bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for immediate enhancement of hippocampal memory encoding by network-targeted theta-burst stimulation during concurrent fMRI
Authors: Hermiller Molly S. , Chen Yu Fen , Parrish Todd B. , Voss Joel L.
Published: February 2020

The hippocampus supports episodic memory via interaction with a distributed brain network. Previous experiments using network-targeted noninvasive brain stimulation have identified episodic memory enhancements and modulation of activity within the hippocampal network. However, mechanistic insights were limited because these effects were measured long after stimulation and therefore could have reflected various neuroplastic aftereffects with extended timecourses. In this experiment with human subjects of both sexes, we tested for immediate stimulation impact on encoding-related activity of the hippocampus and immediately adjacent medial-temporal cortex by delivering theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (TBS) concurrent with fMRI, as an immediate impact of stimulation would suggest an influence on neural activity. We reasoned that TBS would be particularly effective for influencing the hippocampus because rhythmic neural activity in the theta band is associated with hippocampal memory processing. First, we demonstrated that it is possible to obtain robust fMRI correlates of task-related activity during concurrent TBS. We then identified immediate effects of TBS on encoding of visual scenes. Brief volleys of TBS targeting the hippocampal network increased activity of the targeted (left) hippocampus during scene encoding and increased subsequent recollection. Stimulation did not influence activity during an intermixed numerical task with no memory demand. Control conditions using beta-band and out-of-network stimulation also did not influence hippocampal activity or recollection. TBS targeting the hippocampal network therefore immediately impacted hippocampal memory processing. This suggests direct, beneficial influence of stimulation on hippocampal neural activity related to memory and supports the role of theta-band activity in human episodic memory.

Significance Statement

Can noninvasive stimulation directly impact function of indirect, deep-brain targets such as the hippocampus? We tested this by targeting an accessible region of the hippocampal network via transcranial magnetic stimulation during concurrent fMRI. We reasoned that theta-burst stimulation would be particularly effective for impacting hippocampal function, as this stimulation rhythm should resonate with the endogenous theta-nested-gamma activity prominent in hippocampus. Indeed, theta-burst stimulation targeting the hippocampal network immediately impacted hippocampal activity during encoding, improving memory formation as indicated by enhanced later recollection. Rhythm- and location-control stimulation conditions had no such effects. These findings suggest a direct influence of noninvasive stimulation on hippocampal neural activity and highlight that the theta-burst rhythm is relatively privileged in its ability to influence hippocampal memory function.
Common and separable neural alterations in substance use disorders: evidence from coordinate-based meta-analyses of functional neuroimaging studies in human
Authors: Klugah-Brown Benjamin , Di Xin , Zweerings Jana , Mathiak Klaus , Becker Benjamin , Biswal Bharat
Published: February 2020

Delineating common and separable neural alterations in substance use disorders (SUD) is imperative to understand the neurobiological basis of the addictive process and to inform substance-specific treatment strategies. Given numerous functional MRI (fMRI) studies in different SUDs, meta-analysis could provide an opportunity to determine robust shared and substance-specific alterations. The present study employed a coordinate-based meta-analysis covering fMRI studies in individuals with addictive cocaine, cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine use. The primary meta-analysis demonstrated common alterations in primary dorsal striatal, and frontal circuits engaged in reward/salience processing, habit formation, and executive control across different substances and task-paradigms. Subsequent sub-analyses revealed substance-specific alterations in frontal and limbic regions, with marked frontal and insula-thalamic alterations in alcohol and nicotine use disorders respectively. Finally, examining task-specific alterations across substances revealed pronounced frontal alterations during cognitive processes yet stronger striatal alterations during reward-related processes. Together the findings emphasize the role of dysregulations in striato-frontal circuits and dissociable contributions of these systems in the domains of reward-related and cognitive processes which may contribute to substance-specific behavioral alterations.
Mucin 4 Protects Female Mice from Coronavirus Pathogenesis
Authors: Plante Jessica A. , Plante Kenneth S. , Gralinski Lisa E. , Beall Anne , Ferris Martin T. , Bottomly Daniel , Green Richard , McWeeney Shannon K. , Heise Mark T. , Baric Ralph S. , Menachery Vineet D.
Published: February 2020

Using incipient lines of the Collaborative Cross (CC), a murine genetic reference population, we previously identified a quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with low SARS-CoV titer. In this study, we integrated sequence information and RNA expression of genes within the QTL to identify mucin 4 (Muc4) as a high priority candidate for controlling SARS-CoV titer in the lung. To test this hypothesis, we infectedMuc4-/-mice and found that female, but not male,Muc4-/-mice developed more weight loss and disease following infection with SARS-CoV. FemaleMuc4-/-mice also had more difficulty breathing despite reduced lung pathology; however, no change in viral titers was observed. Comparing across viral families, studies with chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne arthralgic virus, suggests that Muc4’s impact on viral pathogenesis may be widespread. Although not confirming the original titer QTL, our data identifies a role for Muc4 in the SARS-CoV disease and viral pathogenesis.

