bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The C. albicans virulence factor Candidalysin polymerizes in solution to form membrane pores and damage epithelial cells
Authors: Russell Charles M. , Schaefer Katherine G. , Dixson Andrew , Gray Amber L.H. , Pyron Robert J. , Alves Daiane S. , Moore Nicholas , Conley Elizabeth A. , White Tommi A. , Do Thanh , King Gavin M. , Barrera Francisco N.
Published: November 2021

The pathogenic fungus Candida albicans causes severe invasive candidiasis. C. albicans infection requires the action of the virulence factor Candidalysin (CL), which damages the plasma membrane of the target human cells. However, the molecular mechanism that CL uses to permeabilize membranes is poorly understood. We employed complementary biophysical, modeling, microscopy, and cell biology methods to reveal that CL forms membrane pores using a unique molecular mechanism. Unexpectedly, it was observed that CL readily assembles into linear polymers in solution. The basic structural unit in polymer formation is a CL 8-mer, which is sequentially added into a string configuration. Finally, the linear polymers can close into a loop. Our data indicate that CL loops spontaneously insert into the membrane to become membrane pores. We identified a CL mutation (G4W) that inhibited the formation of polymers in solution and prevented formation of pores in different synthetic lipid membranes systems. Studies in epithelial cells showed that G4W CL failed to activate the danger response signaling pathway, a hallmark of the pathogenic effect of CL. These results indicate that CL polymerization in solution is a necessary step for the damage of cellular membranes. Analysis of thousands of CL pores by atomic force microscopy revealed the co-existence of simple depressions and complex pores decorated with protrusions. Imaging and modeling indicate that the two types of pores are formed by CL molecules assembled into alternate orientations. We propose that this structural rearrangement represents a maturation mechanism that might stabilize pore formation to achieve more robust cellular damage. Taken together, the data show that CL uses a previously unknown mechanism to damage membranes, whereby pre-assembly of CL loops in solution directly leads to formation of membrane pores. Our investigation not only unravels a new paradigm for the formation of membrane pores, but additionally identifies CL polymerization as a novel therapeutic target to treat candidiasis.
MicNet Toolbox: visualizing and deconstructing a microbial network
Authors: Favila Natalia , Madrigal-Trejo David , Legorreta Daniel , Sánchez-Pérez Jazmín , Espinosa-Asuar Laura , Souza Valeria
Published: November 2021

Understanding both global and local patterns in the structure and interplay of microbial communities has been a fundamental question in ecological research. In this paper, we present a python toolbox that combines two emerging techniques that have been proposed as useful when analyzing compositional microbial data. On one hand, we introduce a visualization module that incorporates the use of UMAP, a recent dimensionality reduction technique that focuses on local patterns, and HDBSCAN, a clustering technique based on density. On the other hand, we have included a module that runs an enhanced version of the SparCC code, sustaining larger datasets than before, and we couple this with network theory analyses to describe the resulting co-occurrence networks, including several novel analyses, such as structural balance metrics and a proposal to discover the underlying topology of a co-occurrence network. We validated the proposed toolbox on 1) a simple and well described biological network of kombucha, consisting of 48 ASVs, and 2) using simulated community networks with known topologies to show that we are able to discern between network topologies. Finally, we showcase the use of the MicNet toolbox on a large dataset fromArchean Domes, consisting of more than 2,000 ASVs. Our toolbox is freely available as a github repository (https://github.com/Labevo/MicNetToolbox), and it is accompanied by a web dashboard (http://micnetapplb-1212130533.us-east-1.elb.amazonaws.com) that can be used in a simple and straightforward manner with relative abundance data.

Author Summary

Microbial communities are complex systems that cannot be wholly understood when studied by its individual components. Hence, global pattern analyses seem to be a promising complement to highly focused local approaches. Here, we introduce the MicNet toolbox, an open-source collection of several analytical methods for visualizing abundance data and creating co-occurrence networks for further analysis. We include two modules: one for visualization and one for network analysis based on graph theory. Additionally, we introduce an enhanced version of SparCC, a method to estimate correlations for co-occurrence network construction, that is faster and can support larger datasets. We performed method validations using simulated data and a simple biological network. Our toolbox is freely available in a github repository athttps://github.com/Labevo/MicNetToolbox, and it is accompanied by a web dashboard that could be easily accessed and manipulated by non-specialist users. With this implementation, we attempt to provide a simple and straightforward way to explore and analyze microbial relative abundance data.
Particle localization using local gradients and its application to nanometer stabilization of a microscope
Authors: Kashchuk Anatolii V. , Perederiy Oleksandr , Caldini Chiara , Gardini Lucia , Pavone Francesco S. , Negriyko Anatoliy M. , Capitanio Marco
Published: November 2021

