bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A computational network approach to identify predictive biomarkers and therapeutic combinations for anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in cancer
Authors: Wu Chia-Chin , Wang Y Alan , Livingston J Andrew , Zhang Jianhua , Futreal P. Andrew
Published: April 2020

Background

Despite remarkable success, only a subset of cancer patients have shown benefit from the anti-PD1 therapy. Therefore, there is a growing need to identify predictive biomarkers and therapeutic combinations for improving the clinical efficacy.

Results

Based upon the hypothesis that aberrations of any gene that are close to MHC class I genes in the gene network are likely to deregulate MHC I pathway and affect tumor response to anti-PD1, we developed a network approach to infer genes, pathway, and potential therapeutic target genes associated with response to PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint immunotherapies in cancer. Our approach successfully identified genes (e.g. B2M and PTEN) and pathways (e.g. JAK/STAT and WNT) known to be associated with anti-PD1 response. Our prediction was further validated by 5 CRISPR gene sets associated with tumor resistance to cytotoxic T cells. Our results also showed that many cancer genes that act as hubs in the gene network may drive immune evasion through indirectly deregulating the MHC I pathway. The integration analysis of transcriptomic data of the 34 TCGA cancer types and our prediction reveals that MHC I-immunoregulations may be tissue-specific. The signature-based score, the MHC I association immunoscore (MIAS), calculated by integration of our prediction and TCGA melanoma transcriptomic data also showed a good correlation with patient response to anti-PD1 for 354 melanoma samples complied from 5 cohorts. In addition, most targets of the 36 compounds that have been tested in clinical trials or used for combination treatments with anti-PD1 are in the top list of our prediction (AUC=0.833). Integration of drug target data with our top prediction further identified compounds that were recently shown to enhance tumor response to anti-PD1, such as inhibitors of GSK3B, CDK, and PTK2.

Conclusion

Our approach is effective to identify candidate genes and pathways associated with response to anti-PD-1 therapy, and can also be employed forin silicoscreening of potential compounds to enhances the efficacy of anti-PD1 agents against cancer.
Molecular dynamics simulations of protein aggregation: protocols for simulation setup and analysis with Markov state models and transition networks
Authors: Samantray Suman , Schumann Wibke , Illig Alexander-Maurice , Carballo-Pacheco Martin , Paul Arghadwip , Barz Bogdan , Strodel Birgit
Published: April 2020

Protein disorder and aggregation play significant roles in the pathogenesis of numerous neuro-degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The end products of the aggregation process in these diseases are β-sheet rich amyloid fibrils. Though in most cases small, soluble oligomers formed during amyloid aggregation are the toxic species. A full understanding of the physicochemical forces behind the protein aggregation process is required if one aims to reveal the molecular basis of the various amyloid diseases. Among a multitude of biophysical and biochemical techniques that are employed for studying protein aggregation, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at the atomic level provide the highest temporal and spatial resolution of this process, capturing key steps during the formation of amyloid oligomers. Here we provide a step-by-step guide for setting up, running, and analyzing MD simulations of aggregating peptides using GROMACS. For the analysis we provide the scripts that were developed in our lab, which allow to determine the oligomer size and inter-peptide contacts that drive the aggregation process. Moreover, we explain and provide the tools to derive Markov state models and transition networks from MD data of peptide aggregation.
The perfect condition for the rising of superbugs: person-to-person contagion and antibiotic use are the key factors responsible for the positive correlation between antibiotic resistance gene diversity and virulence gene diversity in human metagenomes
Authors: Domingues Célia P. F. , Rebelo João S. , Nogueira Teresa , Pothier Joël , Monteiro Francisca , Dionisio Francisco
Published: April 2020

1.

This study aims to understand the cause of the recent observation that humans with a higher diversity of virulence genes in their metagenomes tend to be precisely those with higher diversity of antibiotic-resistance genes. We simulated the transferring of virulence and antibiotic-resistance genes in a community of interacting people where some take antibiotics. The diversities of the two genes types became positively correlated whenever the contagion probability between two people was higher than the probability of losing resistant genes. However, no such positive correlations arise if no one takes antibiotics. This finding holds even under changes of several simulations’ parameters, such as the relative or total diversity of virulence and resistance genes, the contagion probability between individuals, the loss rate of resistance genes, or the social network type. Because the loss rate of resistance genes may be shallow, we conclude that the contagion between people and antibiotic usage is the leading cause of establishing the positive correlation mentioned above. Therefore, antibiotic use and something as prosaic as the contagion between people may facilitate the emergence of virulent and multi-resistant bacteria in people’s metagenomes with a high diversity of both gene types. These superbugs may then circulate in the community.
A putative genomic map for resistance ofBos indicuscattle in Cameroon to bovine tuberculosis
Authors: Callaby Rebecca , Kelly Robert , Mazeri Stella , Egbe Franklyn , Benedictus Lindert , Clark Emily , Doeschl-Wilson Andrea , Bronsvoort Barend , Salavati Mazdak , Muwonge Adrian
Published: April 2020

Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) caused byMycobacterium bovisis a livestock disease of global economic and public health importance. There are currently no effective vaccines available for livestock and so control relies on animal level surveillance and pasteurisation of dairy products. A new alternative control approach is to exploit the genetic variability of the host; recent studies have demonstrated that breedingBos tauruscattle for increased resistance to bTB is feasible. The utility of such an approach is still unknown for theBos indicuscattle population. This study aims to assess genetic variation in bTB resistance and the underlying genomic architecture inBos indicusbreeds in Cameroon.