Importance

Given the recent emergence of SARS-CoV-2, this work suggest thatMuc4expression plays a protective role in female mice not conserved in male mice following SARS-CoV infection. With the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak continuing, treatments that modulate or enhanceMuc4activity may provide an avenue for treatment and improved outcomes. In addition, the work highlights the importance of studying host factors including host genetics and biological sex as key parameters influencing infection and disease outcomes.
The evolution of bacterial shape complexity by a curvature-inducing module
Authors: Martin Nicholas R. , Blackman Edith , Bratton Benjamin P. , Bartlett Thomas M. , Gitai Zemer
Published: February 2020

Bacteria can achieve a staggering diversity of cell shapes that promote critical functions like growth, motility, and virulence1-4. Previous studies suggested that bacteria establish complex shapes by co-opting the core machineries essential for elongation and division5,6. In contrast, we discovered a two-protein module, CrvAB, that can curve bacteria autonomously of the major elongation and division machinery by forming a dynamic, asymmetrically-localized structure in the periplasm. CrvAB is essential for curvature in its native species,Vibrio cholerae, and is sufficient to curve multiple heterologous species spanning 2.5 billion years of evolution. Thus, modular shape determinants can promote the evolution of morphological complexity independently of existing cell shape regulation.
GREM1 is epigenetically reprogrammed in muscle cells after exercise training and controls myogenesis and metabolism
Authors: Fabre Odile , Giordani Lorenzo , Parisi Alice , Pattamaprapanont Pattarawan , Ahwazi Danial , Brun Caroline , Chakroun Imane , Taleb Anissa , Blais Alexandre , Andersen Emil , Ingerslev Lars R , Maire Pascal , Rudnicki Michael , Laurens Claire , Citirikkaya Kiymet , Garde Christian , Lundell Leonidas , Deshmukh Atul S , Moro Cédric , Bourlier Virginie , Mounier Rémi , Grand Fabien Le , Barrès Romain
Published: February 2020

Exercise training improves skeletal muscle function, notably through tissue regeneration by muscle stem cells. Here, we hypothesized that exercise training reprograms the epigenome of muscle cell, which could account for better muscle function. Genome-wide DNA methylation of myotube cultures established from middle-aged obese men before and after endurance exercise training identified a differentially methylated region (DMR) located downstream ofGremlin 1(GREM1), which was associated with increasedGREM1expression. GREM1 expression was lower in muscle satellite cells from obese, compared to lean mice, and exercise training restored GREM1 levels to those of control animals. We show that GREM1 regulates muscle differentiation through the negative control of satellite cell self-renewal, and that GREM1 controls muscle lineage commitment and lipid oxidation through the AMPK pathway. Our study identifies novel functions of GREM1 and reveals an epigenetic mechanism by which exercise training reprograms muscle stem cells to improve skeletal muscle function.
Large-scale dissociations between views of objects, scenes, and reachable-scale environments in visual cortex
Authors: Josephs Emilie L. , Konkle Talia
Published: February 2020

Space-related processing recruits a network of brain regions separate from those recruited in object-related processing. This dissociation has largely been explored by contrasting views of navigable-scale spaces compared to close-up views of isolated objects. However, in naturalistic visual experience, we encounter spaces intermediate to these extremes, like the tops of desks and kitchen counters, which are not navigable but typically contain multiple objects. How are such reachable-scale views represented in the brain? In two functional neuroimaging experiments with human observers, we find evidence for a large-scale dissociation of reachable-scale views from both navigable scene views and close-up object views. Three brain regions were identified which showed a systematic response preference to reachable views, located in the posterior collateral sulcus, the inferior parietal sulcus, and superior parietal lobule. Subsequent analyses suggest that these three regions may be especially sensitive to the presence of multiple objects. Further, in all classic scene and object regions, reachable-scale views dissociated from both objects and scenes with an intermediate response magnitude. Taken together, these results establish that reachable-scale environments have a distinct representational signature from both scene and object views.
Annexin A4 trimers are recruited by high membrane curvatures in Giant Plasma Membrane Vesicles
Authors: Florentsen Christoffer , Kamp-Sonne Alexander , Moreno-Pescador Guillermo , Pezeshkian Weria , Hakami Zanjani Ali Asghar , Khandelia Himanshu , Nylandsted Jesper , Bendix Poul Martin
Published: February 2020

The plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells consists of a crowded environment comprised of a high diversity of proteins in a complex lipid matrix. The lateral organization of membrane proteins in the plasma membrane (PM) is closely correlated with biological functions such as endocytosis, membrane budding and other processes which involve protein mediated shaping of the membrane into highly curved structures. Annexin A4 (ANXA4) is a prominent player in a number of biological functions including plasma membrane repair. Its binding to membranes is activated by Ca2+influx and it is therefore rapidly recruited to the cell surface near rupture sites where Ca2+influx takes place. However, the free edges near rupture sites can easily bend into complex curvatures and hence may accelerate recruitment of curvature sensing proteins to facilitate rapid membrane repair. To analyze the curvature sensing behavior of curvature inducing proteins in crowded membranes, we quantifify the affinity of ANXA4 monomers and trimers for high membrane curvatures by extracting membrane nanotubes from giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs). ANXA4 is found to be a sensor of negative membrane curvatures. Multiscale simulations furthermore predicted that ANXA4 trimers generate membrane curvature upon binding and have an affinity for highly curved membrane regions only within a well defined membrane curvature window. Our results indicate that curvature sensing and mobility of ANXA4 depend on the trimer structure of ANXA4 which could provide new biophysical insight into the role of ANXA4 in membrane repair and other biological processes.
Neuroligin-mediated neurodevelopmental defects are induced by mitochondrial dysfunction and prevented by lutein inC. elegans
Authors: Maglioni Silvia , Schiavi Alfonso , Melcher Marlen , Brinkmann Vanessa , Luo Zhongrui , Laromaine Anna , Raimundo Nuno , Meyer Joel N , Distelmaier Felix , Ventura Natascia
Published: February 2020

Complex I deficiency represents the most frequent pathogenetic cause of human mitochondriopathies. Therapeutic options for these neurodevelopmental life-threating disorders do not exist, partly due to the scarcity of appropriate model systems to study them.Caenorhabditis elegansis a genetically tractable model organism widely used to investigate neuronal pathologies. Here, we generated newC. elegansmodels for mitochondriopathies and showed that depletion of Complex I subunits recapitulates biochemical, cellular and neurodevelopmental aspects of the human diseases. Two models,nuo-5/NDUFS1- andlpd-5/NDUFS4-depleted animals, were exploited for a suppressor screening that identified lutein for its ability to rescue animals’ neurodevelopmental deficits. We uncovered overexpression of synaptic neuroligins as an evolutionarily conserved consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction, which we found to mediate an early cholinergic defect inC. elegans. We showed lutein exerts its beneficial effects by restoring neuroligin expression independently from its antioxidant activity, thus pointing to a possible novel pathogenetic target for the human disease.
Classification of multigene families of African swine fever viruses
Authors: Zhu Zhaozhong , Chen Huiting , Cao Yang , Jiang Taijiao , Zou Yuanqiang , Peng Yousong
Published: February 2020

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a large and complex double-stranded DNA virus that poses serious threats to the pig industry. It is well-accepted that the multigene family (MGF) proteins are extensively distributed in ASFVs and are generally classified into five families, including MGF-100, MGF-110, MGF-300, MGF-360 and MGF-505. Most MGF proteins, however, have not been well characterized and classified within each family. To bridge this gap, this study first classified the MGF proteins into 35 groups based on protein sequence homology. A web server for classifying the MGF proteins was then established and available for free athttp://www.computationalbiology.cn/MGF/home.html. Results showed that the genetic diversity of the MGF groups varied widely, mainly due to the occurrence of indels. In addition, the MGF proteins were predicted to have large structural and functional diversity, and the MGF proteins of the same MGF family tended to have similar structure, location and function. Evolutionary analysis revealed the dynamic changes of the MGF proteins in the ASFV genomes, and more than half of MGF groups were presented in all ASFV genomes, which indicated the important role of MGF proteins in ASFVs. Overall, it is expected that the work would not only provide a detailed classification for MGF proteins, but also facilitate further research on MGF proteins.
Identification of novel mitochondrial and mitochondrial related genetic loci associated with exercise response in the Gene SMART study
Authors: Harvey NR , Voisin S , Lea RA , Yan X , Benton MC , Papadimitriou ID , Jacques M , Haupt LM , Ashton KJ , Eynon N , Griffiths LR
Published: February 2020

