orMnSODtherapeutic genes could significantly inhibit gastric cancer growth by inducing apoptosis, suggestive of its potential for GC therapy.
Identification of an inhibitory pocket in falcilysin provides a new avenue for malaria drug development
Authors: Wirjanata Grennady , Lin Jianqing , Dziekan Jerzy Michal , El Sahili Abbas , Chung Zara , Tjia Seth , Zulkifli Nur Elyza Binte , Boentoro Josephine , Tham Roy , Jia Lai Si , Go Ka Diam , Yu Han , Partridge Anthony , Olsen David , Prabhu Nayana , Sobota Radoslaw M , Nordlund Pär , Lescar Julien , Bozdech Zbynek
Published: April 2021

Despite their widespread use, our understanding of how many antiparasitic drugs work remains limited. We used mass-spectrometry based cellular thermal shift assay (MS-CETSA) to identify possible protein targets of several malaria drugs and drug candidates. We found that falcilysin (FLN) is a common target for several quinoline drugs including chloroquine and mefloquine, as well as drug candidates MK-4815, MMV000848 and MMV665806. At pH 7.5, these compounds all inhibit FLN proteolytic activity with IC50values ranging from 1.6 to 67.9 µM. Their interaction with FLN was systematically probed by isothermal titration calorimetry and X-ray crystallography, revealing a shared hydrophobic pocket in the catalytic chamber of the enzyme. Characterization of transgenic cell lines with depleted FLN expression demonstrated statistically significant increases in susceptibility towards chloroquine, mefloquine, MK-4815 and MMV000848. Taken together, our findings point to a multimodal mechanism of action for several commonly used anti-malaria drugs. Importantly, a common allosteric pocket of FLN appears amenable to inhibition, providing a structural basis to guide the development of novel drugs against malaria.
Lipid mediator profile of burn wound healing: Acellular cod fish skin grafts promote the formation of EPA and DHA derived lipid mediators during the first seven days
Authors: Kotronoulas Aristotelis , Karvelsson Sigurður Trausti , Heijink Marieke , Stone Randolph , Giera Martin , Rolfsson Ottar
Published: April 2021

The use of acellular fish skin grafts (FSG) for the treatment of burn wounds is becoming more common due to its beneficial wound healing properties. In our previous study we demonstarted that FSG is a scaffold biomaterial that is rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) conjugated to phosphatidylcholines. Here we investigated whether EPA and DHA derived lipid mediators are influenced during the healing of burn wounds treated with FSG. Deep partial and full thickness burn wounds (DPT and FT respectively) were created on Yorkshire pigs (n=4). DPT were treated with either FSG or fetal bovine dermis while FT were treated either with FSG or cadaver skin initially and followed by a split thickness skin graft. Punch biopsies were collected on days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 60 and analysed in respect of changes to approximately 45 derivatives of EPA, DHA, arachidonic acid (AA), and linoleic acid (LA) employing UPLC-MS/MS methodology. Several EPA and DHA derivatives, including 18-HEPE and 17-HDHA, were significantly higher on day 7 in the DPT when treated with FSG. A similar but non-significant trend was observed for the FT. In addition, prostaglandin F2α and its 15-keto derivative (AA pathway) as well as 13-HODE and 13-HOTrE (LA pathway) were significantly lower in the FSG treated FT. The results suggest that the use of FSG in burn wound treatment can alter the formation of EPA and DHA mono hydroxylated lipid mediators in comparison to other grafts of mammalian origin. The differences observed during the first seven days after treatment indicates that FSG affects the early stages of wound healing.

Highlights

This is the first study to investigate whether omega-3 rich biomaterial such as fish skin graft can affect the lipidome of burn wound healing

The study monitors the formation of lipid mediators during 60 days of burn wound healing

This is the first study to show an increase in the formation of mono-hydroxylated derivatives of EPA and DHA after seven days of treatment with fish skin graft

The study showed significantly decreased formation of lipid mediators involved in pain modulation in wounds treated with fish skin graft
Traveling waves in the prefrontal cortex during working memory
Authors: Bhattacharya Sayak , Brincat Scott L. , Lundqvist Mikael , Miller Earl K.
Published: April 2021

Neural oscillations are evident across cortex but their spatial structure is not well-explored. Are oscillations stationary or do they form “traveling waves”, i.e., spatially organized patterns whose peaks and troughs move sequentially across cortex? Here, we show that oscillations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) organized as traveling waves in the theta (4-8Hz), alpha (8-12Hz) and beta (12-30Hz) bands. Some traveling waves were planar but most rotated. The waves were modulated during performance of a working memory task. During baseline conditions, waves flowed bidirectionally along a specific axis of orientation. Waves in different frequency bands could travel in different directions. During task performance, there was an increase in waves in one direction over the other, especially in the beta band.