We conducted a cross-sectional study of slaughter cattle in Cameroon and genotyped a sample of 213 cattle. Their genomic diversity was characterised using PCA, hierarchical clustering and admixture analysis. We assessed genetic variation in bTB resistance using heritability analysis and compared quantitative trait loci.

Previous studies had found that breed was an important factor in explaining the epidemiology of bTB, with Fulani cattle appearing to be more susceptible than mixed breeds. However, we show that the apparent phenotypic differences in visual appearance between the breeds was not reflected by clear genomic differences. At the genetic level, cattle belonging to different hierarchical genomic clusters differed in their susceptibility to bTB. There was evidence of a genomic association betweenM. bovisinfection status with specific SNPs.

We highlight the need to understand the challenges faced by livestock in specific settings both in terms of pathogens and the environment, in addition to their intended purpose and how they fit into a defined management system. It is only at this point livestock keepers can then make informed breeding choices, not only for resistance to disease but also for increasing production.
Microevolution of acquired colistin resistance in Enterobacteriaceae from ICU patients receiving selective decontamination of the digestive tract
Authors: Janssen Axel B. , van Hout Denise , Bonten Marc J.M. , Willems Rob J.L. , van Schaik Willem
Published: April 2020

Colistin is an antibiotic that targets the lipopolysaccharides present in the membranes of Gram-negative bacteria. It is used as last-resort drug to treat infections with multidrug-resistant strains. Colistin is also used in selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD), a prophylactic therapy used in patients hospitalised in intensive care units (ICUs) to selectively eradicate opportunistic pathogens in the oropharyngeal and gut microbiota. In this study, we aimed to unravel the mechanisms of acquired colistin resistance in Gram-negative opportunistic pathogens obtained from SDD-treated patients.

Routine surveillance of 428 SDD-treated patients resulted in thirteen strains with acquired colistin resistance (Escherichia colin=9;Klebsiella aerogenes, n=3;Enterobacter asburiae, n=1) from five patients. Genome sequence analysis showed that these isolates represented multiple distinct colistin-resistant clones, but that within the same patients, colistin-resistant strains were clonally related. We identified previously described mechanisms that lead to colistin resistance, i.e. a G53 substitution in the response regulator PmrA/BasR, and the acquisition of the mobile colistin resistance genemcr-1.1, but we also observed novel variants ofbasRwith an 18-bp deletion, and a G19E substitution in the sensor histidine kinase BasS. We experimentally confirmed these variants to contribute to reduced colistin susceptibility. In a single patient, we observed that colistin resistance in a singleE. coliclone evolved through two unique variants inbasRS.

We show that prophylactic use of colistin during SDD can select for colistin resistance in species that are not intrinsically colistin-resistant. This highlights the importance of continued surveillance for the emergence of colistin resistance in patients treated with SDD.
Spatial control over near-critical-point operation ensures fidelity of ParABS-mediated bacterial genome segregation
Authors: Hu Longhua , Rech Jérôme , Bouet Jean-Yves , Liu Jian
Published: April 2020

In bacteria, most low-copy-number plasmid and chromosomally encoded partition systems belong to the tripartite ParABSpartition machinery. Despite the importance in genetic inheritance, the mechanisms of ParABS-mediated genome partition are not well understood. Combining theory and experiment, we provided evidences that the ParABSsystem – partitioning via the ParA gradient-based Brownian ratcheting – operates near a critical pointin vivo. This near-critical-point operation adapts the segregation distance of replicated plasmids to the half-length of the elongating nucleoid, ensuring both cell halves to inherit one copy of the plasmids. Further, we demonstrated that the plasmid localizes the cytoplasmic ParA to buffer the partition fidelity against the large cell-to-cell fluctuations in ParA level. Thus, the spatial control over the near-critical-point operation not only ensures both sensitive adaption and robust execution of partitioning, but sheds light on the fundamental question in cell biology: How do cells faithfully measure cellular-scale distance by only using molecular-scale interactions?
Computer modeling of whole-cell voltage-clamp analyses to delineate guidelines for good practice of manual and automated patch-clamp
Authors: Montnach Jérôme , Lorenzini Maxime , Lesage Adrien , Simon Isabelle , Nicolas Sébastien , Moreau Eléonore , Marionneau Céline , Baró Isabelle , De Waard Michel , Loussouarn Gildas
Published: April 2020