Mitochondria supply intracellular energy requirements during exercise. Specific mitochondrial haplogroups and mitochondrial genetic variants have been associated with athletic performance, and exercise responses. However, these associations were discovered using underpowered, candidate gene approaches, and consequently have not been replicated. Here, we used whole-mitochondrial genome sequencing, in conjunction with high-throughput genotyping arrays, to discover novel genetic variants associated with exercise responses in the Gene SMART (Skeletal Muscle Adaptive Response to Training) cohort (n=62 completed). We performed a Principal Component Analysis of cohort aerobic fitness measures to build composite traits and test for variants associated with exercise outcomes. None of the mitochondrial genetic variants but nine nuclear encoded variants in eight separate genes were found to be associated with exercise responses (FDR<0.05)(rs11061368: DIABLO, rs113400963: FAM185A, rs6062129 and rs6121949: MTG2, rs7231304: AFG3L2, rs2041840: NDUFAF7, rs7085433: TIMM23, rs1063271: SPTLC2, rs2275273: ALDH18A1).Additionally, we outline potential mechanisms by which these variants may be contributing to exercise phenotypes. Our data suggest novel nuclear-encoded SNPs and mitochondrial pathways associated with exercise response phenotypes. Future studies should focus on validating these variants across different cohorts and ethnicities.

AUTHOR SUMMARY

Previous exercise genetic studies contain many flaws that impede the growth in knowledge surrounding change in exercise outcomes. In particular, exercise studies looking at mtDNA variants have looked at very small portions of the mitochondrial genome. Mitochondria are the ‘power house’ of the cell and therefore understanding the mitochondrial genetics behind adaptations to training can help us fill knowledge gaps in current research. Here, we utilised a new mitochondrial genetic sequencing technique to examine all mitochondrial and mitochondrial related genetic variations. We have shown that there were no mitochondrial specific variants that influenced exercise training however there were 9 related variants that were significantly associated with exercise phenotypes. Additionally, we have shown that building composite traits increased the significance of our association testing and lead to novel findings. We will be able to understand why response to training is so varied and increase the effectiveness of exercise training on a host of metabolic disorders.
Altered synaptic plasticity and central pattern generator dysfunction in aDrosophilamodel of PNKD3 paroxysmal dyskinesia
Authors: Lowe Simon , Kratschmer Patrick , Jepson James E.C.
Published: February 2020

Background

Paroxysmal non-kinesigenic dyskinesia type-3 (PNKD3) has been linked to gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in the hSlo1 BK potassium channel, in particular a dominant mutation (D434G) that enhances Ca2+-sensitivity. However, while BK channels play well-known roles in regulating neurotransmitter release, it is unclear whether the D434G mutation alters neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity in vivo. Furthermore, the subtypes of movement-regulating circuits impacted by this mutation are unknown.

Objectives

We aimed to use a larvalDrosophilamodel of PNKD3 (sloE366G/+) to examine how BK channel GOF in dyskinesia alters synaptic properties and motor circuit function.

Methods

We used video-tracking to test for movement defects insloE366G/+larvae, and sharp-electrode recordings to assess the fidelity of Ca2+-dependent neurotransmitter release and short-term plasticity at the neuromuscular junction. We then combined sharp-electrode recording with ex vivo Ca2+-imaging to investigate the functionality of the central pattern generator (CPG) driving foraging behavior insloE366G/+larvae.

Results

We show that the PNKD3 mutation leads to Ca2+-dependent alterations in synaptic release and paired-pulse facilitation. Furthermore, we identify robust alterations in locomotor behaviors insloE366G/+larvae which were mirrored by dysfunction of the upstream, movement-generating CPG in the larval ventral nerve cord.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that a BK channel GOF mutation can alter neurotransmitter release and short-term synaptic plasticity, and result in CPG dysfunction, inDrosophilalarvae. These data add to a growing body of work linking paroxysmal dyskinesias to aberrant neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity in pre-motor circuits.
Expression of a Barhl1a reporter in subsets of retinal ganglion cells and commissural neurons of the developing zebrafish brain
Authors: Albadri Shahad , Armant Olivier , Aljand-Geschwill Tairi , Del Bene Filippo , Carl Matthias , Strähle Uwe , Poggi Lucia
Published: February 2020