Author Summary

We found that oscillations in the prefrontal cortex form “traveling waves”. Traveling waves are spatially extended patterns in which aligned peaks of activity move sequentially across the cortical surface. Some traveling waves were planar but most rotated. The prefrontal cortex is important for working memory. The traveling waves changed when monkeys performed a working memory task. There was an increase in waves in one direction over the other, especially in the beta band. Traveling waves can serve specific functions. For example, they help maintain network status and help control timing relationships between spikes. Given their functional advantages, a greater understanding of traveling waves should lead to a greater understanding of cortical function.
Pathogen invasion-dependent tissue reservoirs and plasmid-encoded antibiotic degradation boost plasmid spread in the gut
Authors: Bakkeren Erik , Herter Joana A. , Huisman Jana S. , Steiger Yves , Gül Ersin , Newson Joshua P.M. , Brachmann Alexander O. , Piel Jörn , Regoes Roland R. , Bonhoeffer Sebastian , Diard Médéric , Hardt Wolf-Dietrich
Published: April 2021

Many plasmids encode antibiotic resistance genes. Through conjugation, plasmids can be rapidly disseminated. Previous work identified gut-luminal donor/recipient blooms and tissue-lodged plasmid-bearing persister cells of the enteric pathogenSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium (S.Tm) that survive antibiotic-therapy in host tissues, as factors promoting plasmid dissemination amongEnterobacteriaceae. However, the buildup of tissue reservoirs and their contribution to plasmid spread await experimental demonstration. Here, we asked if re-seeding-plasmid acquisition-invasion cycles byS.Tm could serve to diversify tissue-lodged plasmid reservoirs, and thereby promote plasmid spread. Starting with intraperitoneal mouse infections, we demonstrate thatS.Tm cells re-seeding the gut lumen initiate clonal expansion. ESBL plasmid-encoded gut luminal antibiotic degradation by donors can foster recipient survival under beta-lactam antibiotic treatment, enhancing transconjugant formation upon re-seeding.S.Tm transconjugants can subsequently re-enter host tissues introducing the new plasmid into the tissue-lodged reservoir. Population dynamics analyses pinpoint recipient migration into the gut lumen as rate-limiting for plasmid transfer dynamics in our model. Priority effects may be a limiting factor for reservoir formation in host tissues. Overall, our proof-of-principle data indicates that luminal antibiotic degradation and shuttling between the gut lumen and tissue-resident reservoirs can promote the accumulation and spread of plasmids within a host over time.
Human endogenous oxytocin and its neural correlates show adaptive responses to social touch based on recent social context
Authors: Handlin Linda , Novembre Giovanni , Lindholm Heléne , Kämpe Robin , Paul Elisabeth , Morrison India
Published: April 2021

Both oxytocin (OT) and touch are key mediators of social attachment. In rodents, tactile stimulation elicits endogenous release of OT, potentially facilitating attachment and other forms of prosocial behavior, yet the relationship between endogenous OT and neural modulation remains unexplored in humans. Using serial sampling of plasma hormone levels during functional neuroimaging across two successive social interactions, we show that contextual circumstances of social touch facilitate or inhibit not only current hormonal and brain responses, but also calibratelaterresponses. Namely, touch from a male to his female romantic partner enhanced subsequent OT release for touch from an unfamiliar stranger, yet OT responses to partner touch were dampened following stranger touch. Hypothalamus and dorsal raphe activation reflected plasma OT changes during the initial interaction. In the subsequent social interaction, time- and context-dependent OT changes modulated precuneus and parietal-temporal cortex pathways, including a region of medial prefrontal cortex that also covaried with plasma cortisol. These findings demonstrate that hormonal neuromodulation during successive human social interactions is adaptive to social context, and point to mechanisms that flexibly calibrate receptivity in social encounters.
BIOMODULATORY EFFECT OF LOW INTENSITY LASER (830 nm.) IN NEURAL CELLS 9L/lacZ
Authors: Zabeu Antonieta Marques Caldeira , Carvalho Isabel Chaves Silva , Soares Cristina Pacheco , da Silva Newton Soares
Published: April 2021

Background

Currently, research is advancing low intensity laser (LIL) in central nervous system cells to available the benefits of this therapy in neurological disorders, and research seeks to establish the best LIL protocol in biological processes of neuronal tissue with the different energy wavelengths(λ), and exposure time (s) and frequency(Hz). The aim of this study is to check the biomodulatory effects of the LIL in neural cell culture.

Methods

Diode laser λ = 830 nm, power of 40 mW, continuous mode, applied in the cells lineage 9L/lacZ, with energy densities of 0.5, 1.5 and 3.0 J/cm2. Analysed 24 hours after irradiation, the results of the cell viability show the difference between the control and treated groups.

Results

In the occurrence of apoptosis, no significant manifestation was observed between the control group compared with the irradiated one (P = 0.9956); there was a significant difference between apoptosis and death by necrosis has been between the control and treated groups (P <0.001). In the comet assay there was not difference.