The patch-clamp technique has contributed to major advances in the characterization of ion channels. The recent development of high throughput patch-clamp provides a new momentum to the field. However, whole-cell voltage-clamp technique presents certain limits that need to be considered for robust data generation. One major caveat is that current amplitude profoundly impacts the precision of the analyzed characteristics of the ion current under study. For voltagegated channels, the higher the current amplitude is, the less precise the characteristics of voltagedependence are. Similarly, in ion channel pharmacology, the characteristics of dose-response curves are hindered by high current amplitudes. In addition, the recent development of high throughput patch-clamp technique is often associated with the generation of stable cell lines demonstrating high current amplitudes. It is therefore critical to set the limits for current amplitude recordings to avoid inaccuracy in the characterization of channel properties or drug actions, such limits being different from one channel to another. In the present study, we use kinetic models of a voltage-gated sodium channel and a voltage-gated potassium channel to edict simple guidelines for good practice of whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings.
Too much reciprocity?
Authors: Sun Zhe , Ai Qi
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Using the evidence of Chinese outbound mergers and acquisitions (M&As) enacted between 2006 and 2014, this study aims to investigate the role played by home political connections on the cost implications of Chinese multinationals. It also examines whether home political connections – at different levels and of different configurations – impact the operational cost of Chinese multinationals.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were analysed using a multivariate regression model. To examine their heterogeneous effect on Chinese multinationals, the political connection data were further split into higher and lower level political connections and in chief executive officer (CEO) and chairperson political connections.

Findings

This study implies the negative effect of home political connections on the internationalisation of Chinese multinationals. At the same time, the impact of lower-level political connections is stronger than that of their higher-level counterparts. Moreover, CEO political connections have a stronger effect on the operational costs of Chinese multinationals than their Chairperson equivalents.

Originality/value

By unravelling the “black box” of Chinese internationalisation from the social exchange perspective, through the informal political connection networking ties between Chinese firms and the government, this study advances emerging market multinational theory, contributes to the understanding of the heterogeneous nature of political connections and sheds new light on social exchange theory from the perspective of the emerging phenomenon of Chinese internationalisation.
Application of the value-belief-norm model to environmentally friendly drone food delivery services
Authors: Hwang Jinsoo , Kim Woohyoung , Kim Jinkyung Jenny
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims to apply the value-belief-norm (VBN) model in the context of environmentally friendly drone food delivery services to understand ways to influence consumers’ behavior toward the services. The current study also attempted to deepen the VBN model using the moderating role of product involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 428 respondents through an online survey in South Korea.

Findings

The results of the data analysis indicated that all proposed hypotheses have been statistically supported in the VBN model. Furthermore, product involvement played a moderating role in the relationship between the sense of obligation to take pro-environmental actions and intentions to use and a sense of obligation to take pro-environmental actions and willingness to pay more.

Originality/value

Although drone food delivery services have not yet been fully commercialized, many foodservice companies have conducted pilot tests and the services are likely to be commonly used in the near future. Thus, the findings of this study are expected to have important implications for companies preparing to roll out drone food delivery services.
Social inclusion and financial inclusion: international evidence
Authors: Ozili Peterson K.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the association between social inclusion and financial inclusion. Social inclusion and financial inclusion are two major development policy agendas in many countries, and the association between them has received little attention in the policy and academic literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings reveal a positive and significant correlation between social inclusion and financial inclusion for Asian countries, Middle Eastern countries and African countries while the correlation between social inclusion and financial inclusion is negative for European countries. The findings also show that European and Asian economies experience higher levels of social inclusion and account ownership in a formal financial institution while African countries and Middle Eastern countries experience lower levels of social inclusion and account ownership.

Originality/value

The association between social and financial inclusion has received little attention in the policy and academic literature. This is the first study that investigates the association between social and financial inclusion.
The classification of the image segmentation algorithms
Authors: Khanykov Igor Georgievich , Tolstoj Ivan Mikhajlovich , Levonevskiy Dmitriy Konstantinovich
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the image segmentation algorithms (ISA) classification analysis, providing for advanced research and design of new computer vision algorithms.

Design/methodology/approach

For the development of the required algorithms a three-stage flowchart is suggested. An algorithm of quasi-optimal segmentation is discussed as a possible implementation of the suggested flowchart. A new attribute is introduced reflecting the specific hierarchical algorithm group, which the proposed algorithm belongs to. The introduced attribute refines the overall classification scheme and the requirements for the algorithms under development.