Promoting the regeneration or survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is one focus of regenerative medicine. Homeobox Barhl transcription factors might be instrumental in these processes. In mammals, onlybarhl2is expressed in the retina and is required for both subtype identity acquisition of amacrine cells and for the survival of RGCs downstream of Atoh7, a transcription factor necessary for RGC genesis. The underlying mechanisms of this dual role of Barhl2 in mammals have remained elusive. Whole genome duplication in the teleost lineage generated thebarhl1aandbarhl2paralogues. In the Zebrafish retina, Barhl2 functions as determinant of subsets of amacrine cells lineally related to RGCs independently of Atoh7. In contrast,barhl1aexpression depends on Atoh7 but its expression dynamics and function have not been studied. Here we describe for the first time a Barhl1a:GFP reporter linein vivoshowing that Barhl1a turns on exclusively in subsets of RGCs and their post-mitotic precursors. We also show transient expression of Barhl1a:GFP in diencephalic neurons extending their axonal projections as part of the post-optic commissure, at the time of optic chiasm formation. This work sets the ground for future studies on RGC subtype identity, axonal projections and genetic specification of Barhl1a-positive RGCs and commissural neurons.
Phe-Gly motifs drive fibrillization of TDP-43’s prion-like domain droplets
Authors: Pantoja-Uceda David , Stuani Cristiana , Laurents Douglas V. , McDermott Ann E. , Buratti Emanuele , Mompeán Miguel
Published: February 2020

TDP-43 assembles various aggregate forms, including biomolecular condensates or functional and pathological amyloids, with roles in disparate scenarios (e.g. muscle regeneration versus neurodegeneration). The link between condensates and fibrils remains unclear, just as the factors controlling conformational transitions within these aggregate species: salt- or RNA-induced droplets may evolve into fibrils or remain in the droplet form, suggesting distinct endpoint species of different aggregation pathways. Using microscopy and NMR methods, we unexpectedly observedin vitrodroplet formation in the absence of salts or RNAs, and provided visual evidence for fibrillization at the droplet surface/solvent interface but not the droplet interior. Our NMR analyses unambiguously uncovered a distinct amyloid conformation in which Phe-Gly motifs are key elements of the reconstituted fibril form, suggesting a pivotal role for these residues in creating the fibril core. This contrasts the minor participation of Phe-Gly motifs in initiation of the droplet form. Our results point to an intrinsic (i.e., non-induced) aggregation pathway that may exist over a broad range of conditions, and illustrate structural features that distinguishes between aggregate forms.
A Multiscale and Comparative Model for Receptor Binding of 2019 Novel Coronavirus and the Implication of its Life Cycle in Host Cells
Authors: Su Zhaoqian , Wu Yinghao
Published: February 2020

The respiratory syndrome caused by a new type of coronavirus has been emerging from China and caused more than one million death globally since December 2019. This new virus, called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) uses the same receptor called Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to attack humans as the coronavirus that caused the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) seventeen years ago. Both viruses recognize ACE2 through the spike proteins (S-protein) on their surfaces. It was found that the S-protein from the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) bind stronger to ACE2 than SARS-CoV-2. However, function of a bio-system is often under kinetic, rather than thermodynamic, control. To address this issue, we constructed a structural model for complex formed between ACE2 and the S-protein from SARS-CoV-2, so that the rate of their association can be estimated and compared with the binding of S-protein from SARS-CoV by a multiscale simulation method. Our simulation results suggest that the association of new virus to the receptor is slower than SARS, which is consistent with the experimental data obtained very recently. We further integrated this difference of association rate between virus and receptor into a mathematical model which describes the life cycle of virus in host cells and its interplay with the innate immune system. Interestingly, we found that the slower association between virus and receptor can result in longer incubation period, while still maintaining a relatively higher level of viral concentration in human body. Our computational study therefore provides, from the molecular level, one possible explanation that this new pandemic by far spread much faster than SARS.
The fish body functions as an airfoil: surface pressures generate thrust during carangiform locomotion
Authors: Lucas Kelsey N. , Lauder George V. , Tytell Eric D.
Published: February 2020

The anterior body of many fishes is shaped like an airfoil turned on its side. With an oscillating angle to the swimming direction, such an airfoil experiences negative pressure due to both its shape and pitching movements. This negative pressure acts as thrust forces on the anterior body. Here, we apply a high-resolution, pressure-based approach to describe how two fishes, bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirusRafinesque) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalisMitchill), swimming in the carangiform mode, the most common fish swimming mode, generate thrust on their anterior bodies using leading-edge suction mechanics, much like an airfoil. These mechanics contrast with those previously reported in lampreys – anguilliform swimmers – which produce thrust with negative pressure but do so through undulatory mechanics. The thrust produced on the anterior body of these carangiform swimmers through negative pressure comprises 28% of the total thrust produced over the body and caudal fin, substantially decreasing the net drag on the anterior body. On the posterior region, subtle differences in body shape and kinematics allow trout to produce more thrust than bluegill, suggesting that they may swim more effectively. Despite the large phylogenetic distance between these species, and differences near the tail, the pressure profiles around the anterior body are similar. We suggest that such airfoil-like mechanics are highly efficient, because they require very little movement and therefore relatively little active muscular energy, and may be used by a wide range of fishes since many species have appropriately-shaped bodies.