Conclusions

With the aim of evaluating whether LIL promotes early activation of programmed cell death, of 9L/lacZ cells, in the proposed parameters of LIL, we observed that promoted an increase in the number of neural cells, highlighting the action of biomodulation; LIL did not promote the activation of apoptosis and did not any indication of DNA deterioration in the comet assay. The results of this study are indicative that the near infrared laser has a positive interaction with neuronal cells.
Structural basis for human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 Gag targeting to the plasma membrane for assembly
Authors: Herrmann Dominik , Zhou Lynne W. , Hanson Heather M. , Willkomm Nora A. , Mansky Louis M. , Saad Jamil S.
Published: April 2021

During the late phase of retroviral replication, the virally encoded Gag polyprotein is targeted to the plasma membrane (PM) for assembly. Gag–PM binding is mediated by the N-terminal matrix (MA) domain of Gag. For many retroviruses, Gag binding to the PM was found to be dependent on phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2]. However, it was shown that for human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), Gag binding to membranes is less dependent on PI(4,5)P2, suggesting that other factors may modulate Gag assembly. To elucidate the mechanism by which HTLV-1 Gag binds to the PM, we employed NMR techniques to solve the structure of unmyristoylated MA (myr(–)MA) and to characterize its interactions with lipids and liposomes. The MA structure consists of four α-helices and unstructured N- and C-termini. We show that myr(–)MA binds to PI(4,5)P2via the polar head and that myr(–)MA binding to inositol phosphates (IPs) is significantly enhanced by increasing the number of phosphate groups on the inositol ring, indicating that the MA–IP binding is governed by charge–charge interactions. The IP binding site was mapped to a well-defined basic patch formed by lysine and arginine residues. Using a sensitive NMR-based liposome binding assay, we show that myr(–)MA binding to membranes is significantly enhanced by phosphatidylserine (PS). Confocal microscopy data show that Gag is localized to the inner leaflet of the PM of infected cells, while the Gag G2A mutant, lacking myristoylation, is diffuse and cytoplasmic. These findings advance our understanding of a key mechanism in retroviral assembly.
Local administration of bicuculline into the ventrolateral and medial preoptic nuclei modifies sleep and maternal behavior in lactating rats
Authors: Benedetto Luciana , Rivas Mayda , Peña Florencia , Serantes Diego , Ferreira Annabel , Torterolo Pablo
Published: April 2021

The preoptic area (POA) is a brain structure classically involved in a wide variety of animal behavior including sleep and maternal care. In the current study, we evaluate the specific effect of disinhibition of two specific regions of the POA, the medial POA nucleus (mPOA) and the ventrolateral POA area (VLPO) on sleep and maternal behavior in lactating rats. For this purpose, mother rats on postpartum day 1 (PPD1) were implanted for polysomnographic recordings and with bilateral cannulae either in the mPOA or in the VLPO. The rats were tested for sleep and maternal behavior on PPD4-8 after the infusion of the GABA-A antagonist, bicuculline (0, 10 or 30 ng/0.2 µl/side). Infusion of bicuculline into the mPOA augmented retrieving and nest building behaviors and reduced both nursing and milk ejections but had almost no effect on sleep. When bicuculine was microinjected into the VLPO, the rats significantly increase the number of retrievings and mouthings and reduced the nursing time without changes in milk ejections, which was associated with an increase in wakefulness and a reduction in light sleep.

Our results show that disinhibition of the mPOA, a key area in the control of maternal behavior, increased active maternal behaviors and reduced nursing without affecting wakefulness or sleep time. In contrast, the enhancement of some active maternal behaviors when the drug was infused into the VLPO, a sleep-promoting area, with a concomitant increase in wakefulness suggests that mother rats devote this additional waking time in the active maternal care of the pups. We hypothesize that maternal behavior changes after bicuculine microinjection into the VLPO is caused by a reduction in the sleep drive, rather than a direct effect on maternal behavior.
Conformational clamping by a membrane ligand activates the EphA2 receptor
Authors: Westerfield Justin M. , Sahoo Amita R. , Alves Daiane S. , Grau Brayan , Cameron Alayna , Maxwell Mikayla , Schuster Jennifer A. , Souza Paulo C. T. , Mingarro Ismael , Buck Matthias , Barrera Francisco N.
Published: April 2021