Findings

Optimal approximation generation is a computationally intensive task. The computational complexity can be reduced using a hierarchical data framework and a set of auxiliary algorithms, contributing to overall quality improvement. Because hierarchical solutions usually are distinctively suboptimal, further optimization to them was applied. A new classification attribute, proposed in this paper allows to discover previously hidden «blank spots», having decomposed the two-tier ISA classification scheme. The new classification attribute allows to aggregate algorithms, yielding multiple partitions at output and assign them to a dedicated group.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper consists in development of a high-level ISA classification, as well in introduction of a new classification attribute, pertinent to iterative algorithm groups and to hierarchically structured data presentation algorithms.
Understanding ethical/unethical behavior in pharmaceutical companies: a literature review
Authors: Marmat Geeta , Jain Pooja , Mishra P.N.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and review the available literature on ethical/unethical behaviour of pharmaceutical companies and to determine the ethical issues, unethical behaviour by analysing, summarising and categorising the factors related to these issues and unethical behaviour as were studied during the period 2008-2017. Essentially, this paper presents a critical analysis of the available literature on the subject and avenues for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopted the systematic review approach to achieve the purpose of this study and examines the most relevant literature from online existing database sources, available between 2008-2017 by using the keyword search method. Then studies are categorised and summarised, using previously developed theories and frameworks, which have provided evidence to the universal consensus that ethical behavioural outcomes are dependent on the interplay of individual, organisational and environmental factors and have reordered to fulfil the purpose.

Findings

The findings identify that ethical issues related to pharmaceutical companies as were studied during the period 2008-2017 are drug pricing, drug safety and gift-giving. The organisational variables appeared to be the dominant cause of these ethical issues and unethical practices along with other determinants such as environmental and stakeholders. A large number of studies were in the western country context. Theoretical research has studied more comparatively empirical studies.

Research limitations/implications

This review provides insights for understanding the ethical issues, unethical behaviour and determinants related to these issues of pharmaceutical companies and provides insights where the literature is standing. This review only includes studies between 2008-2017, which are related to the ethical issue of pharmaceutical companies, therefore, the view is only of the past 10 years papers. This review provides gaps and insight into the source of ideas for future research and will help the researchers in guiding ethics-related information in the context of pharmaceutical companies.

Practical implications

This study will help the practitioners and policymakers in informing about the issues that required the urgent need to solve and will shed some light to focus and formulate strategies for successful competitive advantage. This study will help researchers who are seeking information related to ethics and ethical behaviour in pharmaceutical companies.

Originality/value

To the best of my knowledge, this review of understanding ethical/unethical behaviour in pharmaceutical companies of the past 10 years between 2008-2017 has not been done to date. This study is filling the gap by bringing all the information about ethics in pharmaceutical companies at one place, which works as an index of ethics-related study in this specific pharmaceutical company context.
Audience response to endemic and non-endemic sponsors of esports events
Authors: Rogers Ryan , Farquhar Lee , Mummert Jacob
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To understand how esports viewers perceive endemic and non-endemic sponsors during an event.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers employed a four-condition experiment. Participants were randomly assigned to watch a clip with one of four possible sponsors. After participants watched the stimuli, they responded to a questionnaire assessing their opinions of the sponsor in the clip they watched.

Findings

Generally, the more endemic a sponsor was, the more positive audience members had. Perceptions of credibility were also important to attitudes toward sponsors.

Originality/value

Esports is an emergent area where little empirical research has been published. This study is designed to expand upon research on sponsorships such that it explores audience perceptions of endemic versus non-endemic sponsors of esports events.
Co-designing tools for workplace learning
Authors: Dennerlein Sebastian Maximilian , Tomberg Vladimir , Treasure-Jones Tamsin , Theiler Dieter , Lindstaedt Stefanie , Ley Tobias
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Introducing technology at work presents a special challenge as learning is tightly integrated with workplace practices. Current design-based research (DBR) methods are focused on formal learning context and often questioned for a lack of yielding traceable research insights. This paper aims to propose a method that extends DBR by understanding tools as sociocultural artefacts, co-designing affordances and systematically studying their adoption in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The iterative practice-centred method allows the co-design of cognitive tools in DBR, makes assumptions and design decisions traceable and builds convergent evidence by consistently analysing how affordances are appropriated. This is demonstrated in the context of health-care professionals’ informal learning, and how they make sense of their experiences. The authors report an 18-month DBR case study of using various prototypes and testing the designs with practitioners through various data collection means.

Findings

By considering the cognitive level in the analysis of appropriation, the authors came to an understanding of how professionals cope with pressure in the health-care domain (domain insight); a prototype with concrete design decisions (design insight); and an understanding of how memory and sensemaking processes interact when cognitive tools are used to elaborate representations of informal learning needs (theory insight).

Research limitations/implications

The method is validated in one long-term and in-depth case study. While this was necessary to gain an understanding of stakeholder concerns, build trust and apply methods over several iterations, it also potentially limits this.