Accurate localization of single particles plays an increasingly important role in a range of biological techniques, including single molecule tracking and localization-based superresolution microscopy. Such techniques require fast and accurate particle localization algorithms as well as nanometer-scale stability of the microscope. Here, we present a universal method for three-dimensional localization of single labeled and unlabeled particles based on local gradient calculation of microscopy images. The method outperforms current techniques in high noise conditions, and it is capable of nanometer accuracy localization of nano- and micro-particles with sub-ms calculation time. By localizing a fixed particle as fiducial mark and running a feedback loop, we demonstrate its applicability for active drift correction in sensitive nanomechanical measurements such as optical trapping and superresolution imaging. A multiplatform open software package comprising a set of tools for local gradient calculation in brightfield and fluorescence microscopy is shared to the scientific community.
HA and M2 sequences alter the replication of 2013-16 H1 Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine Infection in Human Nasal Epithelial Cell cultures
Authors: Canaday Laura M. , Resnick Jessica D. , Liu Hsuan , Powell Harrison , McCoy Alyssa M. , Nguyen Dat , Pekosz Andrew
Published: November 2021

From 2013-2016, the H1N1 component of live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) performed very poorly in contrast to the inactivated influenza vaccine. We utilized a primary, differentiated human nasal epithelial (hNEC) culture system to assess the replication differences between isogenic LAIVs containing the HA segment from either A/Bolivia/559/2013 (rBol), which showed poor vaccine efficacy, and A/Slovenia/2903/2015 (rSlov), which had restored reasonable vaccine efficacy. While there were minimal differences in infectious virus production in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells, the rSlov LAIV showed markedly improved replication in hNEC cultures at both 32°C and 37°C, demonstrating that the HA segment alone could impact LAIV replication. The rSlov-infected hNEC cultures showed stronger production of interferon and proinflammatory chemokines which might also be contributing to the increased overall vaccine effectiveness of the rSlov LAIV through enhanced recruitment and activation of immune cells. The introduction of an M2-S86A mutation had no positive effects on H1 LAIV replication in hNEC cultures, in contrast to the increased infectious virus production seen with that mutation in an H3 LAIV. No obvious defects in viral RNA packaging were detected, suggesting the HA function may be driving the differential infectious virus production in hNEC cultures. The use of physiologically relevant temperatures and primary cell cultures demonstrated that candidate LAIVs can replicate efficiently, which is a necessary property for effective vaccines.
A DNA barcode database for the woody plants of Japan
Authors: Setsuko Suzuki , Yoshimura Kensuke , Ueno Saneyoshi , Worth James Raymond Peter , Ujino-Ihara Tokuko , Katsuki Toshio , Noshiro Shuichi , Fujii Tomoyuki , Arai Takahisa , Yoshimaru Hiroshi
Published: November 2021

DNA barcode databases are increasingly available for a range of organisms facilitating the wide application of DNA barcode-based pursuits. Here we announce the development of a comprehensive DNA barcode database of the Japanese woody flora representing 43 orders, 99 families, 303 genera and 834 species and comprising 77.3% of genera and 72.2% of species of woody plants in Japan. A total of 6,216 plant specimens were collected from 223 sites (municipalities, i.e. city, town, village) across the subtropical, temperate, boreal and alpine biomes in Japan with most species represented by multiple accessions. This database utilised three chloroplast DNA regions (rbcL, trnH-psbA and matK) and consists of 14,404 barcode sequences. Individual regions varied in their identification rates with species-level and genus-level rates for rbcL, trnH-psbA and matK being 57.4%/ 96.2%, 78.5%/ 99.1 % and 67.8%/ 98%, respectively. Identification rates were higher using region combinations with total species level rates for two region combinations (rbcL & trnH, rbcL & matK, and trnH-psbA & matK) ranging between 90.6–95.8%, and for all three regions equal to 98.6%. Genus level identification rates were even higher ranging between 99.7–100% for two region combinations and being 100% for the three regions. These results indicate that this DNA barcode database is an effective resource for investigations of woody plants in Japan using DNA barcodes and provides a useful template for development of libraries for other components of the Japanese flora.
Optogenetic manipulation of cGMP highlights PDE5 as the predominant cGMP-hydrolyzing PDE in megakaryocytes
Authors: Zhang Yujing , Benz Pascal , Stehle Daniel , Yang Shang , Kurz Hendrikje , Feil Susanne , Nagel Georg , Feil Robert , Gao Shiqiang , Bender Markus
Published: November 2021

Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signalling plays a fundamental role in many cell types including platelets. cGMP has been implicated in platelet formation, but mechanistic detail about its spatiotemporal regulation in megakaryocytes (MKs) is lacking. We expressed a photo-activated guanylyl cyclase, Blastocladiella emersonii Cyclase opsin (BeCyclop), after viral-mediated gene transfer in bone marrow (BM)-derived MKs to precisely light-modulate cGMP levels. BeCyclop-MKs showed a significantly increased cGMP concentration after illumination, which was strongly dependent on phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5 activity. This finding was corroborated by real-time imaging of cGMP signals which revealed that pharmacological PDE5 inhibition also potentiated nitric oxide (NO) triggered cGMP generation in BM MKs. In summary, we established for the first time optogenetics in primary MKs and identified PDE5 as the predominant PDE regulating cGMP levels in MKs. These findings also demonstrate that optogenetics allows for the precise manipulation of MK biology.
Transcriptional activity and epigenetic regulation of transposable elements in the symbiotic fungus Rhizophagus irregularis
Authors: Dallaire Alexandra , Manley Bethan F. , Wilkens Maya , Bista Iliana , Quan Clement , Evangelisti Edouard , Bradshaw Charles R. , Ramakrishna Navin B. , Schornack Sebastian , Butter Falk , Paszkowski Uta , Miska Eric A.
Published: November 2021

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi form mutualistic relationships with most land plant species. AM fungi have long been considered as ancient asexuals. Long-term clonal evolution would be remarkable for a eukaryotic lineage and suggests the importance of alternative mechanisms to promote genetic variability facilitating adaptation. Here, we assessed the potential of transposable elements for generating such genomic diversity. The dynamic expression of TEs during Rhizophagus irregularis spore development suggests ongoing TE activity. We find Mutator-like elements located near genes belonging to highly expanded gene families. Whole-genome epigenomic profiling of R. irregularis provides direct evidence of DNA methylation and small RNA production occurring at TE loci. Our results support a model in which TE activity shapes the genome, while DNA methylation and small RNA–mediated silencing keep their overproliferation in check. We propose that a well-controlled TE activity directly contributes to genome evolution in AM fungi.
Dorsolateral striatal lesions impair navigation based on landmark-goal vectors but facilitate spatial learning based on a “cognitive map”
Authors: Kosaki Yutaka , Poulter Steven L. , Austen Joe M. , McGregor Anthony
Published: November 2021

In three experiments, the nature of the interaction between multiple memory systems in rats solving a variation of a spatial task in the water maze was investigated. Throughout training rats were able to find a submerged platform at a fixed distance and direction from an intramaze landmark by learning a landmark-goal vector. Extramaze cues were also available for standard place learning, or “cognitive mapping,” but these cues were valid only within each session, as the position of the platform moved around the pool between sessions together with the intramaze landmark. Animals could therefore learn the position of the platform by taking the consistent vector from the landmark across sessions or by rapidly encoding the new platform position on each session with reference to the extramaze cues. Excitotoxic lesions of the dorsolateral striatum impaired vector-based learning but facilitated cognitive map-based rapid place learning when the extramaze cues were relatively poor (Experiment 1) but not when they were more salient (Experiments 2 and 3). The way the lesion effects interacted with cue availability is consistent with the idea that the memory systems involved in the current navigation task are functionally cooperative yet associatively competitive in nature.
Endocannabinoid receptors contribute significantly to multiple forms of long-term depression in the rat dentate gyrus
Authors: Fontaine Christine J. , Gräfe Erin L. , Pinar Cristina , Bonilla-Del Río Itziar , Grandes Pedro , Christie Brian R.
Published: November 2021

Cannabinoid receptors are widely expressed throughout the hippocampal formation, but are particularly dense in the dentate gyrus (DG) subregion. We, and others, have shown in mice that cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1Rs) are involved in a long-term depression (LTD) that can be induced by prolonged 10 Hz stimulation of the medial perforant path (MPP)-granule cell synaptic input to the DG. Here, we extend this work to examine the involvement of CB1Rs in other common forms of LTD in the hippocampus of juvenile male and female Sprague–Dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus). We found, as in mice, that prolonged 10 Hz stimulation (6000 pulses) could reliably induce a form of LTD that was dependent upon CB1R activation. In addition, we also discovered a role for both CB1R and mGluR proteins in LTD induced with 1 Hz low-frequency stimulation (1 Hz-LTD; 900 pulses) and in LTD induced by bath application of the group I mGluR agonist (RS)-3,5-Dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG; DHPG-LTD). This study elucidates an essential role for endocannabinoid receptors in a number of forms of LTD in the rat DG, and identifies a novel role for CB1Rs as potential therapeutic targets for conditions that involve impaired LTD in the DG.
Modeling and dynamics simulation of spur gear system incorporating the effect of lubrication condition and input shaft crack
Authors: Wang Junguo , Yao Zhaoyuan , Hassan M.F. , Zhao Yongxiang
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The paper is devoted to presenting a systematic investigation on the mechanical model and nonlinear dynamic characteristics of spur gear system with and without input shaft crack.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the backlash, load-distribution, time-varying meshing stiffness and sliding friction, the modelling of a 5DOF gear system is proposed. Likewise, stiffness and damping models under elastohydrodynamic lubrication are developed, and sliding friction between gear pair is also outlined. In particular, a cracked input shaft which affects the support stiffness is presented, and breathing crack in keyway is adopted. On this basis, the dynamic responses of a gear system with and without input shaft crack are examined using numerical method, and some classical response diagrams are given, illustrating the effect of the important parameters on the gear system.