The EphA2 receptor is a promising drug target for cancer treatment, since EphA2 activation can inhibit metastasis and tumor progression. It has been recently described that the TYPE7 peptide activates EphA2 using a novel mechanism that involves binding to the single transmembrane domain of the receptor. TYPE7 is a conditional transmembrane (TM) ligand, which only inserts into membranes at neutral pH in the presence of the TM region of EphA2. However, how membrane interactions can activate EphA2 is not known. We systematically altered the sequence of TYPE7 to identify the binding motif used to activate EphA2. With the resulting six peptides, we performed biophysical and cell migration assays that identified a new potent peptide variant. We also performed a mutational screen that determined the helical interface that mediates dimerization of the TM domain of EphA2 in cells. These results, together with molecular dynamic simulations, allowed to elucidate the molecular mechanism that TYPE7 uses to activate EphA2, where the membrane peptide acts as a molecular clamp that wraps around the TM dimer of the receptor. We propose that this binding mode stabilizes the active conformation of EphA2. Our data, additionally, provide clues into the properties that TM ligands need to have in order to achieve activation of membrane receptors.
Image-based deep learning reveals the responses of human motor neurons to stress and ALS
Authors: Verzat Colombine , Harley Jasmine , Patani Rickie , Luisier Raphaëlle
Published: April 2021

Although morphological attributes of cells and their substructures are recognized readouts of physiological or pathophysiological states, these have been relatively understudied in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research. In this study we integrate multichannel fluorescence high-content microscopy data with deep-learning imaging methods to reveal - directly from unsegmented images - novel neurite-associated morphological perturbations associated with (ALS-causing) VCP-mutant human motor neurons (MNs). Surprisingly, we reveal that previously unrecognized disease-relevant information is withheld in broadly used and often considered ‘generic’ biological markers of nuclei (DAPI) and neurons (βIII-tubulin). Additionally, we identify changes within the information content of ALS-related RNA binding protein (RBP) immunofluorescence imaging that is captured in VCP-mutant MN cultures. Furthermore, by analyzing MN cultures exposed to different extrinsic stressors, we show that heat stress recapitulates key aspects of ALS. Our study therefore reveals disease-relevant information contained in a range of both generic and more specific fluorescent markers, and establishes the use of image-based deep learning methods for rapid, automated and unbiased testing of biological hypotheses.
PKR-mediated Stress Response Enhances Dengue and Zika Virus Replication
Authors: Ricciardi-Jorge Taissa , Lummertz da Rocha Edroaldo , Gonzalez-Kozlova Edgar , Rodrigues-Luiz Gabriela Flavia , Ferguson Brian J , Sweeney Trevor , Irigoyen Nerea , Mansur Daniel Santos
Published: April 2021

The mechanisms by which flaviviruses use non-canonical translation to support their replication in host cells are largely unknown. Here we investigated how the integrated stress response (ISR), which promotes translational arrest by eIF2ɑ phosphorylation (p‒eIF2ɑ), regulates flavivirus replication. During Dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) infection, eIF2ɑ phosphorylation peaked at 24 hours post infection and was dependent on PKR but not type I interferon. The ISR is activated downstream of p-eIF2α during infection with either virus, but translation arrest only occurred following DENV4 infection. Despite this difference, both DENV4 and ZIKV replication was impaired in cells lacking PKR, independent of IFN-I/NF-kB signalling or cell viability. By using a ZIKV 5′ UTR reporter system as a model, we found that this region of the genome is sufficient to promote an enhancement of viral mRNA translation in the presence of an active ISR. Together we provide evidence that flaviviruses escape ISR translational arrest and co-opt this response to increase viral replication.
Calcium waves facilitate and coordinate the contraction of endfeet actin stress fibers inDrosophilainterommatidial cells
Authors: Ready Donald F. , Chang Henry C.
Published: April 2021

Actomyosin contraction shapes theDrosophilaeye’s panoramic view. The convex curvature of the retinal epithelium, organized in ∼800 close-packed ommatidia, depends upon a fourfold condensation of the retinal floor mediated by contraction of actin stress fibers in the endfeet of interommatidialcells (IOCs). How these tensile forces are coordinated is not known. Here, we discover a novel phenomenon: Ca2+waves regularly propagate across the IOC network in pupal and adult eyes. Genetic evidence demonstrates that IOC Ca2+waves are independent of phototransduction, but require inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (IP3R), suggesting these waves are mediated by Ca2+releases from ER stores. Removal ofIP3Rdisrupts stress fibers in IOC endfeet and increases the basal retinal surface by ∼40%, linking IOC waves to facilitating stress fiber contraction and floor morphogenesis. Further,IP3Rloss disrupts the organization of a collagen IV network underneath the IOC endfeet, implicating ECM and its interaction with stress fibers in eye morphogenesis. We propose that coordinated Ca2+spikes in IOC waves promote stress fiber contractions, ensuring an organized application of the planar tensile forces that condense the retinal floor.