Originality/value

Besides generating traceable research insights, the proposed DBR method allows to design technology-enhanced learning support for working domains and practices. The method is applicable in other domains and in formal learning.
Plane-based stairway mapping for legged robot locomotion
Authors: Woo Seungjun , Yumbla Francisco , Park Chanyong , Choi Hyouk Ryeol , Moon Hyungpil
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a novel plane-based mapping method for legged-robot navigation in a stairway environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach implemented in this study estimates a plane for each step of a stairway using a weighted average of sensor measurements and predictions. It segments planes from point cloud data via random sample consensus (RANSAC). The prediction uses the regular structure of a stairway. When estimating a plane, the algorithm considers the errors introduced by the distance sensor and RANSAC, in addition to stairstep irregularities, by using covariance matrices. The plane coefficients are managed separately with the data structure suggested in this study. In addition, this data structure allows the algorithm to store the information of each stairstep as a single entity.

Findings

In the case of a stairway environment, the accuracy delivered by the proposed algorithm was higher than those delivered by traditional mapping methods. The hardware experiment verified the accuracy and applicability of the algorithm.

Originality/value

The proposed algorithm provides accurate stairway-environment mapping and detailed specifications of each stairstep. Using this information, a legged robot can navigate and plan its motion in a stairway environment more efficiently.
Information technology competency and organizational agility: roles of absorptive capacity and information intensity
Authors: Mao Hongyi , Liu Shan , Zhang Jinlong , Zhang Yajun , Gong Yeming
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Scholars have examined the possible relationship between information technology (IT) and organizational agility. Although the general-level effect of IT is undisputed, empirical research on how different types of IT contribute to various aspects of organizational agility remains scarce. Therefore, this study aims to propose an integrated framework of internal capability and external environment to address this research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the potential mediating effects of absorptive capacity and the moderating effects of information intensity in the IT‒agility relationship. With a dataset comprising 165 organizations in China, this work provides empirical evidence that the effects of absorptive capacity and information intensity are multifaceted and nuanced, thereby revealing the latent mechanisms of IT competency and organizational agility.

Findings

Absorptive capacity partially mediates the effects of IT knowledge and IT operations on market capitalizing agility and fully mediates their effects on operational adjustment agility. However, no direct or indirect effects of IT objects are found on both types of organizational agility. Information intensity also positively moderates the effects of IT operations and IT objects on absorptive capacity. However, no significant moderation is found with regard to IT operations.

Originality/value

This study provides novel insights by demonstrating clearly the different mediating roles of absorptive capacity in the relationship among various types of IT competency and diverse aspects of organizational agility. This work also underscores the moderating role of information intensity in shaping absorptive capacity through IT competency.
Employees' commitment to change: personality traits and organizational culture
Authors: Marchalina Leonis , Ahmad Hartini , Gelaidan Hamid Mahmood
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study examines the influences of personality traits on the employees' commitment to change that moderated by the organizational culture. The employee's commitment to change is important for the large companies to sustain in the global economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative data were collected from the employees in the large companies that are listed in Bursa Saham Kuala Lumpur (BSKL) Malaysia. The research used a simple random sampling and a cross-sectional survey.

Findings

The results showed there is a relationship between the personality traits and the employees' commitment to change, moderated by the organizational culture.

Research limitations/implications

This study implies that both practitioners and leaders need to review how they could increase the employees' commitment to change in the companies based on the various personalities.

Originality/value

The originality of the study is the establishment of the instruments and theoretical building on the personality traits, organizational change and employees' commitment to change.
Investigation of optimal inflation targets for 15 major oil exporting Sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Abdulqadir Idris Abdullahi , Chua Soo Y. , Mohd Saidatulakmal
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the optimal inflation targets for an appropriate exchange rate policy in 15 major oil exporting countries in Sub-Saharan African (SSA).

Design/methodology/approach

Dynamic heterogeneous panel threshold techniques are used via threshold-effect test and threshold regression. This procedure is achieved through a grid search and bootstrapping replications method to stimulate the asymptotic distribution of the likelihood ratio test of the null hypothesis on no-threshold as against the alternative hypothesis. Thep-values validate the threshold estimates.

Findings

Findings revealed that the optimal inflation target has a turning point and its impact on the real exchange rate is up to a threshold level of 14.47 per cent. Furthermore, the inflation rate above the threshold level overwhelmingly revealed its effect on real exchange regimes.

Research limitations/implications

It would have been a good idea to investigate optimal inflation targets for all African countries but due to inadequate data the selection criteria was narrowed to oil-exporting countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Practical implications

Inflation targeting beyond the threshold level would have serious implications on the monetary policy.