Findings

Dynamic simulation demonstrates that there exist periodic, quasi-periodic and chaotic motions in the gear system, and rational speed of the gear pair has noteworthy effects on vibration characteristic. Besides, comparison between healthy and cracked condition of input shaft indicates that occurring of crack convert periodic motion to quasi-periodic or chaotic motion.

Originality/value

The results give an understanding of the operating conditions under which undesirable dynamic behavior occurs, and provide some useful information to design and diagnose such gear system with crack fault.
The definition of entrepreneurship: is it less complex than we think?
Authors: Prince Sam , Chapman Stephen , Cassey Peter
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The paper introduces a new conceptualisation of entrepreneurship that promotes a broader perspective of the phenomenon. The purpose of the paper is to re-conceptualise the act of entrepreneurship so as to reduce it to the fundamental behaviours and processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper sets out the motivations for and challenges in establishing a broader definition of entrepreneurship. Following this, current approaches to defining entrepreneurship are reviewed. In light of these, a definition of entrepreneurship is offered that captures a new perspective in understanding entrepreneurship. A critique of the offered definition is offered with regards to promoting theory development, empirical research, quality predictions and a distinctive research domain.

Findings

The authors argue that a definition of entrepreneurship that is focussed on the development and validation of ideas provides a thought-provoking re-conceptualisation of entrepreneurship. Extant perspectives on entrepreneurship as business/organisation creation, uncertainty, innovation, value creation and opportunity recognition/creation are drawn on to demonstrate the applicability of the definition.

Originality/value

The pursuit for an encompassing definition of entrepreneurship has been both extensive and earnest, which has inadvertently resulted in a sizable pool of definitions. The authors offer a re-conceptualisation of entrepreneurship with the intent to provide a broad yet coherent definition that encompasses all acts of entrepreneurship. A benefit of this conceptualisation is the establishment of the endpoint of the entrepreneurship process that delineates it from the domain of management.
Understanding influence of supply chain collaboration on innovation-based market performance
Authors: Baig Hina , Ahmed Waqar , Najmi  Arsalan
Published: November 2021

Purpose

In today’s world, supply chain collaboration becomes an essential source of attaining competitive advantage to make the position in the global market in terms of information, expertise and risk-sharing abilities. Hence the purpose of this study is to highlight the understanding of the value and importance of collaboration in innovation and to strategically implement such steps to achieve supply chain collaboration capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of 269 respondents were collected from supply chain professionals belong to the different industrial sectors in Karachi, Pakistan. The data was analyzed by using structural equation modeling.

Findings

This study finds that supplier collaboration brings radical as well as incremental innovation. In contrast, internal collaboration brings incremental innovation, whereas collaboration with customers has an insignificant impact on incremental innovation. Furthermore, both types of innovations have a positive and significant influence on market performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study's outcome improves the understanding of the types of innovation enhanced by each construct of collaboration. Supply chain experts or managers are motivated to implement innovation to improve the firm's overall market performance.

Originality/value

This research will contribute to the literature by sharing the understanding of the relationship among supply chain members as they collaborate for innovation purposes. All supply chains develop a sustainable competitive advantage in market performance.
Assessing the mediating effect of leadership capabilities on the relationship between organisational resilience and organisational performance
Authors: Zahari Afzal Izzaz , Mohamed Norhayati , Said Jamaliah , Yusof Fauziah
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic had brought drastic economic, social and technological changes in society. The drastic changes and uncertainty in the environment had forced various industries to evolve effectively to cope with the unexpected change and subsequently bounce back to regain business success. For instance, private higher learning institutions face steep challenges due to the shortfall of organisational capabilities. The study aims to examine the role of leadership capabilities and organisational resilience in regaining organisational success among higher private learning institutions in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the dynamic capabilities theory, organisational resilience and leadership capabilities are among the highest order of indicators for organisational success. Subsequently, this study examines the mediating role of leadership capabilities on the relationship between organisational resilience on organisational performance. The dynamic capabilities-based framework was tested using the structural equation modelling technique with the use of partial least squares approach. Data were analysed using 120 responses.

Findings

Based on the 120-questionnaire survey received, this study found that organisational resilience and leadership capabilities contribute significantly to the performance of private higher learning institutions. In addition, this study found strong support for the mediating role of leadership capabilities to promote performance. The findings have both theoretical and practical implications for post-disaster organisation resilience development.