Summary Statement

Ca2+waves have an important role in generating tensile forces to shape theDrosophilaeye’s convex curvature. Coordinated Ca2+spikes facilitate actomyosin contractions at the basal endfeet of interommatidial cells.
Widespread false gene gains caused by duplication errors in genome assemblies
Authors: Ko Byung June , Lee Chul , Kim Juwan , Rhie Arang , Yoo DongAhn , Howe Kerstin , Wood Jonathan , Cho Seoae , Brown Samara , Formenti Giulio , Jarvis Erich D. , Kim Heebal
Published: April 2021

False duplications in genome assemblies lead to false biological conclusions. We quantified false duplications in previous genome assemblies and their new counterparts of the same species (platypus, zebra finch, Anna’s hummingbird) generated by the Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP). Whole genome alignments revealed that 4 to 16% of the sequences were falsely duplicated in the previous assemblies, impacting hundreds to thousands of genes. These led to overestimated gene family expansions. The main source of the false duplications was heterotype duplications, where the haplotype sequences were more divergent than other parts of the genome leading the assembly algorithms to classify them as separate genes or genomic regions. A minor source was sequencing errors. Although present in a smaller proportion, we observed false duplications remaining in the VGP assemblies that can be identified and purged. This study highlights the need for more advanced assembly methods that better separates haplotypes and sequence errors, and the need for cautious analyses on gene gains.
Mapping the regulatory landscape of auditory hair cells from single-cell multi-omics data
Authors: Wang Shuze , Lee Mary P. , Jones Scott , Liu Jie , Waldhaus Joerg
Published: April 2021

Auditory hair cells transduce sound to the brain, and in mammals, these cells reside together with supporting cells in the sensory epithelium of the cochlea, called the organ of Corti. To establish the organ's delicate function during development and differentiation, spatiotemporal gene expression is strictly controlled by chromatin accessibility and cell type–specific transcription factors, jointly representing the regulatory landscape. Bulk sequencing technology and cellular heterogeneity obscured investigations on the interplay between transcription factors and chromatin accessibility in inner ear development. To study the formation of the regulatory landscape in hair cells, we collected single-cell chromatin accessibility profiles accompanied by single-cell RNA data from genetically labeled murine hair cells and supporting cells after birth. Using an integrative approach, we predicted cell type–specific activating and repressing functions of developmental transcription factors. Furthermore, by integrating gene expression and chromatin accessibility data sets, we reconstructed gene regulatory networks. Then, using a comparative approach, 20 hair cell–specific activators and repressors, including putative downstream target genes, were identified. Clustering of target genes resolved groups of related transcription factors and was used to infer their developmental functions. Finally, the heterogeneity in the single-cell data allowed us to spatially reconstruct transcriptional as well as chromatin accessibility trajectories, indicating that gradual changes in the chromatin accessibility landscape are lagging behind the transcriptional identity of hair cells along the organ's longitudinal axis. Overall, this study provides a strategy to spatially reconstruct the formation of a lineage-specific regulatory landscape using a single-cell multi-omics approach.
Three coordination polymers built by quaternary-ammonium-modified isophthalic acid
Authors: Wang Li-Fei , Liu Xing-Gui , Meng Mei-Mei , Xu Yong-Kai , Zhu Rui , Zhang Rui , Lu Zhen-Zhong , Huang Wei
Published: April 2021

Three coordination polymers based on quaternary-ammonium-modified isophthalic acid, namely, catena-poly[[[aqua-μ2-bromido-di-μ3-hydroxido-methanoldinitratotetracopper(II)]-bis{μ4-5-[2-(tripropylazaniumyl)ethoxy]benzene-1,3-dicarboxylato}] nitrate], {[Cu4Br(C19H28NO5)2(NO3)2(OH)2(CH4O)(H2O)]NO3}
n
, 1, poly[μ3-bromido-μ2-bromido-bromido-μ3-hydroxido-{μ4-5-[2-(tripropylazaniumyl)ethoxy]benzene-1,3-dicarboxylato}tricopper(II)], [Cu3Br3(C19H28NO5)(OH)]
n
, 2, and poly[bromido{μ3-5-[2-(tripropylazaniumyl)ethoxy]benzene-1,3-dicarboxylato}zinc(II)], [ZnBr(C19H28NO5)]
n
, 3, were obtained by solvothermal reactions. Coordination polymer (CP) 1 contains tetranuclear Cu4 units, in which the four Cu atoms are linked by two μ3-OH− groups into a Cu4(OH)2 cluster, which are in turn linked by 5-[2-(tripropylazaniumyl)ethoxy]benzene-1,3-dicarboxylate (cpa−) ligands into a chain structure. CP 2 also contains a tetranuclear Cu4(OH)2 cluster and these are linked with CuBr3 units into chains. The chains are then connected by cpa− ligands into a two-dimensional layered structure. CP 3 contains a two-dimensional layer structure built by binuclear Zn2 units and cpa− ligands. The Br− counter-anions of the quaternary ammonium groups all take part in the construction of the polymeric networks.
Lithium dipotassium citrate monohydrate, LiK2C6H5O7(H2O)
Authors: Cigler Andrew J. , Kaduk James A.
Published: April 2021