Originality/value

To the best of the knowledge, this is the first study to look at optimal inflation targets for 15 major oil exporting countries in general and SSA countries in particular. The findings provide a critical analysis of an inflation regime for a typical oil-producing country that oil exports being their source of revenue.
Causation of halal food consumption in China
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad Asim , Jun Dong , Noor Gull , Zubair Ahsan
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Within the religious context, purchase and consumption decisions of halal food is different significantly. The purpose of this study is to emphasize the investigation of causation of halal food consumption (HFC) within China. Being a Muslim, the importance of habit, religious self-identity, moral attitude and individualism to the consumption of halal food in the host-culture is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was placed and cross-sectional data consisted of 199 Muslim participants were collected, primarily from Beijing current capital of China. Data were examined by SPSS and PLS-3 to assess the model and moderating effects of individualism on HFC.

Findings

The results of the research show that moral attitude, habit and religious self-identity in the presence of individualism as a moderator have a significant and positive attitude toward HFC.

Practical implications

The halal food industry can communicate the Muslim community through tag (Halal), which may help Muslims with different individualism and inspire them to make their choices.

Originality/value

The research can be valued by the strategy makers of the food company, as well as the food industry that might pursue individualism in the communication and supply process while targeting the halal food sector in China and worldwide.
Applying lean methodology to curriculum revision and internship placement process – a case study
Authors: Singh Jitendra
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study, examine and apply lean management principles to the curriculum revision and internship placement process in an academic program at an institution of higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper consists of two sections. The first section reviews the literature on lean principles, lean tools, nonvalue-added activities and the application of lean methodology to academic settings. The second section presents a case study, where a team of faculty members applied lean principles to the process of curriculum revision and internship placement at an academic institution.

Findings

Lean principles can be successfully applied to curricular revision and the internship placement process. By applying the concepts of value, identification of value stream, removal of wasteful activities to achieve flow and creation of a pull-based system, faculty and program leaders can streamline processes at academic institutions. Furthermore, ongoing data collection helps to foster the culture of continuous improvement and ensure that processes are revisited and adapted to meet the needs of customers.

Practical implications

This paper is of value to faculty members and college administrators interested in applying lean principles to academic processes. Usage of lean methodology may lead to the identification and elimination of waste in curriculum and the field placement process.

Originality/value

This manuscript can provide a structure for the application of lean in academic processes at institutions of higher education.
Nitrogen flux into metabolites and microcystins changes in response to different nitrogen sources inMicrocystis aeruginosaNIES‐843
Authors: Krausfeldt Lauren E. , Farmer Abigail T. , Castro Hector F. , Boyer Gregory L. , Campagna Shawn R. , Wilhelm Steven W.
Published: April 2020

The over‐enrichment of nitrogen (N) in the environment has contributed to severe and recurring harmful cyanobacterial blooms, especially by the non‐N2‐fixingMicrocystisspp. N chemical speciation influences cyanobacterial growth, persistence and the production of the hepatotoxin microcystin, but the physiological mechanisms to explain these observations remain unresolved. Stable‐labelled isotopes and metabolomics were employed to address the influence of nitrate, ammonium, and urea on cellular physiology and production of microcystins inMicrocystis aeruginosaNIES‐843. Global metabolic changes were driven by both N speciation and diel cycling. Tracing15N‐labelled nitrate, ammonium, and urea through the metabolome revealed N uptake, regardless of species, was linked to C assimilation. The production of amino acids, like arginine, and other N‐rich compounds corresponded with greater turnover of microcystins in cells grown on urea compared to nitrate and ammonium. However,15N was incorporated into microcystins from all N sources. The differences in N flux were attributed to the energetic efficiency of growth on each N source. While N in general plays an important role in sustaining biomass, these data show that N‐speciation induces physiological changes that culminate in differences in global metabolism, cellular microcystin quotas and congener composition.
Vibrio communities along a salinity gradient within a marine saltern hypersaline environment (Saline di Tarquinia, Italy)
Authors: Gorrasi Susanna , Pasqualetti Marcella , Franzetti Andrea , Pittino Francesca , Fenice Massimiliano
Published: April 2020

Vibrio species are ubiquitous in a number of different aquatic environments and promptly adapting to environmental changes due to high genome plasticity. The presence of these bacteria in marine salterns, in relation to a salinity gradient has been not investigated yet. Moreover, it is not clear if these hypersaline environments could represent a reservoir for Vibrio spp. This work investigated, through a metagenetic approach, the distribution of Vibrio (over 2 years) in different ponds along the salinity gradient within the ‘Saline di Tarquinia’ salterns, considering also the adjacent coastal waters and an isolated brine storage basin (BSB). Vibrio occurrence was higher in the sea than in the ponds and BSB, where it usually represented a rare taxon (abundance <1%). In the sea, it showed abundances in‐between 1%–2.6% in 8 months out of 24. Four OTUs were assigned to the Vibrio genus; except for one that was more abundant in BSB, the others were much higher in the sea. Redundancy analysis (RDA) suggested a different distribution of the OTUs in relation to water temperature and salinity. Vibrio was found, even with low abundances, at the highest salinities also, suggesting the salterns as a possible reservoir for the bacterium.
Disentangling the role of extracellular polysaccharides in desiccation tolerance in lichen‐forming microalgae. First evidence of sulfated polysaccharides and ancient sulfotransferase genes
Authors: González‐Hourcade María , del Campo Eva M. , Braga Marcia R. , Salgado Antonio , Casano Leonardo M.
Published: April 2020