Significance Statement

Many fishes have bodies shaped like a low-drag airfoil, with a rounded leading edge and a smoothly tapered trailing region, and move like an airfoil pitching at a small angle. This shape reduces drag but its significance for thrust production by fishes has not been investigated experimentally. By quantifying body surface pressures and forces during swimming, we find that the anterior body shape and movement allows fishes to produce thrust in the same way as an oscillating airfoil. This work helps us to understand how the streamlined body shape of fishes contributes, not only to reducing drag, but also directly to propulsion, and, by quantitatively linking form and function, leads to a more complete understanding fish evolution and ecology.
Effect of Sn on the corrosion behavior of weathering steel in a simulated tropical marine atmosphere
Authors: Jiang Cheng , Yang Ying , Cheng Xuequn , Zhao Jinbin , Li Xiaogang
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study aims to study the effect of Sn on the corrosion behavior of weathering steel (WS) in a simulated tropical marine atmosphere.

Design/methodology/approach

Indoor alternate immersion tests, electrochemical measurements and real-time current-monitoring technology based on the galvanic corrosion principle were used and the scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron probe microanalyzer were used to analyze the morphology and component of the rust layer.

Findings

The results indicated that Sn has a positive influence on the corrosion process. Sn participated in the composition of the rust layer in the form of SnO2and is enriched in the inner rust layer. SnO2participated in the coprecipitation process with iron oxides and oxyhydroxides, which promoted further transformation ofγ-FeOOH toα-FeOOH. As a result, the rust layer of Sn-containing steel was continuous, compact and effectively blocked the invasion of aggressive Cl−. Therefore, the additive of Sn enhanced the corrosion resistance of WS in a simulated tropical marine atmosphere.

Originality/value

The corrosion behaviors of WS were researched by the real-time current-monitoring technology which was rarely used.
Ranking web as indicator of knowledge diffusion: an application for SMEs
Authors: Gaviria-Marin Magaly , Cruz-Cázares Claudio
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to analyze the influence of the diversity of information and the use of Web 2.0 applications on the web positioning of online business information providers.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 203 online business information provider websites were selected using three search engines (Google, Yahoo and Bing). This information was encoded to develop two logistic regression models.

Findings

The results suggest that the knowledge offered and the resources used to transfer this knowledge play important roles in the web positioning of online business information providers. This study found that entrepreneurs mainly seek technological knowledge, and to acquire it, they use various Web 2.0 applications that do not necessarily include social networks.

Practical implications

This article presents a novel proposal to analyze how knowledge diversity and Web 2.0 applications influence the web rankings of websites that offer information and knowledge for established or new, small and medium enterprises.

Originality/value

This article is novel in that it links the theory of knowledge dissemination with the technologies of the Internet (websites, Web 2.0 applications) and provides evidence of diverse sources of online information that are potentially useful for the entrepreneur of the twentieth century.
The role of choice in eating behaviours
Authors: Bartle Toby , Mullan Barbara , Novoradovskaya Elizaveta , Allom Vanessa , Hasking Penelope
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of choice on the development and maintenance of a fruit consumption behaviour and if behaviour change was underpinned by habit strength.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2×2×3 mixed model experimental design was used. The independent variables were pictorial cue and fruit consumption manipulated on two levels: choice and no choice, across three-time points: baseline, post-intervention (after two weeks) and follow-up (one week later). Participants (n=166) completed demographics, the self-report habit index and fruit intake at all three-time points.

Findings

All participants showed significant increases in fruit consumption and habit strength at post-intervention and follow-up. However, participants provided neither choice of cue nor fruit showed a significant decrease in consumption at follow-up.

Practical implications

Fruit consumption can be significantly increased with a relatively simple intervention; choice seems to have an effect on behaviour maintenance, providing no choice negatively effects behaviour maintenance post-intervention. This may inform future interventions designed to increase fruit and vegetable consumption.

Originality/value

The intervention that the authors designed and implemented in the current study is the first of its kind, where choice was manipulated in two different ways and behaviour was changed with a simple environmental cue intervention.
Assessing lean implementation and benefits within Indian automotive component manufacturing SMEs
Authors: Sahoo Saumyaranjan
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the status of lean manufacturing in Indian automotive sector, component manufacturing industries in terms of lean adoption, benefits, motivation, and challenges of implementing lean manufacturing practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The research objectives were achieved by conducting a qualitative multicase study approach. Fourteen Indian automotive component manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were chosen based on their different product offerings as well as differing approaches to the introduction and implementation of lean initiatives. Data were collected through in-depth, semistructured interviews supported by shop-floor observations.