The crystal structure of dilithium potassium citrate monohydrate, Li+·2K+·C6H5O7
3−·H2O or LiK2C6H5O7·H2O, has been solved by direct methods and refined against laboratory X-ray powder diffraction data, and optimized using density functional techniques. The complete citrate trianion is generated by a crystallographic mirror plane, with two C and three O atoms lying on the reflecting plane, and chelates to three different K cations. The KO8 and LiO4 coordination polyhedra share edges and corners to form layers lying parallel to the ac plane. An intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond occurs between the hydroxyl group and the central carboxylate group of the citrate anion as well as a charge-assisted intermolecular O—H...O link between the water molecule and the terminal carboxylate group. There is also a weak C—H...O hydrogen bond.
Physicochemical characteristics and mineral status of honey from different agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Thakur Meena , Gupta Neha , Sharma Harish Kumar , Devi Sunita
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the quality of honey from different agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh in terms of physicochemical characteristics and mineral status.

Design/methodology/approach

Three honey-producing locations were selected within each agro-climatic zone, honey sampled from four separate apiaries within each location and analyzed for physicochemical characteristics and mineral status using standard methodologies. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with one-way classification, after appropriate transformation through online OP-STAT software and MS Excel. The correlation coefficient (r) was also calculated. Principal component analysis was done using XL-STAT software.

Findings

The honey of Zone 4 had highest fructose (36.62%), F:G ratio (1.55), acidity (46.07 meq/kg), vitamin C (25.04 mg/100 g) and diastase (19.22 DN), whereas the pollen density (76,666.67 pollen grains per 10 g), pH (5.94), sucrose (6.94%), hydroxy methyl furfuraldehyde (70.20 mg/kg), amino acid (103.83 mg/100 g), phenols (77.39 mg/100 g), Ca (81.04 mg/kg) and K (354.17 mg/kg) were highest for Zone 2. Highest electrical conductivity (0.24 mS/cm), moisture (16.50 %), glucose (34.20%) and P content (62.93 mg/kg) were recorded for Zone 1. Correlation studies indicated a significant positive correlation between pH and EC; EC and moisture; colour and pollen density. Examining the graphical distribution of the honey samples, a natural separation between honeys of four different agro-climatic zones was obtained.

Originality/value

The impact of geographical/agro-climatic variations in physicochemical characteristics of honey has not been worked out under the present scenario in Himachal Pradesh.
Inclusion of Indigenous workers in workplace mental health
Authors: O'Loughlin Robyn A. , Kristman Vicki L. , Gilbeau Audrey
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper highlights inclusion issues Indigenous people experience maintaining their mental health in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a grounded theoretical approach, five sharing circles were conducted with the Nokiiwin Tribal Council's community members to better understand inclusivity issues related to workplace mental health.

Findings

Five themes emerged from the data related to enhancing inclusivity and workplace mental health for Indigenous workers: (1) connecting with individuals who understand and respect Indigenous culture; (2) respecting Indigenous traditions; (3) hearing about positive experiences; (4) developing trusting relationships and (5) exclusion is beyond the workplace.

Research limitations/implications

The next step is to finalize development of the Wiiji app and evaluate the effectiveness of the app in helping Indigenous workers feel included at work and to improve workplace mental health. If effective, the Indigenous-developed e-mental health app will be promoted and its benefits for helping Indigenous workers feel included at work and also for providing accessible mental health resources, will be known. In the future, other Indigenous groups may be potentially interested in adopting a similar application in their workplace(s).

Originality/value

There is very little known about inclusivity issues related to Indigenous workers' maintaining their mental health. This paper identifies major issues influencing the exclusion and inclusion of Indigenous workers.
Big data analytics capabilities and organizational performance: the mediating effect of dual innovations
Authors: Su Xiaofeng , Zeng Weipeng , Zheng Manhua , Jiang Xiaoli , Lin Wenhe , Xu Anxin
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Following the rapid expansion of data volume, velocity and variety, techniques and technologies, big data analytics have achieved substantial development and a surge of companies make investments in big data. Academics and practitioners have been considering the mechanism through which big data analytics capabilities can transform into their improved organizational performance. This paper aims to examine how big data analytics capabilities influence organizational performance through the mediating role of dual innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the resource-based view and recent literature on big data analytics, this paper aims to examine the direct effects of big data analytics capabilities (BDAC) on organizational performance, as well as the mediating role of dual innovations on the relationship between (BDAC) and organizational performance. The study extends existing research by making a distinction of BDACs' effect on their outcomes and proposing that BDACs help organizations to generate insights that can help strengthen their dual innovations, which in turn have a positive impact on organizational performance. To test our proposed research model, this study conducts empirical analysis based on questionnaire-base survey data collected from 309 respondents working in Chinese manufacturing firms.