Trebouxia sp. TR9 and Coccomyxa simplex are desiccation‐tolerant microalgae with flexible cell walls, which undergo species‐specific remodelling during dehydration–rehydration (D/R) due to their distinct ultrastructure and biochemical composition. Here, we tested the hypothesis that extracellular polysaccharides excreted by each microalga could be quantitatively and/or qualitatively modified by D/R. Extracellular polysaccharides were analysed by size exclusion and anion exchange chromatography, specific stains after gel electrophoresis and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of trimethylsilyl derivatives (to determine their monosaccharide composition). The structure of a TR9‐sulfated polymer was deduced from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. In addition, sugar‐sulfotransferase encoding genes were identified in both microalgae, and their expression was measured by RT‐qPCR. D/R did not alter the polydispersed profile of extracellular polysaccharides in either microalga but did induce quantitative changes in several peaks. Furthermore, medium‐low‐sized uronic acid‐containing polysaccharides were almost completely substituted by higher molecular mass carbohydrates after D/R. Sulfated polysaccharide(s) were detected, for the first time, in the extracellular polymeric substances of both microalgae, but only increased significantly in TR9 after cyclic D/R, which induced a sugar‐sulfotransferase gene and accumulated sulfated ß‐D‐galactofuranan(s). Biochemical remodelling of extracellular polysaccharides in aeroterrestrial desiccation‐tolerant microalgae is species‐specific and seems to play a role in the response to changes in environmental water availability.
Mannoproteins from inactivated whole cells of baker's and brewer's yeasts as functional food ingredients: Isolation and optimization
Authors: Li Jin , Karboune Salwa , Asehraou Abdeslam
Published: April 2020

Because of the structural multiplicity of yeast mannoproteins, they have shown a great interest as food ingredients for a wide range of applications. The yields and the structural properties of mannoproteins varied depending on the isolation methods and their sources (baker's and brewer's Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts). Noncovalently bound mannoproteins (6.5 kDa) with a mannan/protein ratio of 0.63 and 2.78 were recovered upon the heat treatment of brewer's and baker's yeasts, respectively, whereas sodium dodecyl sulfate treatment led mainly to the release of nonglycosylated proteins. The highest yield of mannoproteins was achieved upon the enzymatic isolation with Zymolyase® from Arthrobacter luteus. The recovered covalently bound mannoproteins were characterized by a higher mannan/protein ratio (13.1 to 42.7) and a wider molecular weight distribution (5 to 10 kDa; 10 to 100 kDa; 100 to 400 kDa). Predictive models were developed to understand and modulate the effects of isolation parameters on yield, the mannoproteins content, and the mannan/protein ratio. The enzyme concentration was the most significant parameter affecting the yield, whereas the reaction time was the most significant parameter affecting mannan/protein ratio. Comparison of predicted and experimental values validated the established predicted models for the isolation of well‐defined mannoproteins from yeast for targeted food applications.

Practical Application

The increasing demand for clean label health‐promoting foods has fueled the development of highly functional ingredients that offer both techno‐functionalities and health‐promoting properties. This study reveals the efficiency of whole inactivated yeasts as sources of mannoproteins. Given the dependence of the techno‐functional and health‐promoting properties of mannoproteins on their molecular properties, the investigation of the effects of the yeast sources and the type of isolation methods on the structural properties of mannoproteins would allow the modulation of their properties. Furthermore, the developed predictive models for the enzymatic process are expected to enhance the isolation efficiency of mannoproteins with well‐defined structures.
A hydrogen‐oxidizing bacterium enriched from the open ocean resembling a symbiont
Authors: Sass Katharina , Güllert Simon , Streit Wolfgang R. , Perner Mirjam
Published: April 2020

A new autotrophic hydrogen‐oxidizing Chromatiaceae bacterium, namely bacterium CTD079, was enriched from a water column sample at 1500 m water depth in the southern Pacific Ocean. Based on the phylogeny of 16S rRNA genes, it was closely related to a scaly snail endosymbiont (99.2% DNA sequence identity) whose host so far is only known to colonize hydrothermal vents along the Indian ridge. The average nucleotide identity between the genomes of CTD079 and the snail endosymbiont was 91%. The observed differences likely reflect adaptations to their specific habitats. For example, CTD079 encodes additional enzymes like the formate dehydrogenase increasing the organism's spectrum of energy generation pathways. Other additional physiological features of CTD079 included the increase of viral defence strategies, secretion systems and specific transporters for essential elements. These important genome characteristics suggest an adaptation to life in the open ocean.
Building a Politics of Connectivity: Intercultural In‐Commonness in Fairtrade
Authors: Herman Agatha
Published: April 2020