Research limitations/implications

The work focuses on values that would have an impact towards organisational performance, which is an important factor of survival in an unpredictable environment. The findings are limited by the indicated constraints used in this study.

Practical implications

Organisational survival techniques would provide managers, owners and leaders effective techniques that can be implemented to extend and improve the organisation's life cycle. The focus on organisational resilience and leadership factors would greatly improve the overall sustainability and performance of the organisation.

Originality/value

The study contributed by showing the importance, use and interaction needed from organisational resilience and leadership capabilities for them to survive when there is a sudden change in the environment. The timing and uniqueness of the data during the pandemic illustrates how organisations can survive with high levels of weightage towards resilience and leadership. This research is different from other studies as it had examined the impact of values and resilience and leadership in organisations.
Identifying the development stages of virtual teams – An application of social network analysis
Authors: Lin Chun-Nan , Roan Jinsheng
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore some quantitative indicators from the social network analysis, observe the variations of these indicators over time and determine whether these indicators fit into the traditional team development stages model or theory. The primary focus is on the perspective of social interaction rather than the suitability of the indicator, i.e. the authors will not determine the optimal indicators nor compare the performance of different indicators. This study aims to propose a quantitative method to identify the development stages of virtual teams.

Design/methodology/approach

Two phases were designed in this study. The first phase was a simple study to prove the preliminary ideas and explore which quantitative indicators would be suitable for analysis. In total, 16 undergraduates were randomly assigned to two virtual teams. They were required to complete an information system (IS) project through virtual teamwork and use information and communications technologies (ICTs) to communicate with each other. After proving the preliminary ideas, the authors collected communication data of the 30 virtual teams working on IS projects in the second phase. The total duration of this process was two months.

Findings

The findings practically identified three stages, which were found to be consistent with that of the previous qualitative studies. In the initial (inclusion) stage, intensity had an upward trend. In the second (control) stage, centralization had an upward trend. In the final (affection) stage, intensity and density had upward trends and centralization had a downward trend. Both density and centralization also became smooth in this final stage. The conclusion can serve as a basis for further studies in virtual team development.

Originality/value

A successful virtual team will help industries to reduce their costs and increase performance and benefits. The findings will help industries quickly and objectively identify which stage they are at. This quantified approach will provide managers and leaders with a simple, useful way to highlight the needs for managing different aspects of team behavior at each stage of development. After establishing this approach, managers and leaders will be able to make plans to improve existing processes, set priorities, provide suitable principles and guidelines, etc., and eventually improve virtual team performance.
Effect of indoor environmental quality on visual comfort and productivity in office buildings
Authors: Kaushik Amit , Arif Mohammed , Ebohon Obas John , Arsalan Hord , Rana Muhammad Qasim , Obi Lovelin
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The Purpose of this paper is to identify statistical relationships between visual environment and occupant productivity. Visual environment is one of the most important indoor environmental quality (IEQ) parameters, and it directly impacts occupant productivity in offices. The literature outlines the significance of the impact. Still, there is a lack of investigation, statistical analysis and inter-relationships between the independent variables (IEQ factors), especially in the hot and arid climate.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a research study investigating the effects and shows statistical relationships between IEQ on occupant comfort and productivity. The study was conducted in the Middle East, and data was collected for 12 months. It used the response surface analysis to perform analysis.

Findings

This study outlined seven unique relationships highlighting the recommended range, inter-dependencies. Results include that illumination has maximum effect on visual comfort and temperature, daylight having direct influence and relative humidity, wall type next to the seat and kind of workspace also impact visual comfort and productivity. These findings would help to improve occupant comfort and productivity in office buildings. It is recommended to include results and recommendations on design guidelines for office buildings.

Originality/value

This study presents the unique effects of non-visual IEQ parameters on visual comfort and productivity. This investigation also provides a unique method to develop the statistical relationship between various indoor environmental factors and productivity in different contexts and buildings.
Corporate boards' and firms' R&D responses to performance feedback
Authors: Jirásek Michal
Published: November 2021

Purpose

A firm will respond to performance feedback, i.e. a comparison of its current performance with the goals to which it aspires, by means of changes in its search activity. There is an emerging body of literature that studies how such behavioral responses are shaped by important decision-makers inside firms. The study focuses on the corporate board – one of the most influential decision-making groups in terms of strategy. More specifically, the study aims to study the moderation effect of the size, turnover and age diversity of the board.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample is based on the largest listed German automobile and manufacturing firms followed between the years 2001 and 2015. The sample is analyzed using fixed-effects panel data models.