Findings

The results support the proposed hypotheses regarding the direct and indirect effect that BDACs have on organizational performance. Specifically, this paper finds that dual innovations positively mediate BDACs' effect on organizational performance.

Originality/value

The conclusions on the relationship between big data analytics capabilities and organizational performance in previous research are controversial due to lack of theoretical foundation and empirical testing. This study resolves the issue by provides empirical analysis, which makes the research conclusions more scientific and credible. In addition, previous literature mainly focused on BDACs' direct impact on organizational performance without making a distinction of BDAC's three dimensions. This study contributes to the literature by thoroughly introducing the notions of BDAC's three core constituents and fully analyzing their relationships with organizational performance. What's more, empirical research on the mechanism of big data analytics' influence on organizational performance is still at a rudimentary stage. The authors address this critical gap by exploring the mediation of dual innovations in the relationship through survey-based research. The research conclusions of this paper provide new perspective for understanding the impact of big data analytics capabilities on organizational performance, and enrich the theoretical research connotation of big data analysis capabilities and dual innovation behavior.
Performance appraisal justice and affective commitment: examining the moderating role of age and gender
Authors: Rana Shikha , Singh Shalini
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Performance appraisal (PA) is one of the most indispensable human resource management practices as many critical decisions regarding employees’ performance are heavily based on the PA results as they are responsible for various attitude-related outcomes. This study aims to investigate the relationship between PA justice and affective commitment (AC) of employees in the Indian banking sector, and to examine the moderating effects of age and gender on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 298 employees from the banking sector were randomly selected to examine the relationship between PA justice and AC along with the moderating role of age and gender on this relationship through structural equation modelling using AMOS 21.

Findings

The findings of the study supported hypothesized relationships as PA justice significantly predicted the AC of bank employees in India. The moderating effects of age and gender on the relationship of PA justice and AC are found to be high for older employees and female employees, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

As the present study was cross-sectional, so any inferences regarding causality are limited. Theoretical and managerial implications have been discussed in the context of banking sector.

Originality/value

The paper contributes new insights to the existing literature by examining the moderating effects of age and gender on the relationship of PA justice and AC in the context of Indian banking sector.
Reconciling conflicting predictions about transience and persistence of management concepts in management fashion theory and new institutionalism
Authors: Aksom Herman
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Although drawing from neoinstitutional theoretical apparatus and ontology, management fashion theory is understood as a theory that explains the transitory nature of popular ideas and practices while institutional theory explains their stabilization, persistence and further institutionalization. In a nutshell, it seems that being opposed to each other, these two theories describe and predict different, incommensurable diffusion trajectories and organizational behaviour patterns. The purpose of this paper is to unify these two competing perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper makes an attempt toward further unification of management fashion theory with new institutionalism by offering an alternative understanding and conceptualization of institutional change and deinstitutionalization and by distinguishing emerging concepts from already popular fashions.

Findings

Most emerging concepts never achieve popularity and disappear while few of them achieve massive media attention and diffuse widely becoming new management fashions. Once these concepts have achieved a wide popularity institutional forces would favor them and lead to further institutionalization. Institutional change is understood not as a deinstitutionalization of existing management fashion in terms of erosion, discontinuity or disappearance but as a decline in its media coverage while media attention focuses on new fashionable concept. The former management fashion gets institutionalized, institutional change occurs in terms of shifting attention toward new fashion and diffusion and institutionalization cycle restarts. Institutional prediction of isomorphism and institutionalization as irreversible tendencies thus can be unified with MF prediction about the bell-shaped curves in fashions’ popularity. Therefore, postulates and predictions of management fashion theory can be derived from new institutionalism and vice versa.

Practical implications

The paper aims to cover, generalize and explain different trajectories of various management and organizational concepts, deducing theoretical propositions from both institutional theory and management fashion theory. Theoretical and methodological ideas offered in this paper can be helpful in future research on management fashions and diffusion. Studies on the evolution of management concept can benefit from proposed categorization and causal relationships between different stages of the life cycle.

Originality/value

Unifying seemingly conflicting and disparate perspectives and views allows making organization theory more coherent in terms of both explanatory power and ontological commensurability. Following other mature sciences, we share the same notion of progress, namely, the aim of achieving unification and demonstrating that different organizational theories still describe the same reality.
Shopping without the fuss: the effect of curation type in clothing subscription adoption on cognitive dissonance and consumer responses
Authors: Johnson Olivia , Seifert Christin , Lee Angie
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To address the volatile nature of the retail industry, retailers have adopted clothing subscription services (CSS) to meet the demanding needs of consumers. This study provides insight into different types of CSS, as well as a process by which behavioural intentions are influenced by CSS type through cognitive dissonance (wisdom of purchase and emotional dissonance) and attitude towards the CSS.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental design manipulating the CSS type (full/partial/none) was conducted among 358 US consumers to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Hayes PROCESS macro model results demonstrated that consumers did not experience more cognitive dissonance towards a partially, fully curated or non-curated CSS. However, a significant interaction effect further uncovered that consumers with high aesthetic perception experience more negative wisdom of purchase towards a fully compared to a partially curated CSS, thereby impacting attitude and behavioural intention towards CSS.