Fairtrade operates its global system through a homogenising but marketable set of standards. Combined with issues around how to include producers in governance, this has led to feelings of disconnection and disenfranchisement for the latter, which are impacting on Fairtrade’s effectiveness and legitimacy. Through a focus on the South African wine industry, this paper argues that the Fairtrade community needs to be reinvigorated through dialogical communication, impactful participation and cultural synthesis to better enact responsibility across its systemic geographical and cultural distances. “Being‐with” its multiple stakeholders makes space for a more responsive, contextual and connected system. Drawing on the ideas of Paulo Freire, the paper concludes that a Fairtrade built on solidarity through a participatory and decentralised system would allow for discussions of the ideals and practices that are essential to negotiating, and not swallowing up, the shifting “we” of Fairtrade and more effectively balancing its local and global responsibilities.
Editorial: long‐term oral budesonide treatment and risk of osteoporotic fractures in patients with microscopic colitis—not a totally clean bill of health
Authors: Topliss Duncan J.
Published: April 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Reilev et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15648.
hIL‐7‐hyFc, A Long‐Acting IL‐7, Increased Absolute Lymphocyte Count in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Lee Sang Won , Choi Donghoon , Heo MinKyu , Shin Eui‐Cheol , Park Su‐Hyung , Kim So Jeong , Oh Yeon‐Kyung , Lee Byung Ha , Yang Se Hwan , Sung Young Chul , Lee Howard
Published: April 2020

A low lymphocyte count puts immune‐compromised patients at risk of mortality. hIL‐7‐hyFc is a homodimeric interleukin‐7 (IL‐7), a potent T‐cell amplifier, fused to the hybridizing IgD/IgG4 immunoglobulin domain. We performed a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐escalation, phase I study to assess the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity profiles of hIL‐7‐hyFc administered s.c. and i.m. to healthy volunteers. Thirty subjects randomly received hIL‐7‐hyFc or its matching placebo in an 8:2 ratio at 20, 60 μg/kg s.c., or 60 μg/kg i.m. The hIL‐7‐hyFc was slowly absorbed and its terminal half‐life was 63.26 hours after i.m. administration. The hIL‐7‐hyFc increased absolute lymphocyte count, mostly in T‐cells, which peaked 3 weeks after administration and then lasted for several additional weeks. The hIL‐7‐hyFc was well‐tolerated after a single s.c. and i.m. administration. Injection site reaction was the most common treatment‐emergent adverse event, which resolved spontaneously without treatment. The hIL‐7‐hyFc can be developed into a beneficial treatment option for patients with compromised T‐cell immunity. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02860715.
Glutamatergic inputs to GABAergic interneurons in the motor thalamus of control and parkinsonian monkeys
Authors: Albaugh Daniel L. , Huang Christina , Ye Sherry , Paré Jean‐François , Smith Yoland
Published: April 2020

The primate ventral motor thalamus contains a large number of GABAergic interneurons of poorly understood function and anatomical connectivity. Glutamatergic inputs to these cells arise predominantly from corticothalamic (in both basal ganglia‐ and cerebellar‐receiving ventral motor thalamic territories; BGMT and CBMT, respectively) and cerebellothalamic terminals (in CBMT). In Parkinson's disease patients and animal models, neuronal activity is abnormal within both BGMT and CBMT. Historically, such motor thalamic dysregulation has been largely attributed to changes in inhibitory tone from the basal ganglia output nuclei, ignoring the potential role of other thalamic inputs in such processes, particularly within the CBMT, which is largely devoid of direct basal ganglia afferents. We have recently reported changes in the abundance and structural morphology of corticothalamic terminals in BGMT of parkinsonian monkeys. In this study, we assessed potential changes in the prevalence of cortical (vesicular glutamate transporter 1‐positive, vGluT1‐positive) and subcortical (vGluT2‐positive) glutamatergic inputs in contact with GABAergic interneurons in BGMT and CBMT of MPTP‐treated parkinsonian monkeys. Our findings revealed that interneurons represent a major target of both sets of glutamatergic terminals. In both BGMT and CBMT of control and parkinsonian monkeys, 29%–38% of total asymmetric axodendritic synapses (putative glutamatergic) were formed by vGluT1‐positive terminals and 11%–17% of total vGluT1‐positive terminals targeted dendrites of GABAergic interneurons. In CBMT, 16%–18% of asymmetric synaptic inputs on interneurons involved vGluT2‐containing terminals. No major differences in the extent of glutamatergic innervation of thalamic GABAergic interneurons were found between control and parkinsonian monkeys.