Findings

The findings indicate that the age diversity of the corporate board and, partially, also the turnover of its members moderate firms' responsiveness to performance feedback. On the other hand, the size of the board does not seem to play a role. The study, therefore, supports the notion of taking into account the characteristics of the corporate board when analyzing strategic decision-making and points to areas for further research.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by empirically testing the moderating effect of three characteristics of corporate boards that have not been largely tested in the literature to date.
Organizational learning, entrepreneurial orientation and personal values towards SMEs’ growth in Indonesia
Authors: Rafiki Ahmad , Nasution Muhammad Dharma Tuah Putra , Rossanty Yossie , Sari Pipit Buana
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the dimensions of organizational learning (OL), entrepreneurial orientation (EO), personal value toward the firm performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in North Sumatera, Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative methodology using Smart partial least squares of the structural equation model. A survey is done by distributing the questionnaires to the respondents (owner-managers) of SMEs across sectors. Using a convenient sampling technique, 128 respondents are selected. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 11 hypotheses are tested.

Findings

It is found that the innovativeness of EO and personal value both have a significant relationship with firm growth. While OL is significantly related to the innovativeness of EO, risk-taking of EO and proactiveness of EO. Then, both innovativeness of EO and proactiveness of EO significantly mediate the relationship of OL and firm growth. However, OL, proactiveness of EO and risk-taking of EO are insignificantly related to firm growth, while risk-taking of EO also insignificantly mediates the relationship of OL and firm growth.

Originality/value

EO (innovativeness, risk-taking and proactiveness) is deemed a crucial factor in running businesses by SMEs, while OL and personal value play a significant role in creating a competitive advantage that is needed for growth.
Transformational leadership and work performance in health care: the mediating role of job satisfaction
Authors: Curado Carla , Santos Rúben
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relation among transformational leadership, job satisfaction and adaptive performance of health-care professionals and administrative personnel of Portuguese non-profit health-care organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collects data using an online survey sent to a nationwide database. This study uses a structural equation modeling approach to specify and estimate models of linear relations among the variables. This study tests the direct and mediated effects proposed by the hypotheses using a sample of non-profit 192 health-care organizations.

Findings

The results show (regardless of being direct health-care professionals or employees performing support functions) that job satisfaction fully mediates the relation between transformational leadership and adaptive performance. Transformational leadership alone and directly seems to have no effect on adaptive performance.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical implications of this study concern the influence that transformational leadership has on job satisfaction and the consequent indirect influence on performance regardless of being direct health-care professionals or employees performing support functions.

Practical implications

The main managerial contribution of the study regards how health-care organizations’ leaders may contribute to increase employees’ performance by ensuring job satisfaction.

Originality/value

Despite the numerous studies that relate transformational leadership to job satisfaction and performance, there is a gap on research run in health care settings involving both health care and administrative personnel. Transformational leadership can increase the satisfaction of health-care professional and consequently job satisfaction has a positive influence on employees’ adaptive performance.
Automated library management system for public libraries in the Philippines
Authors: Obsanga Aldrin Padilla , Enierga Ribert Roque
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a computerized system that will increase the efficiency and supervision of library activities, thereby providing easy access to library usage for librarians and library users.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers use the agile methodology to develop and implement the system. PHP, JavaScript, Hypertext Markup Language, Cascading Style Sheets and SQL are the languages used to create the library management system.

Findings

The developed system received an overall rating of 4.42 with a descriptive rating of “Excellent.”

Originality/value

The automated library management system is a computerized system for the public libraries designed in the Philippine setting to make the library’s processes more efficient, reliable and portable especially in times of pandemics.
Thymoquinone attenuates isoproterenol‐induced myocardial infarction by inhibiting cytochrome C and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression
Authors: Medhet Marwa , El‐Bakly Wesam M. , Badr Amira M. , Awad Azza , El‐Demerdash Ebtehal
Published: November 2021

Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main active constituent of Nigella sativa. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of TQ on apoptotic parameters and MMP‐9 expression in isoproterenol (ISP)‐induced myocardial infarction (MI). TQ was given once daily for 7 days at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg orally with ISP (86 mg/kg; s.c.) administered on the sixth and seventh days. TQ pre‐treatment protected against ISP‐induced MI as approved by normalisation of electrocardiogram (ECG) and b (CK)‐MB, minimal histopathological changes, and reduction of the infarction size. Effects of TQ could be supported by its antioxidant activity, evidenced by the increase of cardiac reduced glutathione and total serum antioxidant capacity, and the inhibition of ISO‐induced lipid peroxidation. TQ anti‐inflammatory activity was associated with reduced expression of NF‐κB and TNF‐α. TQ ameliorated cardiomyocytes, apoptotic pathways by inhibiting both the intrinsic pathway, via reducing cytoplasmic cytochrome C, and the extrinsic pathway, by inhibiting TNF‐α and caspases, and the effect of TQ was dose‐dependent. Moreover, TQ reduced the expression of metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9, which is considered as a prognostic marker of ventricular remodelling, recommending that TQ can be used as a possible supplement to minimise post‐MI changes. So, we conclude that TQ antiapoptotic activity and the inhibitory modulation of MMP‐9 expression contribute to TQ protective effects in MI. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the effect of TQ on cytochrome c activity and MMP‐9 expression in MI.
The Forgotten History of Religious Liberty. Richard Johnson Lecture, 2020*
Authors: Irving‐Stonebraker Sarah
Published: November 2021