Practical implications

Due to today's rapidly evolving retail industry, retailers endeavouring to engage in this business model should come up with strategies to turn a visitor into a subscriber and decrease hesitation in novice consumers. Moreover, retailers should ascertain consumers’ level of aesthetic perception as it plays an important role in CSS adoption.

Originality/value

We introduced a unique operationalization of CSS types by differentiating between fully, partially and non-curated subscriptions, which are commonly employed in the subscription-box marketplace. The previous literature rarely makes distinctions between these types, although our findings show that consumers perceive them differently.
Jealousy due to social media? A systematic literature review and framework of social media-induced jealousy
Authors: Tandon Anushree , Dhir Amandeep , Mäntymäki Matti
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The association between social media and jealousy is an aspect of the dark side of social media that has garnered significant attention in the past decade. However, the understanding of this association is fragmented and needs to be assimilated to provide scholars with an overview of the current boundaries of knowledge in this area. This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to fulfill this need.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors undertake an SLR to assimilate the current knowledge regarding the association between social media and jealousy, and they examine the phenomenon of social media-induced jealousy (SoMJ). Forty-five empirical studies are curated and analyzed using stringent protocols to elucidate the existing research profile and thematic research areas.

Findings

The research themes emerging from the SLR are (1) the need for a theoretical and methodological grounding of the concept, (2) the sociodemographic differences in SoMJ experiences, (3) the antecedents of SoMJ (individual, partner, rival and platform affordances) and (4) the positive and negative consequences of SoMJ. Conceptual and methodological improvements are needed to undertake a temporal and cross-cultural investigation of factors that may affect SoMJ and acceptable thresholds for social media behavior across different user cohorts. This study also identifies the need to expand current research boundaries by developing new methodologies and focusing on under-investigated variables.

Originality/value

The study may assist in the development of practical measures to raise awareness about the adverse consequences of SoMJ, such as intimate partner violence and cyberstalking.
Sensegiving in organizations via the use of business analytics
Authors: Namvar Morteza , Intezari Ali , Im Ghiyoung
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Business analytics (BA) has been a breakthrough technological development in recent years. Although scholars have suggested several solutions in using these technologies to facilitate decision-making, there are as of yet limited studies on how analysts, in practice, improve decision makers' understanding of business environments. This study uses sensemaking theory and proposes a model of how data analysts generate analytical outcomes to improve decision makers' understanding of the business environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs an interpretive field study with thematic analysis. The authors conducted 32 interviews with data analysts and consultants in Australia and New Zealand. The authors then applied thematic analysis to the collected data.

Findings

The thematic analysis discovered four main sensegiving activities, including data integration, trustworthiness analysis, appropriateness analysis and alternative selection. The proposed model demonstrates how these activities support the properties of sensemaking and result in improved decision-making.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides strong empirical evidence for the theory development and practice of sensemaking. It brings together two distinct fields – sensemaking and business analytics – and demonstrates how the approaches advocated by these two fields could improve analytics applications. The findings also propose theoretical implications for information system development (ISD).

Practical implications

This study demonstrates how data analysts could use analytical tools and social mechanisms to improve decision makers' understanding of the business environment.

Originality/value

This study is the first known empirical study to conceptualize the theory of sensemaking in the context of BA and propose a model for analytical sensegiving in organizations.
Linking science to technology: the “patent paper citation” and the rise of patentometrics in the 1980s
Authors: Hammarfelt Björn
Published: April 2021

Purpose

In this article, the ideas and methods behind the “patent-paper citation” are scrutinised by following the intellectual and technical development of approaches and ideas in early work on patentometrics. The aim is to study how references from patents to papers came to play a crucial role in establishing a link between science and technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The study comprises a conceptual history of the “patent paper citation” and its emergence as an important indicator of science and technology interaction. By tracing key references in the field, it analyses the overarching frameworks and ideas, the conceptual “hinterland”, in which the approach of studying patent references emerged.

Findings

The analysis explains how interest in patents – not only as legal and economic artefacts but also as scientific documents – became evident in the 1980s. The focus on patent citations was sparked by a need for relevant and objective indicators and by the greater availability of databases and methods. Yet, the development of patentometrics also relied on earlier research, and established theories, on the relation between science and technology.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt at situating patentometrics in a larger societal and scientific context. The paper offers a reflexive and nuanced analysis of the “patent-paper citation” as a theoretical and historical construct, and it calls for a broader and contextualised understanding of patent references, including their social, legal and rhetorical function.