Findings

The findings from the present study suggest that some of the participating automotive component manufacturing SMEs have a relatively good understanding of lean concepts and philosophy. However, there is room for further improvement for most SMEs. Major top five lean practices being implemented were found to be cellular manufacturing, total productive maintenance, 5S, work standardization, and quality management practices. Also, leadership and organizational culture were found to be crucial factors for the success of lean manufacturing.

Research limitations/implications

The fact that the data collected for the research study is based on subjective business evidence obtained from company representatives comprises the main limitation of the present study. So, the results should be considered with caution, as far as the lean adoption in Indian automotive component manufacturing sector is concerned.

Practical implications

Based on the present study, suggestions can be made regarding the successful adoption of lean principles, not only for the participating SMEs but also for the whole of the automotive component manufacturing sector. More specifically, by determining the strength and weakness of automotive component manufacturing SME's effort to adopt lean, suitable managerial initiatives can be undertaken by these companies as well as the whole sector to fully adopt lean and derive the respective benefits.

Originality/value

This paper explores the status of lean adoption in Indian automotive component manufacturing SMEs. Considering the unique characteristics of the automotive component manufacturing industry, the present research would be helpful for making strategies to implement lean in automotive component manufacturing industry setups.
NASSCOM: Is it time to retrospect and reinvent
Authors: Karthik D , Upadhyayula Rajesh S.
Published: February 2020

The case traces the genesis of NASSCOM and presents a decision situation faced by the new president who has to formulate a road map in the light of changed circumstances. NASSCOM has been an exemplary trade association. However, it faces challenges that can jeopardize the future if the industry. While the challenges do not have short term effect on the growing Indian IT-BPO industry, as the active industry ally NASSCOM's new leader has to ensure long term success of IT-BPO industry. The case can be best used to understand the IT industry dynamics through the eyes of an exemplary trade body and also understand how a trade association in emerging economies can play an important role to fill institutional voids.
When and why skill variety influences employee job crafting
Authors: Li Jie , Sekiguchi Tomoki , Qi Jipeng
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The literature on job crafting has paid scant attention to the role of skill variety, one dimension of job characteristics, as a predictor of employee job crafting. By integrating regulatory focus and social exchange perspectives with job crafting literature, the authors investigate how skill variety promotes employee job crafting and the moderating roles of employee's promotion focus and procedural justice climate.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted two questionnaire surveys, one with a sample of 205 employees from a variety of organizations in China, and the other one with a sample of 265 employees within 44 work groups at a state-owned enterprise in China, to examine the hypotheses.

Findings

Results suggest that a high level of skill variety within a job promotes employee job crafting, that such an effect is stronger when the employee's promotion focus is high rather than low, and that procedural justice climate mitigates the negative influence of a low level of promotion focus.

Originality/value

The authors' findings suggest that both self-regulatory and social exchange mechanisms play a critical role in promoting employee job crafting when individuals are engaged in jobs that entail a high level of skill variety.
Numerical heat flow visualization analysis on enhanced thermal processing for various shapes of containers during thermal convection
Authors: Lukose Leo , Basak Tanmay
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study thermal (natural) convection in nine different containers involving the same area (area= 1 sq. unit) and identical heat input at the bottom wall (isothermal/sinusoidal heating). Containers are categorized into three classes based on geometric conﬁgurations [Class 1 (square, tilted square and parallelogram), Class 2 (trapezoidal type 1, trapezoidal type 2 and triangle) and Class 3 (convex, concave and triangle with curved hypotenuse)].

Design/methodology/approach

The governing equations are solved by using the Galerkin ﬁnite element method for various processing fluids (Pr= 0.025 and 155) and Rayleigh numbers (103 ≤ Ra≤ 105) involving nine different containers. Finite element-based heat flow visualization via heatlines has been adopted to study heat distribution at various sections. Average Nusselt number at the bottom wall (Nub¯) and spatially average temperature (θ^) have also been calculated based on ﬁnite element basis functions.

Findings

Based on enhanced heating criteria (higherNub¯and higher θ^), the containers are preferred as follows, Class 1: square and parallelogram, Class 2: trapezoidal type 1 and trapezoidal type 2 and Class 3: convex (higher θ^) and concave (higherNub¯).

Practical implications

The comparison of heat flow distributions and isotherms in nine containers gives a clear perspective for choosing appropriate containers at various process parameters (PrandRa). The results for current work may be useful to obtain enhancement of the thermal processing rate in various process industries.