The idea of religious liberty is so normative to the modern world that it is enshrined in The United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Despite its significance, however, its history is not well understood; there is a popular myth that religious liberty was a secular invention of the eighteenth‐century European Enlightenment. The annual Richard Johnson Lecture 2020 sets out to debunk this myth by unearthing something of the forgotten history of religious liberty. I chart the evolution of the concept of religious liberty and the intertwined ideas of freedom of conscience and the free exercise of religion. This intellectual history focuses on five seminal historical moments: the origins of the New Testament idea of conscience in the first‐century Mediterranean world; the development of conscience as a right in medieval natural law; the toleration of religious minorities and arguments for freedom of conscience amidst the bloodshed of the Protestant Reformation; the codification of the idea of religious liberty at law in various states in the eighteenth‐century Atlantic world; and the negotiation of this tradition of religious liberty in colonial Australia. This intellectual history enriches our historical understanding of one of the most poignant and contested religious ideas in the contemporary world.
Mass spectrometry of the soot left after ethylene oxide explosion answers some questions on the crash of Polish Air Force Flight 101
Authors: Wójcik Jacek
Published: November 2021

The Polish TU 154M plane, Polish Air Force Flight 101, had crashed near Smolensk on 10th of April 2010. The crash was investigated by The Interstate Aviation Committee, whose conclusions were questioned by a number of Polish scientists. The cause of the crash still appears to be incompletely documented and requires additional evidence. In this paper, investigations of a solid material eluted from a piece of cloth of one of the victims of the crash are described. High resolution mass spectrometry was applied to analyze the soot left after controlled ethylene oxide (EO) explosions, performed under different conditions. These included electric ignition of EO vapors in a large volume steel container, and explosions of glass tubes filled with liquid EO, stimulated by thermally initiated explosions of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). One of these explosions was conducted in the vessel used for the electric ignition of EO and the other in a hermetically locked, small volume container. It was shown that the soot comprises a set of C2H4O homopolymers and copolymers whose characteristic MS patterns are condition‐dependent. The MS spectrum of the postcrash sample referred to above reveals a number of polymers that are also present in the soot obtained in PETN‐initiated ethylene oxide explosions. It can be concluded that the piece of cloth was subjected to an EO explosion initiated by an explosion of energetic material, possibly PETN. Similar control experiments with ethylene glycol (EG) showed that the polymers identified in the investigated postcrash sample could not originate from exploding EG.
Oral health education and prevention strategies among remote Aboriginal communities: a qualitative study
Authors: Patel J , Durey A , Naoum S , Kruger E , Slack‐Smith L
Published: November 2021

Background

The delivery of effective oral health promotion strategies is essential to improving oral health outcomes among remote Aboriginal communities. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and attitudes of Aboriginal Australians living in remote Kimberley communities towards oral health education and disease prevention.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews and yarning circles were carried out following purposive sampling of Aboriginal adults living in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia.

Results

A total of 80 community members participated in the yarning process. School‐based oral health promotion and community‐driven restrictions on the sale of sugary food and drink were seen as positive strategies in improving oral health. Lifestyle changes brought about by modernity, internet availability and fixed community stores were perceived to create new challenges and shift the priorities for those living in remote communities.

Conclusions

Community‐based yarning may better inform future oral health strategies in the Kimberley. A neoliberal approach of shifting responsibility onto the individual ignores the complex social inequities faced by Aboriginal people living in remote communities where macro‐level determinants such as remoteness, food security and education significantly influence decisions around diet and oral health.
Comparison of the Barrett Universal II formula to previous generation formulae for paediatric cataract surgery
Authors: Elbaz Uri , Khalili Sina , Sella Ruti , Reitblat Olga , Vega Yakov , Achiron Asaf , Tuuminen Raimo , Ali Asim , Mireskandari Kamiar
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To compare the accuracy of the Barrett Universal II (BUII) five‐variable formula to previous generation formulae in calculating intraocular lens (IOL) power following paediatric cataract extraction.

Methods

Retrospective study of consecutive paediatric patients who underwent uneventful cataract extraction surgery along with in‐the‐bag IOL implantation between 2012 and 2018 in the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The accuracy of five different IOL formulae, including the BUII, Sanders‐Retzlaff‐Kraff Theoretical (SRK/T), Holladay I, Hoffer Q and Haigis, was evaluated. Constant optimization was performed for each IOL and for each formula separately. Mean prediction error (PE) and the mean and median absolute PE (APE) were calculated for the five different IOL formulae investigated.

Results

Sixty‐six eyes of 66 children (59% males) with a median age at surgery of 6.2 years (IQR, 3.2–9.2 years) were included in the study. The mean IOL power that was implanted was 23.3 ± 5.1 D (range; 12.0–39.0 D). Overall, the BUII had a comparable median APE to the Hoffer Q, Holladay I, SRK/T and Haigis formulae (BUII: 0.49D versus 0.48D, 0.61D, 0.74D and 0.58D respectively; p = 0.205). The BUII, together with Hoffer Q, produced better predictability within 0.5D from target refraction compared with the SRK/T formula (BUII:51.5%, Hoffer Q:51.5% versus SRK/T:31.8%, p = 0.002 for both).

Conclusion

The BUII formula had comparable accuracy to other tested formulae and outperformed the SRK/T formula, when calculating IOL power within the 0.5D range from target refraction in paediatric eyes undergoing cataract surgery with in‐the‐bag IOL implantation.
Stoichiometry‐selective modulation of α4β2 nicotinic ACh receptors by divalent cations
Authors: Mazzaferro Simone , Strikwerda John R. , Sine Steven M.
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose

α4β2 nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) comprise the most abundant class of nAChRs in the nervous system. They assemble in two stoichiometric forms, each exhibiting distinct functional and pharmacological signatures. However, whether one or both forms are modulated by calcium or magnesium has not been established.

Experimental Approach

To assess the functional consequences of calcium and magnesium, each stoichiometric form was expressed in clonal mammalian fibroblasts and single‐channel currents were recorded in the presence of a range of ACh concentrations.

Key Results

In the absence of divalent cations, each stoichiometric form exhibits high unitary conductance and simple gating kinetics composed of solitary channel openings or short bursts of openings. However, in the presence of calcium and magnesium, the conductance and gating kinetics change in a stoichiometry‐dependent manner. Calcium and magnesium reduce the conductance of both stoichiometric forms, with each cation producing an equivalent reduction, but the reduction is greater for the (α4)2(β2)3 form. Moreover, divalent cations promote efficient channel opening of the (α4)3(β2)2 stoichiometry, while minimally affecting the (α4)2(β2)3 stoichiometry. For the (α4)3(β2)2 stoichiometry, at high but not low ACh concentrations, calcium in synergy with magnesium promote clustering of channel openings into episodes of many openings in quick succession.

Conclusion and Implications

Modulation of the α4β2 nAChR by divalent cations depends on the ACh concentration, the type of cation and the subunit stoichiometry. The functional consequences of modulation are expected to depend on the regional distributions of the stoichiometric forms and synaptic versus extrasynaptic locations of the receptors.
Effects of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 inhibition on resistance artery tone in patients with end stage kidney disease
Authors: Steinmetz‐Späh Julia , Arefin Samsul , Larsson Karin , Jahan Jabin , Mudrovcic Neja , Wennberg Lars , Stenvinkel Peter , Korotkova Marina , Kublickiene Karolina , Jakobsson Per‐Johan
Published: November 2021

Background

The microvasculature is a target organ for the early manifestations of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, a better understanding of the prostaglandin system and characterising the effects of mPGES‐1 inhibition and concomitant reduction of PGE2 in vascular beds are of interest.

Experimental Approach

The effects of mPGES‐1 inhibition on constriction and relaxation of resistance arteries (diameter: 100–400 μm) from patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) and controls (Non‐ESKD) were studied using wire‐myography in combination with immunological and mass‐spectrometry based analyses.

Key Results

Inhibition of mPGES‐1 in arteries from ESKD patients and Non‐ESKD controls significantly reduced adrenergic vasoconstriction, which was unaffected by the COX‐2 inhibitors NS‐398 and Etoricoxib, or by the COX‐1/COX‐2 inhibitor Indomethacin tested in Non‐ESKD controls. However, a significant increase of acetylcholine‐induced dilatation was observed for mPGES‐1 inhibition. In IL‐1β treated arteries, inhibition of mPGES‐1 significantly reduced PGE2 levels while PGI2 levels remained unchanged. In contrast, COX‐2 inhibition blocked the formation of both prostaglandins. Blockade of PGI2 signalling with an IP receptor antagonist did not restore the reduced adrenergic constriction, neither did blocking PGE2‐EP4 or signalling through PPARγ. A biphasic effect was observed for PGE2, inducing dilatation at nanomolar and constriction at micromolar concentrations. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated expression of mPGES‐1, COX‐1, PGIS, weak expression for COX‐2, as well as receptor expression for PGE2 (EP1–4), thromboxane (TP) and PGI2 (IP) in ESKD and Non‐ESKD.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates vasodilating effects following mPGES‐1 inhibition in human microvasculature and suggests that several pathways besides shunting to PGI2 are involved.