Originality/value

Heatlines provide a complete understanding of heat flow path and heat distribution within nine containers. Various cold zones and thermal mixing zones have been highlighted and these zones are found to be altered with various shapes of containers. The importance of containers with curved walls for enhanced thermal processing rate is clearly established.
Using knowledge discovery through data mining to gain intelligence from routinely collected incident reporting in an acute English hospital
Authors: Leary Alison , Cook Robert , Jones Sarahjane , Radford Mark , Smith Judtih , Gough Malcolm , Punshon Geoffrey
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Incident reporting systems are commonly deployed in healthcare but resulting datasets are largely warehoused. This study explores if intelligence from such datasets could be used to improve quality, efficiency, and safety.

Design/methodology/approach

Incident reporting data recorded in one NHS acute Trust was mined for insight (n = 133,893 April 2005–July 2016 across 201 fields, 26,912,493 items). An a priori dataset was overlaid consisting of staffing, vital signs, and national safety indicators such as falls. Analysis was primarily nonlinear statistical approaches using Mathematica V11.

Findings

The organization developed a deeper understanding of the use of incident reporting systems both in terms of usability and possible reflection of culture. Signals emerged which focused areas of improvement or risk. An example of this is a deeper understanding of the timing and staffing levels associated with falls. Insight into the nature and grading of reporting was also gained.

Practical implications

Healthcare incident reporting data is underused and with a small amount of analysis can provide real insight and application to patient safety.

Originality/value

This study shows that insight can be gained by mining incident reporting datasets, particularly when integrated with other routinely collected data.
Colorectal cancer screening uptake among US Latino subgroups
Authors: Barrett Benjamin W. , Durden T. Elizabeth
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the colorectal cancer (CRC) screening practices of Latinos in the USA, a traditionally disadvantaged group regarding health, while operating within the theoretical lens of segmented acculturation. Differential acculturation experiences influence migrant health and healthcare access, including CRC screening.

Design/methodology/approach

Latinos are categorized into subgroups and are referenced against non-Latino whites and non-Latino blacks. Descriptive statistics and binomial logistic regression models are used to analyze the data from the 2008 and 2010–2014 National Health Interview Survey.

Findings

Latinos and respondents born outside of the non-territorial USA exhibit disparities in CRC screening participation. Screening discrepancies are not uniform across Latino subgroups, reflecting the importance of a segmented acculturation theoretical lens.

Practical implications

A discrepancy exists in CRC screening utilization among the largest minority population in the USA. These inconsistencies among US Latinos must be addressed directly to avoid serious health consequences in a large and growing population.

Originality/value

Interventions should be tailored to address the unique situational contexts of Latino subgroups suffering the health disparities. These distinct contexts are only elucidated through the use of a theoretical lens of segmented acculturation in studies of Latino health, which explicitly considers the historical and contemporary social forces acting upon the subgroups. This study extends beyond individual-level exposures to provide a more holistic view of the health behaviors and outcomes among Latino subgroups in the USA. Insight gained from this study is invaluable to improving the health of these traditionally disadvantaged groups.
Quality management for microenterprises and start-ups: is the ISO 9001 suitable?
Authors: Klute-Wenig Sandra , Refflinghaus Robert
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Quality management systems (QMSs) are well established in multinationals and small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs). For establishing and improving these systems, a variety of guidelines have been established. Furthermore, there are software tools allowing a self-assessment of the current state of the implemented systems. However, these approaches are not appropriate for microenterprises and start-ups as their processes are rather informal or not yet specified. Moreover, these companies are often in a phase of strong growth and have only one person in charge; hence, they face the difficulty to decide if and how a QMS should be implemented. The purpose of this study is to report a first guideline for implementation of a QMS for microenterprises and start-ups.

Design/methodology/approach

The first step comprises a definition of microenterprises and start-ups and an analysis of their specific characteristics. An overview of the DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 and its requirements is given below. Next, the relevant requirements that can be implemented in microenterprises and start-ups are analyzed. Accordingly, a guideline for decision-making is developed to examine if an application of the analyzed standard is useful or necessary for these companies. Moreover, the guideline illustrates how the requirements can be implemented.

Findings

A literature review, an analysis of the DIN EN ISO 9001:2015, and of microenterprises and start-ups have been carried out. Thus, the need to decide whether to implement a QMS and assistance for the implementation process has been revealed to be essential for the companies that were considered. The literature mostly deals with implementing a quality and/or project management system in multinationals and SMEs but not for very small companies. Furthermore, the practical examples have shown that microenterprises face difficulties when choosing and implementing a QMS; thus, a practical implementation guideline for these companies is lacking.

Originality/value

Although there is a lot of research dealing with quality management (QM) in SMEs, research about QM in microenterprises and start-ups is scarce. This paper offers a first approach for a guideline of implementing an appropriate QMS and possibly an additional or alternative project management system in microenterprises and start-ups. This should facilitate the process of deciding if and how to implement an adequate management system for such companies.